JSSA Blog
Candi Kaplan: Giving to JSSA with an eye toward the future
Through her many personal and professional pursuits over the years, Candi Kaplan has cultivated the skill of thinking ahead. A long-time JSSA board member, Candi began her term as president in 2016 with an eye to the future.
Listen: JSSA Hospice Social Worker on Palliative Care Chat Podcast
JSSA Hospice social worker Arlen Grad Gaines was a recent guest on the University of Maryland’s Palliative Care Chat podcast. She was joined by Meredith Englander Polsky to discuss the book they co-authored, “I Have a Question about Death: A Book for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Other Special Needs,” a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award winner. […]
Providing Care at All Stages of Life
At JSSA we empower our clients to overcome the obstacles they are facing in their lives. What sets us apart from other social service agencies in the Greater Washington metropolitan area? One difference is our ability to provide assistance to individuals and families at all stages of life, including 78-year-old Ruth and her 53-year-old daughter, […]
Celebrate Generosity with JSSA and #GivingTuesday
JSSA is joining the #GivingTuesday movement. Our #GivingTuesday fundraising goal this year is $10,000 for our Give-a-Gift campaign. This seasonal program provides families of all faiths with gift cards to purchase what they really need and want for the holidays.
Maryland Works, Inc. Names JSSA “Provider of the Year”
JSSA’s Specialized Employment Services will receive the “Provider of the Year” award from Maryland Works, Inc. on November 7, 2017 at their 10th Annual Employment Awards Luncheon. The award recognizes a nonprofit community service provider that has achieved significant outcomes in the employment of people with disabilities.
JSSA Hospice Social Worker Wins Children’s Book Award
I Have a Question about Death: A Book for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Other Special Needs, co-authored by JSSA Hospice social worker Arlen Gaines, LCSW-C, has been awarded a bronze medal by the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. A clear and concise resource, I Have a Question about Death uses straightforward text and images to help […]
When Enough is Enough: Balancing Your Child’s Extracurriculars
Between sports programs, scout meetings, music lessons, and art classes, our children have fuller schedules than we ever did at their age — and that’s not even including play dates and homework. So why do we keep our kids so busy with extracurriculars? When our children truly love an activity, we want to help nurture […]
My JSSA Story: Irena, A Transitions Client
At 86 years old, Irena* is thoughtful, sharp, and social. A child of Eastern Europe, she can still speak multiple languages yet struggles to converse with the other residents in her facility.
My JSSA Story: Emily, A Specialized Employment Services Client
Emily* was earning money as a dog walker and self-published author when she was referred to JSSA’s Specialized Employment services by DORS. At twenty-nine years old, she was interested in pursuing competitive employment opportunities and needed help with the process.
My JSSA Story: Jason, an Out and About! Participant
Jason*, age 30, describes himself as a bit of a nerd. “I like comics, TV, games, movies, and the internet,” he said. “I also enjoy writing fan-fiction — stories about preexisting characters in preexisting franchises. I’ve written two stories with over a million words. Really need to finish one of them one of these days…”