James Caby and Delegate David Moon at the home where Caby and two others live and receive support services from Jubilee Association of Maryland.
This home works, and its an excellent example of the synergy of support that Jubilee Association has been able to create.
Silver Spring, MD (PRWEB) March 03, 2015
Today, Maryland Delegates saw firsthand a dynamic program that’s improving the lives of adults with Developmental Disabilities throughout Montgomery County. Delegates David Moon and Will Smith–both newly elected and representing District 20–made a visit to a Jubilee home where three county residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities live and receive support.
“This is more than a house – but a place that these residents and staff have called “home” for more than 20 years now. This home works, and it’s an excellent example of the synergy of support that Jubilee Association has been able to create, allowing adults with developmental disabilities the freedom to thrive, while remaining a vibrant part of our communities, close to family and friends,” says Tim Wiens, Executive Director of Kensington’s Jubilee Association that operates residential support programs throughout Montgomery County.
Sixty-five-year-old Henry and sixty-year-old James have lived in the home for 30 years and 20 years, respectively. Thirty-three-year-old Mitch moved in 2 years ago. The men receive daily support services in the home, from two long-term counselors that help them get meals, take medication, and maintain the house.
Jubilee provides residential support services to 135 adults with developmental disabilities at 65 locations throughout Montgomery County. The organization maintains these community-based homes are much more efficient and effective than older institutional models of housing people with disabilities.
According to The Arc Maryland Executive Director Cristine Marchand, "there is a huge need for more of these types of programs in Maryland. Over 8,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities are waiting for community services to live dignified and productive lives in their community.”
Jubilee depends on state funding, as well as private donations to run its programs. The organization is inviting the public to show support by attending its annual fundraiser, A Toast to Congressman Chris Van Hollen on April 20th. The theme of the evening is ‘Celebrating Milestones of Change’. The event will Toast not only Congressman Van Hollen, for his support of people with disabilities, but also two landmark pieces of legislation – The Americans with Disabilities Act, now in its 25th year, and the recently passed ABLE Act. All have dramatically improved the lives of people with disabilities, in Maryland and throughout the nation.
Tickets, sponsorships and advertising information is available at https://jubilee.ejoinme.org/2015VanHollenToast