September, 2026

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

so we are all on this path together.

A career path leads up and up

About 18 years ago, Ben H. started a job doing clerical work for an accountant who had a small office near Grand Central. 

That firm later became part of another firm, where Ben continued in his role. Three years ago, the firm joined Citrin Cooperman, which provides tax, accounting, and advisory services through more than 30 offices and more than 3,500 professionals. When Ben first went from the small firm to the next firm, he says it was definitely a challenge.

“There was a moment I worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle it - it was scary,” he says. “But as I kept learning more, it got easier.”

Through all of Ben's career transitions, he had Job Path support by his side. Natasha Donegan, his current job coach, thinks Ben has been successful with so many different people and situations because he's observant, friendly, and engaging.

"He has this aura about him - he's really drawn to people," she says.

Today Ben's work continues to focus on clerical support duties, and he says that mailing and package services are his favorite tasks.

When asked about the best part of his job, Ben has a quick answer: “I think it’s working with my team members.”

“He is a real team player,” adds Office Director Stacey Trocheck. 

“I enjoy it,” Ben says. “I’m happy. I like working with Stacey and my team.”

Stacey Trocheck has supervised Ben for three years and says his biggest strengths are his motivation and dedication 

“I think it’s his approach to everything,” she says. “He’s always willing and happy to learn something new, and that’s so incredibly important.”

Deadline extended for JP @ The Mets

We’re thrilled to say that Job Path has secured a block of FREE tickets to the Mets vs. Phillies game on Sept. 17 at 7:15 p.m. so we are inviting you - our valued community - for a Job Path Night at the Ballpark!

This Job Path Community Event is designed to bring together people from all parts of our community and allow participants and those closest to them in their families - parents, siblings, etc. - a chance to find togetherness in their shared journeys. 

For Job Path participants and families: Please note that Job Path staff will not be providing social support during the game or transportation arrangements to and from the game.

For questions email Jen Hughes at jhughes@jobpathnyc.org.

After you register we will follow up with all information on how you will access your tickets, arrival and transportation, and other important details. 

Please note that tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you RSVP, please be able to commit to attending as no-shows will remove Job Path from future ticket eligibility.

Three chances this month to see JP's improv show

The Zakaa Rollers Sketch Comedy Show aims to amplify marginalized voices, uplift the disabled, de-stigmatize developmental disabilities, and foster a deeper understanding within the community through the shared language of comedy. Artwork a joint project between Job Path's Art and Improv groups.

Sat. Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

Balance Arts Center, Karl Kemp Theater, 151 W 30th St

Click here to RSVP

Wed. Sept. 23 at 2 p.m.

Balance Arts Center, Karl Kemp Theater, 151 W 30th St

Click here to RSVP

Sat. Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.

Magnet Theater, 254 W 29th St, New York, NY

Click here to RSVP

This month I want to reserve this space for Direct Support Professionals Week, which is held annually the second week of September. Job Path DSPs are the lifeblood of this work, and we are grateful for them every day!

Direct Support Professional

Appreciation Week is coming soon

As we mark Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week (Sept. 14-19) we wanted to show what makes our DSPs so special, so we asked the people who know them best: Job Path participants. Here’s one of their stories. 

Maria Mercado and Jacob W.

Self-Direction Program

Salsa lessons, museums, restaurants, karaoke. The Museum of Ice Cream, movies, holiday parties. Jacob W. and Self Direction DSP Maria Mercado have held quite a packed schedule since they started working together in 2022. He says he loves that she’s always up for an adventure.  

“Maria guides me with scheduling and engaging in fun activities,” Jacob says. “In addition, she is kind, and one of my role models because she handles situations well and she’s caring, resilient, and also she’s someone I can share a meal and my feelings with.” 

Photos thanks to Jacob W.



When asked what he appreciates most about Maria, Jacob breaks into song, quoting the famous line from the musical West Side Story - “Maria/I’ll never stop saying Maria,” before adding: “Her empathy, her kindness, and also we understand each other.”

We’ll be sharing more DSP profile stories on social media this month as well as in the October issue of the newsletter. 

Every week, we're sharing more stories like these

on our social media platforms.

Please follow, like, and share!

Help us recognize our DSPs

Two important parts of Job Path's Strategic Plan are to increase opportunities to: 

-Listen to our community of families

-Recognize our staff’s hard work

We want to hear from you about the Direct Support Professionals in your life who have made a difference. Let us know about good news to share about a Job Path DSP -- Thank you!

A Job Path summer tradition

Job Path held our annual summer picnic earlier this month, and this year we centered activities around our agency’s theme of GUAC - Growth, Unity, Accessibility, and Community.

"Growth” was featured with a cup stacking game.

“Unity” through a relay race with players balancing a ball on a spoon.

“Accessibility” came through a game where one group acted out a work of art from a book of images, and another group had to guess which one was being portrayed.

We gathered for “Community” with an epic dance party.

There was also a chance for food and trophies at the end. It was the highlight of a great summer here at Job Path!

September: 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.

Hispanic Heritage Month

DSP Appreciation Week - Sept. 14-19

Staff Anniversaries

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

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

Hiram De Jesus - 15 years

Robert Sheridan - 15 years

Marvin George - 14 years

Cerezmy Salcido - 14 years

Tisa French - 11 years

Michael Anne Catelinet - 10 yrs

Jasmine Graham - 9 years

Jasmine Johnson - 8 years

Elizabeth Beaubrun - 8 years

Demitris Marcano - 7 years

Georgette Griffiths - 6 years

Nicholas Luckenbaugh - 5 years

Elizabeth Williams - 4 years

Valerie Wang - 4 years

Sakima Aguilar - 3 years

Vanessa Palhinhas - 3 years

Amoy Brown - 3 years

Anson Chan - 3 years

Dalia Nieto - 3 years

Courtney King - 2 years

Anna Witiuk - 2 years

Drew Quinto - 2 years

Sincere Devlin - 2 years

Stephanie Archibald - 1 year

Peter Coleman - 1 year

Elisa Fernandez-Arias - 1 year

Keymaura Landin - 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.