Meet Our Family

“Davin’s always been really independent,” said mom Rhonda Golder. “He joined the church choir on his own when he was younger. He loves to sing and the guys in the choir treat him as one of their own.” Davin now lives independently with two housemates, and Jubilee direct support staff assist with daily living – including driving him to choir practice. “I was so happy when Jubilee asked me and my choir to sing,” said Davin. “It was a great feeling having my choir family sing with me for my Jubilee family.”

I was born in Germany in 1948, and I was a “blue baby”. I needed oxygen. The hospital didn’t give it to me. It caused permanent brain damage and mental health issues.

We moved to America for a better life when I was a kid. It wasn’t easy being me when I was young. After high school I lived in an institution for a while. My family came to visit me. They saw right away that the place was giving me way too much medicine. I hated it there, and I couldn’t function. My family brought me home.

My parents and my sister Deborah always looked out for me. I worked as a handyman helper on the family properties. I’m great with animals, and I took care of our pets too. I wanted to have more independence. I got my driver’s license, and I was really proud.
I thought about what I truly wanted, and that was to live on my own with my best friend Curtis. We met through our friend Pat who ran a social skills club for Jubilee. Jubilee helped me get government funding for support services, and they helped me and Curtis find a place of our own. I really liked that Jubilee worked hard to get us a place to live together, because that’s what I wanted. We lived together for decades. Would you believe I’ve been with Jubilee for more than 35 years.

A lot has changed over the years. I even got married! I met my beautiful Kate, and we fell in love. In 2009, we had a commitment ceremony. Kate and I just took our next big step together. We moved out of our longtime Jubilee group home, and into an apartment. It’s a little scary, but it’s also exciting. Our Jubilee counselor moved with us, and she’s helping us get used to our new place. Our new building has a big common space for activities, and we walk to free outdoor concerts nearby. I like to grill dinner for us, especially steaks and shrimp. I’m 73 years young, and this feisty old dog is still trying new things.

I’ve grown as a direct support professional since I joined Jubilee in 2017. I’m excited to keep learning. I’m a graduate of Jubilee’s DSP II program that teaches advanced job skills. When Jubilee first approached me about the One Job program, I wasn’t sure about putting all my eggs in one basket. In addition to Jubilee, I was working as a direct support professional (DSP) for another agency, and as a translator for the courts. Holding three jobs was stressful and tiring. I thought about how the program could reduce my stress, and that I could make a living working only one job.

Jubilee is my number one family in Maryland. So, I decided to go for it. I’m glad I did. Now I’m more able to focus on the people I support and there are less distractions on my time. I’m closer with them now. I’ve been encouraging one of the men I support to stop smoking cigarettes, and we recently had a breakthrough. Glory to God, he wants to quit and I’m helping him. It’s rewarding to know I’m making a positive difference in the lives of these men.

I’ve always liked to be independent and keep busy. I can’t see, but I don’t let that slow me down.

I’ve been with Jubilee for more than 15 years. I live in a great house with my friend Michaelis. Odunayo from Jubilee lives with us and helps me be on my own.

For 29 years I worked at the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission. I loved delivering the mail and being with all my friends on staff. I decided to retire during the pandemic. I turned 50 right at that time too. It was time for me to think about what comes next.

I met with the people at Jubilee, and they helped me think about what I want to do. It was really helpful. I want to go back to work, either paid or volunteer. I’m a people person, and I like being useful. We also talked about how I want to keep being active and healthy. I exercise with a trainer, and Odunayo helps me with the Jubilee fitness classes too. I have a great life. I can’t wait to see what comes next for me.

As told by Jubilee Program Manager Mary Amoji-Ogar

When I met Melissa fear and anxiety had taken over her life. She had a phobia about falling that led her to stop walking completely. Even using a wheelchair frightened her. She would crawl from place to place in the house. It was heartbreaking.

