SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — For the first time, several JESPY House clients recently presented Shout Out Awards to their favorite South Orange businesses. Over the course of several days, the clients gave awards to 50 businesses in all. The stores included Stop and Shop, Spa Lady, 7-Eleven, Garden State News, Rite-Aid, Carvel, The Leather Shop, Pet Wants, The Local Yarn Store, Bay Leaf Redefined Indian Cuisine, Dunkin Donuts, Ashley’s Marketplace and others, as well as one to the South Orange Fire Department..
“I thought it was really wonderful,” JESPY client Janet Alleman said. “It was a great experience and opportunity to get out there and tell the businesses how we feel about them and how they have helped us.”
JESPY clients either patronize or work at the selected shops. The awards were given to the stores that the clients felt were most receptive, accommodating and kind. Chosen by more than 100 JESPY clients, the businesses were also recently recognized with messages of thanks and artwork that were placed in the front window of the former Blockbuster store on South Orange Avenue. During the presentations, clients shared with each store owner the reasons that they were chosen to receive the award.
“The award means so much more coming from the JESPY House clients,” Pet Wants co-owner Jack Denelsbeck said. “It makes us feel that we’re a true part of the community.”
Several of the clients enjoy knitting and are proud of the items they’ve made. They were excited to share their appreciation with the The Local Yarn Store owner.
“Watching their knitting skills grow is reward enough, and I really appreciate the award,” store owner Irina Lester said.
JESPY House serves 250 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities ranging in age from 18 to 70. For more information, visit www.jespyhouse.org.
Photos Courtesy of JESPY House
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