How JESPY Got Me Back into the Working World

By JESPY Client Ruth C.

I have been a client at JESPY House for over sixteen years. I’ve participated in the Work Readiness & Employment Engagement (WREE) program for five years. JESPY has given me the confidence to try new kinds of jobs.

Staff in the WREE department coached and helped me with several types of jobs. I participated in sessions where I learned how to work in an office and write down memos and messages. Through the WREE department, I worked at an assisted living facility where I set up tables and helped serve food to the residents. My job coach helped me learn how to do my job efficiently. I also gained experience by doing volunteer work at a local food pantry.

I am retiring from employment now. But I learned a lot along with way. JESPY staff helped me find my most recent job, which was at Shop Rite. My job coach helped me search for the Shop Rite job online and coached me for the interview. I was excited when I was hired. While I worked at Shop Rite, my coach visited me onsite and helped me with learning new things and solving any issues I might have had at work.

One of my duties was putting the returned items back onto the store shelves. I developed my observation skills by correctly placing things where they belonged. I also worked on the computer. I learned secretarial skills at this job and at other jobs in my life. I learned how to read the Shop Rite newsletter notes on the computer. The computer also had quizzes about information you had to know to work in the store. My job coach also worked with me on the quizzes.

This job helped me learn to trust others because the employees had to work together to get things done. Having a job helped me learn good social skills and gave me confidence.

Being employed was important for me because I like to entertain guests for dinner. The job enabled me to purchase any extra groceries I wanted to buy to serve my guests. I also used the money I earned to pay my transportation bills.

I feel that it is important for a person with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to feel independent. We all want to feel that we can work. It is important to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month during October so that people who hire know that we are out there and that we want to contribute.

During the years that I have worked, I was also employed by Prudential and Foster Wheeler. At Prudential, I used my math skills, operated a shredding machine, sorted mail, and used a typewriter. This was several years ago. Even though I’m retiring now, I will continue to work on my computer skills. I will also be doing a lot of learning in the various groups I participate in at JESPY. I have a lot to look forward to thanks to JESPY.

ABOUT JESPY

Established in South Orange in 1978, JESPY House currently supports 300 clients in areas that include Day Habilitation and Engagement & Enrichment programs; Case Management; Community-Based Supports; Clinical & Behavioral Support Services; Athletics & Fitness; and Work Readiness & Employment Engagement. JESPY also offers Residential Services. To learn more, visit https://jespyhouse.org.