Congratulations to Jubilee direct support professionals James Kivembele and Olalekan (Sho) Shobowale who were both nominated for the DSP Exceptional Performance Award. James won this prestigious award from the Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) at their annual conference in May. “Jubilee support staff go above and beyond for the people they support regularly, and we’re delighted that two of… Read More »
Learn About Housing Services at our June 9 Webinar As shared by Amanda Gibson, Jubilee Housing Support Services Specialist Kristen Ulek really enjoys the amenities that come with living in a high-rise apartment building, but she had become anxious about living on a high floor after a fire in her apartment building. You see, Kristen uses a wheelchair. Elevators don’t… Read More »
Volunteers are an important part of the Jubilee community! You make a difference in the life of a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities when you volunteer at Jubilee. We are currently seeking volunteers for a summer cookout on Sunday, July 9. The cookout will be held at the South Germantown Recreational Park. Other volunteer opportunities include assisting with game… Read More »
Champions of Inclusion Breakfast Raises Funds to Support Jubilee With heartfelt gratitude, we thank each and every one of you for supporting Jubilee. Our third annual Champions of Inclusion Fundraising Breakfast on May 2 raised $272,000—thanks to you! Donations help Jubilee plan for a strong future where we can help more adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive. Members of… Read More »
By Cindy Burroughs, Jason’s mom. You will dream new dreams. Those were the first words to resonate with me after my son Jason was diagnosed with autism at 15 months old. It would be close to 22 years after Jason was born before I could really start seeing my new dreams for Jason come true. That was when Jubilee made… Read More »
One year ago, Jubilee launched its Core Values monthly seminars to educate and strengthen our community. We’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of this unique program and looking ahead to deepening our understanding of how our values shape Jubilee. “These seminars started as a passion project back when we were still only meeting virtually,” shared Julia McCune, Jubilee’s Director of Community… Read More »
Jubilee joins the family of Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Roles in mourning her passing. Elizabeth passed away on April 11, at age 60, and was supported by Jubilee for more than two decades. Elizabeth loved her Irish culture and would dance to Irish music with joy in her eyes. Elizabeth loved art and drawing. She was funny, outgoing, and very friendly.… Read More »
Registration Now Closed Summer is right around the corner and that means it’s time for Jubilee’s annual cookout! We’re thrilled to welcome the Jubilee community to join together for a day of fun, food, and friendship at the South Germantown Recreational Park. We are hosting two cookouts this summer to accommodate all members of the Jubilee community. Cookouts will be… Read More »
Hear firsthand from members of the Jubilee community how they are living their best lives with Jubilee’s support on our virtual 30-minute tour. New and existing Jubilee friends are invited to attend. Learn how you can get involved or deepen your connection to our work supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tours will be held: RSVP here and receive your personal… Read More »
Being able to effectively communicate is key to accessing and providing high-quality care for people with disabilities. We know that language barriers are one reason people from Asian and Hispanic backgrounds have trouble applying for services. It stands to reason those same issues will apply once they begin receiving services. Disability service providers in Maryland are obligated to provide language… Read More »
Kevin’s story as told by his mother Nery Gonzalez My son Kevin can’t speak at all, and my English is limited. I don’t understand everything in English, and I definitely did not understand that my Kevin would lose government funding for services if we missed the timeframe for young adults finishing high school to transition to adult services. We were… Read More »
Visit Jubilee on Sunday, April 23 during Kensington’s Day of the Book Festival! This can’t miss street festival has something for everyone—kid activities, music, cooking demos, poetry, food trucks and more! We’re excited to welcome you to Jubilee from 1-3 p.m. during the festival to learn more about Jubilee. Learn how you can get involved and make a difference in… Read More »
“Nothing about us without us” is a popular mantra within the disability community. This concept is embraced at Jubilee. Our Board of Directors has long included the President of Jubilee’s Client Council, and now also includes a representative from Makom, a local sister service provider. Michael Hoffman of Makom brings a wide variety of viewpoints and experience to the Jubilee… Read More »
10th Class of Graduates Celebrated by Jubilee Congratulations to Jubilee’s 10th class of graduates from our advanced training program for direct support professionals! This program, called DSP II, provides advanced training to direct support professionals (DSP) to better support adults with disabilities to live independently. Jubilee now boasts 67 graduates of this intensive training program. “You worked hard over this… Read More »
Join your friends for fun and exciting programs this Spring with Jubilee. Please check our online calendar for all event details, including required registration. April highlights include: Client Council Retreat: This free day long program will teach you how to take control of and effectively lead your annual Person Centered Plan meetings. RSVP by April 17. Outdoor Game Day: Fun… Read More »
We’re celebrating Jubilee’s 45th anniversary all year long! The festivities kick-off with a t-shirt design contest. Vote for your favorite t-shirt design by May 16. View and vote for your favorite design at the Jubilee office in Kensington. For more details contact Julia McCune, Director of Community Engagement at jmccune@jubileemd.org.
