The Branch

Happy Sukkot from The Branch!

Our Community Living Arrangements are getting into the spirit of the holiday! Residents, their families and staff decorated their sukkahs in preparation for the celebration of Sukkot. We love seeing the creativity, community, and joy that make this holiday so special.

May your Sukkot be filled with joy, peace, and countless blessings.

Last call for nominations!

Nominations for the 2027 Shore Whitehill Award close tomorrow, Thursday, September 24.

Know someone who deserves to be recognized for their commitment to disability inclusion? Submit a nomination today at shorewhitehill.org.

This Yom Kippur, may you and your loved ones have a meaningful fast and day of reflection.

G'mar Chatimah Tovah!

Nominations for the 2027 Shore Whitehill Award close Thursday, September 24!

Know someone in the Jewish community who is making a difference in disability inclusion? Nominate them for the Shore Whitehill Award and help celebrate their impact.

Learn more and submit a nomination today at shorewhitehill.org.

The Shore Whitehill Award celebrates those who use their leadership, advocacy, and dedication to create greater opportunities for people with disabilities to be fully engaged in their communities.

Dorothy Pollon, the 2020 Shore Whitehill Award recipient, exemplifies this commitment. For more than three decades, she has advocated for individuals with disabilities, championing inclusion in schools, healthcare, and community life. Through her leadership with organizations including The Friendship Circle, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, and Merakey, Dorothy has been a dedicated voice for accessibility and inclusion.

Nominations for the 2027 Shore Whitehill Award are open now through September 24!

Do you know someone who is making a difference? Submit a nomination today at shorewhitehill.org.

Shana Tova from The Branch!

Members of the Pittsburgh Jewish Outreach Initiative (JOY) celebrated Rosh Hashanah together to mark the New Year. JOY is a collaboration between The Branch and The Friendship Circle that brings Jewish programming to residents of group homes and other supported settings. It is wonderful to see this partnership provide opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to Jewish celebrations!

Together, we welcomed the Jewish New Year with an afternoon filled with friendship, sweetness, and new beginnings! Participants explored the meaning of Rosh Hashanah through conversation and enjoyed a delicious apple-tasting activity featuring sweet pairings like honey, cheese, and challah. The celebration was the perfect opportunity to build community while reflecting on the year ahead!

From The Branch family to yours, we wish you a sweet and joyful New Year. Shana Tova!

Nominations for the 2027 Shore Whitehill Award are open! This award honors a Jewish or non-Jewish individual whose dedication and advocacy have helped create greater opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Our 2022 recipient, Jillian Zacks, is one example of the impact a champion can make. As an attorney, advocate, and parent of two adult children on the autism spectrum, Jillian has dedicated her career and community leadership to supporting people with disabilities and their families. Her work with organizations including JFCS, Achieva, Friendship Circle, and The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh reflects her commitment to access, equity, and long-term support.

Know someone whose advocacy and dedication are making a difference? Nominate them for the 2027 Shore Whitehill Award!

Nominations are due September 24, 2026. Learn more and submit a nomination at shorewhitehill.org.