As we welcome 2023 and celebrate the holidays,

we reflect on this past year in our

Support Services for Individuals with Disabilities (SSID) Programs.

We saw several changes in our Residential Program in 2022. We added new family members in our Woodcourt Road and Shamrock Lane homes, and we sold our Church Hill Drive house to purchase a more modern home that will allow us to welcome more members to our JCS family. The Residential Program has come a long way since the idea was born from community members 40 years ago in 1982. Some of our original residents still live with us!

Our Community Living Program expanded from providing services to individuals who receive Personal Supports funding to include individuals receiving funds for Supported Living, allowing participants to receive personalized care in their own home or apartment. This service model assists each participant in living with dignity, exercising as much independence as possible, and remaining connected to and active in their communities.

Our ESS (Employment Support Services) Program joined the SSID department to allow all individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities to receive services under one seamless team. Additionally, our ESS program has continued creating and offering a broad array of activities using both virtual and in-person platforms to hone the interpersonal, social, technical, independent living, and problem-solving skills of our participants. We've formed new partnerships with several volunteer organizations in the community and have continued to support participants on the job and create new employment opportunities for our participants.

We continue to be grateful to our participants, families, staff, community advocates, and supporters. We couldn’t have accomplished any of these without your support.

Wishing you all a happy, peaceful, and safe holiday season!

• CELEBRATIONS •

Gingerbread Competition!

The Residential and ESS teams held a friendly competition. Each team built holiday gingerbread houses and submitted pictures to the entire department. This was a wonderful team building activity and a terrific way to kick off the holiday season. Despite us naming it a competition, no winner could be chosen, and all participants won! The gingerbread houses were used as centerpieces at our Hanukkah Party.

Hanukkah Celebration

Individuals receiving services from the SSID Department of JCS joined the annual Hanukkah party. This celebration was a special occasion for everyone who attended. We had not celebrated together in person since pre-pandemic. Though we've been enjoying virtual gatherings over the years, this in-person get-together, filled with latkes, donuts, dreidels, and music, was the perfect kick-off to the holiday season.

• FROM THE DESK OF THE STAFF •

Why do I enjoy working at JCS?

By Dana Royster 

"I love my job because everyone shares the vision and is dedicated to the mission. JCS has been so rewarding to me because I know when I go to work as a DSP (Direct Support Professional), that I am forming relationships with people and helping them with their independence. I know I am making an impact in someone's life. It gives me great pleasure to help people overcome the challenges they face every day. It helps build self-confidence and a positive attitude within oneself.

I enjoy knowing that my empathy and compassion support others in their challenging times. A great employer understands you have other things to care about outside of work and JCS is a great place for flexibility. They always have great expectations of you. When you are facing challenges in your life, JCS staff is always willing to help. I feel like the whole workplace is positive and easy-going and that it is our utmost duty to allow people with unique abilities to experience a life they deserve."

• EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING •

New program!

JCS New Parent Orientation



JCS’ Support Services for Individuals with Disabilities (SSID) department held its first orientation for new parents/ caregivers of individuals receiving disability services with the agency. The orientation is developed to form a healthy partnership between families and the agency and to assist individuals and families to better understand the operational and programmatic procedures of each disability program’s service delivery model. It’s also to provide them with the agency’s expectations of individuals and caregivers as they play a key role in the agency’s ability to provide quality services. The new parent orientation will be offered quarterly, based on new admissions.

Save the dates!!! Upcoming events with more information to follow.

JDAIM Resource Fair

Jewish Community Services (JCS), in partnership with the Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance and The Associated, are hosting a resource fair on February 9th, 2023 for Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Community members, individuals, and families will be able to meet with representatives of various agencies who provide services and supports for individuals with disabilities. The list of participating community and state agencies includes, but is not limited to: JCS, Jewish Community Center (JCC), MACKs Center for Jewish Connections, Jewish Educational Services (CJE), Division of Rehabilitation Services, Behavioral Health Administration, Service Coordination Inc., Disability Rights Maryland, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County Public Schools. 

Intimacy in Relationships



Our Employment Support Services team will partner with JCS’s Prevention & Wellness team to present a series of programs on intimacy in relationships. This is an important topic for all adults, especially adults with disabilities because it is often not discussed. We’ll offer a series of two programs and the discussion will continue with loved ones during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). JDAIM takes place every February. Please be on the lookout for more information and how to register for our programs.

• THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON •

What do you like about the holidays?

By Beth Snyder

Meet Beth Snyder who receives both residential and ESS services through JCS. “During the holiday season, I like to send holiday cards and gift cards to everyone including staff, clients here, and family. I like to go out to lunch and dinner. I like to go holiday shopping to buy myself presents, client presents, and buy holiday cards and gift cards. I like to watch Christmas shows on TV. I like to light candles on Hanukkah plus to see Christmas trees and lights. I like to wish everyone Happy holidays on the phone.”

• JOIN OUR TEAM •

Our diverse team of professionals is dedicated to creating a community in which every person can achieve their highest quality of life and well-being. Are you looking for a rewarding career experience or know someone who is?

Check out open positions with JCS Support Services for Individuals with Disabilities (SSID) and Employment Support Services (ESS):

• Residential Direct Support Counselor (various shifts)
• Job Coach -- Part-Time (various shifts)
• Supported Living Direct Support Counselors

JCS hosts a walk-in Job Open House for Direct Support Professionals every Wednesday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at the JCS Park Heights office.

See all available Careers at JCS.

• STAFF'S KITCHEN •

Dana's Banana Pudding

Ingredients 

• 3 bananas 
• 1 box of Nilla Wafers 
• 2 boxes of Instant Vanilla pudding 
• 2 cups, whipped cream 
• 2 cups, milk



Instructions 

1. Prepare the pudding. Mix the pudding and 2 cups of cold milk in a medium bowl, continue mixing and add 2 cups of whipped cream. Mix. 
2. Peel and slice the bananas. Set aside.  
3. Place Nilla wafers in large bowl (save a few to decorate top); place bananas on top of wafers (save a small amount to decorate top). 
4. Spread the pudding mixture over top of the bananas. 
5. Place remaining wafers and bananas on top of pudding. 
6. Refrigerate for 4 hours. 
7. Enjoy the dessert!

Jewish Community Services (JCS) provides programs and services for people of all ages and backgrounds, helping them achieve their goals, enhance their wellbeing, and maximize their independence.

Our Support Services for Individuals with Disabilities offer a range of community-based services for individuals and their families including supported living, residential services, and employment support services.  

Our goal is to enable people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and participate as full members of their Jewish and general communities. We are dedicated to inclusion and ensuring everyone is able to live a dignified lifestyle with opportunities for growth, friendship, recreation, and choice. 

To stay up-to-date on JCS services, programs, and events, visit jcsbalt.org

and take a look at our Events Calendar.