On Sunday, October 27, more than 250 members of the Keshet community gathered to break ground on Keshet’s future community center and the One Community Campaign. Keshet CEO and President, Jennifer Phillips, delivered opening remarks that we want to share with everyone.
Good morning, everyone.
Today is not just a day to break ground; it’s a day to break barriers. I am beyond thrilled to stand here with all of you as we mark this incredible step forward with the Kersten Campus and Justin Coe Center. This moment isn’t just about construction; it’s about building a foundation for a future where creating a community of belonging is the cornerstone of everything we do. Before we dive into the significance of this incredible milestone, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the countless hands and hearts that have made this possible, especially:
- Priscilla and Steve Kersten – Welcome to our Keshet family. We are so happy to have you on this journey with us.
- Shari, Mark, Bre, Jay for continuing Justin’s impact for generations to come. I know he is here with us today.
- Linda and Scott Canel – Scott’s vision and passion led to securing this amazing property.
- Steven Insoft – For bringing your expertise as the chair of the real estate committee
- Michelle Friedman and Keshet’s Board of Directors for supporting and believing that we could do this.
- Lonnie Nasatir– Thank you for leading our community and for believing in Keshet’s misson.
- Mayor Nancy Rotering and the City of Highland Park for always being in Keshet’s corner and recognizing the value of an inclusive community.
And, of course,
- The many generous and visionary donors – who are listed in today’s program – for providing the early gifts that have gotten us this far.
We also have special guests with us today – Congressman Brad Schneider, State Representative Bob Morgan and State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl. Thank you for bringing attention to our project and also for securing funding to make this dream a reality.
Over the past 18 months since we started this campaign, I have found that there is something about focusing on the future that makes you think a lot about the past. I keep reflecting on that small group of parents in 1982, who gathered at a kitchen table with a dream for their children with disabilities to have a place in the Jewish community. They created Keshet’s reputation for dreaming big by always growing and evolving to meet the needs of participants and the community.
Today, we’re embarking on the next big dream and evolution for Keshet: a community center where people of all abilities can learn, play, work and grow together. This center will be a space where inclusion is not just a value, but a lived experience. It will be a place where friendships flourish, skills are built and independence is nurtured—a true hub for the entire community to come together and find belonging.
This groundbreaking represents more than bricks and demolition. It’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we believe in possibilities—when we commit to building a future that is inclusive, supportive, empowering and full of endless opportunities.
It’s hope that also defined Keshet’s earliest years. The original tagline for the organization was
“A rainbow of hope for children with special needs.” That rainbow comes from the story of Noah’s Ark where after the flood, God created a rainbow to symbolize a hopeful promise for a better future. I don’t believe that it is a coincidence that the Torah portion for next week is the story of Noah. As often happens at Keshet, some things are just meant to be. And, just as God’s rainbow marked a fresh start for the world, today’s groundbreaking marks a new chapter for Keshet and the community. Our center will be a place where rainbows of potential are celebrated every day.
Thank you all for believing in Keshet and being part of this journey.
Let’s continue to dream big—just like we always have.
