JSDD News

The WAE Center is fortunate having Emmanuel M. on the team of exceptional direct support professional.   Emmanuel is focused and dedicated and always has a smile on his face.  The compassion he shows daily to the members of the WAE Center shines brightly.  He has taken his compassion to the next level and has begun driving a few WAE Center members to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, in Hillside.  The volunteer program there offers individuals the ability to make a direct impact on hunger in a positive and safe environment.  Emmanuel along with WAE Center members assisted in bagging and labeling pasta that will be given out to those in need. It is the wish of Emmanuel to cultivate […]

Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator held the Sunday Chavurah class and the lesson  she taught was about the Jewish holiday of    Tu’ B’Shevat.  This holiday occurs on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. It is known as the “New Year of Trees”.  In contemporary Israel the day is celebrated as an ecological awareness day and trees are planted in celebration. The participants of the class cut up the various pieces of fruit and made unique designs, which are proudly on display in the photos below.  Hagit asked the group if they were to be a tree, what kind of tree would you be?  The overwhelming response was a Palm Tree!

  Written by Linda Press, Executive Director The first home opened in 1989 in MetroWest for 6 men and women to live as independently as possible in the community. In the 30 years since, JSDD has grown to support more than 40 people in 12 homes in Essex and Morris Counties. While many of the people in our homes move in as young adults, as you can imagine, after 30 years, we have had the opportunity to celebrate many milestones.   Happy Birthday, Jay We are so pleased that after nearly 20 years as a JSDD resident, we are celebrating Jay’s 70th birthday.  Jay continues to keep us all informed of current events, is an avid Yankee fan, has become […]

We shared a lovely visit to B’nai Jeshurun, Rosalind & Alfred Lippman Gallery in Livingston, this past week to see the WAE Center Group Show, “Find the Spark Within”.  The exhibit is on display now through February 16th (please call in advance to set up a visit during normal business hours: 973.379.1555   ).  It is always wonderful to give the artists an opportunity to see their work on display and the Temple has presented the work beautifully; giving each artist a large panel in their gallery, highlighting their work.  The members got to interact with each other, sharing their work.  11 artists are featured; exhibiting a wide variety of styles. 

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 […]