Latest News

In Memoriam: James L’Heureux

It is with heavy hearts that we share that James L’Heureux passed away after a sudden illness. James joined the Jubilee community in 2009, building close friendships with many in our community and especially with his long-time housemates Anthony Pedone and Stephen Roldan. “James was among the kindest and friendliest people I’ve ever met. To be with him was to… Read More »

Jubilee Launches New Program Services Leadership Position

Ensuring High Quality Services with Increased Support for Frontline Staff As Jubilee continues to grow, we are envisioning new ways to sustain our positive work culture and ensure high-quality services for the people Jubilee serves. Today, we’re announcing a new role, Service Team Lead, to better support our frontline direct support professionals (DSPs) in their roles helping adults with disabilities… Read More »

You Can Advocate for People with Disabilities

Join Jubilee in raising your voice today to advocate for people with disabilities. Maryland’s state legislature is in session now to make budget decisions that impact disability services. For the first time in a decade, there is no mandated increase to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget. Without an increase, support staff will not receive raises that keep up with… Read More »

Valentine’s Day Prom February 17

Our popular Valentine’s party is back this year on February 17 at St. Mark’s Church. Whether you’re attending solo, with friends/family, or a partner, this event is sure to be a blast with dinner and dancing for all. This year, we’re adding a twist! Your newly elected Activity Planning Committee chose a theme: Valentine’s Day Prom! Whether you went to… Read More »

New Years Greetings

By Steve Keener, Jubilee Executive Director As we ring in 2024, I wish you a new year filled with community that brings you joy, purpose, and belonging. I’m honored to lead an organization that truly sees and values each person. I’m a fan of small resolutions throughout the year. I know I’ve been guilty of making one big New Years… Read More »

In Memoriam: Joleen Pittas

The Jubilee community mourns the recent passing of Joleen Pittas. Joleen was a bright light at Jubilee, spreading joy to all who knew her. Joleen and her housemate Cindy Ring became fast friends after moving in together in 2022. They loved drinking coffee, shopping, and doing crafts together. Joleen frequently attended Jubilee events with Cindy and their devoted supports staff… Read More »

Giving Thanks for Each Other

New Holiday Tradition Begins for Jubilee’s Team Dream Program manager Aviva Bensimon leads a team of 32 direct support professionals who support 12 people with independent living. This year, Aviva’s team held its first “Team Dream” Thanksgiving celebration, which brought together people Jubilee supports, family, staff, and friends. “Kobi and our family really enjoyed the celebration and wonderful dinner. Thank… Read More »

Celebrate Holidays with Jubilee

RSVP and Details on Events Calendar The holidays are a magical time at Jubilee! The Miracle at Jubilee begins on Monday, December 11 with caroling and culminates on Friday, December 15 with a holiday party. Jubilee is also hosting celebrations for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Years! Details and RSVP on Jubilee’s events calendar.

Reflecting on the Past as We Plan for Greater Inclusion Ahead

Jubilee’s First 45 Years Mirror Societal Progress “Violence besets home” read a 1978 Washington Post headline read after Jubilee opened its first group home. Gunshots were fired through the window. A burning rag was thrown into the garage. Yet Jubilee’s founders persisted. They were motivated by the growing civil rights movement for people with disabilities and a better understanding of… Read More »

Celebrate 45 Years of Jubilee

New Connections Newsletter Highlights Organization History | Timeline Brings History to Life Celebrate 45 years of Jubilee with this fascinating dive into the organization’s history in the special anniversary edition of our Connections newsletter. Enjoy Jubilee’s new timeline that brings the modern history of the organization and disability civil rights movement to life. In the 45 years since Jubilee’s founding,… Read More »

Client Council Election Results

Kudos to All Candidates Congratulations to the new leaders of Jubilee’s Client Council and Activity Planning Committee! The results are in after a vigorous campaign season. Kudos to all who participated in the process as candidates and voters. Jubilee’s new Client Council President Elaine Carney said in her acceptance speech that “I will be an advocate for all people with… Read More »

