We want to inform and connect with the entire Job Path community so we are all on this path together.
Martha Jackson (left) and Julia Kelly at the CCE Awards
Customized Employment Excellence
At the 10th annual of the Customized Employment Awards, the CCE recognized two key leaders in the field – Martha Jackson and Julia Kelly. Their leadership was a bridge between agencies supporting people with disabilities and New York City’s government administration. Marlon, one of those who personally felt the impact of their work said, “When you have that type of guidance and a good work ethic and a good support team that are supporting you and behind you – the sky’s the limit.”
To the Amazing Aimee
On April 21st, we honored Job Path’s Associate Executive Director, Aimee Althoff. Employer of the Year – CAC Industries – were also honored. For 20 years, Aimee continues to be a positive influence to the staff she mentored and supervised, and the participants they supported. Sign up to Job Path’s newsletter to see photos and videos of this memorable event.
Cheers to Charity
Job Path had it’s 3rd Cheers for a Cause event in March. In finding different ways for people to contribute to it’s mission, Job Path partnered with Seven Sins NYC sports bars so that 30% of proceeds from the bar during this event go to Job Path’s fundraising goal.
Maria Z. at Shake Shack
Ten Years on the Team
Maria Z. celebrated her 10 years at a Queens Shake Shack earlier this year. Now she’s the one training new employees, yet still as excited to take on different roles as she was in her first year. Shake Shack is a long time employment partner of Job Path. Over the years, they connected participants to 44 jobs around NYC and NJ.
A Supportive Family
Monica Boston and Raven Lopez are Job Path’s star mother-daughter team. Monica, Raven’s mom, has worked as Supported Living Program Manager for six and half years, and her daughter has been a DSP for three years. With compassion and kindness, they have touched the lives of those they support, whether in their homes or out in the community.
Sharing from the Soul
A new group session called “Just Like Me” brings Russell Hill, leader of the Meditation Group, together with other people in the Job Path community who also have disabilities. At each sessions they can candidly share their feelings and experiences in a safe space with a lot of understanding from people of different backgrounds.
Leo E. working at Janovic
Stocking up on Success
Two participants of Job Path, Leo E. and Zeiad E., are thriving in their new jobs at Janovic Paint and Decorating Center. Whether it’s stocking, cleaning or organizing, they do the job with a infectious energy that other employees at the company appreciate. Each day they build a better future for themselves while providing the business what they need.
Improv and Inspiration
Job Path’s Improv and Theater group leader, Anson Chan, invited members of his group to see him perform live on stage. At “The Opening”, an off-the-wall Off-Broadway show, they were treated to his comedic expertise and took inspiration that they can also use on their own improv during the group.
A Connected Community
Daphnaella Joseph-Bruno, Senior Director of Community Connections, is on this month’s spotlight. She remissness on one of many instances where the Job Path community came together to support individuals, even during very stressful situations. With creativity and connectedness, the department has been helping many participant in their daily lives.
Members of the Theater Group
Out of this World Performance
Last October the production of “The Devils Are Here” came to the stage at the Abrons Arts Center. The play was created, written, and performed by Community Connections’ Outside Voices Theater Company. It’s now available to view in YouTube. Check the newsletter to see a short teaser; Xaverians, a neurodivergent people from another planet, reacting to meeting humans for the first time.
Word to the Wise
In an episode of the podcast The Next Chapter, with host Minister Cat KittyRose Warren, the topic was inclusion as a benefit to the community. So it was fitting for Employment Specialist, Amy Stack, to join as a guest speaker on a principle that staff of Job Path not only believe in but also put to practice every day.
Success at Symphony Space
Jose G. has started a new job as an usher at the Symphony Space last November. The CCE, a project of Job Path, has helped job seekers such as Jose find work they can be excited about for many years. 14 agencies in total make up the CCE-each bringing a network of employer partners in various fields, including arts and finance.
2025
Ashley Busone Rogriguez, Beto & Erica (right)
Paw-some Friends
A volunteer team from The Good Dog Foundation visits residents of Job Path’s Supported Living apartments to bring extra joy every week. Ashley Busone Rodriguez brings over Beto, a therapy-trained dog, who is adored by the residents. The furry friend took a liking to Erica P.
Climbing Higher
Randy R. was recently promoted to Junior IT Support Specialist. Having joined A Better Chance in March 2022, he proved himself with his clerical and organizational skills. He, like many other participants, take pride in their accomplishment as employees and the independence it gives them. Check the full newsletter for a video featuring Randy at A Better Chance.
The Vital Five
Job Path is continually finding new ways to innovate and respond to emerging challenges. A strategic plan with five priorities was created to addresses matters important to our community. These priorities include: enhancing participant experiences, strengthening communications inside and out, expanding employment pathways for participants, facilitating aging with dignity, and invest in staff growth and sustainability.
Emanuel (right) speaking at the DREAM Symposium
Dare to DREAM
Staff and participants of Job Path have joined the OPWDD and a multitude of NY state offices at the DREAM Symposium (Disability Rights Employment Awareness Month). At a panel for customized employment, they shared their know-how and stories of success, such as that of Emanuel, who worked at New World Stages for 14 years.
Recognizing Employer Partners
Three Job Path employer partners were honored as part of NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) by NY’s ACCES-VR and several city agencies. The honorees include Bronx Defenders, CAC Industries and The Frick Collection. All of them have proven their commitment to inclusivity and improving lives as they enhance their business.
