OUTREACH NEWS

President Michael Goodman, Esq. Past Presidents Dr. Sandra O. Gold Inge Wettreich* Lila S. Hershey* Pearl Zuckerbrot Dolph Wettreich Michael B. Kates, Esq. Judith Furer Vice Presidents Barbara Bolton Lauren Glubo Susan Penn Meri Pollock Susan Thaler Jane Winograd Treasurer Charles P. Berkowitz Secretary Robin Bodek-Rosenbaum Executive Director John J. Winer, Ph.D. Board of Trustees Rabbi Ely Allen Sharon Berman David Blumenthal Garry Burros Lynn DuBroff Jonathan Furer Kenneth Glatzer, CPA Nina Gold, MD Steven Morey Greenberg, Esq. Bunny Hain Francine Kaplan Daniel Kramer, Esq. Ira Leiderman Avi Lewinson Fred Lisker Dr. Bruce Meyer Carl Roth, CPA Dr. Beth Sackler Charlotte Schoen Sidney Schonfeld Honorary Arthur H. Joseph *Deceased

A beneficiary agency of the UJA-NNJ

November 2007

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We note with sadness the passing of our dear, devoted board member and past president, Inge Wettreich. Inge was instrumental in getting our agency off the ground. She saw a need to provide adults with developmental disabilities advocacy, support and technical assistance. Her unending dedication allowed the Jewish Association for Developmental Disabilities to provide its residents with a better life and to allow them to live to their fullest potential. We extend our deepest sympathy to her beloved husband Dolph and to her children and grandchildren. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.

INGE WETTREICH

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The J-ADD Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Hotline Can be reached at 201-457-0058, ext. 15

Over the summer, contact was made with each of the Bergen County Special Education Directors and District Superintendents to familiarize them with the services provided by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Hotline. Resource Guides were then mailed to each of these school officials. We continue to receive phone calls from these school offices thanking us for the Guide and requesting additional copies. In addition, Parent Advisory groups are calling requesting Guides after having seen them at their local schools. We are now reaching out to a listing of non-public schools in our area, serving students with Autism. As part of our outreach, we are available to speak to school staff or parents about the Hotline and our programs. If you would like to schedule a speaking engagement, please contact us at 201-457-0058 x 15.

RESPITE SERVICES As part of our partnership with other community programs to help family members, we would like to share some of the new services available through New Jersey Yachad -The National Jewish Council for Disabilities. Relax & Renew – a unique opportunity combining relaxation and calming techniques led by Nesheemah Director, Nancy Siegel, followed by a support group. This program is for mothers of children with special needs. Father to Father – a support group for fathers of children with special needs. Mothers Support Group – a support group for mothers of children ages 0-5 with special needs. Adult Sibling Support Group – a support group for siblings looking to connect with other siblings of individuals with special needs. For more information about these groups, please contact Chani Hermann, at the NJ Yachad Office at 201-833-1349 or Hermann@ou.org J-ADD continues to provide respite for families registered with the NJ Division for Developmental Disabilities and approved for services. For more information, please contact us at 201-457-0058 x 12 or 15.

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WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU! PLATINUM

