Below are just a few stories of how we’ve helped clients create bright futures, enrich their lives and deal with challenges.

Big O, as he is affectionately called, embarked on a journey toward independence with the unwavering determination and invaluable encouragement from his family, supported by my role as his Support Coordinator. Working closely with Big O and his mother, we set his sights on self-direction through DDD services to pave the way for him to live independently. I collaborated with Big O and his mother, offering guidance throughout the process of obtaining a housing subsidy and identifying a suitable apartment, establishing the foundational support he needed.

My role was to connect Big O with a Community-Based Support Agency, ensuring he had the assistance required to master essential daily living skills. Together, we navigated the complexities of setting up services, coordinating resources, and developing a comprehensive support plan tailored to his goals. When Big O moved into his new apartment, it was more than a relocation; it marked a monumental milestone in his journey.

While the initial transition came with its challenges, Big O tackled each one with resilience and a positive outlook. Now, several months in, he is thriving in his independence, confidently managing daily routines and making his own choices. His journey is a true testament to the power of self-direction and community support. It’s been inspiring to watch Big O embrace each step, proving that with determination and the right support network, independence is not only achievable but deeply fulfilling. –Nicole Bryan, Support Coordinator

As Raquel values her independence but has a tendency to wander, her mother and I, as her Support Coordinator, explored options to ensure her safety. After identifying the Angel Sense device—a GPS tracker specifically designed for individuals with autism and other special needs—as a beneficial solution, I coordinated with a community vendor and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to facilitate access to this technology. Now, with the device in place, Raquel’s supporters can remotely monitor her location, covered by her budget, which provides peace of mind while allowing Raquel to confidently enjoy her independence in the community. – Claudee McMillion, Support Coordinator

As a Support Coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of working with both Tommy and Alex, two remarkable young men, on their journeys to greater independence and self-confidence. Tommy, a 24-year-old with a passion for boating, music, and the outdoors, has faced challenges with self-care routines and managing frustrations, especially when things don’t go as planned. In the past, he required assistance with meals, reminders for hygiene, and support with dressing. With the help of his family and behaviorist, we introduced a structured plan involving visual schedules and positive reinforcement, empowering Tommy to communicate his needs more effectively through an iPad. Now, Tommy enjoys social situations and activities with friends, and his family sees a new level of confidence in him.

Alex, also 24, finds joy and calm in building intricate Lego structures, but he’s struggled with expressing emotions, sometimes reacting physically when overwhelmed. A behaviorist’s positive reinforcement plan, developed in collaboration with his family, has helped him manage his emotions. Alex is learning to pause and communicate before frustration builds, which has led to fewer incidents and greater ease for him and his family. His mom notes he’s more resilient, able to handle challenging moments that once felt impossible.

In my role, I continually assess and adjust their individualized support plans, and monitoring their DDD services allows me to ensure they receive steady, personalized assistance to help them connect with their communities, grow in confidence, and pursue futures full of possibilities. – Lynne Emmons, Support Coordinator

As Justin’s Support Coordinator, I am deeply committed to helping his family secure the resources that provide him with the quality of life he deserves. One crucial resource that has made a remarkable difference in Justin’s day-to-day life is his modified van, funded under Justin’s DDD budget. This van is not just transportation; it’s a lifeline that supports his health, well-being, and freedom.

Justin’s physical needs mean that even small movements can be uncomfortable or painful, so transferring him in and out of a standard vehicle is not feasible. The van’s modifications allow his parents to secure his wheelchair directly in the back, providing Justin with the comfort and safety he needs for each journey. Without this specially equipped van, Justin would be homebound, which would limit his access to essential therapies and social activities that play an important role in his overall wellness.

This vehicle is invaluable for his family, giving them the means to care for him fully. It provides Justin with the opportunity to attend his therapies, which greatly benefit his well-being, and to experience life beyond his home. Outings like shopping or simply spending time with his family in the community are essential for Justin’s emotional health and connection to the world around him.

I’m grateful to have been able to support Justin’s family in making this modification possible, knowing that this van enhances his life in so many meaningful ways. It has transformed a daily challenge into an empowering tool that enriches Justin’s life, providing comfort, safety, and a sense of freedom. – Tasia Ali, Support Coordinator

The journey of self-discovery and transformation that leads to greater independence is exactly why I love being a Support Coordinator. As part of Ross’ dedicated support system, I have watched him grow and thrive.

Getting to know him and understanding what he wants out of life has helped me work with Ross and his tremendously supportive mom to put together a team that is assisting Ross to reach new heights.

In the spring of 2021 Ross obtained a part-time job as a ride operator at Six Flags Great Adventure. Ross was rehired for the 2022 season and is now receiving supported employment services and transportation to work that are being paid for through his DDD Supports budget.

