JSDD News

Getting to Know: Micaela Camacho- Tenreiro

Getting to Know… Micaela Camacho- Tenreiro Micaela Camacho- Tenreiro is a LGBTQ+ Coordinator/Facilitator and has been working since January 2024. Their first memory of JSDD was a wonderful conversation about how best they can facilitate and work with people with IDD. Read more about Micaela Camacho- Tenreiro and their experience at JSDD.
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Celebrating Shabbat Together: A Monthly Gathering for JSDD Residents

Earlier this year, JSDD residents began coming together once a month to celebrate Shabbat in person. The joy of community and tradition is palpable each month as the participants gather to welcome Shabbat in person. The evening begins with blessings over the candles, challah, and grape juice, setting a serene and spiritual tone for welcoming Shabbat.
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Michelle Johnson with her well-earned CARES award

Celebrating Excellence: Michelle Johnson wins CARES Award

Michelle Johnson, JSDD Senior Manager has recently been honored with the CARES award for her exceptional contributions to JSDD. The CARES Award for Professional Excellence is awarded from Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, NJ to honor staff that support older adults in our community. This recognition comes as no surprise to those who have had the privilege of witnessing Michelle's unwavering commitment to excellence and compassion.
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2024 JSDD Legacy Cocktail Reception & Annual Meeting

JSDD was delighted for donor’s generous support and presence at our recent Goodman Perwien Legacy Society (GPLS) Cocktail Reception and Annual Meeting. The GPLS Reception, held on June 5th, was a resounding success. We were able to bring together a vibrant community of supporters in a celebration of our shared achievements and future aspirations.
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A Day to Remember

Saturday March 10th was a day that residents and members had looked forward to and they were not disappointed! It was the day of the Prom, JSDD’s 2nd Annual Event full of glamour, dance, camaraderie and song.
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Flower Photo by WAE Artist, Mark L.

Springtime – Executive Director’s Message

JSDD is always looking forward to the arrival of spring, and still this was a very busy winter. The expansion of residential opportunities which will support ten (10) additional men and women is just one of the newest agency highlights. This new supervised apartment project in West Orange is the result of the collaboration for which we honored developer, Rocco Varma at JSDD’s Annual Gala in November 2023.
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Getting to Know…Susan Nasberg-Abrams

Getting to Know… Susan Nasberg-Abrams Susan Nasberg-Abrams is a JSDD: Life | Home | Tech Project Coordinator and has been working for 6 months now. Her first impression was that the JSDD building was so bright and full of beautiful, creative art. She never thought that at a place of business, she would hear laughter and see smiles all day long. Read more about Susan Nasberg-Abrams and her experience at JSDD.
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What is it to “Serve” Another?

This past month, I had the privilege of addressing the members of Congregation Agudath Israel during their celebration of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). The invitation arose from our connection with two active families from the WAE Center, who are also congregants of the synagogue, the Elmowitz and Solomon families. Aided by the invaluable support of congregant Ann Leeb and Susan Werk, we collectively decided that the topic of my address would be diversity and inclusion, specifically focusing on the distinction between "serving" and "helping."
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