What is a JSDD group home or supervised apartment?
JSDD's kosher group homes and supervised apartment are special places. From the outside, they look the same as every other home in the neighborhood. Each morning, residents leave for work; each evening they return. What's different here is that adults with developmental disabilities are the families who call these houses "home".

Who are the people who live in a JSDD residence?
People who live in JSDD residences have unique abilities and disabilities. They have strengths and weaknesses, hopes and dreams. Just as important, each is an individual with the capacity to learn, develop and experience a wide range of emotions. Like most people, they want to be liked, and they want to participate in their communities as fully as possible. The residential program teaches daily living skills and helps them to succeed.

How are the homes different from any other home?
Inside our homes, everything has been organized to ensure the resident's safety and well-being. 24-hour staffing is provided at the group homes to provide individuals with the support and supervision that they need to live within the community successfully.

What do the people who live in the homes do all day?
During the week, residents go to work, attend a day program or experience individualized community programs. Everyone joins in the planning for evening and weekend activities as well as holiday celebrations and vacations.

Where are the homes located?
JSDD residences are located in four different communities throughout Essex and Union County. The men and women utilize public libraries, shop in local stores and eat in local restaurants in the towns in which they live. Involvement in local community block parties, street fairs and cultural activities is included in daily life.

How will I be able to identify a JSDD home in my neighborhood?
You will not be able to identify anything different about the home in your community. JSDD homes are well maintained consistent with the neighborhoods in which they are located.

How is someone selected to live in one of the homes operated by JSDD?
The homes are licensed by the state of NJ and are funded through the state of NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). All of the individuals living in the homes are referred by DDD. Individuals may be offered a choice of homes that meet their needs and preferences when they become eligible for placement.