Tag: JEVS Independence Network

By: Vy Le, Associate Director JEVS Independence Network Ambler

The JEVS Independence Network program is expanding to a third location in Ambler, PA! The first member officially moved in February 2025. Prospective parents and members share their thoughts about the program and expectations for the coming year.

Karen S. (Parent)

Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?

A: I was intrigued by the network of supports available and how the program included an independent living component.

Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?

A: I am thrilled with the social calendar. There are a lot of different things to do, and it is a wonderful resource. I also like how it is right in the community and close to home.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?

A: I like that Adam now has this local network and that he’s interacting with all types of people in the community. When he joins the program, he will have people he can go to for assistance.

Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?

A: I look forward to Adam having his own place and getting involved. I also look forward to the job coaching support and future community space where members can spend time together.

Adam S. (Interested Member)

Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?

A: I like hanging out with the people who are in the JEVS group, and I want to live in the Ambler community with a Roommate.

Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?

A: I learned more about other resources I could have access to through the program. Having a job coach that is a part of the program is also important to me.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?

A: The events are my favorite part of being a part of the program. I enjoyed the hayride, bowling, the white elephant event and eating dinner with the other guys.

Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?

A: I look forward to having a job coach to help me with employment. I also look forward to moving to Ambler and attending more events.

Elaine G. (Parent)

Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?

A: Jared’s life has always been in the Ambler community. He wants to be independent, and the program, with two other well-established independent communities, is coming right to our back door.

Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?

A: All the resources, parent zoom meetings, and meeting parents from both the Narberth and Collingswood communities. It helps to hear their stories about their experiences and to be connected to a greater community that understands. Knowing that it’s established in two different places already is reassuring, and Ambler will become a part of a bigger community that gets together often.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?

A: Getting to know the staff and meeting other participants and their families, as well as the friendships and support.

Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?

A: Jared being independently living within the Ambler JEVS Community.

Jared G. (Interested Member)

Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?

A: To learn how to live on my own, grocery shop, clean, and pay bills.

Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?

A: New friendships made through the program so far.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?

A: I like the different social events like bowling and going to the

Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?

A: Finding housing and joining the program.

Chris B. (Parent)

Q: What drew you to the JEVS Independence Network?

A: I was super excited for JEVS Independence Network to come to Ambler. We’ve known about the program for a long time now and believe it is the ideal program for Pete.

Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?

A: Being about to connect with other families who have adults in similar situations.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?

A: I appreciate the opportunities for Pete to socialize and make more friends. The prospect of Pete having support to live on his own gives us hope. Having a job coach in place is also great.

Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?

A: Pete moving into his own place and getting his independence back.

Pete O. (Interested Member)

Q: What drew you to the Independence Network?

A: The chance to live independently again with roommates and the chance of moving out from my parents’ house.

Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?

A: The social interactions with the other members.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?

A: The activities we’ve done such as mini golf, visiting Merrymead Farm, and going out to restaurants.

Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?

A: Rebuilding my independence, making new friends, and connecting with the Ambler community.

Liz & Jim P. (Parent)

Q: What drew you to the Independence Network?

A: Jenna had gone to college and acquired a higher level of independence where she worked on those skills. We were very happy with those results. She was building relationships and learning what it takes to live independently. We looked into programs that would continue that and went to an open house at the Narberth Program. Narberth was a bit further away from where we lived but the town reminded us of Ambler. We invited Jill and Clara to come to Ambler. They said it was a great town, much like Narberth. The initial information session was hosted at the library and we reached out to families that could be interested so they could attend. We saw how Narberth was working and how it has been successful, and we wanted a program closer to home for Jenna.

Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?

A: The program in Narberth and Collingswood was a successful model so watching the model evolve in Ambler has been rewarding. We see the value in the way you build relationships with the parents and the young adults. We watched Jenna’s relationships grow with people not only in Ambler but also in Collingswood and Narberth. She is building relationships beyond what we were expecting.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?

A: We enjoy meeting the new community and mentors, as well as seeing the supports provided to Jenna and the events that are set up to meet other families. We enjoy seeing Jenna want to independently go to events and us building friendships with other families.

Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?

A: As parents, we look forward to finding a good fit for a roommate for Jenna and everything that comes with that like finding an apartment. We are looking forward to finding more activities that she is interested in going to independently in the new year.

Jenna P. (Interested Member)

Q: What drew you to the Independence Network?

A: Making new friends.

Q: What have you found valuable about the Program?

A: I would say the support I get at Food pantry, Twin Springs Preschool, and my fitness classes.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the program so far?

A: My favorite thing about JEVS is I love going to the events with everyone.

Q: What do you look forward to in the new year with the program coming to Ambler, PA?

A: To hang out with my friends and mentors, to meet new people, and to move into an apartment with a roommate.

 

 

By JEVS Staff

The JEVS Independence Network has so much to celebrate! We started thirteen years ago and have worked with over 100 members.  The Independence Network supports people in launching their independence. This support includes advancing careers, making meaningful community connections, and developing life-long friendships. As we establish our third program location in Ambler, PA, we know that we are stronger together. Our members and their families help focus on our mission and always look for new ideas to move forward. 

We are lucky to work with local groups, businesses, and schools. Right now, we are working with Temple University’s Occupational Therapy department to start a peer support program. This program will help us reach more young adults who want to connect. Members will get to share helpful tips and support each other in becoming more independent. We are also starting a wellness program to help members set health goals, try new things, and have fun getting healthier with friends! Over the past year, we have been reviewing our programs to find ways to make our support even better. 

Sean B., a program member and future peer supporter, says it best: “Before the JEVS Independence Network I questioned if I would ever have a friend at all. Then another member told me about JEVS, and my life goals came true. Now my apartment is a revolving door with visitors, I have made good friends in and out of the program, and I have built bonds that are strong. We (members) want to be there for other people who need to know that they are not alone. It helps to hear from others who have faced and overcome the same kinds of obstacles. It feels good to know there are peers who care and understand.” 

 

By: Natalie DiSandro, Associate Director, JEVS Independence Network Collingswood

For the first time, members of the JEVS Independence Network program in Collingswood participated in the Annual Holiday Parade—and had an amazing experience. The effort was led by Mentor Associate Nancy W., who used her local connections and community spirit to make it all happen.

Nancy has lived in Collingswood since 1989, back when Haddon Avenue had few shops and no restaurants. “Collingswood is a small, nice, and friendly town,” she said. “It’s a great place to raise children, with so many activities, sports, and things for kids to get involved in.”

Nancy was looking for something new when she spoke with Abby Kasoff—founder of Say it With Clay and a community partner of the Independence Network—who suggested she consider joining JEVS. It sounded rewarding, and Nancy came on as a part-time community support counselor in May 2023. By October, she had moved into a full-time role, becoming even more connected with the work and the community.

Nancy’s idea to get the JEVS Independence Network involved in the parade came from her own experience helping organize it years ago. “We always made sure community groups were included—like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and local fundraisers,” she said. “I thought, the JEVS Independence Network is an important part of the community. We should be walking in the parade too!”

With this in mind, Nancy reached out to the municipal worker managing the event, completed the application, and began organizing. She hosted two prep events to get the group ready. The team decided on a Toyland theme, decorating a truck with wrapped packages, stuffed animals, and festive touches. Members wrapped boxes, taped on toys, and added bows. Nancy also provided fun costumes for everyone—ladies picked out dresses, while the guys wore antlers, ties, and light-up necklaces.

When parade day arrived, the excitement was high. Members gathered for hot chocolate and donuts before heading to their spot in the lineup. With music playing and the crowds cheering, the group danced, smiled, and interacted with the community. Some handed out fidget toys to kids along the route, creating joyful moments for everyone involved.

The feedback was positive and encouraging. “Everyone was so excited to be involved,” Nancy said. “Next time, we’ll start earlier and make it even bigger and better.” One neighbor even called them “the nicest group in the parade.”

For Nancy, it was a truly meaningful day. “I was proud to walk with them down the street. We are part of the community. We are here, and we belong here. It felt good for people to see that.”