“My work is deeply meaningful to me and fills my soul.”
Carol King, Associate Director, Day Habilitation Services, Rockland County
A Conversation with Carol King:
DH: Carol, it’s truly an honor to sit down with you. Congratulations on 36 incredible years at Jawonio—your impact is woven into so much of who we are today. To start, how do you define family, both in your personal life and within the Jawonio community?
CK: Thank you very much. My story is less about one moment and more about a lifetime of experiences. Family is not just about the people that you are related to, but about connection, responsibility, and showing up for others consistently. This belief has carried into my personal life and my work at Jawonio. Family represents not only love, but unconditional support, strength and resilience, responsibility and loyalty, guidance and values. In my work, family is my guiding mindset and Jawonio is truly a family.
DH: Thinking back to the beginning of your journey, what drew you to Jawonio—and what stands out most from your first days here?
CK: I started at Jawonio in January 1990, and the sun must have been shining down on me from the moment I walked in the door. I felt that I had come home. Jawonio is not only a prestigious place to work but an organization that allows me to create meaningful connections while upholding the highest standards of care and performance.
DH: You’ve played a pivotal role in shaping services over the years. Can you walk us through how Day Habilitation programs first came to life at Jawonio?
CK: As you know, our mission statement is always in the forefront: Jawonio is dedicated to advancing the independence, well-being, and equality of people with disabilities and special needs. In the early years, there were no Day Program options. In 1995, the NYS Office for People with Disabilities (OPWDD) agreed that the people we served were permitted to retire. They would be allowed to join retirement programs specifically tailored to their needs and find enjoyment and fulfillment in their later years.
DH: You didn’t just build programs—you reimagined what they could be. What were some of the creative elements you introduced to enhance the experience for participants?
CK: We created a comfortable place for relaxation, socialization, and continued education. We introduced pet therapy, horticultural therapy, cooking, music, dancing, and celebrating holidays and milestones. We were one of the first in the state and on the cutting edge of program development.
DH: Today, Jawonio’s Day Habilitation programs are vibrant and diverse. How would you describe where the programs stand now?
CK: Over the years we have designed many more new programs, tailored to the specific needs of our people. Currently we operate 9 Day Habilitation Programs in both Rockland and Westchester. Each one with special and unique qualities that meet their dreams and aspirations.
DH: Today, Jawonio’s Day Habilitation programs are vibrant and diverse. How would you describe where the programs stand now?
CK: Over the years we have designed many more new programs, tailored to the specific needs of our people. Currently we operate 9 Day Habilitation Programs in both Rockland and Westchester. Each one with special and unique qualities that meet their dreams and aspirations.
DH: After so many years of service, what continues to motivate and inspire you each day?
CK: I am inspired to create new programs by identifying unmet needs and opportunities for growth – that motivates me. When I observe challenges I am motivated to try and develop something new and meaningful to assist individuals gain skills and confidence, and at the same time, to support staff with clear tools and strategies for them to be successful.
DH: Your leadership has always been thoughtful and steady. How would you describe your approach to leading teams and supporting staff?
CK: My style is quiet leadership. It is important to be calm and present, and to listen. It is important for staff to feel respected, safe, and be encouraged to speak up. Gentle guidance works and preserves dignity. I show up every day, follow through, stay reliable, and do the work.
DH: As you look ahead, what do you see as the biggest opportunities or challenges for the future of Day Habilitation services?
CK: The future of Day Habilitation is ever changing. One must be open to all challenges, continuous education and learning. Populations change, time moves ahead, and new programs will always be needed. It is important to read the signs and look at the people, as we must take our cues from them as they will be the human clue as to what innovative programs to create.
CK: My work is deeply meaningful to me and fills my soul. It energizes me to see the individuals that we support grow in independence, confidence, and engagement. My wish for the future is to continue growing personally and to make a meaningful and lasting impact on Jawonio. I hope that I have contributed to an environment where individuals feel valued, staff feel supported, and the quality of services consistently reach a high outcome. I am committed to grow, learn, and hopefully make a difference. It remains a privilege to work here.
With Gratitude,
Jawonio extends our deepest gratitude to Carol King for her extraordinary 36 years of leadership, innovation, and compassion. Her legacy lives on in every program she has shaped and every life she has touched.
Because of Carol, and leaders like her, so much good happens here.
SO MUCH GOOD HAPPENS HERE.
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