RAISE Them Up! — J Life Magazine

Publisher’s Note: At a recent event, I was blown away by the number of RAISE Job Coaches who were in attendance and deeply involved in our Jewish community. RAISE is a phenomenal program that pairs these coaches with teens and adults with disabilities to help them work a variety of jobs at partnering businesses and agencies throughout our community. The RAISE employees gain self-confidence, pride, and essential work skills, but the Job Coaches often gain so much more. We’ve written about RAISE many times, but I wanted to devote this space to shine a light on some of the many volunteer Job Coaches who make RAISE such a success.

DEBBIE GERTLER

A Teacher’s Heart

Debbie taught elementary school for 25 years and has a degree in special education. She became a RAISE coach because she wanted to give back, especially to kids and young adults.

“I love the interaction I have with my job employee,” Debbie says. “It is so fun!”

Rose Ellen Fenster

A Call to Service

“I was sitting at a meeting of women,” remembers Rose Ellen, “and someone asked, ‘What would you like to be doing in five years?’ My instant thought was to be working with people with disabilities.”

That’s exactly what Rose Ellen did, and she’s since been working with RAISE for the last six years. She holds a degree in education and says the experience of being a Job Coach “has been intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally broadening from day one.”

For Rose Ellen, her work with RAISE fulfills a fundamental tenet of Judaism.

MELANIE FORMAN

The Perfect Prescription

Melanie, a Senior Job Coach with RAISE, is a retired nurse and a Certified Diabetes Educator who previously served as an intensive- and critical-care head nurse. Her training and teaching background is perfect as she helps RAISE participants shine.

“It is so rewarding to see the development and progress of the employees over the months,” says Melanie. “It’s amazing to see someone who has difficulty communicating with others now learning basic skills that will help them get a job in the community and become more independent in their lives.”

Melanie also loves interacting with other RAISE coaches and exchanging ideas to make the experience even better for the employees, the coaches, and everyone involved.

Bill Yahner

Four Decades of Service

Bill spent 36 years as a special-education teacher in Ohio and Central Florida, and he’s been a RAISE Job Coach for six years. He even holds a master’s degree in special education from Cleveland State.

“I am very proud to be a part of the RAISE program working with a talented cadre of Job Coaches providing opportunities to those who would otherwise not have them,” says Bill. “Seeing the employees growing their skill sets and achieving independence is very rewarding.”

Barbara Weinreich

In the Beginning…

Barbara was there to watch RAISE be born. Ten years ago, as a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando Board of Directors, she voted to establish RAISE after an impassioned call to action by Loren London. Having helped vote the program into existence, Barbara immediately volunteered to be an inaugural Job Coach.

“Coaching throughout many years has given me the opportunity to experience multiple parts of the Jewish community,” says Barbara. “This year, I’ve even learned how to use an espresso machine at Dick and Dottie’s Cafe. While I now know how to make lattes, I’m delighted that my RAISE employee is more adept at it than I could ever be!”

“Coaching throughout
many years has given
me the opportunity to
experience multiple parts
of the Jewish community”

— Barbara Weinrich

Barbara loves watching confidence grow in the RAISE employees she helps and especially in their families.

SARah Downs

The Newbie

Sarah has only been a Job Coach for about a month, but she’s already made a lasting impression on her RAISE employee. Despite her short tenure, the RAISE program, itself, has been positively impacting her own family for years.

“My son had been a RAISE employee a few years ago and had his first truly successful work experience under the guidance of RAISE,” says Sarah. “I knew, when looking for a meaningful place to volunteer, it was obvious that I should choose RAISE!”

Sarah’s son and her first RAISE employee have even become good friends.

Michelle Niemi

She heard it Here first

Robin Merkel from Shalom Orlando, RAISE employee Michael, and Job Coach Barbara Weinreich

Michele first learned about RAISE right here in J Life! She’s been a Job Coach since last spring, but her experience helping young people with disabilities goes back decades. Michele began teaching students with learning differences back in 1981. She’s also a talented artist,

Pam Pores

Health and Happiness

Pam holds degrees in nursing, radiological science, and health education. It all adds up to make her an ideal Job Coach, and she’s been serving RAISE employees for the past nine years despite her own battle with multiple sclerosis.

“I have loved working with RAISE and seeing the employees I help grow and flourish,” says Pam. “They have all become happier, more productive individuals, and I still keep in touch with them and their families.”

