Social Wellness and Expressive Arts (SWEA)

JESPY House clients benefit from a bounty of well-rounded recreational programs with an emphasis on community inclusion, each designed to develop their sportsmanship, creativity and social skills in our Social Wellness and Expressive Arts Program (SWEA).

Social Wellness

A wide variety of groups are offered to provide healthy, nurturing and supportive activities/classes that foster a genuine connection with others and engagement in activities that promotes clients’ well-being. Groups include:

• Yoga
• Pet Therapy
• Meditation
• Self Defense
• Community Dinners

Entrepreneurship Groups

These classes promote independence and encourage clients’ creative process by producing one-of-a-kind products that they can sell at various events and locations in the community.

• Entrepreneur Group
• Greeting Cards

Trips – Daily, Weekend, Weekly and More

Three to four different community trips are planned each week including destinations such as:

• Museums
• ‘Social Event’ Outings
• Zoos and Aquariums
• Festivals
• Monthly Mall Trips
• Theatrical Events
• Pro Sporting Events

On-Site Group Activities

JESPY’s monthly recreation calendar is filled with group activities that allow clients to work on targeted skill development in a fun and engaging way.  The following list is just a sampling of these activities.

• Kitchen Basics
• Gardening
• Computer Skills
• Client Council
• Theater Group
• Journalism Group
• Social Action Group
• Community Meal Events
• Glee Club
• Monthly ‘Third Friday’ Special Event

Expressive Arts

SWEA provides clients the opportunity to explore alternative ways to communicate their thoughts and emotions and to discover hidden talents; learn new skills; and foster confidence. Creativity Groups include:

• Photography
• JESPY’s J-Street Band
• Poetry/Creative Writing/Blogging
• Specialized Art Group
• Ribbon Dancing
• Cooking
• Line Dancing
• Entrepreneur Groups
• Zumba

At JESPY-sponsored and community-sponsored art shows and performances, clients display their work and talents, celebrating their artistic abilities. Click JESPY Shop where you can view and purchase creative arts designs of JESPY clients.

JESPY Café

The JESPY Café is located in Judi House, a multi-purpose building that houses many of JESPY’s recreational, cultural arts and wellness activities. Open daily from 3:30pm to 9:00pm, the Café is a meeting spot where clients socialize, play games, listen to music or watch television. Special events include:

• Barbecues
• Monthly Birthday Club
• Weekly Cooking Club
• NFL Night
• Painting Night
• Puzzle Night

Holiday Celebrations

Winter

• Holiday Parties
• Themed Parties
• Chanukah Party
• Valentine’s Day Dance

Spring

• Model Seder
• Easter Dinner
• Spring Fling
• Memorial Day Barbecue

Summer

• Fourth of July Barbecue
• Luau Dance

Fall

• Yom Kippur Break Fast
• Pizza in the Sukkot
• Halloween Party

Transportation for Recreation Activities
JESPY vans are available for transportation to many offsite activities. Evening shuttles are provided for clients who live locally. At other times, clients may be assisted with public transportation or may use their own vehicle.

Cost
Many activities are provided at no additional cost. Depending on the event, fees may apply.