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Guttenberg Center for Special Services

The Guttenberg Center for Special Services provides social, recreational, cultural and educational experiences in natural community settings, with appropriate supports, for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

a young child reading with an older adult.

Programs are designed to meet the wide range of specific needs of our participants. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment and community, allowing each individual the opportunity to reach his or her potential.

Simara Bruhim, Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services
sbruhim@jccotp.org               201-408-1489

Lexi Raffa, Associate Director, Children, Youth and Inclusion
lraffa@jccotp.org                   201-408-1470

Timanisha Highsmith, Director, Camp Haverim
thighsmith@jccotp.org           201-569-7900  x530

Classes/Programs

For Children and Teens

Sunday FunDay (ages 4-8)
Sunday Social Skills (ages 8-15)
Weekday Social Stars (ages 7-17)
Camp Haverim (ages 5-21)

For Young Adults and Adults

Sunday On Our Own (ages 17+)
Weekday Afternoon Connections (ages 17+)
Club Friends (ages 18+)
Shelley W. Levy Adult Day Program (ages 21-45)

New participants are required to have an intake meeting. Please complete this Initial Inquiry Form and someone will follow up with you. You are also welcome to contact any of the directors above.

Initial Inquiry Form

Community Events

Every month the Guttenberg Center hosts a community event where individuals can enjoy time with friends, and meet new ones. Whether it’s our popular dances or engaging game nights, the JCC is a welcoming place to spend a few fun hours.

For more detailed information, contact:
Timanisha Highsmith
thighsmith@jccotp.org           201-569-7900  x530

2025-2026 Community Events Calendar
2026-2027 Community Events Calendar

Kaplen JCC Inclusion

The JCC also provides supports and accommodations as needed, to individuals in fully inclusive classes and programs in a natural environment. Individuals are encouraged to participate in all JCC programs and classes, such as swim, dance, drama, music, art, Maccabi Access*, and more. 

JCC Membership (for ages 21+) is covered by DDD; a free companion pass is available.

Please contact Lexi Raffa, Associate Director, Children, Youth and Inclusion
at lraffa@jccotp.org or 201.408.1470 for more information or to request special accommodations.


*Maccabi Access is run through the JCC Sports & Athletics Department.

It offers Jewish youth ages 12-21 with additional needs the opportunity to come together for fun, sports, and games. Participants connect with teammates, build friendships, and practice for the Maccabi Access Games.

For more information, please contact Sammy Eisenberg, Maccabi Delegation Head, at seisenberg@jccotp.org or 201-408-1431.

The Kaplen JCC is a qualified provider of the State of NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Children & Families (DCF)/PerformCare, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Medicaid. We accept payments from other Service Agency Providers as well as sending school districts.

History

The Guttenberg Center for Special Services was established by Adele and Bill Guttenberg (of blessed memory). This endowment continues to support ongoing vital programs and services for individuals with disabilities and has enabled the JCC to be an accessible agency.

If you’d like to support the Guttenberg Center for Special Services’ programs, click here to make a donation.

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Our Programs

See All Programs
Guttenberg Center for Special Services

Camp Haverim
AgesAges 5-21 August 10-21, 2026 9:00am-3:00pm
Camp Haverim is a two-week camp for children and teens with disabilities, and provides social, recreational, cultural and fun camp experiences in natural community settings with appropriate supports. For potential new campers, an intake interview is required, as is completion of our Participant Information Form. For more information, and to schedule an intake meeting, please contact Timanisha Highsmith, Camp Haverim Director, at thighsmith@jccotp.org or 201-569-7900 x530.
Learn More
Aquatics

Adaptive Swim Lessons
Ages6 months+
We are proud to offer the American Red Cross Swim Lesson Program, with emphasis on teaching individuals who move, learn, behave or communicate differently. Lessons are modified or adapted as needed. Instructors have also completed Angelfish training and are certified in the adaptive Swim Whisperers methodology.
Learn More

My son Kevin comes to a summer program here called Camp Haverim run by the Guttenberg Center for Special Services. I chose the JCC for my child’s summer camp experience because of the camaraderie of the entire team, the entire JCC. I use the Seiden Wellness Center while he is here – we can be healthy while making friends here at the JCC and my son also thrives here. They are very open to working with my son’s individual needs. Whatever we are doing at home I know is being reinforced here. All the supports are in place and the communication is always open. It’s an environment where I know he is safe, and where his independence and his confidence is being promoted. What else can a parent want? How lucky are we that we can help Kevin in the best possible way?

Arlene

FAQs (Guttenberg Center)

About the Staff

Guttenberg Center classes and programs are staffed by highly trained special educational professionals and Direct Support Professionals. Assistants are high school seniors and college students. Volunteers range from junior high school students to mature adults.

How do I begin?

All new participants are required to have an intake interview with the Special Services Director to determine appropriate program placement and supports. Final program placement must be approved by the Director and Program Coordinator.

Is my application confidential?

All official documentation provided to the Kaplen JCC is kept in the strictest confidence and only used to meet each participant’s individual needs.

Who can apply?

Programs at the Guttenberg Center for Special Services are open to both Kaplen JCC members and the public, including camp.

Can I apply for government financial aid?

In order to receive services through the state, children must be registered with New Jersey DCF/PerformCare. For more information, go to www.performcarenj.org.

Adults (21+) must be registered with New Jersey DDD and be Medicaid approved. For more information, go to www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd.

The Kaplen JCC is a qualified provider of the State of NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Children & Families (DCF)/PerformCare, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Medicaid. We accept payments from other Service Agency Providers as well as sending school districts.

Does the JCC provide scholarships?

Limited financial aid and scholarship assistance is available for families with documented financial need.