We want to inform and connect with the entire Job Path community so we are all on this path together.
Spring Benefit 2025 honorees
Coming Together at the Spring Benefit
Job Path’s annual benefit brought people from all over the community to celebrate and assist in Job Path’s mission. This year we honored Dr. Shirlee Taylor, PhD, Executive Director of The FAR Fund; the Baptiste family: Nathaniel, Carol, and Christian Baptiste; and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. They represent the perfect synergy of funder, family, and employer that partner with Job Path to make incredible accomplishments, whether at work or everyday life, a reality.
Employment Excellence
At the 9th Annual Customized Employment Awards for Career Growth and Development, the CCE recognized three employers and their efforts in providing pathways for career advancement to people with disabilities – real estate management agency, Jordan Cooper Poly Prep Country Day School, and Dr. Keith Diaz, Director of Project PossABILITY at CUIMC.
Daring to be Yourself
Jake W., who participates in Job Path’s Employment and Community Connections programs, was featured in the “Dare to be You!” social media campaign by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. They highlighted Jake’s goals as a writer and interest in art and film.
Jeffrey with a RE4ALL certificate
Career Milestone Achieved
Jeffrey continues on his upward trajectory, now with a certification from Research Ethics for All. This certificate will allow him to work on research projects that involve human subjects. At Columbia, him and Dr. Keith Diaz, Director of Project PossABILITY, had such an amazing teamwork that the Consortium for Customized Employment honored Dr. Diaz and invited Jeffrey as a special speaker at their annual award event.
Shinning a Light on JP Memories
Sue McMillan has been the Office Manager at Job Path for 20 years. She shares a profound moment when the entire organization moved to a new office. The old office was empty but the space soon became filled with all the memories of people who came to Job Path – leading them to a better future.
Legacy of Brilliance and Warmth
For 6 years, the Daniel P. Cunningham Award for Living the Job Path Mission has recognized staff who’s dedication and kindness deeply touched the lives of those they support. The award is named in after Dan Cunningham, past president of the Job Path Board, who also had a positive impact to the agency and those around him.
Jerry at the International Academy of Hope
Spreading Hope and Cheer
At a classroom in the International Academy of Hope, a specialized school for young people with brain injury and disabilities, Jerry is encouraging students to believe in themselves. He has been working at the school for 10 years. In addition, he has also reached his 1 year anniversary working at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
Visual Expressions
Job Path hosts several groups that allow participants to express their creativity through different forms, from improv to poetry and art. For artist Peter D. the art group, led by Art Facilitator Michele Borg, is a place he can create art in different styles and colors.
Employment Expansion
Kelly McGrath has joined The Consortium for Customized Employment as its new Coordinator. In her role, she will expand the CCE’s job development and strengthen data collection and tracking. The Consortium, made up of Job Path and 12 other agencies, has created job opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities for 12 years.
Chloe (left) and Jennifer John, COO of Safety Saints
Together with Together Hospitality
Job Path has been a Social Impact Partner of Together Hospitality for 6 months, and already a lot of meaningful connections have been made. Chloe M. was hired by Together Hospitality member, Safety Saints, last September. Another member business, Hudson Creative, also keeps in touch with a Job Path participant for temporary work.
The Talk at TASH
Dara Patel, Employment Coordinator, co-presented at the annual conference for the advocacy, research, and education organization TASH. It was also an opportunity to share know-how of Customized Employment among agencies.
Memories and Milestones
Carly Teichman, CEO of Job Path, reflects on the special recognition and representation Job Path and its staff received within the disability community in 2024. From DSP Nichelle Hemphill being featured in an OPWDD campaign to DSP and art group leader Michele Borg winning the citywide Annual DSP Award.
2024
Ferid working at Uniqlo
Employment Success is in Style
Kanaan and Ferid found success working at Uniqlo. Thanks to their Employment Specialist, Patrice Wongsam, and customized employment strategies, they found a fun job where they can contribute diligently and spread positivity to all their co-workers.
