• About Us
• Advanced Philosophy of Care
• Mission, Values and Service
• Our Commitment to Safety
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Devereux Board of Trustees
• Annual Reports
• Devereux in the News
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Recognizing Our Employees
• Celebrating Our Devereux Families
• Sharing Messages of Hope

Securing meaningful employment through Devereux Pennsylvania’s CAAPP program

Whether she is whipping up a walnut cake or creating heart-shaped sugar cookies – it is clear – Emily Judovits has a talent and passion for baking.

In 2016, Judovits, who receives services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania, secured a job that allows her to spend time doing what she loves. She works 15 to 20 per week in the bakery at Wegman’s supermarket in Collegeville, Pa.

Judovits credits Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program (CAAPP), which provides individualized and innovative community-based support services for adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other disabilities, with teaching her essential job and social skills, and helping her thrive in the community.

“I enjoy working with the people in the bakery. Most of my co-workers have been there for a while,” said Judovits. “I am in charge of making chocolate chip cookies, cannoli chips and restocking sections of the bakery. I have learned to stay on task – and stay safe during the pandemic by washing my hands a lot.”

Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services Executive Director Carol Anne McNellis, Psy.D. BCBA, notes the importance of including individuals with disabilities in the workforce. “All individuals deserve a chance to showcase their skills and talents and secure meaningful and competitive employment in their communities,” McNellis explained. “Employers who hire individuals with disabilities gain team members who are creative, persistent, hard-working and loyal – and excel in their jobs.”

Making connections and contributions

Joey Baumgart, who also is enrolled in Devereux Pennsylvania’s CAAPP program, has worked as a custodian for the past six years at Giant supermarket in Brookhaven, Pa., where he assists with various cleaning and sanitization tasks, as well as shopping cart retrieval.

“I enjoy the freedom and variation in my day. I never get bored – I can always find something to do,” Baumgart shared. “I also like the relationship I have with my boss and the trust he has in me. He seeks my input because I am honest. I actually have enjoyed working during the pandemic. People respect my job a lot more and show their appreciation. One day, I told a veteran, ‘Thank you for your service,’ and he actually thanked me for my service.”

Baumgart says Devereux Pennsylvania’s CAAPP team has taught him how to manage stress more effectively and improve his social skills, which he has further developed since working at Giant. “I have learned how to connect with co-workers, talk to customers and make eye-contact,” Baumgart shared.

Goals for now and the future

When they are not at work, Judovits enjoys playing video games, drawing and listening to music, while Baumgart likes playing musical instruments (e.g., drums and bass guitar) and spending with his friends and family, or at the comic book store.

Both Judovits and Baumgart are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see what the future holds.

“I would like to learn how to drive,” said Judovits. “I also want to go to school for business, so one day, I could possibly start my own food business.”

Baumgart noted, “I like to live my life in the moment, see where it takes me, and if an opportunity comes up – I will take it.”

Learn more about Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

Latest News

		Devereux article on disparities in pain management featured in Behavioral Health News An article written by Devereux National Director of Behavioral Health Services Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D., was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article – “Disparities in pain management: Examining cultural inequities and the critical role of behavioral health providers” – explores the history of cultural disparities and how behavioral health professionals can assist systems of care.
		Devereux GA opens Grace’s Place to support survivors of human trafficking Devereux Georgia recently worked with Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, the state Department of Human Services and other community partners to open Grace’s Place, a commercial sexual exploitation recovery center for youth. Grace’s Place, located in Lawrenceville, helps survivors of human trafficking recover and rebuild their lives.
		Devereux honors nurses, teachers and mental health providers during May observances At Devereux, we are celebrating our more than 200 nurses, 200 teachers and 300 mental health providers who go above and beyond to meet the needs of the children, adolescents and adults they serve.
		Mental Health Awareness Month: Fostering open dialogue, understanding and support During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is highlighting the importance of talking openly about mental health to combat stigma, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and encourage those in need to seek support.

More Stories