Submitted by JVS Careers. By Sofia Cohen and Ariella Edelstein, JVS Careers 2026 Summer Workum Interns
For Annelise and Rainie, the journey to meaningful careers and independent living did not happen overnight. It was built on friendship, opportunity, and one step of personal growth at a time. Today, the two University of Cincinnati graduates are thriving in careers they love, have moved into their first apartment together, and continue to encourage others towards their own personal growth, through their participation in the PEEPPS, a JVS Careers program.
The PEEPPS program, People Empowering Each Other’s Personal and Professional Success, creates a unique community of connection, support, and opportunity for neurodivergent young adults as they work toward greater success in the workforce and in their lives. There is currently no other program like PEEPPS in Greater Cincinnati or within our local Jewish community, making it an especially important resource for the individuals and families. The program is currently at capacity, with additional JVS Careers job seekers interested in participating now on a waiting list, a clear reflection of both the need for and value of this type of community. PEEPPS is made possible entirely through the generosity of Les and Renee Sandler, and JVS Careers is deeply grateful for their extraordinary commitment to our participants and their families.
Annelise and Rainie’s success story is one of resilience, confidence, and the life-changing impact of belonging. Before joining PEEPPS, both women were searching not only for jobs, but for direction and purpose. Both had small and limited social connections and struggled with making friends who accepted them for their differences.
Annelise worked at Costco and previously in a retirement home while trying to find her next step after earning her bachelor’s degree in special education. Rainie’s path was what she described as “a roller coaster.” Working with JVS Career Coach, Chrissy Perkins since 2022, she explored numerous positions, from daycares to a children’s gym serving children with disabilities, before discovering where she truly belonged.
Both faced challenges that extended beyond sending applications. Learning new workplace expectations, managing responsibilities, and navigating uncertainty tested their confidence. Yet both remained determined to keep moving forward.
Everything began to change when PEEPPS entered the picture.
Rainie was one of the program’s original members when it launched in 2023 after evolving from a Jewish community supported program that ended in 2024. Looking for friendship and community, she quickly found both and later invited Annelise to attend her first event.
For Annelise, that evening became a turning point. “It felt really nice for one night to be part of a community of people that encouraged me to be myself instead of shutting me down.” Annalise left the event feeling something she had not experienced in quite some time. “I felt refreshed. I felt accepted; I felt happy for the first time in months.”
For Rainie, the program became a place where she learned to trust herself. “More confidence…more independence… more self-esteem…and knowing that I can trust myself.”
Rainie was hired to become the PEEPPS Ambassador, helping new members come into the group while encouraging others to discover the same sense of belonging she had found. In this role she is the peer advocate for the group and works with the program director sharing the interests of the group while helping plan meaningful events that everyone is interested in. These events include Jewish community programs and activities that many of the members have never done before or been invited to attend. Participating in these activities with friends provides a level of independence they never thought was achievable.
This newfound confidence is carried into their professional lives.
Annelise recently accepted a full-time position as a Job Coach where she supports individuals in hospitals, schools, and community workplaces. Rainie now works full-time as a Direct Support Professional helping adults with disabilities lead fulfilling lives. Both women found careers that allow them to use their compassion and individual experiences to be effective every day.
Their accomplishments did not stop there.
In spring of 2026, both women graduated from the University of Cincinnati. Shortly after, they began working with the agency, Independence Alliance, to explore the options of living independently and getting an apartment together. This service helped these young women create a budget and review all living expenses which included weekly groceries, utility bills, and paying their portion of monthly rent, while still having money for personal spending.
They visited and toured multiple apartment locations around the tristate area to determine what was in their budget range and in a part of town that was safe and secure for them. They chose wisely as their new apartment is less than a 20-minute drive from their jobs!
The transition to independent living brought excitement and new responsibilities, but it also strengthened the friendship that had begun through PEEPPS. Whether solving puzzles, getting ready for work together, or simply supporting each other through everyday moments, they have built a home rooted in encouragement and trust.
“Rainie’s been one of my biggest supports since moving out and into our own place,” Annelise shared. “I couldn’t ask for a better roommate.”
Laughing, she added, “Like the show Friends says, ‘I’ll be there for you.’ Which is actually the theme of our apartment.”
Looking ahead, both women have goals that extend beyond career advancement. Annelise hopes to continue growing in confidence, organizational skills, and self-love while embracing independent adulthood. Rainie dreams of building a safe, healthy future while continuing to support others through her work and involvement with PEEPPS.
When asked their thoughts about the PEEPPS program, the answer was simple, yet powerful:
“Thank you for accepting me for who I am. PEEPPS is my family.”
Their story is a reminder that success is more than finding a job. It is about finding people who believe in you, discovering confidence you did not know you had, and building a future alongside those who encourage you to be your authentic self.