Residential Recognition
Rhonda Ndem, a DSP of Supported Living, was honored by Community Care Rx for her dedicated and passionate support of individuals with developmental disabilities as they live in their own households. She supports people in two separate apartments and has been with Job Path for 9 years.
Broadening Horizons
Community is another essential aspect of Job Path’s mission. This is why participants are often volunteering, visiting various neighborhoods around the city and exploring museums, such as the National Museum of the American Indian.
Winners of the DSP of the Year and Longevity Awards
Support Worker University 2024
SWU is our annual event where we celebrate Job Path’s Direct Support Professionals, Live-in Caregivers, and Job Coaches. They were treated to a day of creative workshops, yoga, massages, delicious lunch and prizes. Our DSPs truly embody “Dauntless Self-assured Powerhouse.” This year’s theme was Learn-Grow-Connect, reflecting on themes common in autumn.
Diversity and Inclusion with Personality
Two years ago, Job Path has established the Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging & Accessibility (DEIAB). Now Gabriella Badaracco takes the role of Training and DEIAB Coordinator, leading the committee as it reinforces these values within Job Path. As Gabriella says, “we need to change what we do to reflect what we want.”
People with Disability in the Workforce
Participants of Job Path were featured in a video by Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) that highlights workers with disabilities. CUIMC continues to provide job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities through Project PossABILITY and its collaboration in the CCE.
Michele Borg (center) and the Art Group
DSP Award Winner with an Artistic Touch
Job Path’s Art Facilitator, Michele Borg, was honored by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation with their Annual DSP Award. She leads the Art Group in exploring various forms of art, such as Chinese Ink drawing, collage, and Dutch art. As Michele said, “It’s your job to build up people’s confidence, to build up their strength so they can accomplish what they want – their dreams.”
Disability Employment Awareness
Todd, a participant of Job Path, was featured in a video by OPWDD that highlights individuals with developmental disabilities in the workforce. Having worked in the mailroom of the law firm Paul Weiss for 18 years, Todd is a shinning example of the strides being made towards employment equity.
Unlocking Potential with Assistive Devices
Karen Waltuck, Director of the Consortium for Customized Employment, was part of the #UnlockTheEveryday campaign in Times Square – which raises awareness about the billion people worldwide who need assisted devices and technology to lead better lives.
Dara Patel, Employment Coordinator, and Kelly McGrath, Employment Specialist (right)
Hospitality with Impact
Job Path was selected as Social Impact Partner of Together Hospitality, a group of professionals in the restaurant industry that meet monthly to collaborate, network and inspire. These meeting bring together potential employer partners and members of the Job Path employment team as they learn about their perspective fields and develop meaningful connections.
Valued Member of the Team
Henry C. is diligent and engaged in his work at the Human Resources department of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). This has earned him much appreciation, as he dutifully takes care of office tasks and joins in special activities at BAM that improve teamwork.
Building Up Accessibility
Job Path participants were invited to the New York Hall of Science to give their recommendations for the exhibit Build Imagination: Brick by Brick. Their feedback on noise levels, lighting, and exhibit materials, were used to make the exhibiting more enjoyable for everyone while increasing inclusivity.
Ryan H. at Pawsability
Expert with Furry Friends
As a kennel assistant at Juniper Valley Animal Hospital for three years, Ryan H. believed he could take even better care of pets. To improve his skills, he joined the job training program at Pawsability Dog Club, an innovative doggy daycare in Brooklyn.
Poets, of Course
Job Path’s poetry group were part of the prestigious New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island on July 13th. Their 6th time at the festival – they continue to make themselves be heard with confidence.
Standing Up for Employment Diversity
Karen Waltuck, Director, and Wendy Banner, Associate Director, of The Consortium for Customized Employment are ambassadors for inclusion and accessibility in the workforce. Whether in a podcast, article or talking directly to businesses, they want everyone to know about the untapped talent of people with disabilities.
Joey (left) and Carolyn during staff training
Joey-isms
Carolyn Murphy, Director of HR and Training, and Joey have known each for 17 years. Ever since Carolyn became his support worker. Now they have a special bond, to the point where Carolyn understands his unique lingo she calls “Joey-isms.”
