LabriYOUt Program

LabriYOUt “to health” is a Jewish service-learning initiative that engages individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With the support of volunteers, LabriYOUt will provide nutrition education, community-building activities and skills through three programs for participants, while offering family members and caretakers a support group model and access to resources to assist their loved ones’ nutrition needs. 

LabriYOUt consists of a three-part series of programs integrating Jewish values, hands-on learning and volunteer service with an emphasis on self-care, dignity and community. We will participate in a cooking class, grocery shopping trip and volunteer gardening project while learning about making healthy, independent choices in connection with community, and giving back. The overarching mission of LabriYOUt is to foster meaningful connections between volunteers, participants and their caregivers while strengthening Jewish identity and communal responsibility. Nourish your body and soul!

Snacks will be provided at programming, and lunch will not be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch/snacks to programming. Transportation will not be provided to or from programming.

Three-Part Series

Family members and caretakers are invited to attend any or all of four corresponding Jewish values-based learning and support sessions to obtain resources and support. Please reach out to Dodi Taylor at DTaylor@JFedSTL.org for more information and to register for learning and support sessions.

Program 1: Cooking Class – Shmirat Hanefesh V’Haguf (Self-care)
Sunday, May 11 | 10:00am-12:00pm (Registration closes May 4)

This in-person cooking class introduces volunteers and participants to the importance of Shmirat Hanefesh V’Haguf (Self-care) through nutrition education, hands-on cooking skills and community-building. The program fosters self-care by teaching practical nutrition skills while connecting participants to valuable resources and support networks.

Program 2: Grocery Shopping – Kavod (Dignity)
Sunday, June 8 | 10:00am-12:00pm (Registration closes June 1) 

This in-person grocery shopping program fosters independence in making nutritious choices, with volunteers assisting participants in selecting and purchasing food based on their needs and material learned in our cooking class session. Through hands-on learning, community-building and resource connection, the program empowers participants to develop essential nutrition skills and independence.

Program 3: Volunteer Gardening with Seed St. Louis – Kehilla (Community)
Sunday, June 29 | 10:00am-12:00pm (Registration closes June 22)

This in-person volunteer program at Seed St. Louis engages participants and volunteers in gardening activities such as planting, harvesting, watering and more while learning about nutrition and sustainability. Through hands-on experience and community-building, the program connects participants to resources and fosters self-sufficiency.

Additional Information:

– Programming is open to individuals with a diagnosed and documented intellectual or development disability, ages 18+.
– Participants who require one-on-one support must attend with their own staff/aid/caretaker.
– We provide a 1:5 staff/volunteer ratio at in person programming.