The Alexander Institute was established in 2007 to respond to the critical needs of Jewish individuals who have a disability or family members who have a loved one with a disability. It began with a confidential questionnaire that was distributed in every synagogue throughout the Houston Jewish community during Rosh Hashana. People were asked to share what their greatest need is, their greatest concern for the future, and what supportive services they were I need of. Based on that information, The Alexander Institute created innovative programs to begin meeting their needs. This included employment services, information and referral, counseling services, social opportunities for high functioning young adults, and residential care.

In 2011, the Alexander Institute became fully integrated as a department of Jewish Family Service and is now the Department of Disability Services.

The Alexander Institute continues as a division of the Disability Services Department, providing innovative programs and offering continual support and inspiration to families, professionals and the community. Following is a list of The Alexander Institute’s accomplishments:

• Creator and convener of two coalitions:
  • Coalition of Direct Service Providers
  • Coalition of Related agencies
• Coordinated and sponsored workshops at Yom Limmud
• Provided resources for community wide events for closed captioning (JCC, synagogues, Federation)
• Coordinated speaking events and workshops with top professionals in the field
  • Rabbi Bradley Artson
  • Shelly Christensen
  • Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman
  • Rabbi Shawn Mayers Field
  • Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher (artists, activists, stars of Wretches and Jabberers)
• Sponsored “J Serve”
• Sponsored BBYO program, showing of the film “Wretches and Jabberers” followed with a program featuring the film’s stars
• Sponsors Friendship Circle Walk annually
• Coordinated film and discussion Praying with Lior at the Jewish Community Center
• Helped initiate and offers continual support to two includion committees established by Houston synogogues
• Provides professional development training