DSP Appreciation Day
October 17 was a day of true appreciation for all Direct Support Professionals at Job Path. DSPs engaged in various workshops, self-care and social activities to recharge and strengthen bonds. As Carly Teichman, CEO of Job Path, told DSPs, “you bring patience and creativity to every challenge and help people discover what’s possible.”
Alvena W. at 14th Street Y
14th Street Stars
Carrie, Alvena and Jake work at 14th Street Y community center. They support in various tasks, which make the experience of staff and visitors at the Y more pleasant and efficient. Carrie and Alvena help families get situated quickly once they come in. Jake creates content for social media, the website, and posters for awareness events.
DSP Directness
Michelle Chu, DSP of Community Connections, guested on the podcast DSP Talk. She shared her unique strategies, such as using a card game to help participants express their emotions. Michelle believes DSPs are there to encourage participants to be the true leaders in their own lives.
Taking the Stage
Participants of Job Path are always expressing their creativity and talent in different ways. Theater is no exception. Community Connections’ Outside Voices Theater Company performed The Devils are Here – a play with deep insights from the neurodivergent perspective. Emanuel P. also played the role of a quirky postman in Postal Madness at the Shades of Truth Theatre and Voza Rivers/ New Heritage Theatre.
Kevin M, Special Olympics winner
Going the Distance
Kevin M. is a Special Olympics athlete who began participating in 2007. When he is not diligently working at Home Depot, he continues to stay active in swimming and floor hockey. His coach John Hutchins recalls this about Kevin: “He gives 100% of himself learning new skills and drills to improve his game.”
Shake Shack Star
This month Oscar celebrates 10 years working at Shake Shack. He welcomed countless guests over the years, and helped many of them order using the kiosk. He is proud of being recognized and compensated for his work, and spreads his positive energy to others around him. The CCE connected Oscar to Shake Shack all those years ago.
Coming this October
The Community Connections theater group will premier this October 3rd an original stage show. The play, The Devils are Here, was created by participants of Job Path after several years work. The setting is a distant planet. The story presents the message that interactions between neurodivergent and neurotypical people can sometimes be unfriendly and alien. Tickets can be purchased here.
Poet Noemi and DSP Vanessa Palhinhas
Poets, Of Course
The prolific group of neurodivergent poets took the stage once again at the New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island. Poets, Of Course brought their thought provoking verses and passionate delivery, never failing to to inspire their audience. A video of a performance is available.
Meme Master
In every Journeys newsletter, we shine a spotlight on at least one employee of Job Path. This month we hear from Joanne Papadopoulos, Payroll Administrator, who has brought joy & laughter to staff with her many memes, that serve as reminders to have timesheets done on time. She’s also another poet you can find at Job Path.
9 Years of Success
Poly Prep Country Day School has proudly highlighted James O. in a news article on their website. James, who is supported by Job Path, has been working at the independent school for over 9 yeas. With his keen intelligence and affable personality, he had meaningful impact on various departments and groups.
Steven & Cornell (right)
A Day in the Life
Cornell and Steven are long time participants of the Supported Living program. Thanks to the support they receive from Job Path they have fulfilling experiences at home and around the city, from visits to the Museum of Natural History and Intrepid Museum to Monday night bowling and Cinco de Mayo tacos.
Poets for all Seasons
Job Path’s Poets, Of Course group meets all through the year to work on their craft, and this summer provides an opportunity to perform again at The New York Poetry Festival. The location is Nolan Park, Governors Island. You can get tickets (free or paid) to the show on July 12th.
Advancing Beyond the ADA
This July is both Disability Pride Month and the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Carly Teichman, CEO of Job Path, highlights the importance of having a greater share of disability related government funding going towards improving the daily lives of people with disabilities and not just on research.
Ernesto with his award from CFS
Renown and Recognition
Ernesto has reason to celebrate this year, reaching his 15th year anniversary at The Center for Family Support after being awarded Employee of the Month in 2024. It’s no surprise as he has both the work ethic and interpersonal skills to make him well recognized by his coworkers and supervisor.
Transit Trailblazer
Derek, who works at the Visitor Experience Department of The New York Transit Museum, was nominated for the Felix Award. Extreme Kids & Crew organized this annual award to recognize neurodivergent individuals who make a difference. A fan of trains and transit, Derek shares his knowledge with visitors and makes their experience more memorable.
Why Advocacy Matters
Carly Teichman, CEO of Job Path, firmly believes in the importance of advocacy, especially within the field that supports people with disabilities. She shares the good news of the OPWDD and their new Commissioner, Willow Baer, making strides towards providing opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in self-advocacy.
Max on guitar and DSP Camden Nasoff
Autism Awareness
Job Path’s New Path group meets to learn, share and have fun every week. Maria Sepulveda, Community and Group Specialist, helps lead the group to new experiences or re-visit things worth remembering. For Autism Awareness month the group watched films and held a sing-along to celebrate and talk about neurodiversity.
A Legacy of 50 Years
This month marked the 50th anniversary of the Willowbrook Consent Decree, which eventually led to the closure of Willowbrook and the beginning of disability service agencies such as Job Path. Various threads connect Job Path to this moment of history, including personal ones. Former Board member and Willowbrook parent Diana McCourt and her husband Malachy McCourt contributed to making these reforms a possibility.
Josh Berger on Board
Josh is the latest member of Job Path’s Board of Directors. Coming from a background of real estate and finance, he firmly believes in the value of giving back to the community. Whether volunteering or using his connections to create opportunities for others, Josh’s energy and passion will be an advantage to Job Path moving forward.
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.