Page 29 - The Connection Bridgewater Somerville Edition, September 2012

SEPTEMBER 2012 THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 29
Contact: Carolann Garafola, Executive Director
908-889-4200, Ext. 108
cgarafola@mtbethelvillage.com
Housing for 41 residents in their own apartments
24-hour supervision by highly trained staff for
superior support
Gym, workshop, computer lab, recreational
activities, all on site
24-hour security with video surveillance,
entry/exit monitoring
Day program with extensive, self-directed
activities
Presenting a new approach to
high quality housing and support
for adults with autism,
developmental disabilities and
traumatic brain injuries.
Artist’s rendering
Currently under construction in Warren, NJ.
Applications now being accepted.
Assessments underway.
Our supportive environment will feature:
Learn more at www.mtbethelvillage.com
Artist’s rendering. Completion in fall, 2012.
Warren will soon be home to a
new, state-of-the-art housing
solution for moderate and high
functioning adults with autism,
developmental disabilities and
traumatic brain injuries. Mt.
Bethel Village, located at 130
Mt. Bethel Road, is currently
under construction and expected
to be completed in October,
2012.
Mt. Bethel Village will house 41
people in a highly supportive
environment that will emphasize
their independence. Each resident
will have his/her own apartment
and be presented with a rich array
of activities and supports
designed to maximize their safety,
comfort and enjoyment of life.
Warren Mayor Carolann Garafo-
la is the Executive Director of
the new facility and says there is
a tremendous need for housing
for adults with special needs.
“There are currently thousands
of families in New Jersey on
waiting lists for group home
placements,” said Mrs. Garafola.
“Many parents of these residents
are aging themselves and losing
the capacity to care for their
adult children. They fear they
will die themselves before their
children are placed in group
homes, or face institutionaliza-
tion. Mt. Bethel Village seeks to
provide an alternative for some
of these families.”
Mt. Bethel Village will provide
extensive social skills training
and counseling supports, higher-
level life skills training, exposure
to employment opportunities,
case management and health
services. Staff support will be
available 24 hours a day, 365
days a year, including the servic-
es of a nurse, behavior specialist,
physical and occupational thera-
pists and a recreation director.
Each prospective resident will be
assessed for function and behav-
ior. Residents will be required to
be semi-independent, be able to
communicate and have minimal
behavioral issues.
In addition to the residential
program, the Mt. Bethel Village
Day Program will offer a place
for adults with autism, develop-
mental disabilities and traumatic
brain injuries to spend a day
engaged in self-directed activities
that include dance, music, art,
physical fitness, computer lab,
men’s and women’s clubs, gar-
dening and discussions of cur-
rent affairs. Again, prospective
members will be required to
have enough independence and
communication skills to make
their own way with prompting
by staff.
Applications for both the Mt.
Bethel Village residential pro-
gram and Mt. Bethel Day Pro-
gram are now being taken.
More information is available at
www.mtbethelvillage.com, where
you may also contact Carolann
Garafola for an interview.
New Housing Solutions for Adults with
Autism, Developmental Disabilities and
Traumatic Brain Injuries

www.theconnectionsnj.com