By Joanne Kleinle
The first thing that any visitor to Mount Bethel Village sees when walking through the door is a welcoming fireplace. Above it hangs a large, rustic, wood sign that simply says “Home”. That sign says it all. For the past ten years, Mount Bethel Village has been home to hundreds of developmentally disabled adults who have laughed and learned there and built friendships and connections with each other and the community.
The large, airy space hosts one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for adults with autism, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. Each resident decorates their own apartment-right down to the paint color-so it is uniquely their own. There are many open common areas where residents congregate for activities, a cup of coffee, watching TV, or just chatting. One of the highlights is the gym. Newly redecorated with warm blue paint and a mural on the wall, the room is filled with the latest in fitness equipment, donated by a family member of one of the residents. They even have trainers come in regularly. Fitness is important and they love to keep moving!
The concept is similar to senior assisted living facilities, but specifically tailored to address the unique learning and social needs of its residents. Staff support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but the main focus is not on care but on supporting the individuality and independence of residents and helping each to grow and be everything they can be.
Kelly Campbell, the Administrative Director, and Toni Ryan, the Executive Director, know each and every resident and greet them by name. “We are very aware that we work here, but it is their home”, Toni states, “About 95 percent of the residents go to our day program about a mile up the road. We love when the bus pulls up at 2:30 and they all come in. The whole building comes alive.”
The residence, located at 130 Mt. Bethel Road in Warren, is home to 54 adult residents. About 95 percent of them take advantage of the off-site day program that runs from 9:30-2:30, Monday through Friday. There they can enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, bowling, and swimming. They can also take college-level courses and earn a certificate in many fields. Nothing, though, beats the frequent field trips around town! You might bump into them at the library, Rita’s Water Ice, Smoothie King, or shopping at stores like Old Navy. While having fun, they are also reinforcing life skills and a connection with the community.
A popular group is the Village Voices-a choral group that puts on recitals several times a year. Family members can attend either in person or via Zoom. It is always a highly anticipated event! The residents were able to show off their choral talents again this year when they were invited to sing the National Anthem at Patriots Stadium for the third year. These are just a few of the many activities that bring joy to the residents and enable them to spread joy to others in the community.
Jason Mross has been a resident of Mt. Bethel for eight years. His special talent is artwork-especially watercolors and his love for animals-especially turtles. His individuality is celebrated at Mt. Bethel where his room is painted in soft blue tones. The walls are filled with his beautiful, colorful artwork with turtle accents throughout. He paints with the community and also takes private lessons. His mom, Nancy, is understandably so proud of Jason and all that he has accomplished. She says Mt. Bethel was the best decision she has ever made.
We are so lucky to have Mt. Bethel in our community. It is a place where anyone can get support to grow and thrive. It is home and we all know there is no place like home!
Mount Bethel Village offers Residential and Day Programs for adults with special needs.
130 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07059
Call: (908) 757-7000
Email: info@mtbethel.com