March, 2026

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

 so we are all on this path together.

A decade of job success

At any one of her shifts at Shake Shack, Maria Z. might be restocking in the dining room, cleaning up, greeting guests, or - as someone with years of experience - training new employees.  

“I like all the different roles I play. I like how I have to wear different hats throughout my shift - I’m everywhere! Plus, I’m very social; I really like to talk to people.”

Earlier this winter, Maria celebrated 10 years at one of Shake Shack’s Queens locations - an accomplishment that she says makes her want to “dance up a storm.” Maria’s supervisor Luis Duran praised her for being empathetic, hospitable, and always willing to go above and beyond for both guests and other team members. 

“She brings a positive attitude and really lifts everyone around her,” he says. 

When it comes to her role training new staff, he says: “She’s exceptional because she breaks down every task step-by-step, ensuring every new team member feels confident. She also gives plenty of feedback, making sure everyone masters each station before moving on.”

Shake Shack is one of the most active employer partners for The Consortium for Customized Employment. Since the partnership began in 2012, CCE has been responsible for 44 jobs at 19 shacks in 4 boroughs, Long Island, and Hoboken, NJ. 

Congratulations to Maria and Shake Shack! 

CCE is a project of Job Path that brings together 14 New York City social service agencies to expand the reach of customized employment to serve even more New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.

Every week, we're sharing more stories like these

on our social media platforms.

Please follow, like, and share!

A mother-daughter JP team:

Raven Lopez and Monica Boston

Raven Lopez (left) is a Direct Support Professional who has worked for the Community Connections program for 3 years and her mother, Monica Boston, is a Supported Living Program Manager who has been with Job Path for 6 1/2 years.

What makes Raven good at her job?

"Raven has a unique ability to meet people where they are, allowing them to be their authentic selves. She focuses on compassion and understanding rather than a disability, truly getting to know the individuals she supports. She ensures that 1:1 time is spent according to their specific needs and wants. I have yet to meet someone who does not like Raven."



-Monica

What makes Monica good at her job?

"Monica is efficient with everything that she does, very organized, and punctual. The most important factor is her reliability; I have personally watched her jump out of sleep in the middle of the night to help her staff. Monica also shows lots of compassion, kindness, and is fair toward all her team members and individuals on her caseload. They can depend on her and love having her around." 

-Raven

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which makes it a perfect time for this call to action from New York Disability Advocates.

You can click here for a template on how to call on lawmakers to increase funding in the state budget to support New Yorkers with disabilities.

A few short clicks is all it takes to make your voice heard!

New feature for Community Connections

Community Connections’ New Path group has launched a new series called “Just Like Me” where people in the Job Path community who also have disabilities share their experiences with the group. Job Path’s Russell Hill, who leads the Meditation Group, recently talked about his autism and ADHD diagnoses, how meditation and his martial arts practice have improved his life, and his strengths.

 “I’m persistent - I’m not easily deterred. I’m empathetic and I care.” -Russell Hill

In case you missed it ...

New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities has shared their 2025 Annual Report. You can click here to see a plain-language version.

March: 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.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Greek American History Month

Irish American History Month

Women's History Month

Staff Anniversaries

Special recognition to staff who celebrated their anniversary at Job Path in February.

Thank you for all of the contributions that you have made over the years in making Job Path successful.

Carolann Granata - 31 years

Sue McMillan - 21 years

Richard Hammerstein - 9 years

Dismary Acosta Hernandez - 3 years

Raven Lopez - 3 years

Amanda Winchester - 3 years

Christopher Brown - 2 years

Frank Zagottis - 2 years

Cansu Cabucak - 1 year

Winder Hernandez - 1 year

Koudjedji Coulibaly - 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.