Eisenbergs Give $1M to Benefit JESPY House Health & Wellness Programs

On Jan 9, 2024

The Eisenberg family has donated $1 million gift to the Go Big for JESPY Campaign. Based in South Orange, JESPY has been providing essential programs and services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 45 years.

The Eisenbergs are long-time supporters of JESPY House. Warren Eisenberg was co-founder of Bed Bath & Beyond. He and his wife, Mitzi, have four children and 12 grandchildren, one of whom is a JESPY client. Their donation will expand health and wellness space and programs, increase access to physical and occupational therapies, and foster greater individual and group socialization, which are all essential to clients living healthy lives.

“We are delighted to support Go Big for JESPY’s health and wellness and socialization initiatives,” said the Eisenberg family. “Our granddaughter has loved participating in JESPY’s athletic programs and is thriving. We have seen firsthand how much JESPY does for its clients, helping them to grow as individuals and as part of the community. Go Big for JESPY will provide an even stronger foundation for clients far into the future. We are excited for others to join us in supporting this campaign, because we can’t wait to see this wonderful project come to fruition.”

JESPY clients are eager for these new facilities as well. “We are so excited that JESPY will have much, much more room for health and wellness instruction. I love the idea that I might be able to go two or three times a week because there will be more hours and will help more of us clients,” said one JESPY client.

“JESPY has increasingly focused on creating spaces for clients to improve their health and wellness – mentally, physically, and spiritually,” said Audrey Winker, JESPY’s executive director. “Clients have enthusiastically participated in these programs such as food and nutrition education, Tibetan music bowls, health & wellness instruction, customized physical rehabilitation therapies, and so much more. They have seen and experienced great improvements in their health and can’t wait for the Eisenberg family’s Health & Wellness Suite in our new JESPY Center!”

The Go Big for JESPY campaign responds to increasing waitlists and will expand residential, program, and service space to help clients live independently. The new facilities will provide affordably-priced, youth, and aging-in-place housing. They will also create clinical, vocational, health and wellness, and program spaces, which are central to JESPY”s mission. The Eisenberg family’s gift will be matched by the $13.25 million challenge pledge made to Go Big by The Leon and Toby Cooperman Family Foundation this past July.

“JESPY clients make great personal strides every day,” said Stacey Davis, JESPY Board member and co-chair of the Go Big for JESPY Campaign. “Go Big will enable our clients to continue to grow and excel. As a long-standing Board member, I am thrilled to help lead this campaign. Our new facilities will offer more space and the tools our clients need to meet their life goals and contribute to our community.”

“JESPY clients rely on our health and wellness programs and socialization opportunities to improve the quality of their lives,” said JESPY Board President Dr. Ahadi Bugg-Levine. “As our clients make roots in the community and live longer, they want to take care of themselves so that they can remain engaged, vibrant, and independent. The Eisenberg family’s incredible generosity recognizes how important healthy living and relationship-building is for our clients so that they can live their best lives. I am thankful for the Eisenbergs and their continued support of JESPY!”

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles: