Karin Jawitz brings over 30 years of advocacy experience, a host of professional expertise, and the passion of a devoted parent to her pivotal role as the first President and Co-Founder of Casa Familia. As the mother of three children, two of whom are sons diagnosed with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), she rose to many challenges in providing the best educational, recreational, and vocational opportunities for her family. Where no alternatives existed in South Florida, Karin worked to create, support, and fund programs for her sons and others with IDD. As her children grew to adulthood, Karin was among the first to recognize the need for affordable housing for adults with IDD in a safe, enriched community setting in South Florida. Karin, and Co-Founder Marie-Ilene Whitehurst, enlisted members of six other families to serve as Founding Board Members to develop this concept, and in 2015, Casa Familia was founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating this unique housing community.

During her more than 30-year journey, Karin developed expertise in both private and government-supported programs that benefit those with IDD, including Florida’s Medicaid Waiver Program, SSDI, and Medicare. She has become a community leader in the field, participating tirelessly in numerous South Florida events and organizations focused on programs for those with IDD. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida and currently serves in an executive advisory position in a family business.

Karin termed out as President in 2023. In her continuing role as Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, Karin oversees the committee’s work of marketing campaigns, promoting events, consistent branding, posting on social media, publishing monthly newsletters, and public relations. Karin also sits on the newly formed Casa Familia Honorary Legacy Board.