Getting to Know Ibrahim Jabir

NEWTON, MA — We’re excited to welcome Ibrahim Jabir to the Specialized Housing community as a new live-in staff member in Newton. In this interview, Ibrahim shares what drew him to Specialized Housing, what a typical day in the house looks like, and what inspires him most about supporting residents in their daily lives. From building meaningful connections to sharing his love of soccer, get to know Ibrahim and the energy he brings to our homes.

Please tell us about your position with Specialized Housing:

I am part of the residential team at Specialized Housing. What I do is support adults with different abilities in building independent living skills and creating a home environment where everyone feels valued. My role is pretty broad; my responsibilities vary from problem solving to making sure the residents have what they need throughout the day.

How did you hear about Specialized Housing?

I first heard about Specialized Housing through word of mouth. A friend mentioned it to me in a conversation, and I decided to look into it myself. I have always wanted to work somewhere that truly supports people, so I explored it further and I’m really glad I did.

Take us through a typical day in your house:

A typical day starts with making sure some of the house members are up and getting ready for work or whatever activity they have. Then I make sure everyone takes their morning meds. After that, the day moves between different activities, appointments, and hanging out either in the living room or the office. Evenings are usually a mix of downtime, social time, and getting things set for the next day.

What is the most inspiring part of your work at SHI?

The most inspiring part is seeing how the staff, the residents, and their families all work together. There is a real bond, and everyone is focused on helping the house grow and stay strong.

How has being part of this community impacted you?

Being part of this community has made me more patient and more open‑minded. It’s helped me understand the different ways people communicate and connect. It has also taught me to slow down, listen more, and appreciate progress — even the small steps.

We heard that you did some traveling recently. Would you like to share some highlights?

Yes! It was a great experience. I traveled to Europe to see family and friends I hadn’t seen in years. I visited new places, tried foods I’d never had before, and stepped out of my usual routine. The trip helped me recharge and come back with fresh energy.

And lastly, we’d love to learn more about your interests. Could you share something about a non‑work hobby or passion?

Outside of work, I’m passionate about soccer. It helps me unwind and express myself. I have even gotten some of the residents into it. They wake up around 7 a.m. to watch games with me because of the time difference in Europe. It has become a fun little tradition in the house.