For 36 years, Julio Vargas has been devoted to the people in his care and the Jawonio mission. As a huge fan of the band “Journey” you could say he is passionate and dedicated to his work….”Faithfully”.
Here are a few fun facts about Julio:
- Born and raised in the Dominican Republic
- Moved to Rockland County as a teen
- Mother, Born in Syria
- Father, Born in Dominican Republic
- Two brothers (one, his twin; other older)
- North Rockland HS Graduate
- St. Thomas Aquinas College, BS Pre-Engineering
- Fairleigh Dickinson, BS Applied Mathematics
So how did Julio, an engineering and applied mathematics student find his passion for people with special needs at Jawonio? Let’s find out.
“There is not enough I can say about Julio. When he engages with a resident he is always focused on their needs and wants. We are so lucky to have this big hearted, sweet soul with us.”
Jennifer Glynn, RN Supervisor, Fisher Home
DH: Julio, was there an experience or someone you knew that shaped your journey into this field?
JV: Yes. What inspired me to work with people with disabilities was based on an observation I had of an inhumane situation. In Santo Domingo, I used to spend the summers at my grandfather’s house in the countryside. In the back of his house, there was a concrete platform where they used to dry tobacco. But when that stopped, we used the platform to play baseball. In back of the platform, there were a series of houses, a regular neighborhood, where I would walk by with my family and friends, and I saw a person in a cage. He was unclothed and I saw food being thrown at him. I was eight years-old at the time, and he looked about twenty. My grandfather knew the family and in a way that I could understand he told me that this person was a disabled young man who had a developmental disability and a mental health issue. To me he was treated like an animal. His family didn’t know how to care for him. I said to my grandfather, I don’t like the way he is being treated. What I then realized, was that nobody in the neighborhood seemed to care. But I KNEW this was wrong. At the same time, I realized that my grandfather wasn’t very supportive, and he said “this is the way it is”. This memory has stayed with me forever and to this day. I also remember his name was Popo.
DH: That is so tragic. And certainly that was traumatic for you but you took that terrible situation and knew that would be a catalyst for your mission in life. Where did you go from there?
JV: The picture is always on my mind, he is absolutely always on my mind. Following those early years, I moved to Rockland County when I was a teenager. Upon graduation from high school and college, I realized I didn’t want to go into engineering or teach. As luck would have it, I had a neighbor who worked at Letchworth Village. She encouraged me to apply. My first job was in one of the cottages as an attendant working with the profound populatio
DH: So, you found your way back into the disabilities sector?
JV: Yes, I knew from a very young age that I wanted to help people. I was passionate about supporting people who couldn’t support themselves. So at Letchworth, I worked on the grounds for about seven years before I transferred to a group home in the community. After working at Letchworth also an extremely difficult job, I felt that it was time for me to make a change. I decided to take a leave of absence for a year, and I wanted to do something very different. I became a flight attendant for Tower Airlines based at JFK. I was able to travel to various countries including Europe, North Africa and Israel. It was a wonderful way to see the world. However, I always knew in my heart, that I would come back to this field. I came back to work in the Letchworth group home and at the same time began my Jawonio journey. I always knew I would come back to human services and Jawonio has allowed me to live my purpose and passion every day for the past 36 years. I come to work everyday with joy and happiness to support the people I know need my help.
“Each resident will acknowledge his presence and there is an immediate feeling of warmth. He is truly loved and respected with an incredible amount of patience and understanding.”
Carla Brajkovic, LCSW
DH: You made the absolute right decision Julio! So tell us how you found Jawonio and what your first impressions were?
JV: I first learned about Jawonio from a family friend. She shared how impressed she was with the services offered to people with disabilities. I started to do a little research myself, I applied and began working in 1988.
DH: What were your early responsibilities here at Jawonio?
JV: I began my career as a DSP at Fisher. Within the first month, I transferred over to what was then known as the workshop because, honestly, the hours were better for me. From my first days, and first month, I fell in love with Jawonio.
DH: Over the decades, we have heard that staff does in fact fall in love with Jawonio. What made you fall in love?
JV: The main reason is because of the welcoming culture. The participants, the staff, they motivated me to be who I am. From the very beginning I found a home here and a niche.
DH: That’s beautiful. So, you began your career as a DSP and worked in that capacity for 3 years. Talk about your career growth after that.
JV: There was an opportunity for me to work in the Vocational Evaluation Department as an assistant for a few years performing testing, assessments/counseling, and evaluations. At the same time, Jawonio sent me to school, where I received my certification in vocational training from The International Center for the Disabled. During this period, I also had the opportunity to learn more about mental health, since many of the referrals we were receiving had both a mental health and a developmental disability diagnosis.
“Julio comes in with a smile on his face and a happy attitude. One example of his support is when he heard that a few of the individuals wanted to find meaningful ways to be helpful. He has made it his mission now to ensure that our individuals now go out, walk to the mailroom and then collect the Fisher mail and bring it back. People know if they ask Julio for something that they need or would enjoy, you can always count on Julio.”
Stephanie Seiler, Assistant Program Director, CLS
DH: And I would think that was a new world for everyone in the sector at that time right?
JV: Yes, and that is what has made Jawonio so unique and innovative for those in our care. We are the “go to” agency for people with multiple complex disabilities and it sets us apart from other agencies.
DH: That is for sure. And following your years as an evaluator, where did you go from there?
JV: My next career move was to become a job coach and a job developer in the late 1990s. I worked with our individuals on job sites. I had a lot of success in Community Employment Services department, because the people I worked with became successful and that’s what it’s all about. Following that role, there was an opening for a job to help in a new pre-employment program where I could utilize my vocational skills. From there, I came back to our Fisher Home in 2019 which is full circle for me, and where I am today as a residential habilitation specialist.
DH: What a wonderful 36 years, and more to come!! Are there any favorite moments that stick out in your mind over your career?
JV: There are so many moments, but I think the best moments are the everyday interactions, to listen, to laugh, to check in with our individuals. Every moment I get to assist or help someone is my favorite moment. I believe in the power and mission of Jawonio and the power of each individual. I never stop believing in each person. I want to bring my joy and happiness and give them the same joy and happiness everyday.
DH: What wonderful gifts you bring with you every day! What is it about working in residential services that keeps you going?
JV: What keeps me going is that we are all creating a home together. The actual involvement of creating a home environment, and building a home together for our residents is amazing. My hope is that I can continue to make my colleagues and our residents happy and feel comfortable with me because all of us are part of a big family. I also want to be someone that people can rely on for support and love.
DH: What is the best thing that stays with you everyday that someone has told you?
JV: I love you and thank you for helping me.
Thank you Julio – you are extraordinary!! Knowing now that Julio’s favorite band is Journey he is truly an example of “Don’t Stop Believing!” He never stops believing in the power of compassion, care and love.
SO MUCH GOOD HAPPENS HERE.
Are you interested in a career in inspiring individuals with special needs on their journey to independence? If your answer is yes, please click on the button below.
It’s time to engage with us on social media!! Let’s Go!! You will learn so much about us like our specialty days, our advocacy efforts, individual, staff and family celebrations and so much more. STAY IN THE KNOW about JAWONIO!!
Like us on FACEBOOK
Follow us on INSTAGRAM
Follow us on LINKEDIN
Subscribe to us on YOUTUBE
Please visit Jawonio.org/careers
