For Ellie Willoughby, director of special services at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, “all in a day’s work” sometimes includes witnessing miracles.
Willoughby directs the JCC’s special needs programs, including J-Cares, which helps people over 21 with disabilities forge friendships, build resiliency and attain confidence. This program serves as a lifeline for individuals who are no longer eligible for school services and are ready to begin a new chapter in their lives.
The J-Cares program launched in 2016 and serves about 30 adults. It is different than other day programs in that participants, who are called “interns,” are matched with trained staff “mentors” who share the same interests. The program promotes independence and includes learning life skills.
Interns are integrated into the JCC community, participating in recreational activities at JCC Camp Ruach, cooking and serving meals to children in the JCC Blaustein Early Childhood Center, participating in programs with adults and seniors, assisting with mailings and cleaning fitness center equipment. They also volunteer weekly at a community food bank.
“We believe in total inclusion,” Willoughby says. “The experiences allow the interns to develop office and service skills, which are beneficial for future employment opportunities.” Some interns have gone on to what they have learned working at local businesses.
According to Willoughby, J-Cares is not a traditional day program. “Participants can attend from one to five days a week. Our participants are interns and our staff are mentors because we feel that each thing they learn is individually based and is a one-on-one teachable moment. Interns and mentors form strong relationships,” she says. Interns also have taken overnight trips to places like Mystic, Conn., Philadelphia and Ocean City. Willoughby credits Andy Sun, the assistant special services director, and the staff for their contributions to making such opportunities a reality.
Recently, the interns assisted with the construction of a fully ADA-compliant outdoor experiential center and sensory garden, giving input to the architects on elements they thought should be incorporated. “All projects should have input from people with cognitive and physical disabilities from the beginning, as opposed to when a project is completed and may not be totally accessible or inclusive,” Willoughby explains.
Families see a difference once a loved one starts attending the program. Willoughby recalls one young woman who was non-verbal. “In her first six months, her mom said she would start getting ready on the weekends and was saying the name of the program and the names of her peers and staff,” she says. This program made the intern feel like a productive member of the community, with something to feel proud of daily.”
The JCC is home to the Rising Tide Special Olympics swim team. The team was founded a decade ago and is run by volunteers under the leadership of Stephanie Johnson, JCC Aquatics Director and the Area Director for Special Olympics New Jersey – Somerset County. The team—comprised of 22 swimmers ages 8 to 60—competes in three meets a year. The JCC also offers adaptive, one-on-one swim lessons.
Other programs include the J-Zone respite program, where children ages 5 to 16 can spend two hours each Sunday afternoon swimming and participating in activities like sports, cooking and arts and crafts. “The program offers families the gift of time,” Willoughby says. JCC Camp Ruach offers an integrated camp program for children ages 3 to 14, and Camp Chaverim is for ages 15 and older. The JCC Special Services Department also offers an enrichment program featuring a variety of activities.
“These programs are all designed to build life and social skills. For example, during the dinners out, the group will order off the menu, learn about tipping and get to socialize with peers and develop new friendships,” Willoughby says.
Special events have included a fashion show, singing the national anthem at a Somerset Patriots game, a talent/art show—and an annual prom, which will be held this year on November 19. The prom is open to all people with special needs in the community. “It's like their Academy Awards. They love to get dressed up,” she says. “It makes them feel special—that we are seeing the person first, not their disability.”
Recognizing the uniqueness of every person is paramount. Willoughby recounts another memory. “One young man who only communicates with one-word answers was recognized by staff to be a visual learner. Song lyrics were placed on cue cards for him during the karaoke showcase. From that small adjustment, he was able to clearly sing the entire song and felt such pride,” she says. “Every day is truly a new adventure. We are all in this together, like pieces to a puzzle. Collectively, the pieces make a beautiful picture.”
Find out more about the JCC’s special needs programming at ssbjcc.org.