JCC of Central NJ
Schools, camps, and community centers that work with children all report a sharp rise in the number of children exhibiting disabilities – from autism to learning disabilities to physical challenges – that inhibit their ability to fully participate in programming. JCC of Central New Jersey combines all these settings, hosting both a thriving early childhood daycare program, a summer camp, and several youth groups within the organization.
To help JCC of Central NJ expand their services to all children with disabilities, HFNJ provided a grant of $94,950 in 2023 to expand the staff to of the Inclusion and Support Services Department.
Through the grant, JCC of Central NJ hired Stephanie Weiss – who has a professional background in Special Education and certification in teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities – to the full-time position of Inclusion & Support Services Coordinator. In that position she provides direct support to the 46 children in the early childhood programs and 35 children in 2023’s summer camp who were identified as having special needs. Weiss also provides administrative support to the entire Inclusion & Support Services department and has created internal resources to use with the children and staff. With Weiss on board, Beth Mitchell, Director of Inclusion & Diversity, has been able to expand the amount of time she is able to spend working with the entire staff to boost the organization’s ability to serve all children.
The end goal is to ensure that all individuals with disabilities have the necessary support for successful and inclusive participation in JCC of Central NJ programs.