Mission

Matan educates Jewish leaders, educators and communities, empowering them to create learning environments supportive of children with special needs, through training Institutes and consultations across North America.

Vision

By advocating for the inclusion of diverse learners, Matan enables the Jewish community to realize the gift of every individual and fulfill its obligation to embrace all children regardless of learning challenges in every Jewish educational setting.

Read more about Matan’s history

Timeline

2000
Jan 01

Beginning with a Need

Meredith Englander Polsky, Dr. Stacy Berrin and Lori Strouch Kolinsky start Matan after it becomes clear that there is a need for a dedicated voice in the Jewish community regarding inclusion.

2001
Jan 01

Venturing Into Social Entrepreneurship

The Covenant Foundation awards Matan a 3­-year grant and Meredith is accepted into Joshua Venture Group as part of its inaugural fellowships for Jewish social entrepreneurs.

2005
Jan 01

New Leadership and A Solid Future

Matan hires its first non-founder Executive Director and the organization’s future is secured through a generous multi-year Foundation grant for institutional advancement and planning.

2010
Jan 01

Looking Back and Moving Forward

An in-depth strategic evaluation is performed in order to assess the impact of the first 10 years and build for Matan’s future.

2012
Jan 01

Birth of an Institute

The Matan Institute, a revamped training model focusing on professional development and mentorship of Jewish leaders, is born.

2015
Jan 01

200 and Counting

Matan’s 200th Institute participant completes the program.

2016
Jan 01

Here’s to the Next Five Years!

Over $125,000 is raised at Matan’s annual fundraising dinner and the organization celebrates five years of successful Institutes to change the inclusion landscape in the Jewish community.