JESPY House

"My name is Heather. I joined JESPY House in 1999. I was fresh out of college and didn’t know what kind of work I wanted. But I spent time talking with staff at JESPY about my future. At first, I wanted to do social work. I was recommended to the social work program at Kean University. I realized, though, that social work wasn’t quite the right path for me. I found myself being more creative and decided to become a hairstylist. With the help and encouragement of JESPY and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), I joined a cosmetology school and became licensed in 2011.?I have been working as a hairstylist for 14 years and some of my clients have been from the New York Jets and the New York Red Bulls. Today, I am the assistant store manager at Sport Clips Haircuts." Read Heather's full story here: https://lnkd.in/eACfawSp

"Being independent is really important to me. I'm able to do a lot more things on my own now. I'm not depending on people to do things for me. I’m taking more control of my life now and for me, that's what I've always wanted. My case manager at JESPY House has really helped me with that. I arrange all my own Uber rides to doctor appointments when it’s necessary. I don't depend on staff as much as I used to, which is kind of the point and the goal of being more independent. I think that people should take their time when they see someone with a disability. Stop and let them cross the street first. Let them go ahead of you in the store. No one knows when they will need assistance with something. So, we should all look out for each other," shares Jess M., JESPY client. #DDAM Developmental Disability Awareness Month is in full swing! Read Jess's full article here: https://lnkd.in/eKUS-nCj

Two JESPY basketball teams competed in the Special Olympics New Jersey North Regionals at Fairleigh Dickinson University. One of our teams placed fourth overall, while the other team took home the gold medal ?? and earned the opportunity to compete in the statewide Spring Games in Wildwood, NJ. Congratulations to all our JESPY House athletes!

Our JESPY clients have been creating some delicious meals! This incredible program provides JESPY House clients with vocational and culinary skills to gain employment. Employment is an essential part of independence for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

We love visits from the Fed Ed Committee at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. We so appreciate our ongoing partnership. The group learned about JESPY’s services, goals, and future - hearing from JESPY’s Executive Director Audrey Winkler as well as JESPY’s Work Readiness Supervisor Lisa Fiore and JESPY House Board Member Denise Rekem. The Women's Philanthropy group toured two JESPY residences and joined Day Program clients during an interactive activity. Susan Ferber Rebecca Wanatick Stacy Ennis

Malia Rulon Herman, Deputy Mayor of Maplewood, recently visited JESPY House where she had the opportunity to learn more about our programs and services as well as our plans for the future. She visited with JESPY clients at our Day Habilitation Program and at our Michael Och House-A Center for Aging at JESPY. Shown here is Deputy Mayor Herman with our Day Program clients, JESPY Executive Director Audrey Winkler, and JESPY Board President Ahadi Bugg-Levine, JD, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)?

JESPY House Joins Senator Cory Booker in Urging Congress to Protect Medicaid. At a critical press conference in Newark, JESPY House clients, invited by Senator Cory Booker, advocated for the protection of Medicaid—a lifeline for individuals with disabilities. US House of Representatives Member LaMonica McIver, who represents New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, also spoke at the press conference. For thousands of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Medicaid can provide access to the JESPY House's essential services, including: ? Independent living support ? Job coaching & employment assistance ? Mental health services ? Community engagement programs JESPY client Debbie D. shared how these services allow her to live a fulfilling and independent life. But with proposed Medicaid cuts, programs like these could disappear—leaving people with disabilities without critical support. “This is not a partisan issue—it is a matter of human dignity.” - Ahadi Bugg-Levine, JD, Ph.D. (she/her/hers), President, JESPY Board of Trustees ?? Now is the time to take action! We urge our network to contact federal representatives and advocate for the protection of Medicaid and disability services. JESPY House is proud to stand with our clients and leaders like Senator Booker in this fight for inclusion and access! ?? Learn more about JESPY’s work at www.jespyhouse.org #JESPYHouse #ProtectMedicaid #DisabilityRights #Advocacy #Inclusion #HealthcareForAll

JESPY Executive Director Audrey Winkler and Board President, Ahadi Bugg-Levine, JD, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) were pleased to host Senator Renee C. Burgess of NJ District 28 and her Chief of Staff, Stacey Abenstein at JESPY House to learn more about the work we do to support adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and our plans for the future. Thank you Senator Burgess and Ms. Abenstein for meeting and talking with our clients. Senator Burgess serves on several committees including the Joint Committee on Affordable Housing and Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens. Senator Burgess pictured below with JESPY House clients, Audrey Winkler, and Dr. Ahadi Bugg-Levine.

Way to go! ?? JESPY House clients Jody and Jill have worked hard to maintain successful employment at Prudential. Please help us congratulate Jody who has been employed with Prudential for more than 35 years and Jill who has been employed with Prudential for 17 years. Congratulations! Jody and Jill are clients at JESPY House who are achieving independence with the support they need. To learn more about JESPY's Work Readiness and Employment Engagement (WREE) program click here: https://lnkd.in/ePtVPNRZ

This February, JESPY House is Showing Love for an incredible organization within our community, Meeting Essential Needs With Dignity (MEND). Join us to support MEND and their hunger relief network in Essex County by purchasing their most needed pantry items. ?? Help fight food insecurity: https://lnkd.in/dr9rF2yh MEND is also a weekly volunteer site for JESPY clients!