Independence Network Timeline
December 17, 2009
Founding families met with JEVS for the 1st time to explore a potential partnership.
March 10, 2010
JEVS provided the official go-ahead to begin the Philadelphia Independence Network program in Narberth.
October 21, 2010
Founding families hosted an initial outreach event to try and build a critical mass of prospective members to get the program off the ground.
September 20, 2011
JEVS holds recruitment open house for families and providers.
November 2011
4 young men officially started the Independence Network with 1 staff.
March 2012
The Independence Network establishes first clubhouse.
June 24, 2012
The Independence Network holds its first community picnic.
September 2014
The Independence Network moves into a larger clubhouse.
February 2016
The Independence Network officially embeds employment support into the program structure with a dedicated Career Navigator position and cross training all staff in supported employment best practices.
October 2016
Independence Network Associate Membership begins – the program’s first attempt to develop a step down membership for members needing less support but not ready to leave the program.
November 2016
The Independence Network holds a community 5-year celebration.
June 2017
NJ families come to JEVS and request replication of the program in NJ.
August 2018
Independence Network of Collingswood officially starts with 2 founding members.
September 2018
Narberth and Collingswood locations began to hold social events together.
March 2020
The Independence Network adds virtual programming and support to include both programs and adapt to the conditions of the pandemic.
Posted in Blog JEVS Program: Independence Network