Breaking Barriers
Jubilee’s Breaking Barriers program helps people from underserved communities get disability benefits and services. We understand that language and cultural differences can make the application process overwhelming. Jubilee is here to help you.
The Breaking Barriers team speaks both Spanish and English. We work with interpreters to help people who speak other languages. Breaking Barriers has resources in several languages, including Spanish and Asian languages, that help explain disability benefits.
Breaking Barriers works with community and government partners to reach people who need our help. We can help people with disabilities and their families:
- Plan for life after high school,
- Share information on jobs or day programs,
- Connect with housing resources,
- Apply for government benefits,
- Think about what help at home might look like for you, and help you apply for services.
Lillian Spreads Her Wings
Breaking Barriers Intervention Leads to Newfound Security and Independence
As shared by Lisa Lorraine, Senior Manager of Jubilee’s Breaking Barriers Program
Lillian and her mom Rosa are a tight-knit unit of two. When Lillian’s epilepsy flares, it’s her mom who takes care of her. When Rosa needs help translating English to Spanish, it’s Lillian’s turn to help her mom.
But when benefits they relied on were canceled in error, they needed outside help. The loss of benefits meant they were on the brink of losing their apartment. A government caseworker referred them to Jubilee’s Breaking Barriers program.
Our team’s outreach resulted in Lillian regaining much-needed government benefits. Next, Breaking Barriers connected them with Jubilee’s Housing Support Services team who found an affordable apartment. The housing team continues to help them keep on top of their benefits and housing paperwork so they feel secure.
Through this process, Lillian and Rosa opened the door to more people in their lives. It became clear that Lillian could grow in independence with the help of Jubilee’s direct support staff. No longer would she have to rely on Mom for every little thing. Her world could expand beyond the walls of their home.
Lillian was ready to spread her wings, and Jubilee was here to help her fly. Now, she gets support at home from a Jubilee direct support professional who can help her meet her goals to be more healthy and active. Rosa can communicate easily with Lillian’s bilingual program manager and get updates, like how much fun Lillian had bowling with her new Jubilee community. Lillian and Rosa remain a close duo, but now with more stability and a greater world of opportunities thanks to Jubilee.
You can meet Jubilee’s Breaking Barriers team at community events and local health fairs. Check our events calendar for upcoming opportunities to meet the team. Join the monthly Spanish-language Charlemos where you can talk directly with the Breaking team.
Jubilee is here to help! Breaking Barriers Senior Manager Lisa Lorraine works with a dedicated Jubilee team to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from underserved communities access benefits and resources.
Email bb@jubileemd.org | Call or text 240-531-3478
Through Breaking Barriers, Jubilee is a convener of like-minded organizations who work and advocate for all Marylanders to have equal access to disability services. The Maryland Equity Coalition for People with Disabilities (Equity Coalition) provides education and information to help people successfully navigate language and cultural barriers that impede access to disability services.
The coalition welcomes new members. Read more about the Equity Coalition and see the list of founding organizations here.