Jessica Morlando

Jessica “Jess” Morlando is a bright and energetic young woman. She started receiving Community Habilitation in 2008, when it was still called At Home Residential Habilitation. Jess has known her provider, Beth VanOsten, for many years, and reconnected with her when she began receiving services to work with her on growth and development. 

Beth Reports:
“I have known Jess since she was about 12, when she came to school at BOCES. She was shy and quiet. She joined my Special Olympic team, and through that she gained confidence and independence. We went on many overnight trips where, at first, she wouldn't leave my side. But eventually she blossomed, gaining many friends and becoming an independent young woman, helping the younger athletes adjust. Our greatest adventure was in 1999 when she was on my women's softball team, which was chosen to represent New York at the world games in North Carolina. We trained for a year, and traveled by MILITARY CARGO PLANE! We spent two weeks there, meeting many athletes from the United States and other countries. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we were able to share together. Jess and I began working together three years ago through ACHIEVE. Our paths crossed again at the perfect time. She was going through a rough patch, and needed some support. I have been very proud to be a part of Jess’ growth, helping her to gain confidence and the skills she will use to become more independent.”

Jess and her provider enjoy spending time together doing a variety of things. Jess loves to shop. Her favorite stores are Old Navy, Walmart, and Bath and Body Works. Jess works on a financial goal, and since she loves to spend money, this is a goal that has a lot of meaning to her. She loves to walk around and window shop for items she may want to purchase in the future. Jess and her provider also attend sporting events: soccer games, lacrosse games, and track meets. They plan ahead by looking at an activity calendar each week to see what Jess may want to do on their next visit together. This is great for her planning, decision making, and independence.  The same core group of fans are at each event, and Jess has had the opportunity to develop relationships with these individuals. They greet her with enthusiasm, and she shows the same support in return.

Beth uses some creativity when working with Jess, to encourage her to work on her goals. Jess is a fan of the “Gilmore Girls” television show, and sometimes they put it on while they are preparing or cooking dinner, and eating. They have fun conversations about the episodes, which helps keep Jess focused.

Beth is an active and energetic person, and this has rubbed off on Jess! They go on a walk/hike every visit to different community parks, where they bring Beth’s dog Abby, and Jess loves to hold the dog’s leash -- she takes great pride in this. They go to Special Olympic practices and events, where Jess enjoys seeing old friends, athletes and coaches, and although she isn't competing as an athlete right now, she is there to help and encourage younger athletes. She was recently invited to a year-end gathering for the Vestal team, and is thinking of rejoining their club and participating in the future. 

Jess is one of the shining stars in Community Habilitation, and has really grown in the three years she has received services. We look forward to helping Jess achieve her goals of becoming more independent and living life to the fullest!