Bonnie Stimmel

The Perfect 10

Bonnie was a Special Olympics ice skating coach for 30 years! She’s been a RAISE Job Coach for the last five years, and it’s the perfect outlet for her passion to serve those with disabilities.

“The best part of my experience with the RAISE program is the meaningful impact I’ve had on my employees,” Bonnie says, “It feels so good to contribute to their success. I encourage anyone interested in exploring RAISE and becoming a Job Coach to inquire and experience a meaningful impact as a volunteer!”

Alyssa Shears, assistant director of engagement and student life at Central Florida Hillel, with RAISE employee Armand and Job Coach Aileen Field

Dr. Aileen Field

The Pediatrician’s Perspective

As a pediatrician, Dr. Field often referred the families of children with disabilities to RAISE. When seeking volunteer opportunities away from the doctor’s office, RAISE was an easy choice.

“The RAISE family provides a needed service in our area,” Dr. Field says. “I look forward to seeing the program grow with more worksites and employees!”

Job Coach Karen Spector with RAISE employee Phoebe preparing snacks for the students at Congregation Ohev Shalom

Karan Spector

Family matters

As a Job Coach, Karen’s impact on RAISE employees is obvious, but she also appreciates what the program means to their families.

“They show so much gratitude that their child has found a place to grow their skills and gain actual work experience,” Karen says. “The family’s pride in the accomplishments of these young adults is palpable. Working as a job coach for RAISE truly feeds my soul!”

“I was initially
nervous about
how my skill set would
translate to the job-coaching arena, but I can
honestly say it was one
of the best decisions I
have ever made!”

— Amy Westonn

AMy Weston

The Right Mentality

A licensed mental-health counselor with extensive experience working with the neurodiverse community, Amy brings a unique and invaluable set of skills to RAISE. As a Job Coach and a member of the RAISE leadership team, Amy gets back even more than she puts into the program.

Rachel Slavkin, RAISE director, with RAISE employee Matthew and Job Coach Amy West

“I was initially nervous about how my skill set would translate to the job-coaching arena,” says Amy, “but I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! Nothing could have prepared me for the profound impact the program had and continues to have in my life.”

Today, Amy provides direct guidance to Job Coaches to help them focus on emotional well-being to ensure a positive professional experience for every RAISE employee.

Lori Beim

A Helping hand here and abroad

Lori’s service to those with special needs extends all the way to Israel and back! She and her husband, Dr. Michael Beim, are major supporters of JNF-USA and have worked with the special-needs community during JNF trips to Israel. Here at home, Lori is a dedicated RAISE Job Coach who believes every adult is entitled to have a feeling of self-worth and accomplishment.

“Having a job and learning to adapt to social situations is very important to achieve that goal,” says Lori. “I am drawn to helping people with mental and physical challenges. It is meaningful to me, and RAISE is my local way of helping out.”

Steve Franzel

The Seeds of service

Steve is an agricultural economist who spent 23 years in Africa helping to improve the livelihoods of poor farmers and their families. He began volunteering for RAISE just this fall.

“We often do not realize that a job is only half about performing work tasks,” Steve says. “The other half is about social relationships – greeting, communicating, and getting along with people. Seeing my RAISE employee improve his social skills is very rewarding.”

Janet Friedman

The Disney Difference

After retiring from a 38-year IT career at Disney, Janet is a brand-new Job Coach. But, she has quite a bit of experience with RAISE. Janet is also a dedicated Jewish educator who taught a number of classes at Congregation Ohev Shalom, where she often interacted with RAISE employees.

“I have seen firsthand what a difference this organization can make in the lives of neurodiverse young adults and their families,” says Janet. “I am proud to be giving my time to such a worthwhile cause.”

Stephanie Engelberg

The Best Therapy

Stephanie is a physical therapist by trade and an experienced healthcare leader. When seeking volunteer opportunities, fundraising or event planning weren’t her thing, but helping RAISE employees was right up her alley.

“Last week, I saw the RAISE employee I’m working with smile for the first time!” says Stephanie. “I have such a desire to continue contributing to our community.”

For more information about how you can volunteer and make a difference in the life of adults with disabilities, please visit WWW.JFGO.ORG/RAISE OR CALL RAISE DIRECTOR, RACHEL SLAVKIN AT 407-621-4033

This story was originally published in print in Winter 2023.