JSDD News

Hagit Oren, JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator went to one of the many group homes to help celebrate Shabbat with the members and staff. When Hagit comes into the home everyone is enthusiastic to see her and the members look forward to hearing her heartwarming stories about Shabbat. Hagit assists in arranging a beautiful table for the Shabbat meal by laying out the tablecloth and arranging fresh flowers in a vase for the middle of the table and bringing out the kiddush cup.  A delicious Shabbat meal is cooking in the kitchen by the marvelous JSDD staff and Hagit then has the members help in reciting the prayers for lighting the candles, making kiddush and saying the Hamotzi over the challah. This […]

WAE Center members collected food items during the month of December.  WAE members Erik, Janet, Victoria, Roberto with staff member Mark  then took a trip to  Temple Oheb Shalom in South Orange, New Jersey to make the donation. The food will then go to the Bobrow Kosher Food Pantry to help families in need.    Oheb Shalom Congregation sent a meaningful thank you note to the WAE Center for their contribution.

The Spark Within   JSDD’s WAE Center is a holistic, creative and expressive arts learning center for people with disabilities, dedicated to Finding the Spark Within.  Focusing on the abilities and desires of everyone, the WAE Center embraces humanistic principles to guide members in building a greater capacity for a full and rich life. This exhibit features the work of 12 members who are born artists. The work created in our studio is self-directed.  Facilitators are on hand to assist each artist in complete neutrality in realizing their goal for each piece of work undertaken.   Represented here ranges from the most “simplistic” line drawing to complex architectural explorations. Daniel M. creates with text and subtext, always drawing on his expansive […]

It was a cold and snowy night in December, but that did not keep the WAE Center Staff from coming out and celebrating together for the holidays.  The work that is done by these individuals is important and complicated, and very much valued.  It was great to see everyone able to relax and enjoy their time with their peers and friends.    

Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator visited with the group home and enjoyed celebrating Shabbat together!