We wanted to help her get back to herself. I suggested Melissa attend a medical day program where she could get physical therapy and encouragement to walk. Jubilee support staff worked with Melissa’s sisters to cook foods to fit her new diet.

Melissa started to address her fears. She moved to a wheelchair, then to a walker, then with Jubilee staff close by, walking on her own. We encouraged her to run for an elected position on Jubilee’s Client Council. She campaigned hard and won!

It was a great feeling for all of us to see her start to enjoy life again. Now Melissa tells us “I’m happy I’m not in a wheelchair anymore.” Melissa got her confidence back. And with it, her ability to walk.

I’ve been a champion for people with developmental disabilities ever since my own son was born with a disability. Joining Jubilee as a direct support professional matched my passion.

I’m a big advocate for people doing exceptional things. Molly and I talked about her goals, and how I can help her achieve them. Molly shared that she wanted a volunteer job. First, we did some role play and then Molly worked on her conversation skills with shop owners in Kensington.
We struck gold at the Look Again Resale Shop. Molly asked if they had volunteer opportunities. Michel, the store manager, replied with “we’d love to have you, would you like to try for 15 minutes right now?” Molly started with writing down the prices of each item as Michel read them to her. She did so well Michel now gives her more challenging work.

Connecting Molly and Michel was a great feeling. I’m excited to see what Molly will achieve as we continue to work together.

As shared by Ben Apt. Featured right to left in photo with Steve Brent.

I was looking to do something meaningful when I moved to D.C. after law school. A friend connected me with Jubilee about volunteer opportunities. It was a natural fit for me. My first job out of college was at a group home for men with developmental disabilities, and I’d stayed active in the community, volunteering with the Massachusetts Human Rights Board.

Jubilee told me they might have a good opportunity for me to connect with someone who shared my love of the outdoors. That’s how I met Steve. I liked that they worked to make a match they thought would last. And they were right.

Steve and I have been in each other’s lives for more than a decade now. Our friendship grew naturally as we went on bike rides, to the county fair, and bowling. The D.C. auto show and horse show are annual highlights for us.

At this point, our families know each other, and Steve’s parents and siblings are so welcoming to me and my wife. When I first met Steve’s parents, they said to me, ‘you seem like a person who is going to stick.’ And I guess I’ve stuck.

The most moving part of our relationship for me is the long phone calls we have. Especially during the pandemic, they were a lifeline. We talk about everything. Worries, achievements, and everything in between. It’s been a real joy seeing Steve grow and mature in his personal and professional relationships over the years.

It’s my privilege to be his friend.

As told by Jubilee’s Aviva Bensimon

I met Margaret when she was 35. “What’s your dream,” I asked Margaret. “Let me help take you there.” She said she wanted her own place. A key to her own mailbox. Privacy. Purpose. A job. A place to go. People to meet. We set out to make her dreams come true.

Together we looked at apartments. Margaret had rescued a dog from Puerto Rico. Not all apartments allow dogs. We got Sweetie certified as Margaret’s emotional support dog. Other Jubilee staff helped Margaret apply for and receive a housing voucher. We found the ideal apartment for Margaret near parks to walk Sweetie, a bus stop, and stores.

Margaret and I worked on her resume. Margaret loves people, kids, and pets. If you have a heartbeat, Margaret will love working with you. Margaret spent some time training at Sunflower Bakery. Her next dream is to get a job in a retail shop helping customers.

“I like all the people who work at Jubilee,” Margaret says. “They help me out with the supports I need to live independently. Like grocery shopping and budgeting. Now I know to look at the unit prices in the grocery store and use coupons to save money.”

“We were always told, the best thing we could do for Eli is help him live on his own by 25,” confided mom Mary Ann. “So our family always had that as our goal, and it was what he wanted.” At the family home, there’s a poster with goals to achieve for independent living. “It’s a big transition. Getting services outside the home requires a lot of effort and concentration.” 

