Job Path Journeys - February, 2025

February, 2025

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

so we are all on this path together.

A story of employment success

Jerry sits in a classroom in front of a student’s wheelchair. He’s wearing a white Yankee cap and is holding a book with an animated little girl with wild hair.

On a recent afternoon in a sunny classroom, Jerry R. held aloft a brightly colored children’s book titled “I Like Myself” and started to read to a group of students.

“How many of you guys like yourselves?” he asked. “We can be happy because we like ourselves.”

Jerry recently celebrated 10 years of working at the school - the International Academy of Hope, a specialized school for students aged 5-21 with traumatic brain injury and multiple disabilities.

“Through all the changes our program has gone through as we’ve grown, one thing has remained constant: Jerry’s positivity,” says Courtney Nelson, the school’s Director of Operations.

“Jerry never misses the opportunity to cheer on a student working toward their goals and always takes the time to greet team members and check in. Over the years, he has assisted with the preparation of valuable educational materials for classrooms and has engaged with students by leading activities such as Storytime and Jamz with Jerry. His unwavering optimism and encouragement make any day working with Jerry a good day.”

In addition to the milestone at the school, Jerry also recently celebrated a one-year anniversary working as a weekend play facilitator at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

At the school, Jerry says he especially enjoys when students get excited and respond to stories, and he also appreciates his coworkers.

“Everyone here is wonderful to work with; they're like family,” he said. “I feel comfortable here.”

In a classroom Jerry is sitting in a chair in front of several students who are seen from behind in wheelchairs. He's doing a "big stretch" gesture, which is also being done by a teacher's aide next to him.

Photos by Job Path.

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“One thing I really like about art group is that it gives me time and a place to work on my art.”

Peter says his favorite art form is Japanese manga: “I like the aesthetics of the style”

An example of perspective showing a view down a long hallway.

Peter is leaning over a table sketching in a book.

A collection of still life objects including a book, skull, and vase with flowers sketched in pencil.

A sampling of Peter's work showing the variety of his different artistic styles. Photos by Art Facilitator Michele Borg.

Jason C. Torres

Jason is wearing a green hoodie and a funky black t-shirt with a skull on it. The photo is taken from below and lots artsy and cool.

Job Title: DSP

Time at JP: 6 months as of January.

Favorite thing about JP: Exploring the communities of the people who I support (especially looking for the best discount stores). Who knew I'd develop a fondness for Forest Hills?! Not I.

One thing no one knows about you: In 7th grade, I was a Gumshoe (contestant) on an episode of "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego."

Memorable moment at JP: The most memorable moment I've had so far was when getting AMAP certified, both individuals I administered to leaned in to give me a group hug to congratulate me.

Hobby, skill or knowledge that helped you while working at JP:

Being personable has always worked for me. I have long known of this human superpower. The magic of being relatable, a good listener, kind and empathetic, all with a smile goes a long way.

Something you are reading, watching or listening to right now: I am now enjoying the sounds of my childhood and listening to A LOT of Menudo, focusing mainly on their music predating 1984. The new Sunset Boulevard soundtrack is a close second.

A message from Carly with her photo and the Job Path skyline.

There’s been a lot of news headlines recently, and I want to take just a moment to let our community know that we are dedicated to the same mission we have had for the past four decades.

We will continue to support New Yorkers with disabilities so they can thrive at home, succeed in the workplace, and connect to their communities. These stories we share in our newsletter every month - like those here from Jerry and Peter - prove how the world is a better place when everyone has a place to belong, and we remain deeply committed to this vital work.

Consortium expands staff to increase services for disabled New Yorkers

Looking to broaden and deepen its impact, the Consortium is excited to welcome its new coordinator, Kelly McGrath.

“Kelly comes to us with a Master's degree in special education, a passion for helping underrepresented communities, and five years experience in family advocacy,” says Karen Waluck, CCE’s Director.

In her role, McGrath will expand CCE’s job development and strengthen data collection and data tracking to increase the Consortium’s effectiveness with both member agencies and employer partners.

"We look forward to the chance to expand our collaborations, grow our valuable employer partnerships, and match many more of our participants to wonderful jobs,” says Waltuck, who also praised McGrath’s positivity, enthusiasm, and collaborative skills.

Wendy, Karen, and Kelly stand in a Job Path office, chatting and looking at files.

L-R: Wendy Banner, Karen Waltuck, Kelly McGrath. Job Path photo.

McGrath says she is looking forward to the new challenge.

“I really believe in the Customized Employment approach and the difference it can make for employers and job seekers,” says Kelly, who came to CCE from Job Path, where she was an Employment Specialist. “Working with the Consortium is a way to take that impact and reach even more people all across the city.”

The Consortium, a project of Job Path, has 14 member agencies who work together on best-practices for customized employment for New Yorkers with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Spring Benefit Save the Date: April 1, 2025.

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.

The words "everyone belongs at Job path" with many hands with different skin tones .

February

NYC has a wide variety of celebrations for Black History Month, including this one on Feb. 8 at The Museum of the City of New York, and this listing of events all month at NYC public parks.

Staff Anniversaries

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

Douglas DeCesare - 13 years

Karina Moreno - 12 years

Daphnaella Joseph - 12 years

Henry Choy - 11 years

Harvey Pacht - 11 years

Daniel Wu - 11 years

Joel Saperstein - 11 years

Colette Young - 10 years

Edna Paradise - 6 years

Chris Lawrence - 4 years

Karina Alvarez - 4 years

Vanessa Freeman - 4 years

William Spritzler - 3 years

Patrice Wongsam - 2 years

Nijah Garry - 2 years

Patricia Bowden - 1 year

Harrison Nalevansky - 1 year

Erika Rosario - 1 year

Tamari Khornauli - 1 year

Charisma Pointer - 1 year

A hand looking like it's making a clicking motion.

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.

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

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