JAFCO Children’s Ability Center

Named to the Forbes Best in State Financial Advisors list in 2018, Ralph Byer serves as a managing director and wealth management advisor with Merrill Lynch. In addition to his work with Merrill Lynch, Ralph Byer supports community organizations such as the Jewish Family Adoption and Care Options (JAFCO).

For more than 26 years, JAFCO has provided a number of support services for vulnerable children within the southern Florida Jewish community. At the Children’s Ability Center, for example, JAFCO serves individuals from birth to age 22 who have been diagnosed with developmental or intellectual disabilities. The center’s individualized programming focuses on helping children improve their verbal, cognitive, and motor skills, all with the goal of increasing independence at home, at school, and in the community.

Children’s Ability Center students can cultivate their talents in the art studio, participate in music and drama classes, and visit the fitness gym. Additionally, a respite home with six bedrooms allows children to stay for one night when their parents require respite care. 

BE BOLD Leadership Campaign

Merrill Lynch managing director Ralph Byer is a longtime financial advisor with nearly four decades' experience. In the course of his career at Merrill Lynch, he has served as a qualified portfolio advisor assisting clients in areas of risk management, wealth transfer, philanthropic planning, and retirement income strategies, among others. Outside of his professional pursuits, Ralph Byer supports the Community Foundation of Broward, Florida.

The Community Foundation of Broward assists individuals, families, and businesses in establishing personalized charitable funds that seek to address issues affecting Broward County residents. Its BE BOLD Leadership Campaign offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are passionate about Broward to use their philanthropic efforts to create a brighter future and leave a lasting impact.

BE BOLD aims to nurture innovation, inspire new thinking, and create new leaders. Through the campaign, the Community Foundation seeks to raise $500 million by the time it celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024. Once complete, the BE BOLD Leadership Campaign will offer close to $3 million in grants every month to help tackle critical issues facing the county. In addition, the campaign will support $1 billion in philanthropy to help the foundation over the next three decades and ensure the availability of permanent resources to tackle emerging community challenges.