Carin Friedman and Stacy Klein
Two Moms Find Common Ground
Carin Friedman and Stacy Klein both have sons with developmental disabilities, and both moved from New Jersey to become part of the JARC community. However, it wasn’t until they moved to Florida a few years ago that they met. It was JARC Florida that brought them together. The Boca Raton nonprofit, nonsectarian organization provides housing, programs and services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Not only are their sons JARC clients, but these women are intrinsically linked to the organization. Both are board members, co-chair the annual fashion show together and are on a number of committees.
JARC connected the women when Klein considered moving her family here. Friedman helped ease her mind. One of their goals this year is to create a new client-family orientation program.
“This was the hardest decision we ever had to make, so we want to ease that transition for families and clients,” says Friedman.
Another goal is to get clients’ families more involved. Friedman’s 26-year-old son, Gabe, and Klein’s 24-year-old son, Clayton, live in JARC’s residential group homes.
“JARC is a place that welcomes all,” says Friedman. “They appreciate everyone’s abilities as well as their disabilities.”
Adds Klein: “People genuinely care. There’s no hidden agendas. There are no motives. It’s pure caring, loving, supportive people.”
Gabe takes part in JARC’s culinary program, where he works at Café 95, a vocational training facility open to the public. Through JARC’s Community Works program, he works at The Cheesecake Factory and in packaging at a private label company.
Clayton works with JARC’s environmental services program as well as with the Jeffrey & Nicole Goldberg Ability Garden, where clients learn skills through horticulture.
Both mothers say their sons love their surroundings so much that, when they come home on weekends, they can’t wait to go back.
“At 7 p.m. on Sunday, he’s ready to go back, which, as a mom, you feel a pang,” says Klein. “On the other hand, this is why we moved, so that we can sleep better knowing they are happy and taken care of.”
Adds Friedman: “In the group homes, they are like family.”
JARC Florida is located at 21160 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-558-2550 or visit jarcfl.org.
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