Jeff Suskin has been living at an integrated living home through JCFS Chicago’s residential supports for the past five years. In 2019 we caught up with Jeff, who shared his love of collecting classic cars, going on walks to the pond with his twin brother Hart and the deepened confidence he felt since living independently.

In 2019 he was eight months into a new job working in the janitorial department of a government building in Des Plaines. Through our family of services, Leticia Cardoso, Assistant Director of JCFS Residential Supports, connected Jeff with JVS employment specialists who helped him secure his job and have continued to help him with job coaching. Jeff reports that he is still happily working in his role with increased responsibilities.

Since the pandemic started, JCFS and Jeff’s family have been providing transportation so he can continue to get to work safely. Eddie Baturin, a JVS vocational trainer, who regularly works with Jeff said, “Jeff is a motivated hard worker who goes above and beyond when it comes to performing his duties. If I ask Jeff to help out in one area, he will take it upon himself to complete the entire area and then ask what else is there to do. He is one of a kind and a valuable part of the team.” Leticia added that Jeff is always willing start early, stay late and work on the weekends when his team needs additional help.

Recently, Jeff received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “Jeff is proud to be an essential worker, and grateful he has been able to work throughout the pandemic with the supports of his team,” Leticia said.

“Our community living model emphasizes the importance of building and sustaining a safe, supportive and stable home environment with organic community inclusion, choice making and self-determination,” Leticia shared. For more information about residential supports, visit our website or call 855.275.5237.