As told by volunteer Michael Wadja After an injury kept me out of the gym, I started to swim laps at the city pool in Rockville for exercise. I started to notice the same group of people having a blast in the pool. I realized I was seeing people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. I saw the bond and… Read More »

On the 25th anniversary of the Yap family vacation to a remote island in Michigan, Maurine Yap swam across the cold, deep lake with her mom. This achievement has long been out of reach for Maurine, but a new relationship made it possible. “The amazing Shauna Miller came into our daughter’s life,” said mom Anne Yap. “Shauna has a magic touch… Read More »

I moved to my first ever home of my own on my 66th birthday. I’ve always wanted a place that’s just mine, but I’ve never had one before. Jubilee’s been helping me out for nearly 35 years. First at a group home and then when I moved back in with mom. When Mom moved to a place where she gets help… Read More »

Quick Action Saved Housing Client from Homelessness Jubilee First Agency to Secure Housing Under Maryland’s New DDA Rent Subsidy Program “When I first met Sharon, she was in crisis,” said Jubilee’s Housing Support Services specialist Amanda Gibson. “She lived with her uncle, and when he passed away the bills started to pile up. She faced eviction from the home she… Read More »

By Chris Lyman and Nancy Ensor Growing up with 10 brothers and sisters made us a tight-knit family. Brian is the youngest sibling, and we all looked out for him. Our family moved to Maryland, and Brian saw his older siblings get married and build our own lives. He wanted his own home too. Brian’s not a big talker but… Read More »

By Cindy Burroughs* You will dream new dreams. Those were the first words to resonate with me after my son Jason was diagnosed with autism at 15 months old. It would be close to 22 years after Jason was born before I could really start seeing my new dreams for Jason come true.  That was when Jubilee made that magical… Read More »

Enrique connected with Jubilee through our Breaking Barriers program, which works to expand access to disability services to Hispanic and Asian communities.  Enrique’s mom, Blanca Maldonado, has struggled over the years to access needed support for him.  “Since Enrique began with Jubilee, he has been able to have a more active life after work. He goes to the gym to swim and exercise, visits… Read More »

“Davin’s always been really independent,” said mom Rhonda Golder. “He joined the church choir on his own when he was younger. He loves to sing and the guys in the choir treat him as one of their own.” Davin now lives independently with two housemates, and Jubilee direct support staff assist with daily living – including driving him to choir… Read More »

I was born in Germany in 1948, and I was a “blue baby”. I needed oxygen. The hospital didn’t give it to me. It caused permanent brain damage and mental health issues. We moved to America for a better life when I was a kid. It wasn’t easy being me when I was young. After high school I lived in… Read More »

I’ve grown as a direct support professional since I joined Jubilee in 2017. I’m excited to keep learning. I’m a graduate of Jubilee’s DSP II program that teaches advanced job skills. When Jubilee first approached me about the One Job program, I wasn’t sure about putting all my eggs in one basket. In addition to Jubilee, I was working as… Read More »

I’ve always liked to be independent and keep busy. I can’t see, but I don’t let that slow me down. I’ve been with Jubilee for more than 15 years. I live in a great house with my friend Michaelis. Odunayo from Jubilee lives with us and helps me be on my own. For 29 years I worked at the U.S.… Read More »

As told by Jubilee Program Manager Mary Amoji-Ogar When I met Melissa fear and anxiety had taken over her life. She had a phobia about falling that led her to stop walking completely. Even using a wheelchair frightened her. She would crawl from place to place in the house. It was heartbreaking. We wanted to help her get back to… Read More »

I’ve been a champion for people with developmental disabilities ever since my own son was born with a disability. Joining Jubilee as a direct support professional matched my passion. I’m a big advocate for people doing exceptional things. Molly and I talked about her goals, and how I can help her achieve them. Molly shared that she wanted a volunteer… Read More »