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

Elizabeth Paul cooks mac and cheese.

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