Jubilee mourns the death of Justin Bailey, a well-known, respected, and likable member of the Jubilee community. His amiability was legendary, and he profoundly influenced the lives of others with his kindness and readiness to give a helping hand. Justin was a beloved member of the Jubilee community for the past 25 years. He passed away at home on February… Read More »
Our hearts were full celebrating love in all its forms at Jubilee’s Valentine’s Dance. More than 100 participants gathered for an afternoon of friendship and love. Thank you to our Activity Planning Committee and our very own Steve Brent for serving as DJ. He kept the dance floor hopping with his musical selections. You make these events a success for… Read More »
DD Day at the Legislature was back in person this year – and Jubilee was there to advocate for the disability community. At the legislative breakfast we heard from Governor Wes Moore. He said, “We are going to lift together and build a state that leaves no one behind.” Particularly inspiring was Delegate Aaron Kaufman, a longtime advocate for people… Read More »
Childhood Friendship Leads to Love As shared by Liz Golder John and I were sweethearts way back in 5th grade at Fairland elementary school. But decades went by and we met other people. We’ve both had life experiences. When we reconnected, we started by talking on the phone. It was easy because we were old friends. My girlfriend Courtney said… Read More »
How to Collect Racial, Ethnic and Language Data Collecting data on the race, ethnicity and language of adults with developmental disabilities currently supported by agencies will help achieve our shared goal of helping more people from underserved communities. Racial and ethnic data provide crucial information on where we are now and where we want to be. “With data, we can… Read More »
Peeking out between the bulk mailers and the bills, you see a handwritten card in the mail, and instantly you feel excited. Who wrote to me? Who is thinking of me? This holiday season, Tico Sanz, Kobi Cudjoe, and Todd Locke brought joy to their friends, neighbors, and families by sending out 100 holiday cards. “It felt great to give… Read More »
A New Year’s Greeting from Steve Keener, Jubilee Executive Director As we ring in 2023, I eagerly look forward to continuing our work together building a community that embraces inclusion, and the unique gifts of every member of society. We made strong progress in our mission in the last year. I’m happy to share these highlights with you. Your support… Read More »
Home for the holidays is the biggest blessing for the people we support, but many of them are on a fixed income and need help purchasing the items that make a house a home. We’re grateful for your in-kind donation of household goods this season. In particular, we have received recent requests for: bathmats, doormats, and small kitchen appliances like… Read More »
Celebrating 13 Years of St. Rose home with Rosaria Communities On November 13, St. Rose of Lima Catholic church celebrated 13 years of supporting Rosaria Communities’ St. Rose house with a special mass and reception. The mass was dedicated to Anthony Pedone, Stephen Roldan, and James L’Heureux, who have lived at St. Rose house for 13 years with the support… Read More »
Holiday Events Galore this December Christmas is a special time of year at Jubilee, and we’re bringing you 8 different events to celebrate together. There is something for everyone! Details and required RSVP via the events calendar. Join your friends December 20 at the Jubilee office for a joyful celebration of Hanukkah – the Jewish festival of lights – with… Read More »
Beach Trip Brings Joy | Only Vacation for Some This summer, nearly 60 percent of the people Jubilee supports enjoyed a beach vacation thanks to your generosity. “If you dream it, we help make it happen,” shared Community Engagement Director Julia McCune. “The beach vacation was an incredible opportunity to connect and have fun together. For many people Jubilee supports,… Read More »
In honor of Giving Tuesday – a global day of giving – local businesses are supporting Jubilee by donating 20 percent of their proceeds. Thank you to our generous friends at the following shops and restaurants! Get your holiday shopping done locally and stop in for some yummy eats all while supporting Jubilee! Dine at Playa Bowls Monday, November 28 through Friday,… Read More »
Program Connects Underserved Communities to Services Since launching in the Fall of 2021, Jubilee’s innovative Breaking Barriers program works to ensure that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from Hispanic and Asian communities can easily access support services. In just one year, the program has brought together more than a dozen agencies providing services and the DDA. The groups collaborate… Read More »
Fall fun is in full swing at Jubilee with programs that bring our community together. Join your friends for PieGiving on November 18, and holiday-themed cooking classes, November 14 and 15. Check out all we’re offering on our events calendar, including holiday decoration craft class. RSVP on our events calendar at jubileemd.org/events. All events are free to our community, thanks… Read More »