Staff Embraces Education to Best Support People with Disabilities

Jubilee Celebrates Newest Graduates of DSP II Training Program Congratulations to the 14 new Jubilee staff graduates of the rigorous DSP II education program! This program teaches advanced problem solving and skills to help direct support professionals best support people with disabilities. The Maryland Direct Support Professional Training Consortium, which Jubilee helped found, created the DSP II training program as… Read More »

New Analysis Reveals Extent of Statewide Disparities in Disability Services

Coalition Calls on Lawmakers to Take Action Hispanic Marylanders have unequal access to disability services, according to a new analysis of recently released statewide data. In light of these findings, members of the Enriqueciendo Vidas (“enriching lives”) coalition called on Governor Wes Moore’s administration and elected officials across the state to take action in a letter on October 23, 2023.… Read More »

Jubilee Vacation Highlights

Four Vacations Bring Joy to Community This Year By Julia McCune, Director of Community Engagement Taking vacation lowers anxiety, improves your mood and sleep routine, reduces stress, and helps you get back to your true self. Vacations are a vital part of living our best lives! For many people Jubilee supports, the Jubilee vacation is the highlight of the year.… Read More »

Welcome Jubilee’s First Chief of Staff 

Familiar Face in a New Role  As Jubilee continues to grow to serve more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we’re excited to share with you that Mary Renderos will be Jubilee’s first chief of staff. In this role, Mary will work closely with Steve Keener on focus areas of government relations, organizational policy, and executive communications to staff and… Read More »

A Birthday Wish Comes True

As told by Linda Hanna I’m moving to my first ever home of my own on my birthday this year. I’ll be 66, and I’m going to blow out the candles on my birthday cake seated at my very own dining table. I’ve always wanted a place that’s just mine, but I’ve never had one before. Jubilee’s been helping me… Read More »

Register by October 12 for Vaccine Clinic

It takes all of us working together to keep our community safe from COVID and the flu. We are making it easy with free vaccine clinics for every employee and person supported by Jubilee. Please sign up here for the clinic by this Thursday, October 12 to ensure that we have enough vaccine available for everyone. Jubilee nurse Azah Afon… Read More »

Celebrating 2023 Employee Award Winners

2023 Event Sparkled with Joy What a thrill being with our colleagues for the 2023 Employee Award Celebration! For the first time since 2019, we gathered in-person for the awards ceremony and celebration of staff who give their all to ensure that the people we support live their best lives. “We are here today to celebrate the people who help… Read More »

Sept. 23 Concert Canceled Due to Weather

Due to the increasingly stormy weather forecast for this weekend, we have made the sad decision to cancel this weekend’s outdoor benefit concert. A big thank you to GIGS Courtyard for your support of Jubilee, we look forward to bringing back this fun, free donate-what-can concert back in the future. To everyone who volunteered to perform and to attend, thank… Read More »

Combatting Loneliness with Help from Volunteers

U.S. Surgeon General Warns of Widespread Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation Easy, Practical Volunteer Opportunities Lead to Mutually Beneficial Relationships “Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being,” says U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, sounding the alarm in a new 2023 report. But all is not hopeless, as Dr. Murthy makes the point that “we are called… Read More »

Virtual Jubilee Tours

Learn how you can get involved, or deepen your connection to Jubilee, as we support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently. Hear firsthand from members of the Jubilee community how they are living their best lives with Jubilee’s support during our free virtual tour! This 30-minute virtual tour is for both new and existing Jubilee friends. RSVP here and… Read More »

Employee Award Nominations Close August 18

We’re thankful to recognize our dedicated staff at our annual Employee Awards Celebration this Fall. You can nominate staff for the award using this form by Friday, August 18. Staff members, volunteers, and community members who made a difference in the lives of the people we support in the past year are all eligible for awards. The fine print: Nominees… Read More »