This fall, family, friends, staff, and board members gathered in Livingston to celebrate a truly special milestone — the 25th anniversary of one of JSDD’s cherished group homes, a residence that has been home to four remarkable women for a quarter of a century.
The home opened its doors 25 years ago to Marci, Kari, and Dina, three women who have shared not only a house, but a life built on friendship, support, and community. A few years later, Yael joined the household, completing the circle. Though Yael was away celebrating the holidays with her family, her presence was felt through stories, laughter, and the shared memories of many happy years together.
The celebration was filled with love and reflection. Dina’s mother, Ellen, shared the story of how the home came to be — a dream that began decades ago when she and Kari’s mom, Ethel, first met as young mothers. From the time their daughters were babies, the two women envisioned a future where Kari and Dina could live together in a nurturing, inclusive environment.
That dream began to take shape when Ellen started searching for the perfect home. With patience and persistence — and the help of dedicated realtors — she eventually found a beautiful house right in Livingston, the very town where the girls had grown up. It felt like destiny. The home was funded generously by Dena’s grandmother Reba Pressman.
Ellen and Ethel approached JSDD to operate the home, and together they created not just a residence, but a true home — one filled with warmth, opportunity, and belonging. Since then, all four women have thrived. Dina, Kari, and Yael are active members of JSDD’s WAE Center, where they have grown into talented artists, expressing themselves creatively and contributing to the vibrant arts community. Marci has built a meaningful career as a teacher’s aide at Arrow Academy inspiring students and colleagues alike.
As guests gathered to celebrate the 25-year milestone, laughter and joy filled the air. Stories were shared, memories revisited, and new ones made. The event was a testament not only to the women who call the house home, but to the families, staff, and community members who have supported and believed in the power of shared dreams.
For 25 years, this home has stood as a testament of what’s possible when vision, love, and partnership come together — a place where independence is nurtured, creativity flourishes, and lifelong friendships continue to grow.
Here’s to the next 25 years of laughter, art, achievement, and home.