Honoring inclusion

The JFS Alexander Institute for Inclusion, Jewish Family Service’s division, which promotes a community in which individuals with disabilities are fully included, has been selected by the Ruderman Family Foundation as one of five worldwide organizations to receive the 2014 Ruderman Prize In Inclusion. The prize honors organizations that operate innovative programs and provide services that advocate for inclusion of people with disabilities. A key objective of the Institute is reducing the stigma related to disabilities, and this was the goal of ReelAbilities: Houston Disabilities Film Festival, hosted by the Alexander Institute the past two years with the partnership of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and founding sponsor TIRR Memorial Hermann. Pictured (from left) are Debra Cohen, JFS president, and Becky Cisneros at a family reception during the 2014 “Houstonians with Positive Exposure” festival. This event featured photos taken by photographer Rick Guidotti of local individuals with genetic differences and disabilities, presented at the Nicole Longnecker Gallery.

Editor’s note: The Buzz congratulates Annie and Tyler McQueen on their beautiful twin babies. Annie Blaylock McQueen, associate editor and Buzz About Town columnist, is currently out on maternity leave, spending time with her newborn babies, Cash and Lila. In the meantime, Jordan Magaziner is handling this section. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to The Buzz at [email protected] or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.