Volunteer Board Member

About Us

In 1978 JESPY House was established in South Orange, New Jersey with a mission to advance independence for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Started by our visionary founders who felt that adults with IDD deserved an inclusive community where they could learn to live independently, JESPY has grown from first serving 4 clients to now serving 400 adult clients ages 18 and up. We are three years into our biggest capital campaign to date, Go Big for JESPY, to create 66 new residential units and accessible program space for clients of all ages.

JESPY’s 360-degree approach to services promote choice, self-direction and provides for our clients in every facet of their lives. Our much-needed services include residential options, clinical and behavioral health services, engagement and enrichment activities, athletics and fitness, case management, daily life skills training, vocational services, and an aging-in-place initiative.

Daily programs sustain and build upon social and cognitive connections allowing for skill-building, the learning of new hobbies, and the chance to meet new friends.

At JESPY, we believe that independence is a right, not a privilege!

Board Member Responsibilities

Each Board Member performs duties to promote JESPY's mission and increase public awareness about the services that JESPY provides. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide oversight for JESPY operations, finances, legal compliance and governance.
• Meet the annual give/get minimum by actively engaging your network in conjunction with JESPY's fundraising initiatives.
• Prepare for and attend board and committee meetings.
• Chair or serve on at least one Board committee.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding JESPY clients and staff matters.
• Participate in numerous JESPY activities to stay connected to clients, experience what makes JESPY special, and contribute to the community.
• Serve as a JESPY ambassador to increase awareness about JESPY services for the greater community.

Board Member Term: A Board Member may serve an initial three-year term (plus two renewable terms for a total of nine years).

Interested Candidates: If you are passionate about inclusion and independent living for the IDD community, we encourage you to submit a brief cover note and resume to [email protected].