Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources Honors Jerome Owens

Erie, PA (November 8, 2024) - Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources (PAR) 2024 “We Are Worth It” Self-Advocacy Employee of the Year award is given to Jerome Owens, an adult in our Philadelphia Supported Employment program.

PAR receives a number of exceptional nominations across Pennsylvania. Jerome was honored at an awards ceremony Nov. 13 at the 2024 PAR Conference in Harrisburg, PA.  Read Jerome's inspiring story below:

He was determined not to let a worldwide pandemic get in the way of his dreams.  When Jerome Owens landed a job with the United States Custom House in Philadelphia, he felt that he had achieved an important goal in his life. 

Philadelphia Mills was formerly the Franklin Mills Mall, where Jerome worked for 21 years. Jerome enjoyed stocking shelves, cleaning tables and chairs and keeping the restrooms clean and polished while getting to know both customers and coworkers.      

COVID caused massive layoffs and business closings. Jerome was among the thousands  who lost their jobs. It wasn’t long, before Jerome decided that he did not want to sit at home, and he began a new job search. He started an employment assessment with Supported Employment at Barber National Institute to evaluate his skills. Job coaches formed the same conclusion as before: Jerome would be a wonderful employee for any willing business. 

After placing many applications, Jerome knew that, in his heart, he wanted to work.  When the Supported Employment team contacted the United States Custom Office who was hiring Adults with Disabilities through the Ability One Program, they determined that Jerome was a good fit for this employment opportunity.  On June 27, 2022, Jerome started employment with the United States Custom House and was the first adult with disabilities from Barber National Institute to be placed for employment.   

Jerome is extraordinary in the residential program . Jerome advocates for himself and his roommates andmakes sure they have what they need. He is very aware of his surroundings and informs residential staff when things are broken in the house. He assists the residential manager with the household shopping   He also informs the maintenance crew when things are broken and need repair.  Jerome chooses to clean the house.  He assists new residential staff in acclimating to the house. 

Jerome is committed to doing his job well and makes clear to job coaches that he can ‘do this by himself.’   He is also a testament to what can be achieved when you don’t give up on a dream. 

Editor's Note: written and submitted by Gale Williams