LIVINGSTON, NJ — On Oct. 6, a festive atmosphere prevailed as more than 100 guests came together to witness the ceremonial groundbreaking for Jewish Center for the Developmentally Disabled’s Cooperman Family Campus. The event was held on the grounds of SWS Architects, adjacent to the JSDD’s new Livingston property. Honorees included Leon and Toby Cooperman, who committed $2.5 million, including a $500 thousand challenge grant, to JSDD’s capital campaign for the new facility. The 17,300-square-foot building at 310 Eisenhower Parkway will enable JSDD, a nonprofit organization currently located in West Orange, to expand the residential, advocacy and community services it provides for individuals with developmental disabilities.
“It’s a beautiful moment in Livingston. We are so honored that this groundbreaking is taking place here,” Livingston Mayor Alfred Anthony said. “When I first toured the WAE Center, I was just blown away by what people can do. Whether it’s yoga or painting or dancing, anything is possible. And to have that here in Livingston, where the possibilities are endless, makes me proud to be mayor.”
Capital Campaign Co-chairpersons Ellen Goldner and Sam Weinstock oversaw the groundbreaking, at which donors who contributed $100 thousand or more were publicly thanked for their generosity and invited to add seeds and dirt to a special planter. These donors received a ceremonial shovel as a memento of the groundbreaking.
“We had a dream, we knew JSDD was outgrowing its rented building and turning away adults with disabilities on a daily basis. The WAE Center program was completely full. So three years ago, we created a capital campaign committee. Our goal was to raise $8 million to $10 million. So far, by December we will have close to $8 million,” Weinstock said. “Today, both literally and figuratively, we are planting the seeds for the agency’s continued growth and presence in this community.”
After the groundbreaking, guests moved into the SWS Architects atrium for a celebration to recognize the Cooperman Family Foundation, the Healthcare Foundation of NJ, and the Steven and Beverly Rubenstein Charitable Foundation, for donating the three lead gifts of more than a million dollars each, and their support of JSDD.
While guests enjoyed a kosher brunch, JSDD President Ellen Goldner recalled how far JSDD has come since its modest beginnings 30 years ago, noting that today, “our beautiful new building represents permanency built upon a solid foundation of community support.”
Toby Cooperman has been involved with the agency from its inception. In thanking the audience for honoring the Cooperman Family Foundation, she said, “My husband and I both look forward to the building which will meet the growing needs of JSDD in the years to come. It will prove to be a blessing for those who need its services. I am very happy that we were able to do this for the JSDD community.”
Photos Courtesy of Loraine Kasprzak
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