Non-Stop for 10 Years
Jaymes C. has worked at Stop & Shop in Queens for 10 years. Patient, reliable and attentive – Jaymes has made the shopping experience of many, in particular disabled shoppers, a lot better over the years.
Welcoming Mood
Chickenshed NYC, an inclusive children’s theater in Midtown, has benefited from Michael L. warmth as he greets each guest. For two years Michael has been among the ranks of Job Path participants who enhance businesses with their work ethic and interpersonal skills.
Ruben (left) and Employment Specialist Sakima Aguilar
Inspiring the Next Generation
Job Path participants and staff visited the Lavelle School for the Blind to share their expertise on career day. Ruben C. enjoyed connecting with the young people and even entertained them with a performance.
Improving with Improv
The Improv group at Job Path is setting inhibition aside and allowing each participant to express themselves comfortably. Anson Chan facilitates the group where anyone can let loose in a non-judgmental space.
Poets & Oracles
Poets, Of Course are Job Path’s poets from the Community Connection program. They performed their heartfelt poetry at East Harlem’s Positive Exposure gallery. Make sure to watch “Augury,” as read by Anthony N.
Jack C. (center) and NYU students
Expanding the World
Jack C. and other participants of Job Path were invited to NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering to present the real lives of people with disabilities to Dr. Allan Goldstein’s class. The course included creating a mini documentary on the lives of participants.
Introducing Matthew
Matthew Heintz, Head of Strategy for Wealth Management Solutions at JPMorgan, has recently joined the Job Path board. Bringing leadership and financial acumen, he’ll be a great asset to Job Path’s future.
Benefit Highlights
For those who could not be present at our benefit – celebrating 45 years – we offer a highlight reel of the event. Watch and listen to the inspiring moments of Job Path’s history.
George with his Emmy award
Winning Attitude
Even during the pandemic George was able to flourish. Winning a New York Emmy Award in 2021 and improving his skills, which led him to working at Verona Carpenter Architects as a communications assistant.
Remembering a Friend
Malachy McCourt was a well recognized actor and writer, but also a friend of Job Path. He leaves a lasting legacy in his advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.
Spring Benefit (with photos!)
We are grateful to everyone who supported our benefit and contributed to making it an amazing event – and to our honorees, including staff who were recognized with the Dan Cunningham Award for Living the Job Path Mission.
Maria Z. at Shake Shack
Shake Shack Celebrates
Maria Z. celebrated her 8 years at Shake Shack (Customized Employment Award winner – see April issue). Since 2016, Maria and her managers and teammates worked to provide the best possible customer service.
A Long-Lasting Partnership
The law firm Paul, Weiss currently hires 5 Job Path participants, but our employment partnership with them goes back decades. Paul, Weiss was honored as Employer of the Year in our 2024 Benefit.
Honoring Black History
Emily Ellis, Job Path’s Deputy Director from 1978 to 2005, and Nichelle Hemphill, who joined as a DSP in 2023, reflect on their experiences as Black women in the field of human services.
Mary (right) with Job Path Employment Specialist Maria Mercado
Bronx Defender
Mary has been an invaluable employee at The Bronx Defenders since 2013 – contributing to many client retentions using her work ethic and computer skills.
Finding Their Zen
The Community Connections meditation group led by Russell Hill elevates the mind, body and soul. Participants like Keith M. enjoy the calm it brings them.
Home in New York City
A new resident has moved into one of Job Path’s certified apartments in Washington Heights. The Supported Living team made the transition comfortable for everyone.
Devon T. at C.A.C Industries
Productive Duo
Devon T. and Anton K. are Job Path participants that work at C.A.C. Industries. They not only handle many tasks at the office, but also bring a positive attitude and initiative that impresses their supervisors.
New Path
After many years, the uplifting weekly group continues to be a safe space for participants to learn and grow.
Digital Designer
Christopher D. upgraded his coding skills at the Web Programming Fellowship course from Opportunity College and looks ahead to designing websites.