Jawonio was excited to kicked off its “Together We Can” forum in April for individuals involved in our Day Habilitation Programs to meet and share with the staff and agency leadership, their accomplishments, what they are excited about, and things that they want to work on. The forum met April 19th for the first of regular monthly meetings. Twenty self-advocates were present along with Day Habilitation staff and Randi Rios-Castro, Associate Executive Director, Carol St. John, Community Living Services Division Director, and Dan Lukens, POMS Coordinator. It is important that the thoughts and feelings of all of our participants are a part of the larger agency dialogue and these forums provide a structure in which program participants have a voice.
It was wonderful to have so many individuals participate and enthusiastically support each other. Highlights of the discussion include; Alirio, who announced he had begun a college course at RCC, and Nanpan shared about his college course at the Learning Center, Michael, Myra and Joe shared about volunteer work they are doing, Bobbi talked about his job that he really enjoys.
Others spoke about their goals of finding paid work and were strongly encouraged to continue the process. Some spoke about community events people can participate in and many shared about the positive friendships that they have found in the program, as Morris said, “I like it here at Jawonio Seniors Program, I have friends here.” Staff also had a chance to share as well. Rhianna said, “We are like a family.”
Others spoke about their goals of finding paid work and were strongly encouraged to continue the process. Some spoke about community events people can participate in and many shared about the positive friendships that they have found in the program, as Morris said, “I like it here at Jawonio Seniors Program, I have friends here.” Staff also had a chance to share as well. Rhianna said, “We are like a family.”
Jawonio is a strong community and our organization’s Core Values of Compassion & Respect, Inclusion, Honesty and Integrity and Positive Attitude are represented throughout the services we provide and the “Together We Can” forums.
To find out more information about Day Habilitation, contact:
Sara Trowers Director of Day Services
(845) 708-2000 x2339 | x8313 Yonkers sara.trowers@jawonio.org
Sara Trowers Director of Day Services
(845) 708-2000 x2339 | x8313 Yonkers sara.trowers@jawonio.org
