Who's Donna Jay?
She’s known as the "Second Mayor of Salem, Mass".
Donna Jay, who has developmental and intellectual disabilities, was sent at a young age to Paul Dever State School, and later to Danvers State Hospital. She didn’t learn how to read, write, or take care of herself until she was sixteen! Donna is a pioneer of Self-Advocacy long before anyone dreamed up the term. She dared to speak up and defend other residents while in Dever, despite the punishment her advocacy provoked. Her willpower and spirit to keep improving her life are a shining star for everyone. Donna's story mirrors the evolution of care for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities from Institutions, to the Inclusion Movement, to Self-Direction in Massachusetts.
After decades of struggle and success, today, at 59 years of age, Donna Jay presents workshops for MASS (Mass Advocates Standing Strong). She serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Board, and participates in a Peer Support Team for families served by The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport.
Our documentary weaves Donna's struggle for independence into the history of people with disabilities. Judy Faust is the movie's producer and project manager, and is owner and creative director of Connect Your Stories Video Productions which
produces promotional videos for businesses, non-profits, and for individuals.
Connect Your Stories Video has produced two other documentaries.
"Angels of Austria: The Church That Reached Out To Holocaust Survivors," (2008) toured all over New England.
"See What’s Whispered: The Legacy Of Artist David C. Baker" (2012) aired on NH Public TV, (2013-14).
The Donna Jay Project is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization.
Contributions for the charitable purposes of The Donna Jay Project must be made payable to “Fractured
Atlas” only. The value of the perks are stated. Any contribution
above that amount is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Why This Documentary is Needed Now
We believe strongly that it will be beneficial to all sectors of the public to realize how much progress has been made and how much this growing population contributes to society. The documentary deepens the understanding that EVERY human being has unlimited potential and talents to give back to society, if only they are given the tools to succeed. It is Donna Jay's greatest passion to ensure neglect and abuse never happens again to this population.
Donna Jay will use the documentary in her advocacy work, and, we hope, her story will be seen in colleges and universities, in advocacy and community centers, and on TV. The documentary will enrich our lives and be a resource for individuals with challenging needs.
What We Need
Pre-Production of a documentary of this scope involves filming, editing, equipment and software, travel, copyrights and legal fees for distribution plans. We have managed to keep our costs on all these things as low as possible, but still, to meet our goals and bring Donna Jay's story to a wide audience, we are seeking $21,000 in crowd-sourced funding.
Won't you help?
We hope you'll enjoy participating in our project, and watching Donna's dream come to fruition.
What you Get
![]()
"Beautiful Changes" by Donna Jay
- Donna Jay's paintings on our printed perks and T-shirts expressing her message of hope and joy to all.
![]()
- Come to Salem, MA and have coffee and a conversation with Donna Jay in her neighborhood restaurants, or choose to meet the producer Judy Faust, in Concord, Ma for lunch at her favorite French cafe.
- If you are a film buff, join our crew! We welcome your participation.
![]()
Judy listens to Jack Judge, WWII Veteran show here where he was in the Battle of The Bulge! They created a biography for his large family and for his school presentations.
- Enjoy a three hour consultation of how to make your own family story in video from our Producer and Personal Historian, Judy Faust. (over the phone or in the Metrowest Boston area).
The Impact
![]()
Donna Jay helps participants during an "Explore, Prepare, Act" workshop at Emarc
1. Our documentary will raise awareness of people around us with developmental and intellectual disabilities at school, at work, and wherever we go. A variety of disabilities not only come from birth, but from accidents, disease, and with aging. We can improve our understanding of others with Donna's story. We feel young people in schools would especially widen their capacity for empathy after watching The Donna Jay Story.
2. Donna Jay will be using this documentary to teach such skills as how to obtain gainful employment and how to advocate for one's own needs with local agencies.
3. Families with relatives who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, and organizations that serve them will be encouraged by Donna's example, and be inspired to keep going, never give up, and find success.
4. Every aspect of production will involve Donna's community in the Salem area or in Massachusetts as much as possible through:
Interviewing local business owners who hire people with disabilities
Interviewing people in organizations that serve them such as Department of Developmental Services, Arc, Emarc, MASS and more. We have a list of people who have known, mentored, or helped Donna evolve to where she is today.
We will be using archival video footage and historical photographs relating to the evolution of care in Massachusetts.
In addition, we will use local talents in music, photography, and the artwork of people with disabilities to illustrate the story, including Donna Jay's colorful and emotionally expressive paintings.
![]()
"Courage" by Donna Jay
Other Ways You Can Help
- Connect us with media opportunities
- "Like" us on the social networks
- Forward emails with our indiegogo link, and spread the word!
- Give in-kind donations such as restaurant vouchers, gas cards, or printing services.
Thank you so much for your support--gifts of any amount are so welcome and will directly help us bring Donna Jay's story to an ever-widening audience.
