Our Shelley W. Levy Adult Day Program is designed for young adults 21-45 with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, who have transitioned out of school and have sufficient communication and self help skills to independently participate within a flexible staffing ratio.
We focus on developing the highest level of individual independence in our participants, particularly in the areas of communication, pro-social behaviors, personal self-care and activities of daily living. Our Day Program participants engage in a full range of activities across the entire JCC on a daily basis, including music therapy, swimming, fitness, cooking, yoga, community inclusion, technology and more.
Program Goals:
• Greater independence in activities of daily living and self help
• Appropriate social interactions
• Communication and self-expression
• Learning/practicing leisure skills
• Developing interpersonal conversational skills
The Day Program has assorted job sampling opportunities, including our own Project NOTE!, Project PLANT and Project COOKIE. All of the items are sold at the JCC.
- Project NOTE! greeting cards are hand-made by our participants. There are cards for every season and occasion. The project was initially funded through a grant from the JCC’s Teen Philanthropy Institute.
- Project PLANT empowers our participants to create beautiful, handcrafted terrariums in a variety of sizes, fostering creativity and independence.
- Project COOKIE enables our participants to develop practical skills, boost their confidence, and take pride in their work as they put together pre-measured cookie kits (all ingredients are Kosher).
If you’re interested in purchasing any of these items, please contact Simara Bruhim (contact information below).
The Kaplen JCC is a qualified provider of the State of NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Medicaid. We also accept private pay.
Membership to the JCC is not required. All interested participants must have an intake interview and complete our Participant Information Form. There may be a waitlist at time of inquiry.
Please contact Simara Bruhim, Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services, at sbruhim@jccotp.org, 201.408.1489 for more information.
Related Programs/Classes
Afternoon Connections
Ages 17+ / Mon-Thurs / 3:30 PM-6:00 PM / Sept-July
This DDD-qualified program is designed to enhance functional life skills and increase independence in young adults with intellectual and developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Afternoon Connections offers social and daily life skills, job sampling opportunities, as well as recreational activities and community inclusion.
Sunday On Our Own
Ages 17+ / 10:00 AM-1:30 PM / Sept-May
On Our Own is a life skills training class for teens and young adults with age-appropriate self-help skills, focusing on peer interactions, pro-social behaviors, and independent living skills.
Club Friends
Ages 18+ / Year Round
Club Friends is a community-based social program designed for more independent adults with disabilities who want to build meaningful friendships, increase independence, and enjoy recreational experiences. The program focuses on inclusive, structured outings that promote supported social interactions in a variety of fun environments.
Participants take part in regularly scheduled community activities such as dinner and a movie, live shows, arcades, bowling, museums, and other local entertainment venues. Community service projects may be included as well. Each outing is thoughtfully planned to encourage communication, decision-making, and positive social engagement while respecting individual abilities and comfort levels.
For more information, contact Arlene Hagopian at ahagopian@jccotp.org.
FAQs (Adult Day Program)
Who benefits from our program?
Designed for young adults 21-45 with intellectual and developmental challenges and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Participants must have communication and self-help skills to independently participate within a flexible staffing ratio.
Where does the program take place?
Our main program rooms are 209 and the Guttenberg Lounge. Both rooms feature a kitchen, we have a washer and dryer and many other resources to support and develop independence in daily living skills.
Our rooms also provide a recreational and learning center where group activities take place such as creating art projects, assisting with JCC projects, singing, music and more. We share an inter-generational gardening center with seniors and early childhood participants, and are in all areas of the JCC for our many activities.
Is an intake interview required?
Yes. An extensive intake interview process is required for any prospective Day Program participant with the Department Director and Day Program Manager.
Is there a waitlist?
Space is extremely limited. A waitlist is maintained. Appropriate families are contacted as space becomes available.
What are the safety protocols?
The Kaplen JCC follows all federal, state and local safety protocols, guidelines, and health requirements, as well as the JCC’s and the Guttenberg Center’s own extensive protocols.
