Dena Kevelson

  The Wae Center has been honored with the invitation to participate in the upcoming Studio Montclair exhibition “Inspired by Quilts”.  The show was curated by Virginia S. Block, Jane Mitchell, and our very own Yvette Lucas.  The artwork created by our members is the result of a 2 ½ month long workshop; producing thirty-five 12”x12” panels that will be pieced together in a 7’x5’ quilt-like display on one wall.  The panels are imaginative, personal, and quite varied.   The show is presented in partnership with the Montclair History Center under the umbrella of Studio Montclair’s Virginia S. Block Community Partnership Exhibition Program. This exhibit will be on view at the Studio Montclair Gallery from September 5th to October 19th, […]

Power of the Spoken Word                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By:  John Skillin      As previously announced, part of today’s final hour was devoted to a traditional Wae Center farewell circle for RaQuasha of our staff.  This occasion drew a large assembly of both students and staff, many of whom came to the microphone to share their parting words.      Among those who spoke today were Yvette, Jarad, Kristen, Victoria M., Roberto, Jay, Teresa, Tamilah, Grace, Janet, Debbie, Ryan, David G., Erin, Mariam, Marquise, and Maria.    Yvette presented RaQuasha with two gifts and a card signed by many of the students whom she helped to achieve their goals.      Some were overcome with emotion as they spoke.  Because most of RaQuasha’s hours were assigned […]

It was a beautiful sunny day in late July for an excursion to view the Annual collaborative Art Exhibition with Matheny and the WAE Center.  Both organizations have thriving programs to enable individuals with disabilities to create fine art.  The artistic process is an undeniable source of empowerment for people with disabilities, and the exhibited work is a testament to the success of each of these programs.   The program is made possible in part by funds from the NJ State Council on the Arts/Department and a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.    

Emmanuel Offeh-Mensah’s open heart reaches beyond the walls of JSDD’s WAE Center into the community within which he surrounds himself. Employed here since 2015, the Center administration and staff feel fortunate to have a direct support professional of such caliber to work with and who can be counted on in any situation. Emmanuel is a true humanist as he sees the importance and value in every individual. He understands what goodness is and what being a good person really means as he supports the men and women of the WAE Center with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential. He demonstrates this by showing careful and thoughtful interest in each person, staff and client. The importance of being proactive with […]

The Pen Pal Club recently received one of the most unusual post cards. It was a picture from a castle located in Nanjiang Village, Hukeng Town, China. The  building is described as an “anti-seismic Hugh Castle”.  According to local legend, the building was once split apart by a powerful earthquake and “mystically” repaired itself afterwards.  Club members were excited to receive this unique post card.