JESPY House, a nonprofit organization that enables adults with intellectual disabilities to lead independent lives, said Sept. 10 that it received a $500,000 gift from The Jane and Daniel Och Family Foundation in support of the Go Big for JESPY Capital Campaign.
The gift, made in honor of philanthropist Leon Cooperman, will count toward the Cooperman Family Foundation’s $13.25 million matching challenge. This challenge established the Cooperman Family Campus at JESPY and supports the Go Big for JESPY campaign.
The Go Big campaign will finance The JESPY Center and The Hub, two facilities that will offer aging-in-place and affordably-priced housing, young adult transitional residences, and expanded program and service space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, the JESPY Center and The Hub will open the door to affordable housing for 66 adults and deliver essential services to all 400 JESPY clients.
“This generous gift is a powerful continuation of the Och family’s legacy and a testament to the impact of visionary philanthropy,” said Audrey Winkler, executive director of JESPY House. “With support from donors like the Och family, we’re not just building residences and program space — we’re building community, opportunity, and a future where adults with disabilities can thrive.”
In 2019, The Och family’s generosity established The Michael Och House – A Center for Aging at JESPY, named in honor of Dr. Michael Och, a member of JESPY’s Board of Trustees for more than 25 years. The Och House provides nine older clients with co-housing accommodations and support, enabling them to age in the community they’ve lived in for decades.
“JESPY House continues to lead with compassion, innovation, and purpose,” said Jane and Daniel Och. “We are proud to support a place where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are given the respect, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive. We encourage others to join us in backing this essential work.”
In recognition of the gift, JESPY will name The Collaboratorium — a central program and education space in The JESPY Center — in honor of Jane and Daniel Och. The Collaboratorium will host workshops, vocational training, wellness programming, and performances that support lifelong learning and connection.