Ross has gained a great deal of independence over the last year, which has prompted him and his support team to begin the process of obtaining a housing subsidy. Ross was thrilled to hear about the different possibilities and has been working closely with his support team to find his dream apartment! It has been a joy guiding Ross in identifying and coordinating services to live his best life.- Rachel Baldwin, Support Coordinator

For quite a few years, Suzanne had a major medical condition which did not allow her to attend her work center with her friends, which made her feel left out.  She would often ask about when she could return.  Once her condition improved, her Support Coordinator was able to make a referral and see things through so that she could begin attending her favorite work center again.  Suzanne is back to work and is very happy! – Suzanne’s mom

Tony was an employee at Shop Rite for nearly twenty years, however, recently became unhappy and wanted to explore other employment options. Tony was linked to career planning services and received assistance from a job coach to determine new employment options. Beginning in January 2022, Tony gained employment at a Starbucks that is not an easy commute from his house. Transportation services were arranged and Tony contacts them directly to schedule his rides for work. Tony is now very happy and enjoys working at Starbucks. He calls his Support Coordinator after his shifts to talk about his workday and how great of a job he is doing. – Toni Lyn Brindisi, Support Coordinator

Mike is in the Supports Program and lives at home with his single mother. Mike suffers from frequent, debilitating grand mal seizures so his mom is hesitant to have him attend a day program. With my support, Mike has been able to access services he and his family never thought possible through his DDD budget. Wanting to keep him active and in shape, the team decided to reach out to a local MMA studio to see if they would take Mike as a member. I was able to work with the head of the studio, who had no prior experience working with someone with DDD services and get them set up to be paid directly out of his budget so that his mom didn’t have to pay for it. Mike has since been enjoying his MMA classes after being medically cleared. 

He is also enjoying weekly music therapy classes (with door-to-door transportation included), thanks to his DDD supports budget. The biggest achievement with Mike, however, will be coming in the spring semester of 2019. I helped he and his mother go through the application process at Bloomfield College as a non-matriculated student. Attending a big college is something his mother never thought possible. I accompanied and helped Mike and his mom navigate through the campus tour to find out any information needed to get him enrolled in a class of his choice with the proper classroom setting supports needed. Michael is now in the midst of completing his very first college application and I will request the class be paid for through his DDD supports budget. Mike and mom couldn’t be happier! – Barbara Pierson, Support Coordinator

Bethany has accomplished a lot this year. When I first met Bethany, she was living with her parents and not working. I made a referral to the Division of Vocational Rehab and she has found a job she likes. She got a part-time job  working as an assistant on the bus with children and with infants in a child care program.

Bethany is now receiving supported employment services and is doing well. Bethany and I worked on getting her a housing voucher and she now has her own apartment. She became engaged and is living with her fiancé. I am so proud of her. She has the awesome support of her parents and is doing great. I had to tell her father that Bethany is very lucky to have such great parents.
– Lorrett Waiters, Support Coordinator

Ian was working for a while, but when his place of employment closed, I sat with Ian and his mom to go over what his goals are and building long-lasting skills to find a more rewarding employment experience. Ian has some communication difficulties; however, when he sings, he does not have these difficulties. I found a place where Ian could have singing lessons which helped him learn how to breathe in between words and pace himself. This has led to improved communication which allows him to be more confident.

In addition, tutoring services were also added. The skills he is learning with both of these services have changed his life, allowing him to be the person he has always wanted to be. We will soon be adding swimming lessons to his daily routine and the goal is not only to be a better swimmer but to learn how to follow directions in a structured environment. It has been a joy finding and coordinating services for Ian and seeing the happiness in his success. – Jaclyn Saldivia, Support Coordinator

Tony lives with his elderly mother. She had difficulty accepting help from others while having a concern that Tony be well cared for when she is no longer able to care for him. It was difficult to get her to accept help, but when she was admitted into the hospital, we needed to get help right away. Thankfully, we were able to contact an agency to set up community-based support services immediately. We have strong relationships with agencies and found one to step in within a few hours. My supervisor went to the home as I was away. She ordered Tony dinner and waited until an individual from the hired agency was able to get there. We have a very close relationship with both his mother and Tony. Tony calls me regularly to talk about the latest sports games, etc. 

We are now in the process of getting Tony moved into a group home. It has taken trust and respect to get his mom to get to this level of accepting the help she needs. We recognized the danger of having to act last minute and assured Tony’s mom that it was better to get this move situated before an emergency arises. We contacted DDD for emergency placement, he was approved and is now having his mother join in on the visits to the group homes so that she is confident in the home where Tony will soon live.
– Jaclyn Saldivia, Support Coordinator