WAE Center News

  Objective The creation of a Fiber Arts program at the WAE Center is underway. We have had a history of working with fiber by hosting weaving, quilting, sewing, dyeing, knitting and crochet classes for the past several years. Recently, with the gift of a floor loom, The WAE Center has received the push to grow and develop this substantial and enriching program for our members. Benefits The art of weaving has long been acknowledged to have therapeutic and creative benefits. Hand/eye coordination, focusing, problem-solving, sequencing, and creative thinking are just some of the prevocational skills infused into this practice.  Weaving is a quiet, calming activity in which our members can develop and express their creative ideas. A Gift of […]

Written by: Ellen and Sam Weinstock for Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month.  February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) when Jewish organizations join to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. In recognition of JDAIM, we want to spotlight how JSDD’s WAE Center fulfills this mission and has opened many doors for our son, Steven. Think back to the early days of the COVID pandemic when you were socially isolated. These were tough times, and they give one an opportunity to understand what life is like for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.   People with special needs are often physically and socially isolated from their communities. We had long been searching for […]

Story By Jessica Goldstein Name: Yvette Lucas   Title: Manager of Pre-vocational Arts   How long have you been with JSDD? More than 9 years   Was this the position you started in? No, I started as program coordinator of WAE Beyond, an evening program with a series of workshops offered our members and to the general community. Later, I was asked to manage another program with prevocational classes called “Workability” which took place during the day. The vision for the program was to provide members with opportunities to learn pre-vocational skills in specialized art-based classes. The first offering was a painting class.  From there, it grew to include product design, printmaking, fiber arts, jewelry, weaving, and other classes.  As […]

One week ago today, the LGBTQ+ WAE group gathered for the first meeting of 2022.  On the agenda was: A discussion about Martin Luther King Day, voting rights and equal rights.  Ultimately the group decided to write a letter to congress expressing their thoughts and observations about the current issues impacting Americans.  Writing the letter was primarily an exercise that fueled a very engaged discussion amongst everyone present. This group gathers to learn and listen to one another and share their life experiences in ways both similar and different.  The group fosters camaraderie, fun and the sharing of ideas big and small. LGBTQ+ WAE meets the third Tuesday of each month, at 7pm via Zoom.  The group is open and […]

Writing Credit: Teddi Dolph, JSDD Board Member, November 2021 Every time I walk into the new JSDD/WAE Center building I am awe struck.  I can’t believe this gorgeous new space is where the staff and clients of JSDD and the WAE Center will now be able to go each day.  The space is filled with light, hope and inspiration; everyone coming through the doors feels it.             It is with these feelings that I started the task of hanging the artwork of the Wae artists throughout the building.  The artists of the Wae Center have been doing amazing work for years.  Finally, they have a place where their work can shine and get the recognition it deserves.  There is now […]