In celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Millburn Group Home and the 20th Anniversary of the WAE (Wellness, Arts & Enrichment) Center along with all that came before and since, we can trace the successes of JSDD back to the challenges of providing high quality services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The journey includes seizing opportunities as they arise and overcoming obstacles. It has not always been easy, but then what worthy endeavor comes without angst, missteps, and lessons learned along the way?
The long transformation from supporting six (6) men and women in one home to arrive where JSDD is today has been the source of the agency’s strength and resilience.
Today:
- JSDD supports sixty (60) people in sixteen (16) homes in Essex and Morris Counties with 24-hour/day supervision and assistance to live as independently and participate as fully in the community as possible
- The WAE Center enriches the lives of more than 65 people per day through continuing education classes and a focus on learning, the arts, friendship, and building self-esteem
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies provide essential support to maintaining functional, strength & communication skills
- Life, Home, Tech enabling technology enhances the individual’s ability to be more independent in their homes and community
- Heidi Gallery is an inclusive art space that brings the community together through arts education, performances and visual art experiences
- The agency’s new building has provided a permanent home and space within which to conduct our work
Every step, each new home, program and service has been a challenge met by the Board of Trustees in conjunction with a professional staff that is second to none. One of our most recent e-blasts boasted the longevity of four (4) of JSDD’s more than 200 employees. Each year, one of the highlights of the agency’s staff holiday party for me is recognizing the tenure of the many people who make a difference through their work in serving our residents, WAE Center members, and others in the community.
The agency’s Board of Trustees can also boast a longevity of commitment that is key to the strength of JSDD. The members’ advocacy, dedication, and work to benefit the individuals and their families in need of our services is notable. There are many who continued to be involved who worked to establish the Millburn home 35 years ago as a committee of United Jewish Federation and who were instrumental in JSDD becoming an independent agency.
Many of these dedicated Board members have enlisted you to become supporters of our work as well.
To all of you who have joined us to face the challenges, embrace the opportunities and celebrate successes, THANK YOU!
2025 promises to be filled with similar challenges, opportunities, and successes. We are grateful to have you all along for the ride.
B’shalom,
Linda Press, Executive Director
