JESPY House in South Orange, New Jersey, which works to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independently, has announced a $13.25 million gift from the Leon and Toby Cooperman Family Foundation. 

The largest gift in the organization’s history will enable JESPY to continue its work and expand its existing residential facilities, develop affordably priced housing, improve client diversity in its programs, and enhance its client services through increased programming, state-of-the-art technology, and administration space. In recognition of the support from the Giving Pledge signatories, JESPY will establish the Cooperman Family Campus.

“We were deeply moved and inspired by the work being done by JESPY House,” said Leon Cooperman. “This is an organization that is emphatically making life better for hundreds of clients each year. That alone warrants our support. But beyond that, JESPY House has a thoughtful, achievable vision and a strong entrepreneurial sense. This is exactly the type of organization we like to support. They have an impressive history of being an effective partner with their clients, local businesses, other social service organizations, and the community at large. Now they are working strategically to build on their achievements and secure the future. They work smart, with heart. And the dignity, affirmation, and independence they teach their clients is priceless. We are honored to be able to provide this historic gift and hope it will inspire other philanthropists to help JESPY expand its meaningful work.”

(Photo credit: Elise Campbell Photography)