Cooperman family donates largest JESPY House gift in history

JESPY House, the South Orange-based nonprofit organization that has supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 45 years, has received a $13.25 million matching gift from the Leon and Toby Cooperman Family Foundation.

This is the largest gift in JESPY’s history. The gift will be commemorated through the establishment of the Cooperman Family Campus at JESPY.

The transformational Cooperman gift will position JESPY to implement its vision for sustainability and future growth. That includes increasing existing residential facilities significantly; development of affordably priced housing; expansion of client services through increased programming, state-of-the-art technology, and administration space; and improved client diversity in its programs.

“We were deeply moved and inspired by the work being done by JESPY House,” Leon Cooperman said. “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.”

“This is a turning point in our history and will undoubtedly galvanize other funders to support JESPY’s work in providing independence-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Dr. Ahadi Bugg-Levine, the president of JESPY’s board, said.

“Working with the Coopermans was like a master class in smart, focused philanthropy,” he continued. “As a former member of JESPY’s board, Toby already had a passion for our mission. When we approached them with our proposal, they understood our aspirations and quickly became thought partners. We made our case, responded to challenging and thoughtful questions, and worked with the Coopermans to structure the gift in a way that positions JESPY to turn their generosity into sustained impact for our clients.

“Their compassionate and strategic approach to giving has inspired me personally and affirms the powerful work being done at JESPY.”

For more information go to jespyhouse.org/GoBig or call (973) 437-3770.