Our Mission
Our mission is to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disability towards independence through traditional and innovative programs.
Our name “Jeremiah’s Place” comes from the Bible Verse Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – We believe that God has plans for hope and a future for everyone, including those with special needs. We work everyday to provide our students with all the tools they need to pursue God’s big plans for their lives.
Our Philosophy
We will never put a limit on the capabilities of our students. When a new student enters into our program we do not categorize them based on their disability or even based on what we’re told they can or cannot do. We challenge our students to step out of their comfort zone. We believe there is always room to grow and we constantly remind students they can achieve their goals as long as they are willing to work hard for them.
Support System
In addition to providing educational and personal growth opportunities for our students, we also work hard to provide a loving support system for both our students and their families. We always want our students and families to know they can come to any of our team members for prayer, a shoulder to lean on, or a friend to celebrate with. We truly value the relationships we build, and love any opportunity to share God’s love.
Our History
Gil and Liz Silva struggled to find a place where their daughter, who has Down’s syndrome, could continue to grow and progress after she graduated from high school. After realizing that several of their family friends were also facing the same dilemma, they decided to take the leap of faith and incorporated Jeremiah’s Place in 2013.
Our Team
Gil and Liz – Founders/Directors
Gil and Liz have devoted their entire lives to the success of Jeremiah’s Place. Liz works seven days a week planning, praying, shopping, and prepping for everything that happens at Jeremiah’s Place. Gil devotes countless hours to making sure that everything Liz has planned runs smoothly and successfully, whether that be communicating with families or budgeting out funds. They have home schooled for twenty-five years and have graduated all four of their children. They served as directors of the Calvary ABQ homeschool group which included directors of a cooperative teaching program serving over one-hundred families a year for nineteen years. Gil and Liz are former board members of Joni and Friends of Albuquerque, Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network and San Gabriel Valley Regional Center.
NOTE from Giliz: God gave us the vision and our amazing team has caught it.
James
James Silva is our head teacher, and is an active program leader and developer. James is very passionate about encouraging our students to explore new skills and helping them to push beyond their perceived limitations. James holds a bachelor’s degree in special education with a double minor in special education and elementary education.
Amber
Amber Silva is our program director. She keeps us organized and on schedule. She handles the calendars, helps plan events, communicates with students and their families, and also loves to contribute to lesson ideas. Her passion is creating order and organization within Jeremiah’s Place, and helping the students to learn and grow in a structured and low-stress environment. Amber Silva holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication with a minor in English.
Jesse
Jesse is a jack of all trades and jumps in wherever is needed throughout the day. He also works with our students in gym class. He loves spending time with our students, and they always have so much fun with him. Jesse holds an associate degree in special education.
Kaylee
Kaylee is our social media coordinator and one of our teachers when she’s on break. She loves helping our students excel in showcasing what they are learning at Jeremiah’s place. She especially loves making science accessible and exciting. She has previously led stem based summer camps with R4 Creating and Nature Niños. When Kaylee is not at Jeremiah’s Place she’s off at Baylor University where she’s studying biochemistry and informal education.
Josh
Josh works in administration. He helps with things like billing, as well as other administration work. He also coaches our Special Olympics basketball team. His past experience includes working in day-habs and in group homes.
Stephen
Stephen assists with programming and teaching. For most of his adult life he has been a Church Pastor with a healthy dose of Youth Ministry and After-School programming. Most recently he was the Lead Supervisor over multiple shops at a large work program for adults with disabilities. His post-graduate degrees are in theology and practical Church ministry. God has given him a great capacity to love, which makes life both rewarding and an adventure.