December, 2024

We want to inform and connect with the entire Job Path community

 so we are all on this path together.

Employment success is always in style

Job Path participants thrive at fashion retail powerhouse

Asked what he likes best about his job in maintenance at the Uniqlo Soho location, Kanaan H. has a simple but profound answer: “It gives me something to do, and I can make my own money and support myself.” 

Ferid R., who also works in maintenance at the fashion chain’s location in the Bronx says he really appreciates his coworkers. 

“They are really nice people,” he says. “They’re fun to work with.”

Job Path Employment Specialist Patrice Wongsam says Uniqlo has been very receptive to Job Path’s customized employment approach.  

“They really try to work with everyone, and they are so invested in everyone’s professional growth,” she says. “That’s so important.” 

Ferid at work, photo thanks to Patrice Wongsam.

Kanaan outside the Soho location. Job Path photo.

Kanaan’s punctuality makes him a reliable employee, says Marie Chin, Operations Manager, who also praised his skills in communication and keeping with a routine.

“I appreciate that he checks in and asks me what he can focus on or help with,” she says. 

Kanaan who previously worked in the mailroom of a law firm, clocks in three times a week to his job in Soho. When he’s not working, Kanaan is learning Portuguese and likes watching travel shows and learning about other countries’ history and culture. 

Ferid has also held a variety of jobs before, and on his off time, he enjoys volunteering, movies, and exploring the outdoors. He says the things that make him good at his job are his personality and the fact that he’s a “people person with a heart of gold.”

Ticking off the things he likes about his job, Ferid is quick to talk about the feeling of accomplishment he gets from keeping the store tidy and greeting customers. Hyxcel Sanchez, one of Ferid’s managers, praises his positive energy.

“He is always trying to do more, he's always willing and eager to learn,” she says. “His attitude towards everyone is amazing."

And does he feel good getting that paycheck every week? If you ask Ferid that question, he answers with a broad smile: “Don’t we all!”

Supported Living DSP honored at banquet

Supported Living DSP Rhonda Ndem was one of about two dozen support workers statewide chosen to be honored recently by Community Care Rx, a pharmacy services agency. 

It was "overwhelmingly emotional" to be recognized for the work that is her “destiny,” says Ndem, of the award ceremony, held Nov. 14 at the United Nations. She’s been with Job Path for 9 years, and supports in two apartments, which each have three female residents. 

“Just to be sitting among other people from other agencies, you think of the people you serve, and you’re thankful and very humbled,” she says. “When you think no one is looking, they are looking, and it really means a lot.” 

 “Rhonda connects deeply with residents and because they feel heard and understood, they are able to live more vibrant lives inside and outside of their homes and also develop and sustain relationships with their loved ones.” 

-Cerezmy Salcido, Senior Director of Residential and Self Directed Supports and Services

Ndem says she enjoys building a rapport with the residents and their families. 



“When they see that I’m there helping, that’s what gives me joy,” she says. “You can really see the impact when you see people’s lives changing for the better.” 

Community Care Rx says: "We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast commitment to the individuals we serve. Your efforts inspire transformative journeys, dismantle obstacles, and make the impossible possible. Your compassion transcends mere support; you genuinely transform lives. We are profoundly appreciative of all that you do!”

(L-R) Keeva Sue, Director of Supported Living; Rhonda Ndem; Monica Boston, Supported Living Program Manager; Cerezmy Salcido, Senior Director of Residential and Self Directed Supports and Services.

One of the things I love about this time of year is the abundance of generosity that fills the air and seems to be everywhere. Regardless of how you honor the season, there is an undeniable wish to see a better, brighter world for everyone.

Fortunately for all of us, Job Path is a place where that generosity shines every day. We see it in the care and commitment of our entire staff, in the devotion of our families, and most certainly in the community fostered by all of our participants.

As we think about ways we can make a difference this holiday season, I hope you’ll keep Job Path in mind and consider supporting our year-end fundraising campaign. Be it small or large, these donations help us to push forward and build a more welcoming world: a place where hundreds of New Yorkers can be themselves and chart their own course. 

Thank you for your generosity. And thank you for being part of our community. It’s because of you that Job Path has such an impact, not just now but every day of the year.

Museum visit broadens horizons.

As a way to explore and honor November’s Native American Heritage Month, Terence W. and Alex A. visited The National Museum of the American Indian. Friends and roommates, Terence and Alex are part of Job Path’s Supported Living program.  

Terence says that he enjoyed the statues and the museum gift shop, and Alex says he was interested to learn that the sport of lacrosse had American Indian origins. 

“We saw an exhibit on American Indian artist Jeffrey Veregge, who did work for Marvel Comics,” Alex says. “I recognized some of the comic book characters that I saw in the exhibition, including Spider-Man and The Hulk.” 

Photo thanks to DSP Jason Torres. 

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Job Path featured on radio PSA spots

Click here to hear Job Path’s PSA that was created by the Fordham University radio station 90.7 WFUV, as part of their Strike a Chord series.

We were one of 5 nonprofits in the NYC area that were chosen to be featured in their recent series on organizations doing work in employment services. 

In case you missed it

OPWDD and the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence wants to hear from all families in New York State across diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and other identity groups. In the coming weeks they are leading listening sessions on Zoom and the telephone for families of persons with intellectual or other developmental disabilities.

The listening sessions are intended for NCCC to hear about your experiences in accessing OPWDD supports and services:

• based on your family’s cultural beliefs and practices
• in your preferred language
• that are appropriate and fair for your family member with IDD

We join the broader community in mourning the passing of Edward R. Matthews on Nov. 10. He served as CEO for the past 35 years at ADAPT Community Network.

From Job Path CEO Carly Teichman: "Many of us at Job Path, including myself, began our careers at UCP/NYC (now ADAPT) — I started there in 2003. I remember Ed well and his fierce advocacy for the people we support. We are deeply grateful for his tireless commitment to the field, and his legacy will endure for years to come. Our thoughts are with his family, both at home and within the ADAPT Community Network, as we all mourn this loss."

Photo thanks to ADAPT

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.

December

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Dec 3

Staff Anniversaries

Special recognition to staff who celebrated their anniversary at Job Path in November. Thank you for all of the contributions that you have made over the years in making Job Path successful.

Rachel Pollock, 25 years 

Aimee Althoff, 19 years

Sabrina Bastien, 11 years 

Alex Estrada, 11 years

Jose Santos, 7 years 

Michelle Lovell, 4 years

Madden Harr, 3 years 

John Purchase, 3 years  

Camille Smith, 3 years 

Catherine James, 2 years 

Nichelle Hemphill, 1 year 

Kelly McGrath, 1 year 

Anna Nuler, 1 year 

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.

We created this video for our 2024 Benefit, but it's a perfect celebration of what we do!

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