For Terri Bonoff, CEO Emeritus of JF&CS, inclusion isn’t an idea — it’s a way of life. This spring, she will be recognized for her contributions to the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) community at The Tasting Experience, JF&CS’ premier fundraiser for I/DD Services (IDDS). Her Champion of Inclusion award will celebrate the lasting impact she’s made on the I/DD community.
Terri’s commitment has shaped policy, strengthened programs, and touched countless lives, but she sees that commitment as simply the right thing to do.
“We're all the same, and we all want the same things,” said Terri recently. “We want connection, we want to be seen, to be valued, and to contribute.”
“Terri's leadership has not only strengthened our organization, but has expanded the community's respect for and recognition of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Jen Keir, Director of IDDS Services. “She is a driving force for inclusion. Thank you, Terri, for championing inclusion, dignity, and opportunity with such unwavering commitment. Our community is better because of you.”
From Legislation to Leadership
Guests at The Tasting Experience, which will take place the evening of Thursday, April 30, 2026, may not realize that Terri’s work in I/DD advocacy began long before she became CEO of JF&CS. During her time as a State Senator in Minnesota, Terri was approached by a group of mothers who wanted their young adult children with I/DD to have a safe, supportive place to live. Terri was instrumental in carrying legislation that allowed these families to launch a residential center called Jewish Housing Alternative Program (J-HAP), which remains in operation today.
While Terri was approached to lobby for many causes during her legislative career, her connection to IDDS came from a deeply personal place: mother to mother.
“When your child has a disability, you want them to have as full a life as possible, and know they will be cared for when you’re gone,” reflected Terri. “So having other mothers come to me and say, ‘I want my child to have the same opportunities as others’ — I believe wholeheartedly that it’s my responsibility to do whatever I can to allow them to have an environment where they can be the most they can be.”
Walking the Talk: Modeling Inclusion
From the start of her tenure at JF&CS, Terri understood that strong IDDS begins with supporting the people who provide them. One of her first initiatives as CEO was raising wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Today, JF&CS is proud to be one of the highest-paying employers in the DSP field.
“To have a workforce that feels valued, takes pride in their work — it has a ripple effect,” Terri said. Inclusion also meant ensuring that JF&CS lived its values internally, and Terri championed the hiring of staff with disabilities and the creation of environments where they could thrive.
“If we have a candidate with a disability, that’s not a barrier to us hiring them,” she explained. “We make sure to train the environment around that employee, to honor and give space for that person’s disability and let them be a star in their own right.”
Hiring staff with disabilities “is in keeping with my values,” said Terri. “You’ve got to walk the talk. If we say we’re about inclusion for our clients, we need to be that for everybody.”
Terri also elevated the importance of mental health within IDDS. “When you think about services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, you know, we don't often think of mental health, but mental health is so key to being able to live your fullest life, it’s a big part of being your best self.”
During her tenure, Terri launched the Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center, expanding Clinical Services for people of all ages. As the Center continues to grow, so do services for children with I/DD, including autism — something Terri is “so proud of” as she reflects on her legacy.
A Leader Who Connects Personally
Sid Besmertnik is the father of Todd, an IDDS client, and a member of the JF&CS Board. He experienced Terri’s leadership both personally and professionally.
“As part of Terri’s responsibilities, she oversaw the IDDS department,” said Sid, but “Terri went much further in her care, concern and interest both to the department, its staff and all the clients. The clients loved seeing her when she stopped by, and they communicated to her about their activities. Our son Todd always told us when he saw her and how much he enjoyed it.”
Back Where It All Began
Before officially beginning her role as CEO in 2019, Terri attended The Tasting Experience, the very event where she will now be honored. “I was struck by the intergenerational spirit at that event,” she recalls. “I met grandparents, their kids, and their kids’ kids who were all at the party together. It was remarkable, and I was so struck by how close-knit the community was. There were about 600 people there and everybody knew everybody and were so warm and generous.” “The Tasting is a very special event, and now to come full-circle and be honored there, it is a real blessing.”
Join us in honoring Terri Bonoff at The Tasting Experience on Thursday, April 30th, 2026. Tickets and Sponsorships are available now. To learn more about our I/DD Services, click here.