Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh celebrated World Down Syndrome Day
They ate. They danced. They laughed. They wore mismatched socks.
Members of the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh — residents and staff and friends — gathered in person on March 21 for the first time in two years.
They had lunch from the BRGR food truck and danced under sunny blue skies with temperatures in the mid-60s.
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day and recognized as a global awareness day officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. This year’s theme included the question: What does inclusion mean?
The 21st day of the third month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication — trisomy — of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of DS chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks, according to the 3-21 Foundation.
“I get choked up when I think about today, our first celebration in person in two years,” said Karen Jacobsen, executive director at Emmaus on Pittsburgh’s South Side. “People need to be together. Emmaus brings people together to celebrate life.”
In addition to World Down Syndrome Day, they also included Developmental Disability Awareness Month and welcomed the first day of spring.
Emmaus describes its mission as “providing inclusive, community-based homes and in-home services for people with intellectual disabilities.” The non-profit organization encompasses 14 homes in Allegheny County and hosts community events throughout the year. Those happenings were held virtually the past two years because of the pandemic, and Emmaus’ upcoming gala “Dance Through the Years” will also be virtual on May 7.
There are more than 12,000 people in Pennsylvania waiting for housing and other support services, Jacobsen said. The need is there, but staffing is challenging. Emmaus is hiring.
Jacobsen said some direct support professionals found other jobs during the pandemic. The pay for caregivers isn’t as high as other careers.
“We have a long way to go,” said Jacobsen, who said that her time at Emmaus has made her a better human being. “We could have more homes if we had the staff. This job takes the right person with a good head and a good heart. We can teach the rest.”
Jackie Logel of West Mifflin is a residential adviser for two homes. She has worked for Emmaus the past eight years. A mother of four, she said it’s an amazing community with a fearless leader in Jacobsen, of Mt. Lebanon, who advocates for her employees.
“We want to share with the world the lives of those in the community we serve and love,” Logel said. “My job brings happiness. We want to spread the word and make everyone feel loved. If we do that, then the world will be a better place.”
Logel danced to the song “Locomotion” with resident Regina “Gina” Fichter, who loves music. Music makes people happy, Logel said.
“I am having fun,” said Fichter, who smiled.
Jacobsen was smiling too.
“I feel really hopeful today,” Jacobsen said. “We really needed this celebration. We value these people. Everyone is valuable. They deserve the best care.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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