Join Our Community

Join the Taking Care Community!Welcome to Taking Care, an online community designed to create a space for inclusion and connection, especially when in-person opportunities are limited. Navigating the world as an individual with a disability or as a caregiver can be challenging. Information is scattered, resources are limited, and opportunities for support can feel scarce.As a sibling caregiver, I understand these unique challenges firsthand. I’m passionate about sharing my experiences, insights, and learnings with our community. Together, we can cultivate a brighter, more fulfilling path for ourselves and those we care for.While I may not be able to commit to a regular newsletter at this time, I still want to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for caregivers and individuals with disabilities. My focus will be on sharing insights through YouTube videos and podcasts, where I will discuss living with a disability alongside my sister Joy, highlight essential resources, and explore key tools and conversations that can support us all.I also want to hear from you—your needs matter, and I aim to amplify them across the Taking Care network and beyond. Whether it’s through video or audio, let’s engage in meaningful discussions that uplift our community.You can’t pour from an empty cup, so let’s help each other refill ours together. Stay connected for updates and join me on this journey!

Hi, I'm Jenna!

I am a global development partnerships specialist, accessibility advocate, and caregiver to my younger sister, Joy, who has Down syndrome.Taking Care is an initiative that feels like it has been 20+ years in the making for me, as I have spent the last 27 years navigating life alongside Joy.Growing up, I believed it was my responsibility to protect Joy from those around us who might not understand her or might judge her because of her disability. However, I’ve come to realize that those who have the privilege of meeting her quickly come to adore her. After all, she is far more interesting than her disability. Still, it can be challenging to find spaces where Joy's talents can truly shine, free from the limitations imposed by her disability or society’s perceptions of it.Professionally, I have committed myself to improving the health and wellness of all individuals, regardless of ability. To this end, I earned a Master of Science in Global Health from the University of Notre Dame and have spent the last five years working in international development.Like Joy and according to the WHO, there are 1.3 billion individuals worldwide with significant disabilities—approximately 1 in 6 people. Yet, many of our physical and digital environments remain inaccessible to those with diverse needs.Throughout my career, I have focused on empowering communities to achieve better health outcomes. Now, I am embarking on a mission to leverage my personal and professional experiences to support this growing segment of the global population.I hope that Taking Care becomes more than just an online community. I hope this space takes on a life of it's own and that it becomes yours too. As a social movement, a call to action, or a platform to truly be heard for who you are, beyond a disability.

Thank you!

You are joining a network that seeks to change the way that the world looks at disabilities and caregiving. We can not do this alone and are incredibly grateful to have you!