Interim director says disability services are a "lifeline" for New Jersey residents

Jackie Moskowitz, interim Executive Director of the Division of Disability Services, said the supports and services delivered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) "are a lifeline" that enable New Jersey residents to achieve a better quality of life.

Moskowitz introduced herself at the start of her remarks and said she feels "fortunate to work for a department with so many talented, dedicated professionals." She described daily work demands that require creative problem-solving and juggling multiple priorities, and called "helping someone in need" the greatest reward of the job.

Moskowitz also highlighted the role of mentorship in her career, saying she has benefitted from "many exceptional women who have served as role models and mentors in all areas of my life." She closed with a direct appeal to women in professional spaces: "The most powerful women in the room are the ones reminding other women that they belong there," a line she said recently resonated with her.

The remarks were introductory and largely ceremonial in tone; no policy proposals or formal actions were recorded in the transcript. The comments emphasize the department's role in delivering supports and the executive's focus on workforce and mentorship.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article: Jackie Moskowitz, interim Executive Director, Division of Disability Services.