One woman just celebrated 25 years of successful employment with the telephone company.

A young man graduated from Seton Hall University in May.

Another has a master’s in library science and has been working in the Newark Court House for 18 years.

They are among the 150 clients of JESPY House, an independent living facility in South Orange, which helps adults with severe learning disabilities to achieve their full potential. Last year JESPY (from Jewish Special Youth) celebrated its 25th anniversary. United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ  provides some financial assistance as well as help through its other agencies.

To enter the program, people must be in the age range of 18 to 45 and be evaluated as capable of living independently and working competitively. About 90 percent have gainful employment, and about 140 live independently in an apartment or in one of four shared houses. The other 18 clients share apartments in JESPY’s residential building.

The term “learning disabilities” covers many conditions. A person may have normal intelligence, but have difficulty in everyday tasks of living because of disabilities that impair such skills as reading, math, memory, or sequencing. Problems with concentration, focusing, time management, and social skills are common. 

Clients receive individualized attention from JESPY’s staff of 70 full-and part-time counselors, therapists, coaches, administrators, and other support people. The program concentrates on three areas:

• Independent living skills, such as cooking, shopping, and budgeting;
• Vocational skills, including job placement, counseling, and onsite coaching;
• Social and recreational skills and opportunities.

JESPY’s staff goes to great lengths to identify each client’s interests and abilities and to find the best job possible. Most clients have real career positions, with a few in supported employment. With training and on-site support, they work as messengers or in the fields of clerical work, data collection, cleaning and food service, retail, child care, elder care, and animal care.

JESPY has a Jewish base, with kosher standards in all its facilities and weekly Shabbat dinners, but because it receives state funding, it’s open to clients regardless of faith or race. Much of its financing comes from clients’ parents, clients’ government entitlements, and grants, as well as UJC MetroWest.

For more information on JESPY, contact Lynn Kucher at 973/762-6909 or .