Jewish Foundation for Group Homes’ (JFGH) Deputy Director, Deborah M. Fisher, Psy.D. has been selected as a winner of their Innovator of the Year Award by The Daily Record. The award was "created in 2002 to honor Maryland businesses and/or individuals who have had a positive effect and tremendous impact in Maryland." JFGH joins an impressive list of organizations, public, private, nonprofit, government, and educational institutions that have received this honor. Included among 2011’s honorees are the University of Maryland, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Howard County Government, Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth, Blue Wing Environmental Solutions and Technology, along with many others. A ceremony honoring the awardees will be held in October.
Debby was recognized for her vision and guidance in the creation of JFGH’s Sally and Robert Goldberg Maryland MOST™ (Meaningful Opportunities for Successful Transitions), a one-year post high school program for individuals with disabilities and the tools used for monitoring outcomes and success. The period after high school presents challenges for many graduates who may be uncertain of what goals and interests they wish to pursue. For individuals with disabilities, this time in their lives can create even greater difficulties after the structure and entitlements of the educational system are completed. The Sally and Robert Goldberg Maryland MOST™ program was developed as a "Gap Year" to provide a focused period of additional supports for those individuals who are committed to using the year to explore interests and develop and/or improve skills. The tools created provide timely feedback to both the individual and staff to monitor and adjust the process towards achieving the desired outcomes as identified by the participant. The individuals and their families are pleased with the accomplishments of the first 21 Sally and Robert Goldberg Maryland MOST™ program participants who have completed the program and are currently involved with jobs, education, and/or social and recreational activities they had not considered prior to their enrollment.
JFGH is honored to be included on a list of esteemed institutions and organizations that have nurtured opportunities for employees to be creative and "think outside the box." JFGH Chief Executive Officer Vivian Bass said on behalf of the leadership, "We have great pride in the distinction bestowed on Debby’s, the team’s and the Board’s Day Program Taskforce,’ innovative initiatives with the residents and clients who are supported by the Sally and Robert Goldberg Maryland MOST™ program as well as to the program’s young adults with disabilities who face the daunting challenge of entering the adult community." JFGH’s MOST™ program is being replicated in Northern Virginia. As articulated by The Daily Record, "Innovators are people with vision. With the ability to see a need and fill it. With the courage to make change and the stamina to await the results."
JFGH is a 501 3(c) non-sectarian community service provider that supports individuals with a range of intellectual, developmental, psychiatric, physical and medical disabilities. JFGH is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the United Way of the National Capital Area. The organization is one of 43 organizations nationwide that has earned the highest 4-star rating by Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years. Additionally, JFGH has been awarded the Seal of Excellence by the Standards for Excellence Program
For more information or to schedule interviews please contact Katie Carroll, Communications Associate, 240-283-6026 or Kcarroll@JFGH.org
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