How fortunate I am, to be able to celebrate my Bat Mitzvah at the age of 85. As part of this meaningful milestone, I am taking on a mitzvah project, just as the Jewish kids do.

For my project, I am raising funds for JESPY House, which provides life-changing services to over 400 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This organization is especially meaningful to me, as it is the community that will support my grandson, Max, as he continues to grow toward independence.

JESPY is truly one of a kind. It offers full wraparound services within a walkable community - giving individuals the opportunity to live, work, and fully participate in daily life with dignity and purpose.

Through JESPY, adults with IDD receive support in areas such as:

Employment readiness, job coaching, and workplace skills (both hard and soft skills)
Supervised housing to learn independent living skills such as meal planning, shopping, cooking, budgeting, and safety
Health and wellness, including personal fitness training and nutrition counseling
Social development, including building meaningful friendships
Recreation and enrichment through art, music, theater, trips, and Special Olympics
Public transportation training to navigate the community independently

Every service is designed to help individuals reach their personal goals and live as independently as possible.

Right now, this support is more critical than ever. Medicaid funds all adult disability services in New Jersey, and with potential budget cuts scheduled for the end of 2026, organizations like JESPY need community support to continue providing these essential programs.

For our family, this cause is deeply personal. JESPY represents opportunity, dignity, and a future where Max - and so many others - can build meaningful, independent lives. Knowing a place like this exists gives us hope.

Thank you for celebrating this special moment with me and for supporting a cause that means so much to our family.

With love and gratitude,

Naomi Wish

Thank you for choosing to support Naomi Wish with a donation to the Go Big for JESPY Campaign!

JESPY has a bold and responsive plan to advance independence for adults with IDD, today and tomorrow.

JESPY House is a trusted nonprofit organization that has flourished and thrived for nearly 50 years to advance independence for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Clients have remained part of JESPY for decades, buildings have expanded to evolve with the programs, employers in South Orange and surrounding communities have embraced JESPY clients, and families have peace of mind and heart knowing JESPY is doing what it can, will, and must for their loved one.

With decades of accomplishments, JESPY now looks to the future. To learn about Go Big for JESPY, The JESPY Center, or The Young Adult Hub, please click HERE.

Naomi Wish's Mitzvah Project