'First-of-its-Kind' Residence Facility Opens in Warren

A first-of-its-kind residence for adults with autism and other special needs is open for business with a robust Day Program and the first permanent residents preparing to move in.

Mt. Bethel Village, located at 130 Mt. Bethel Road, opened its Day Program Monday, with its first day program clients. The first residential clients will move in later this month.

, welcomed all clients and their families with a promise of good things to come.

"This beautiful new community is designed to offer a safe, fun and very functional environment for special needs adults," she said. "We are proud of every aspect of this building, from the robust security to the beautiful furnishings and architectural features. It was designed specifically for special needs adults to thrive."

Mt. Bethel Village was designed to help alleviate the housing crisis that exists in New Jersey for adults with autism, developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. There is currently a waiting list of thousands of people desiring placement in community homes. Some of those individuals will wait years. In the meantime, many of their aging parents are becoming less able to care for them, a source of constant stress and worry for this population of senior caregivers.

"We believe our community is exactly what lawmakers are talking about in the Innovative Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act," Mrs. Garafola said, "a bill currently in the New Jersey Assembly which would encourage public-private partnerships to provide new, community housing for this population." Mrs. Garafola recently testified in favor of A-2893.

Mt. Bethel Village offers one and two-bedroom apartments for permanent residents and those interested in "respite", or short stays of at least two weeks. Rent includes three meals, snacks, housekeeping and full access to Mt. Bethel Village Day Program activities. Other activities continue into the evening and on weekends. There is staff available 24/7 to guide and prompt residents through their day.

More information on the Mt. Bethel Village Residential and Day Programs and respite/short stays are available atwww.mtbethelvillage.com. Interested parties may call 908-757-7000 or email info@mtbethelvillage.com for an interview or tour.