Jake Jones, president and chief executive officer of A.D.E.P.T. Programs Inc. (dba. ADEPT Programs) has spent his life dedicated to the service of people with disabilities. Jones was originally a musician and studied jazz and classical music at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He joined the United States military as a career change after starting a family, ultimately serving in the Intelligence Corps of the U.S. Army from 1992 to 2001.
Jones received a master’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Rutgers University. While an undergraduate at Rutgers, Jones was made aware of a job opening for a management position overseeing recreation programming at a nonprofit human service provider serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Jones was selected for the job, and though, at the time, he did not have a lot of experience working with people with disabilities, his interest in the field was piqued. He was surprised at how fast and warmly he was accepted and appreciated by the individuals he served at this new job. He then committed himself to thoroughly understanding the industry and how to best serve these individuals. This newfound dedication to helping people with disabilities was the beginning of a long career.
“The role appealed to my desire to fundamentally help others succeed,” Jones says.
As Jones continued his career in the industry, his dedication led to his ascension through the ranks. He has served as chief executive officer of several organizations over the years, including now at ADEPT Programs.
ADEPT Programs is committed to creating changed environments where spaces that are accessible for everyone are seen as the norm in the affordable housing industry. Its mission is to have people with I/DD be embraced within “the fabric of these communities” while also providing the care and support they need in order to thrive.
Jones is proud to be the spearhead of the development strategy and projects. He is currently overseeing the building of an accessibility-first community in South Jersey that will include ten new homes for people with disabilities.
“We’re envisioning and building a community where people with disabilities feel embraced and valued,” Jones explains. “All the homes will be accessible. Additionally, the community will have walking trails, parks and a community center which will help bring the community together. People with disabilities (much like other populations) have things in common. So, it will be nice for them to be able to live in a community near their friends and have opportunities to make new social connections. We want to continue to perfect this concept through repetition.”
Jones takes on the challenges he faces and prides himself on not running from them, even the ones that frighten him. He regards every difficulty in life as an opportunity. Whether the outcome is good or bad, it’s a valuable lesson learned. “The real value comes from the act not the outcome,” he explains. This philosophy has empowered him to withstand the industry demands and pressures that come with his choices throughout his career.
Jones believes his success is “anchored” to his life’s purpose, which is to serve others. “I have a heart of service at a baseline and it’s the drive to show up for whatever is asked of me that has manifested many opportunities to be a person of value to others,” he states. He feels blessed and grateful to have the privilege to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). He believes all his life experiences have challenged him to grow and develop a variety of valuable skill sets and benefits that he uses to be a force for good in the world.
