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We want to inform and connect with the entire Job Path community
so we are all on this path together.
| | JP participants and staff show a "willingness to lead" the next generation | Job Path participants and staff shared their expertise at career day at the Lavelle School for the Blind, which serves students who are visually impaired and have multiple disabilities. | | |
The March 27 program called “Journey Beyond Lavelle” was for students aged 10-21 at the school, and it featured Ruben, who talked about his employment success through Job Path. A natural singing talent, Ruben also performed and later said: “I was very excited about it. It was great."
Sarah H. told students about how Job Path sets up interviews and has relationships with interesting companies.
"They truly care about finding jobs that make people happy and fulfilled. I love working because it gives me a sense of purpose, I get a paycheck, and it helps me build relationships with my coworkers, and we work as a team, and if anything goes wrong, I know that Job Path has my back."
Dave Celentano, Lavelle’s Transition Coordinator says students responded to the program because it was so genuine and thoughtful.
| | Front, L-R: Sarah, Osvaldo, Ruben, and DSP Saki Aguilar. Back row, L-R: Marta Haberlin and Elizabeth Beaubrun, JP staff. Alison Smith, Director of Self-Directed Services also presented at the event. | | |
“Their gentle kindness, careful consideration and willingness to lead, truly encouraged Lavelle students to swiftly locate a level of comfort that allowed for them to participate and contribute,” he says.
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Every week, we're sharing more stories like these
on our social media platforms.
Please follow, like, and share!
| | We want to hear from you! | | |
If you have a few minutes, you can help shape Job Path's future. As part of our 2025-2028 strategic plan we're gathering insights from participants, partners, and community members. Your feedback is anonymous and will inform our efforts to enhance the execution of our mission, strengthen our organizational identity, and improve programs and services.
Deadline: Friday April 11.
| | Thank you to everyone who joined the Spring Benefit, supported, and sponsored! It was a lovely evening filled with inspiring words, shared community, and unique silent auctions. | | We were proud to recognize our honorees, L-R: The Baptiste Family - Carol, Nathaniel, Christian; Shirlee Taylor, PhD - Executive Director of The FAR Fund; Atiba Edwards - President and CEO of The Brooklyn Children's Museum. To learn more about them, click here. | | | | |
"You’re not just a perfect family; you're a wonderful family!"
-Christian (at the microphone.)
"My brother and I like to personally thank our Job Path coach Kevin and Camile for being dedicated, hard workers of Job Path, for they never give up on supporting people who are diagnosed or born with a disability."
- Nathaniel (far left.)
| | Douglas Hornan, Live-In Caregiver | | | | |
At last week's Spring Benefit, Douglas Hornan was honored with the Daniel P. Cunningham Award for Living the Job Path Mission.
He's seen here on the left with Carlos V. For the past two years, Douglas has been a live-in caregiver for Carlos and another participant. In his submission for consideration for the award, Hornan was praised for his compassion, dedication, and empathy.
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During the awards, Hornan said when he first heard about the role of live-in caregiver it seemed like a natural fit that made him feel fulfilled.
“In my mind, I’m just doing day-to-day stuff,” he said. At his turn at the microphone, Carlos said: “He’s a nice person, he’s giving … He’s a good guy, he’s really wonderful!”
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We are excited to host an afternoon of dancing and fun for all Job Path participants and their families. Come for an afternoon of dancing, light snacks, and “chill-out” crafts in a quiet room if anyone needs a break.
Date/time: Sunday May 4 from 2-4 p.m.
Location: The Center, 208 W. 13th Street, Manhattan - 10011
Please note: While some staff will be there to facilitate, Job Path will not be providing social support or transportation arrangements.
Suggested donation: $20/family. Cash/check at the door or you can contribute online here.
We want to give participants and those closest to them in their families - parents, siblings, etc. - a chance to gather, to get to know each other better, and find community in their shared journeys!
| | | | Consortium honors employers | These leaders lay the path to career growth and advancement. | | The Consortium and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities presented three honorees with their Customized Employment Award, recognizing leadership in disability inclusion as well as career growth and development. | | |
The awards breakfast on March 18 was held at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and recognized Dr. Keith Diaz, who leads CUIMC's Project PossABILITY, property management firm Jordan Cooper, and Poly Prep Country Day School.
