New Jersey Jewish News
MetroWest Feature
Where there’s the will, there’s the WAE
Matthew Long sat on the floor of the art studio at B’nai Shalom in West Orange. He was trying to decide on his painting project for the day: Large canvas or small? Triangles, circles, or squares? And which colors to use?
Picking his materials from a loose-leaf picture book, he set to work with the help of Lisette Rotman, a trained art facilitator.
Next door, other “clients” participated in a yoga class, while in a third room a group practiced communications skills as about 100 visitors participated April 26 in the first open house of the WAE Center, a program of the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled of MetroWest.
Established in October 2004 by the JSDD with a grant from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, the center takes its name from Wellness, Arts, and Enrichment. Those with disabilities develop skills and self-esteem while tapping unknown talents and creating new possibility for artistic and athletic pursuits.
“We have people doing theater arts, creative arts, horticulture, Pilates, meditation, conversation,” said Elaine Schenkel, program coordinator for the center.
Between greeting visitors, JSDD executive director Linda Press told NJ Jewish News that the center offers opportunities to developmentally disabled adults that they might not find elsewhere. “In some places, it’s ‘21 and done,’” she said, noting the dearth of suitably engaging options available. “Opportunity” seems to be the theme of the center, giving these men and women a chance to try new things.
Commenting on the number of clients in classes at the open house, Press said it was obvious they have the will to lead active lives. The WAE Center gives them the “where.”
In a Virtual Life program, clients learn about all aspects of running a restaurant. The goal, Schenkel said, is to host an actual meal with the clients performing the various functions of hosts. “It’s taking real-life situations and bringing them here so they can feel a part of something that maybe they wouldn’t actually get to do. They’re very excited about it.”
Back in the art studio, Matthew Long’s mother, Nicolette, watched as he painted his canvas in yellows and greens. He’s been coming to the center for six years, she said. “They’ve done very well by him. They’re active here. He gets to do things he can’t do at home.”
Rotman, one of the center’s art facilitators, took a two-week seminar offered by the Methany Arts Access Program at Methany School and Hospital in Peapack. There she learned to assist artists by becoming their hands, eyes, or whatever they need.
In another room, Steve Marchetti worked with a small group on an aspect of communication skills many take for granted.
“I know it’s very hard to maintain eye contact because it can be uncomfortable,” he told the group members. “But here, in the speaking circle, we give each other permission to hold that gaze.”
Only positive reinforcement was solicited here, as all the participants had two minutes to talk about anything they wanted. “No pressure, no expectations,” Marchetti said.
Jay, one of the clients, said the exercise “gives me a chance to look at that person and feel connected.”
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