Welcome to Jewish Community Services’ new quarterly newsletter for individuals with disabilities, their family members, their caregivers, and the community that supports our programs. We are excited to bring program news and events, policy updates and resources, stories from our residents and staff, and more to YOU – our JCS family! |
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Maryland Lifts State of Emergency
Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan, announced that the Maryland State of Emergency will be lifted effective July 1, taking with it all state emergency mandates (including mask orders and the designation of “disability services personnel” as essential health workers) and restrictions.
A 45-day grace period will also begin on July 1 for the implementation of certain emergency regulations including the winding down of emergency health operations including extension of healthcare licenses. This grace period will end on August 15, 2021.
Jewish Community Services' executive management is currently reviewing internal policies/procedures and policy changes will be communicated as applicable.
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• RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES •
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What's Next: Discovering My Child Has a Disability
By Andrea Fenwick, Senior Manager of ESS, Ignite Career Center of JCS
Being a parent is difficult enough, but when you discover your child might have a disability, your journey goes from difficult to extremely daunting. What are the steps you can take to ensure your child receives the necessary services to improve their overall outcomes for independence and a meaningful life? Read more.
Transitioning from School to Work
By Jamie Leboe, Career Coach, Ignite Career Center of JCS
From the moment your child was born, you wrapped them in a cocoon of safety, comfort, and peace. The last two decades have felt safe; you were always there by their side, helping them along the way. And now it’s time to let go; let them find their own way with the help of others. Read more.
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Meaningful Day Virtual Activities
Various days and times
Book club, fun and fitness, cooking, games, and more! Enjoy enriching activities throughout the week with
new and old friends.
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Movie Nights
Thursdays; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Virtual
Grab your popcorn and your favorite comfy chair and watch a great movie with friends! Later this summer, Movie Nights will move outdoors - stay tuned.
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• FROM THE DESK OF TINU OGUNKOYA, Director of SSID •
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More Than a Team
The Support Services of Individuals with Disabilities (SSID) team is comprised of professionals who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of humanity. To us, there are no disabilities, just differing abilities. To us, working with this population is our calling. Read more.
Our Invisible Heroes
While the pandemic caused a major disruption in all our lives, the intensity and magnitude of what our direct care staff endured and overcame is in a completely different realm. As I expected, they faced everything head on, working tirelessly to continue providing on-site, in-person, 24/7 direct care. Read more.
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Meet Lisa Simms
Direct Support Counselor, SSID
“Working during a pandemic has been stressful, but the PPE JCS has provided has been a stress reliever. It allowed me to do my job stress free and provide the best care that I can for my clients. The love of what I do kept me going even when I felt afraid. I love being a listening ear for my clients and the look of joy on their faces when I come to help them is a blessing. I love to help people and I knew that now more than ever someone would need my help. Being away from their family would be tough but at least they knew that I would be there to help them and offer some form of support. With the compassion and empathy that I have, I would not hesitate to do it again.”
From Lisa's Supervisor, Michele Cofield-Amos:
"During the pandemic, Lisa continued to take the individual she serves on his appointments and errands, she made sure he was engaged in Zoom and FaceTime activities, she ensured he stayed on top of his bills, and she assisted him with a housing issue. Lisa really shines as an “essential employee!”
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Meet Jerry
“I am 55 years old, visually impaired (legally blind), have a disability and hypertension. I have been getting support from JCS both for work and supported living to help me be able to live independently. I live alone and I depend on my personal support and case manager for a great deal. My dedicated staff have helped me with everything I need and never stopped providing services to me during the entire pandemic. I had a job and was employed at Savers thrift store until the pandemic hit. Since then, SSID and career services put in place for me to be able to receive unemployment compensation and my case manager made sure I was able to receive food stamps. During this time, SSID was available 24/7 to make sure I was able to get to all my doctors' appointments and stores for what I needed. They helped me with my taxes during the pandemic. I have now returned to work and am very excited and grateful to have SSID and career service help. I very much enjoy my staff; I care about them and they care about me.”
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• THE SUMMER RECIPES: FRUIT SALAD AND SMOOTHIES •
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Fruit Salad
Ingredients – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges (can/cup), kiwi, green grapes, nectarines, lemon juice, and any fruit that you would like!
Directions – (1) peel kiwi and cut up all fruit, (2) toss cut up fruit and berries into bowl, (3) lightly mix fruit together while slowly adding lemon juice, (4) taste and enjoy!
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Smoothie
Ingredients – quart of hulled strawberries, 1 banana broken into chunks, 2 medium peaches, 1 cup orange-peach-mango juice, 2 cups ice
Directions – (1) in a blender, combine strawberries, banana, and peaches, (2) blend until fruit is pureed, (3) blend in the juice, (4) add ice and blend to desired consistency, (4) pour into glasses and serve!
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JCS provides a range of community-based services for individuals with disabilities and their families through supported living, residential services, and employment support services.
Our mission is to enable people with differing abilities to live, learn, work, and otherwise participate as full members of their Jewish and general communities. We are dedicated to ensuring all individuals have the same opportunities that are open to other community members; that is, the ability and support to live a dignified lifestyle with opportunities for growth, friendship, recreation, and choice.
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