During the honors, Paul Brensilber, president of Jordan Cooper, praised the hard work and career success that Benjamin has found over the past few years.
“We appreciate the opportunity to work with Benjamin, and we look forward to continuing to watch him grow and hopefully have others join us,” he said.
| | The team from Jordan Cooper along with members of CCE, MOPD, and OPWDD. | | Benjamin said he felt good about his role at the firm: “I enjoy doing everything in one shot as far as sorting out the mail, putting it into the different sections,” says Benjamin. “And who gave me this job? Job Path gave me this job! Thank you!” | | | | |
I was thrilled to be in the audience last week for the kickoff to ReelAbilities New York’s film festival when they presented disabled actress Marissa Bode with their Spotlight Award for her role as Nessarose in the movie Wicked.
Thinking of that and last month’s Oscar awards, it reminded me about a fascinating story in Variety magazine on the representation of disability and mental health in entertainment.
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It quoted that:
- 66% of audiences are “unsatisfied with current representations of disability and mental health in film and TV.”
- 40% of audiences, with and without disabilities, are “very likely” to recommend a film or TV show to friends and family if it showcases authentic representations of disability or mental health conditions.
At Job Path we often focus on life-changing aspects of disability inclusion: finding a job and succeeding at work, thriving at home, and connecting to a community.
But even “small” ways to feel seen, and to see yourself, are so important. While these statistics show there is room for improvement when it comes to disability inclusion in entertainment, they also prove the value of that inclusion. I’m glad that entertainment industry leaders are paying attention to the fact that we all have stories worth telling.
| | As part of our efforts to highlight and celebrate the great diversity within our Job Path community, we will be featuring racial, ethnic, cultural, and identity pride commemorations here each month. | |
April
Arab-American Heritage Month
Autism Awareness Month
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In case you missed it ... | | |
Jake W., who is supported through Job Path's Employment Program and also participates in Community Connections, was featured in March's "Dare to be You!" social media campaign by the NY state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.
He's seen here in this photo montage in the upper right hand corner in the pink plaid shirt, glasses, and beard.
His submission was: "I dare to write impressive stories, set a strong example
for myself as well as other people, and
make the world a better place."
| | | The campaign added: "Jake follows his passion writing stories as well as studying art and film. He's currently crafting his first novel! It's a tale about a fairy princess with autism who is born unable to produce magic. Jake enjoys his two jobs and has been living independently for more than six years. Do you follow your passion like Jake does? " | | | | Attention all participants: The ACESS HRA online benefits portal allows you to manage many aspects of your coverage through the Human Resources Administration more easily than mail, fax, or in-person visits. You can apply or recertify for many HRA benefits including Medicaid, Medicare Savings Plan, SNAP, and FairFares. You can also submit and track documents for your application, manage your case, and save your progress to come back later. Save yourself a trip or a stamp and get your ACCESS HRA account started today! | |
Staff Anniversaries
Special recognition to staff who celebrated their anniversary at Job Path in March. Thank you for all of the contributions that you have made over the years in making Job Path successful.
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Tracey Ramdehal - 24 years
Taijii Dudley - 19 years
James Avanzino - 18 years
Noemi Marrero - 17 years
Cristian Atriz - 8 years
Amerie Vega - 6 years
Jill Lebwohl - 5 years
Annalise Sheslow - 4 years
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Frantz Gaspard - 3 years
Kamy're Johnson-Brunson - 2 years
Deiselu Guido - 2 years
Maria Sepulveda - 1 year
Yoselyn Perez - 1 year
Maki Fukuda - 1 year
Camden Nasoff - 1 year
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Do you know someone who would be a great member of the Job Path team?
Click here for our list of open positions in Employment, Community Connections, Supported Living, and Self-Direction Services.
Job Path employees are encouraged to participate in our Employee Referral Bonus Program, which rewards the employees who make successful referrals with $400. Contact hr@jobpathnyc.org for more information.
| | | Job Path supports people with autism and other developmental disabilities as they find jobs, live in their own homes, and become involved in community life. To learn more, visit our website. | | |
Follow us on social media. | | We created this video for our 2024 Benefit, but it's a perfect celebration of what we do! | | | | |
