Jewish tradition teaches that every person carries unique gifts – talents and perspectives that the world needs. Yet for many individuals with disabilities, the path to employment is often blocked by barriers in access and understanding.
At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), our Supported Employment Program exists to dismantle those barriers. Through vocational assessments, individualized job development, workplace coaching, and ongoing support, participants gain both the tools and the confidence to build rewarding careers. And employers gain dedicated team members who bring reliability, fresh perspectives, and remarkable skills.
More than a paycheck
For many participants, employment represents independence, purpose, and genuine connection to community. JFCS employment specialists work closely with both job seekers and employers to ensure not just placements, but true belonging – creating workplaces where every employee can thrive.
The benefits ripple outward, too. Employers who embrace inclusive hiring often discover something unexpected: team members who bring not just competence, but genuine commitment and unique strengths to their organizations. By creating these opportunities, businesses strengthen individual lives while building stronger communities.
Celebrating success together
Each year, JFCS proudly recognizes the achievements of Supported Employment participants and their employer partners at the Dubrow Vocational Celebration Breakfast – a milestone event that shines a light on what becomes possible when barriers fall away and individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.
The 20th annual breakfast will be held on Friday, November 20, at 8 a.m. at Congregation Beth El in Voorhees. Generously sponsored by the Dubrow and Gelman families in loving memory of Ellen and Ron Dubrow, z”l, the event honors their enduring legacy as passionate advocates for individuals with disabilities and champions of genuine inclusion. This year’s event will also be beautifully enhanced by floral décor thoughtfully donated by Jamie Rothstein Distinctive Floral Design.
We are proud to announce that this year’s employee honorees are Rachel Baranoff – Everyone Under the Sun; Justin Fowler – Top Golf; Rachel Harris – Apple Physical Therapy; and Peyton Ryan – TD Bank.
Honoring excellence and legacy
The breakfast celebrates the profound legacy of Barbara Abrams, who led the JFCS Disability Services Department for 22 years. Her vision and advocacy established a culture of excellence that continues today under the leadership of Janeene Martin and her dedicated team.
This year’s Barbara Abrams Supported Employment Award of Distinction will be presented to Julia Grayer, Project SEARCH Job Developer and Employment Specialist. Julia exemplifies the heart of this work: she listens deeply, builds genuine relationships with clients and families, and helps participants see possibilities they might not have imagined for themselves. Her commitment has transformed countless professional journeys.
We are also proud to introduce the Daniel A. Farber Employer of the Year Award, recognizing businesses that show exceptional commitment to inclusive hiring. Named for longtime Supported Employment champion Dan Farber and his company, BLUSA Defense Manufacturing, this award honors those creating real opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The 2026 recipient is Mount Laurel Animal Hospital – a trusted community institution for more than 50 years that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to welcoming and valuing every team member.
A testament to what’s possible
The Dubrow Vocational Celebration Breakfast is a testament to the power of believing in people, and to the Jewish value of b’tzelem Elokim – recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. Each success story reminds us of what can be accomplished when a community commits to creating real pathways to opportunity.
“It is an honor to have our parents’ memory live on as an inspiration for what can be accomplished in the community. They both believed in uplifting and providing opportunities for people with disabilities to lead productive and independent lives, and JFCS is changing lives for these individuals, the employees, and the supervisors who get to work with them. The breakfast is the most ‘feel good’ morning of the year and we, the Dubrow and Gelman families, are so blessed to share in these moments with the community,” shared Jennifer Dubrow Weiss, chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.
We invite you to celebrate alongside these remarkable honorees and witness firsthand the transformative impact of meaningful work.
To RSVP, visit jfcssnj.org/vocationalbreakfast