When Eli began working with Jubilee in 2016, his support staff would come to the house and help Eli work on life skills to help him prepare to live on his own. Together, they practiced laundry, traveling on metro, going to the movies, the mall and to ArtStream.  

With Jubilee’s support, Eli met his goal and moved to his own apartment when he was 25. Eli and his family were so proud he achieved this big goal after so much hard work. But Eli felt isolated in his first apartment. “I didn’t have friends living nearby,” said Eli. His Jubilee program manager suggested that Eli apply for an apartment at Main Street Apartments. This brand-new apartment building in Rockville was created with inclusion in mind.  

“I didn’t think Eli would get into Main Street,” said Mary Ann. “They had a lot of applicants, but Jubilee encouraged us to apply.” Eli moved to a bright and spacious two-bedroom apartment in the summer of 2020. He’s looking forward to getting a roommate soon. “I have actual friends here,” Eli said with a smile. “I go to events like the Superhero Club, I eat at the café, and I go on the outdoor walks they sponsor.” Eli also works on his health goals at Main Street, working out at the on-site gym. “My son is so much happier being independent. Jubilee helped give us the confidence that Eli was ready to live on his own.” 

James’ mom Margie shares how he found his “golden moment” with Jubilee

I knew right away something wasn’t right. My beautiful new baby just didn’t behave like most babies do. And he never, ever slept through the night. But oh, we loved him so!

School was hard for James. When he needed help, he got punished and labeled as a bad kid. We found a program at a private school. But he needed someone with him all through the day, and that was very expensive. So I took a job at the school – in addition to my other jobs. Between my three jobs, I worked 70-hour weeks. What wouldn’t you do for your child? 

We were so proud when James graduated in 2008 at the age of 18 with a full diploma. Our young man had graduated. He wanted to be independent and on his own. But he still needed a great deal of support. 

You could say our James has issues. But I’d tell you simply that James is complex. We sometimes call him “Attila the honey.”

Programs to support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are hard to find – and harder to afford. And it’s just not right – someone’s life shouldn’t be discounted because they need a little help.

James came back home to live with us. But he fought with us, so fiercely that I had to call the police a few times. Those calls, however, meant he was finally able to apply for the support he so urgently needed.

With approval from the state, James was accepted into another agency to receive support services. But as I said, our James is complex. This agency didn’t know how to care for and support him. James was abused there. One day, they called the police. My James was removed in handcuffs and sent to a mental hospital. Handcuffs!

The hospital said nothing was wrong with him and released him to our care again. At that time, I was also caring for my father, who was dying. You can imagine the emotion and stress.

The whole experience traumatized our son. And that should never happen.

People with developmental disabilities are people. James has his own thoughts and feelings. He just needs some help to be his best self. 

Jubilee offers that kind of support. James says, “When I got into Jubilee, that was a golden moment.”

We’re so glad to have found Jubilee. 

Jubilee believes people should have control over their own lives. Disability shouldn’t mean someone doesn’t have choices.

At Jubilee, people choose where they want to live and whom they live with. Jubilee works hard to help people develop a community of their own. The goal is to provide what people need to live full, rich lives.

And I can tell you, that’s what Jubilee has meant to our son. James has gone from needing an advocate to being one. He saw first-hand why people need someone to stand up for them. He told me, “I help people help themselves. Then they can help others.”

Thanks to the dedication of the people at Jubilee, James has a full life and makes his own choices. He’s an artist and a filmmaker and works in a local bookstore. No mother could ask for more.

Before joining Jubilee, Candace lived with her grandma. She really liked living with her, but grandma got sick and she couldn’t live with her anymore. Her aunt helped her connect with Jubilee, so that Candace could have more independence but still be supported in her day to day life. Candace is nuts about her roommate Pat because they both like to watch wrestling. She really enjoys her job at Safeway, which Jubilee helped her get. She’s proud that she helps keep the store tidy by collecting hand baskets and putting grocery items back on the shelf. There’s a Starbucks in the Safeway, and Candace likes to treat herself to the pumpkin spice latte! Candace loves ice skating and that her Jubilee counselor takes her to the rink. She’s looking forward to taking acting lessons in the future.

