May they be happy, independent, productive adults. This is a goal of most parents for their children. This is what Halom House, Inc. is all about.

Jewish parents of children with disabilities in Cincinnati had long faced a dilemma about what life situation would be healthiest for their children. Local group homes, while of high quality, had little consciousness of the Jewish background of these individuals. People who lived in these settings were often isolated from the religious and cultural environment which had nourished them in their homes. Jewish parents, as a result, had often kept their children at home, though this was difficult for the families, especially as the parents grew older. Being at home into adulthood also made it difficult for individuals with disabilities to develop the independent living skills and emotional maturity necessary to live productive independent lives.

In February, 1983, a group of parents of adults with disabilities, concerned about these issues, met at the home of Dr. Enrique Kauffman to discuss the creation of an organization that would provide their adult children independence and support in an environment which was sensitive to their Jewish heritage. They agreed that such a place would be a dream come true. This is how Halom (Hebrew for dream) House, Inc. was born.