Newsletter for the JESPY Community

Special 2025 Edition 

STRIVING FOR SUCCESS

JESPY House recently collaborated with Landmark Hospitality/Art of Hospitality Workers Alliance to offer Pathways to Success to JESPY clients. Pathways to Success is a 12-week training program that includes education in the culinary arts as well as a ServSafe certification, a food safety training and certification that assists food service workers in complying with FDA food safety laws.

The Pathways to Success program is designed to address gaps in employment opportunities and the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). In addition to ServSafe training, JESPY’s client participants receive Job Placement and/or Job Coaching, Soft Skills Training, and Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Wrap-Around Services including case management.

JESPY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY

Black History Month, which takes place during the month of February, started as a way to celebrate African American culture and the contributions of inventors, and political and social figures. Initially a week-long celebration that began in 1926, Black History Month became a month-long observance in 1970.

Clients in JESPY’s Day Habilitation program participated in several Black History Month activities, learning about African American writers, musicians, and inventors. They traveled, as well, to the Newark Museum to tour the ‘African American Artist’ collection. Clients in JESPY’s Engagement & Enrichment program viewed a series of African American films and took part in an art group (shown right) inspired by Gee’s Bend quilts. Known because of their creative designs and bold colors, Gee’s Bend quilts are a traditional style of quilting that began in the 19th century in Gee’s Bend, Alabama.

JEWISH LEARNING

Rebecca Wanatick, Director of Disability Inclusion & Belonging and Ilyse Shainbrown, Director of Holocaust Education at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ will continue their Jewish Learning Sessions at JESPY during the month of March. Clients will participate in the informative workshops ‘Holocaust Story Files’ and ‘Combating Antisemitism’.

In February, the workshop 'Israel Updates & Education' (shown top right) was conducted by Maya Lior, the Senior Community Shlicha at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.

OH BABY!!

Congratulations to JESPY’s Manager of Residential Services, Michelle Rampersant-Faulk and her husband Corry on the recent birth of their beautiful baby girl Brooklynn Jade.

CELEBRATING PURIM

Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of Jewish people from near eradication and the heroism of Queen Esther. Generally, celebrants attend festivals, dress up in costumes, and give gift baskets to friends during the holiday. Purim will be celebrated at JESPY on March 14th, with a gathering and activities that will provide a great way for JESPY clients to socialize and build community. While celebrating Purim, clients will also celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which also takes place during the month of March. They will gather with a dinner, music, and dancing that will provide a great way for JESPY clients to socialize and build community.

FALLS PREVENTION

Falls are the leading cause of injuries for aging adults. To aid with prevention for JESPY clients, Alissa Percoval, an Occupational Therapist at RWJ Barnabas Health - Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, recently presented a workshop that provided helpful tips for avoiding falls. During the interactive discussion, clients learned about physical, environmental, and behavioral risk factors associated with falls; things that can make an individual more likely to fall; tips for a safe home environment; and the importance of exercise.

Upcoming Cooperman Barnabas presentations at JESPY include ‘Get Your Heart Into It’.

CROSSING GUARD APPRECIATION

Communities across the country have come to recognize the essential role crossing guards play in keeping pedestrians safe. This year, for the second consecutive year, JESPY will host a Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast for the crossing guards in South Orange and Maplewood on March 4^th to celebrate their valued contributions.

The event will be held in conjunction with South Orange Walk Bike Ride and the South Orange and Maplewood Police Departments. JESPY Community Outreach Supervisor Tara Roberts is an active member of Walk Bike Ride and plays a central role in organizing this year's event.

In addition to the SOMA crossing guards, anticipated attendees include South Orange and Maplewood police and government officials, as well as representatives of JESPY, JESPY clients, and members of the South Orange Walk Bike Ride Committee including its Chair, Julia Flath. 

Sonny’s Bagels of South Orange is donating a delicious bagels breakfast and special gifts will be provided to the crossing guards by the police departments and 7-Eleven in South Orange. Crossing guards will also receive thoughtful cards of appreciation made by JESPY clients and elementary school children.

JESPY CLIENT CORNER

Client Jill T., shown left, was recently a featured artist (photographer) in JESPY's Engagement & Enrichment Program. She sold several of her photographs during a client event. Shown right: Day Program client Elon A. created a beautiful piece of floral art.

Clients on the JESPY bowling team recently participated in the Special Olympics NJ's Essex County Bowling tournament, winning individual and team medals. Congratulations!

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Audrey Winkler

Executive Director

 Please visit us at www.jespy.org

for more information about JESPY House services.