How does a synagogue and a non-profit form a bond that lasts decades? For Temple Shalom and Community Homes for Adults, Inc. (CHAI), the answer lies in shared values, personal connections, and a commitment to inclusion.
Many assume CHAI’s founder, Dr. Carmen Miller Michael, was part of Temple Shalom’s congregation and that’s how the relationship started. In reality, it started with one mother’s love.
Carolyn Cooper (z’l), a devoted Temple Shalom member, became the bridge between the two organizations when her daughter Lisa started engaging socially with CHAI residents as a teenager. In 1999, Lisa moved into a CHAI home as a resident, and Carolyn began organizing Sukkot and Chanukah celebrations with temple’s Tikkun Olam Committee to help connect CHAI and Temple Shalom.
For CHAI residents, community engagement is essential, and Carolyn understood this deeply. What started as holiday gatherings blossomed into a tradition of connection. Soon, Temple Shalom’s Sisterhood and Brotherhood joined in, hosting Shabbat dinners, annual Passover seders, and fun bingo/pizza parties. Residents cherished these moments of belonging, and congregants found joy in living out their values through acts of kindness.
Carolyn’s legacy lives on through her family. Her sister, Ilene Zidow, began helping with the celebrations and mitzvah projects early on and continued the celebrations after Carolyn’s passing in 2010. Ilene, together with Carolyn’s son, Kevin Cooper, have served on CHAI’s Board of Directors, ensuring that Lisa – and countless others – continue to thrive.
Today, temple member Staci Mendelsohn is the CHAI chair for the Tikkun Olam Council and is responsible for coordinating events with the organization. For Staci, the connection is personal, too- her nephew Barry is a CHAI resident. When Staci was named 2018 Woman of Valor at Sisterhood’s annual paid-up dinner, the CEO of CHAI, Lisa Brodsky, and then COO of Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas, Cathy Barker, were both members of a panel put together for the evening. Small world!
Fortunate for both organizations, the bond between Temple and CHAI continues to deepen. Gretchen Reynolds, the farm manager, garden educator and co-chair of Temple Shalom’s Justice Garden, will soon be meeting with members of the CHAI staff to work out details of a garden partnership between CHAI and Temple Shalom. How did that happen? Temple member Kim Kort, who now works at the CHAI Central Office, connected Gretchen with Holly Adams, CHAI Development Assistant, with an idea to create a program for CHAI residents to spend time in the garden “getting their hands dirty.”
There is a tremendous amount of research regarding the benefits of gardening for the mind, body and soul.
Research shows that structured gardening and horticultural therapy programs can improve social confidence and a sense of competence in adults with intellectual disabilities, helping participants feel more capable and connected with others. Studies also indicate that garden-based activities are linked with enhanced quality of life, emotional well-being, and greater social inclusion, suggesting that the simple act of tending plants supports both personal development and community participation. Tasks like planting, watering, and harvesting help build motor skills and encourage gentle routines, while time outdoors in nature can be calming and uplifting. Gardening naturally fosters teamwork, confidence, and pride, making it a space where abilities are highlighted and each small success is something to celebrate.
Should a garden or farm program come to fruition this spring or summer, Temple Shalom will welcome the CHAI community as another group of volunteers who are helping to grow for themselves and the greater Dallas community.
The Temple Shalom Justice Garden embodies our vision – a place for meaningful worship, meaningful learning, and meaningful gathering. We welcome the beautiful diversity of families and individuals as we journey together seeking to enrich our lives through the three historic aspects of synagogue life – a “house of prayer” for meaningful worship, a “house of study” for meaningful learning, and a “house of connection” for meaningful gathering.
CHAI’s mission is simple yet profound: to provide safe, supportive group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities, helping them live full, rich lives while actively participating in the community. Over its 43-year history, CHAI has grown to nine homes, offering individualized services that foster independence, happiness, and pride. During our 60th year celebration, Temple Shalom is excited to dig deeper with CHAI.
3 Responses
I love that Temple Shalom has such a long and meaningful relationship with our friends and family at CHAI!
Sisterhood is planning a congregational dinner on Friday, February 27 before Shabbat Services at 5 pm. The CHAI residents, staff and family are Sisterhood’s guests.
Please join us!
https://templeshalomdallas.shulcloud.com/form/sisterhood-chai-dinner-2026
Wonderful! I hope the Temple’s garden and CHAI participation works out. Lisa and the other residents would love it.
CHAI and CHAI families are grateful for Temple Shalom’s commitment and consistent support for decades.
Another great story from behind the scenes at Temple Shalom! I learn so much from these blogs!