Jubilee Accomplishments Are Thanks to You

A New Years Message from Executive Director Steve Keener

The new year is always a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what we hope to still achieve. This past year has been one of exceptional growth at Jubilee, which will continue in the new year. We’re charting a course forward where people with disabilities have greater opportunities, and I’m grateful to you for being part of Jubilee’s accomplishments.

The opening of The Academy at Jubilee this past Fall is an outstanding accomplishment, which so many of you in our Jubilee community helped make possible. Since opening, we’ve already trained 175 direct support professionals, which helps them better support people with disabilities. In the year ahead, we plan to welcome more learners from other agencies and expand our class offerings. I’m grateful for the support of the greater Jubilee community, including donors and state officials which made The Academy a reality. 

Today, more than 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on Jubilee. We’re:

• Helping people achieve independence with help at home from our dedicated frontline workforce. We’re welcoming new clients, and renovations of Jubilee-owned group homes are underway. In 2024, we welcomed over 40 people to our residential and housing support services.
• Navigating housing benefits and locating affordable housing opportunities. I’m happy to share that 16 of our housing support clients moved into new apartments or homes where they are the leaseholder this past year. 
• Working for equal access to disability services for people from underserved communities. The Maryland Equity Coalition for People with Disabilities is co-chaired by Jubilee and now includes 35 member organizations committed to helping all Marylanders access disability services.
• Creating community through programs, special events like summer holidays and cookouts. Client Council creates opportunities to have a leadership role in the Jubilee community.

I’m excited for what we can accomplish together in 2025. Working with you to make our corner of the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities fills me with gratitude. I wish you a happy and healthy new year.