68 | SEPTEMBER 26 • 2019
Jews in the D
Nathan Kohnert, Brittany Dean
and Job Coach Jessica Brand.
Life Skills
Program aids young
adults with special needs.
Y
oung adults living with
special needs don’
t
have many chances
to learn life skills outside of
their own homes. The Jewish
Community Center’
s special
needs department has changed
that.
This summer, the
department began a program
with Jewish Senior Life (JSL)
and its Meer Apartments to
help young adults ages 16-26
with special needs develop
independent living skills.
Meer Apartments in
West Bloomfield offered an
apartment so the students
can learn to cook, do
laundry, make beds and
clean, among others.
Participants’
special needs
range from nonverbal to
high functioning, but the
program has benefits for all
30 of the students involved.
“This is a real application
opportunity for students
to learn hands-on,” said
Stephanie Zoltowski, director
of the JCC’
s special needs
program. “The participants
really look forward to going.”
Jo Rosen, JSL executive
director of development, said,
“Michigan is the only state
that provides these community
living services and funding
for these individuals. JSL is
honored to offer a safe space
for them.”
Although initially a summer
program, the special needs
department is planning to
continue the program into
the school year. Currently, the
activities in the program are
largely individual, but hopes
are to expand and begin doing
more activities with JSL.
Zoltowski is excited about
possibly giving program
participants jobs at the
apartment building, which
will allow the opportunity
to interact more with staff
and building residents. She
also hopes to have activities
such as work-out classes that
both special needs program
participants and JSL residents
will be able to attend.
JESSIE COHEN JN INTERN
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