Latest News

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 »

Fighting Institutionalization in 2023

New Court Ruling Finds Florida Violates Rights of Children with Disabilities Commentary by Jubilee Executive Director Steve Keener “Like a prison.” I’ve known people who lived in institutions, and that’s how they described it. It’s been 51 years since Geraldo Rivera exposed the horrors of New York’s Willowbrook institution on national television, 33 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law,… Read More »

Thank You Jubilee Board Members

Jubilee Welcomes New Board Members and Thanks Departing Members Jubilee’s Board of Directors play an important role in guiding the organization. “Our all-volunteer Board of Directors bring a wealth of knowledge and varied points of view to Jubilee,” said Executive Director Steve Keener. “The Board’s counsel and support are an invaluable resource for Jubilee.” “It is with profound gratitude that… Read More »

Celebrating 45 Years of Jubilee with New Murals

Windows Brighten Kensington Main Street Our yearlong 45th anniversary celebration continues with new murals adorning the front windows of our Kensington office. Emblazoned with the phrase Happiness Grows Here and beautiful flowers, the window murals by artist Nicole Bourgea share joy with the community that has embraced our mission. “In the last 45 years, Jubilee has grown from one group… Read More »

Learn Culturally Proficient Strategies to Help Underserved Communities Access Disability Services

Register for Next Session Thursday, November 9  Maria* applied for disability services for her daughter, but when a coordinator from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) called her to schedule an interview at her house Maria declined. In her culture, inviting a stranger to her home felt uncomfortable. Understanding how cultural differences impact people’s choices can make a difference for… Read More »

Jubilee Staff Win Statewide Award

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 »

Feeling Safe at Home: Kristen’s Story

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 run in an emergency like fire. She wanted to… Read More »

Volunteer at Jubilee

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. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with game nights, pizza parties, and arts and crafts.  Help with life skills like reading and swimming are also welcome — and so much more! We have… Read More »

Thank You Jubilee Donors and Sponsors!

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 »

Dreaming of an Independent Future for Jason

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 »

Core Values Seminars Celebrate One Year of Learning

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 »

Mourning Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Roles

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 »

Summer Cookouts Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, July 9

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 »

Maryland Medical Assistance Provider Language Responsibilities

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 »

Language Barrier Nearly Derails Access to Services

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 »

Open House Sunday, April 23

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 »

Spotlight on Board Member Michael Hoffman

“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 »

Support Staff Graduate from Advanced Training Program

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 »

April Programs in Bloom

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 »

Vote by May 16 | T-Shirt Design Contest

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.

Mourning Justin Bailey

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 »

Valentine Dance Video

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 »

Jubilee Advocacy at DDDAY 2023

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 »

Data Collection Helps Agencies Serve All Adults with Disabilities

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 »

Christmas Card Project Spreads Holiday Cheer

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 »

Happy and Healthy New Year

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 »

In-Kind Donations Welcome

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 »

St. Rose House Marks 13 Year Anniversary

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 »