Our Team

Meet Janel Bowers, the  Director of Development for Friends of JCDS that joined the team in November of 2015.

“I cannot remember a time when someone has gone to her with a question, request, and/or issue and she’s responded in the negative; her response is also “yes, and” and usually goes above and beyond the initial request. Janel asks for input and feedback from Team Leaders and residents and then actually takes that feedback and turns it into action.”

Education/Certifications

Masters of Arts in Philanthropy and Development, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Bachelors of Arts in English, Kansas State University

If asked, Janel will tell you that she wants to live in a world that is inclusive and filled with innovations that allow everyone opportunities to be who they are.

Janel has strong ties to the intellectual and developmental disabilities field, serving as a volunteer, the court appointed guardian and conservator for the last 18 years through the Kansas Guardianship Program, and having worked in Community Living, Supported Employment and Sheltered Workshops throughout her career.

Janel will tell you that she drives to work with a big smile on her face each morning because this is the perfect job, EVER. She gets to see the transformations made in people’s lives every day. “This is more than a job: I’m on a mission to help you get it… really get it! People are people, and they all want the same thing- a place to call home, friends to hang out with, and a job that gives them purpose- the rest is just stuff…”

My involvement with Friends like organizations dates back to my childhood. I grew up with a downs syndrome older brother who has been a continued source of inspiration to my life. My parents were part of a ground roots effort that organized to provide schooling and employment opportunities for this population. The activities of Friends brings meaning and community to not only those that we serve but just as important to those caring individuals that surround them.

Jennifer Salva-Cushing

With an immediate family member in the IID population who receives support through JCDS, Jennifer is deeply familiar with challenges that many members of the IDD population face–particularly in their efforts to lead more independent lives.  Serving on the Friends of JCDS Board allows Jennifer to help address some of these challenges–particularly independent, accessible and affordable housing–for the members of the community we serve. Just as important to Jennifer, Friends of JCDS improves the lives of the community at large by fostering inclusivity and understanding.

I am most inspired by the work we do. Particularly on the days when the community comes together and does something miraculous for the individuals we served. My fondest memory, to date, was our demo day at Santa Fe. All the people the showed up to make a wonderful, accessible home for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Johnson County was truly inspiring.

Ron Worley is a former Republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 30th district. Prior to being elected, Worley worked for 14 years as a building official in Lenexa, and has served in the U.S. Air Force. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Worley is a member of the Kansas City Catbackers Club, Leadership Lenexa Alumni Association, Lenexa Chamber of Commerce, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Tammy joins Friends of JCDS with both direct support staff experience as well as office management, facilities and accounting experience. Tammy is very passionate about the individuals we serve and is dedicated to ensuring that they have a quality home to live in and their basic needs are met.

My first contact with Friends of JCDS was through the North East Johnson County Chamber. I really enjoyed volunteering with the organization through chamber events that I found myself doing more and more outside of chamber. I even included my family in events, and my son is the top raffle ticket seller. EVER. I love our mission. I love that our board gets involved and we get things done for the people we serve.