A Peek Behind the Admissions Curtain
At Jubilee, we believe everyone should have the choice of where and with whom they live. Making housemate matches is both an art and a science. The admissions application form is the first step in the journey. Our goal is to help people find housemates who last and nurture the family feel that Jubilee is known for.
The people who already live in the home are active in helping make decisions and welcoming new housemates to Jubilee. They interview each candidate and build relationships before reaching a final decision. A variety of factors go into the decision about who will live in the home. Factors include available space, the cost of rent, personalities, and interests.
The results speak for themself. Jubilee housemates become lifelong friends. Families often marvel at the happiness and independence their loved one has achieved.
Hayley Dutton oversees the admissions process at Jubilee. Every applicant starts their Jubilee journey the same way. People Jubilee supports live in a wide variety of housing. These include our 13 community living group homes and supported living homes owned by our housing partners. People also live in apartments where they are the leaseholder or with their family.
“We work to connect with the person applying and their family,” Hayley says. “The first step is a call from me to the parents.”
Next, we review which DDA services the applicant is eligible for. Jubilee’s nursing and admissions committees review the application. After all that, it’s time for the intangibles.
“I work closely with prospective clients and their families to create realistic goals,” Hayley adds. “The admissions process takes time and the need for the services Jubilee provides are in high demand.”
When a rare housemate spot opens up, a short list of potential applicants is drawn up based on interests, eligibility, and support needs. Next, meet ups are arranged for current and potential housemates. Those initial meetings may lead to a dinner and then an outing. New friendships may then lead to an invitation to join the household.
John Hartman joined Anthony Pedone and Stephen Roldan last year. They live together in a home owned by Rosaria Communities, a Jubilee partner. After living in the family home his entire life, moving was a sensitive process. Brother Ken Hartman helped John find Jubilee after the passing of their parents.
“What struck us was how welcoming it was,” Ken said. “We saw how the staff was present with the guys, and how Anthony and Stephen interact with each other. We fell in love with the house, and then we had dinner with the guys and visited them out in the community. It was a really cool opportunity.”
When John moved in, Stephen put his arm around him and said, “this is your home now.” For the Jubilee team, that was the moment that made all the hard work worthwhile.