“Jubilee is a wonderful place to be. They do wonderful things. I have a wonderful life.”

Frank and Francesca always believed in a bright and inclusive future for their beloved son Alex. In the early years their vision for Alex focused on education and socialization. As he matured into a young man that vision grew to include housing and employment. They needed support to achieve Alex’s desire to have his own apartment now and into the future. They searched for the right fit for Alex and found Jubilee. “We’re grateful to Jubilee, they are good partners,” said Frank.

Alex graduated high school and the transition program that teaches life skills. Today he’s a valued employee at Giant Food. He bags groceries and always has a smile for the customers. Alex also has a second job at a Catholic school in the city as a teaching aide, which he loves. He commutes to work on the metro. Alex has confidence and the right foundation to be independent. “As a parent, you have to be willing to take risks. It’s wonderful to see Alex spread his wings,” Francesca says with a smile.

“I’m a people person,” Brandon Bell admits happily with a bright smile on his face and laughter bubbling up right behind. “When I first met Brian, David and Jerry, I felt like we would connect and it would all work out.” Five years later, the four men are a tight unit, sharing meals together, talking late into the night, and supporting each other as housemates.

Back in the early days of the relationship when Brandon started as a live-in direct support professional for Jubilee, he would take notes like a journalist to keep up with the three men’s busy schedules. There were challenges to overcome, like gaining each other’s trust and taking the time to build respect and friendship. The men’s strong connection was evident when Brandon was able to help Jerry resolve medication issues that were impacting his daily life. “I knew something was affecting Jerry’s behavior and mood, but he wasn’t able to share how he felt with the doctor,” said Brandon. Through Brandon’s advocacy with the physician, Jerry’s medications were decreased, which made a tangible improvement in his daily life.

“Support works both ways though,” reflects Brandon as he thinks about their relationship. “I wake up every day and experience genuine love and mutual support. We are truly like a family. We spend time with each other’s families, and they have given me a sense of belonging and acceptance.” Brandon now also has a position on Jubilee’s human resources team as a talent acquisition manager, and he applies the lessons he learned to make matches that last between the people Jubilee supports and new staff. “They chose me. They are my heart, and they are why I’m so passionate about the work I do with Jubilee.”

“David is following his dream here. We’re just really grateful to Jubilee.”

– Chess Campbell, Grandmother

“When I started working at Jubilee’s St. Peter’s house, I felt love pouring out to me unconditionally from the women who lived there and the other staff. My time there as a residential counselor truly started me on my journey in this field,” says Mary about her early days at Jubilee. Over time, Mary rose from a part-time on-call staffer to a full-time residential counselor and now to program manager. She oversees approximately 30 staff who support 20 people receiving support from Jubilee. She is a joyful and attentive manager who prides herself on her close relationships with her staff, the people we support and their families. She is empathetic and caring to all. One of her guiding mantras is to whom much is given, much is expected. She shares that “Jubilee has given me so much, and so I love giving back to my Jubilee family.”

Stanley found Jubilee’s request for virtual volunteers on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website. He and his mom Debbie brainstormed the idea of a weekly virtual sign language class for Jubilee. They taught the alphabet, proper names and how to ask questions. “It’s been very rewarding,” says Stanley. “It’s great to see how eager everyone is to learn. It’s something we can do to give back right through the computer” added Debbie.

The Maryknights, along with the local Knights of Columbus, Fr. Rosensteel Council are longstanding Jubilee friends and volunteers. They have strong relationships at St. John’s House and plant flowers, cut the grass and cook dinners. “St. John’s House is close to our hearts and our parish,” says Maryknights president Margie Cuff. The Maryknights helped support Jubilee during the pandemic with a generous donation to our COVID-19 Relief fund. They also ran a a meal train and sewed cloth masks which they donated to Jubilee.