PETER & CAROL SELDIN

DIAMOND THE SACKLER FAMILY

GOLD

MICHAEL S. GOODMAN

SILVER THE KAPLEN FOUNDATION

MEL & SHERRY GOLD IVAN & JOYCE PORTNOY

DANIEL & LINDA KRAMER RICHARD H. HOLZER

MEMORIAL FOUNDATION THE FURER FAMILY

BRONZE

COURMONT & WAPNER ASSOCIATES

SHAPIRO & CROLAND LYN & ROGER DUBROFF

FREDERICK J. & LINDA W. FIDDLE IN MEMORY

OF DANIEL JORDAN FIDDLE SANDRA & ARNOLD GOLD MR. & MRS. EDWIN LEVY

C.J. LOMBARDO ROCHELLE & NATHAN MARK

KOSHER NOSH DEANE & SUSAN PENN

FRIENDS

ATRIUM PHARMACY AMERICAN GRAPHIC

JACQUIE MANY JAMES BARSA

CARA & SID BERGER & MARC RIEDLER PATTY & DAVID BERNSTEIN

DAVID & PAULA BILOW MR. & MRS. L. BLEIBERG

BARBARA & MICHAEL BLOOM DAVID & ANNE BLUMENTHAL FRANCES BOLTON/JAMES ROY

BARBARA BOLTON LILLIAN BRESSMAN

PAUL & HELEN BULTMEYER LUCILLE BURROS

ALAN & RUTH CLARIN

FRIENDS ROBERT & BARBARA COVELL

CREATIVE SPECIALTY CREATIONS D&C HONDA

LOIS & LAWRENCE DANZIGER JOHN & AMY DEMPSEY JOE & PAT DONOHUE

ARLEEN EPSTEIN ESTELLE FELDMAN

ALAN & FRIEDA FINKELSTEIN BARBARA & HARVEY FISHMAN DAVID & CAROLE FRIEDMAN

CORINNE & NORMAN FROLOW VICKI & PAUL GAILEG

ARNOLD & MYRA GANS RABBI GEDZELMAN/JUDITH TURNER

LAUREN & LES GLUBO NINA GOLD/RAVIV RON GERALD GOLDFISCHER

GERALD GOLDSTEIN STEVEN MOREY GREENBERG

MARCIA GREENWALD ALAN & LEE GURWICH

RAFAEL GUZMAN/BLANCA NIEVES JUDITH & HOWARD HALPERN

IRWIN & GESINE HERLING DAVID & MARCIA JACOBOWITZ

ROSE & ISAAC JACOBS STEPHEN & HARRIET KALLET

SUSAN KANRICH RIVI & AVI KATZ

HELEN & MAX KEMPIN STEPHANIE LACONTI

PAULA LEIBOWITZ JACOB LUPATKIN

ELLIE & BERNIE MANKS VJ MORRA

PHILIP & BARBARA MOSS GRACE & JOHN MUELLER

DR. & MRS MYROW DR. & MRS. NOEL NATHANSON

JACQUELINE & JACK NOCHIMSON OMNI EYE SERVICES

IRMA & MURRAY OPPER LAURA & STEVEN PALEY

ISRAEL & NACHEMA POLAK SHARON & JOSH POLAN

MR. & MRS. S. POLISHOOK NORMA & HOWARD PORDY

SHARON & HARRY ROY ELAINE RUBEL

BEATRICE SABIN MARCIA SALKOWITZ

DR. & MRS. A. SCHAFFER DR. & MRS. A. SCHAM

DANIEL & PHYLLIS SCHLOSSBERG NORMAN & BARBARA SEIDEN

BETTY SELDIN SHERLOCK SECURITY

MARY & HENRY SHOIKET JONATHAN & MICHELE SINGER

BERNARD STAHL WILLIAM TARTIKOFF

ELIZABETH WANDELMAIER ELI & ELKA WEBER

FRIENDS LAWRENCE & MELANIE WEISBERG

JAY & IRIS WEITZ SHEILA WELISH

DR. MARCIA ROBBINS-WILF

TEAMS JON CAVALLERANO’S TEAM JEFFREY DUCHAN’S TEAM

THE GLATZER’S TEAM LAWRENCE NEIL GOLD’S TEAM

BRUCE MEYER’S TEAM SUSAN THALER’S TEAM SCOTT MEYER’S TEAM

STEPHANIE KAPLAN’S TEAM

DONORS OF REFRESHMENTS MERCHANDISE AND SERVICES

DUNKIN DONUTS OF FAIR LAWN POPPYS BAGELS

CALL US CLOWNS

CERTIFIED BAKERIES PALISADE INTERSTATE PARK

COMMISSION SAMMY’S NEW YORK BAGELS

SHOP RITE OF ROCHELLE PARK SUNNYSIDE DRUM CORP

CLOWN, PETER WILSON FOR HIS

WONDERFUL BALLOONS

AND OF COURSE STARBUCKS FOR PROVIDING THE COFFEE

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October 21 was a glorious fall day, as we celebrated our 5th annual Walkathon. We had everything from clowns to a marching band with plenty of treats and surprises for all. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who helped make this a most successful Walkathon. Special thanks to the co-chairs of this event, Barbara Bolton and Dr. Bruce Meyer, who worked tirelessly to make this Walkathon happen. Thanks to Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle and Assemblyman Gordon Johnson for taking time out of their busy schedules to preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we express our gratitude. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for our sixth annual Walkathon.

Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle & Assemblyman Gordon Johnson cut the ribbon to start Walk 2007

We would like to hear from you regarding your opinions and what articles you would like to see in future issues. Please call 201-457-0058, ext. 10

Editor: Ina Friedman

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CELEBRATIONS

The High Holidays This year the Jewish High Holidays were celebrated in style at the J-ADD residences! Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot flew by so quickly. As part of the holiday preparation, staff attended trainings and then employed their skills and knowledge in enhancing the celebration of the holidays for the J-ADD community. The consumers enjoyed spending time with volunteers who came to help build Sukkot at some of the homes, and everyone decorated the Sukkot with flowers, fruits and bright colors which brightened up the holiday. The homes were bustling with preparation on the eve of each of the holidays, Challahs, ap-ples and honey, delicious salads, soups and main courses adorned the tables. Residents enjoyed getting together with friends and fami-lies and welcoming them into their homes to celebrate the holidays. Individuals also attended temple to participate in services, hear the sounding of the Shofar, dance with their Lulavs and Etrogim, and dance joyfully with the Torahs. On October 1st the annual Sukkah party was held at the Fisher Home in Bergenfield (Thank you!). All the homes came out to celebrate. Board members and J-ADD friends participated in the festivities. Everyone enjoyed spending time together, catching up and taking advantage of the beautiful weather!

Dear Friends,

This year has seen many changes in the Department of Human Services. We have a new Commissioner, Ms. Jennifer Velasquez, Esq., and a new Associate Commissioner in charge of the Division for Developmental Disabilities. Both these individuals bring a large amount of experience from the world of government and disabilities to the table. Not only do they have expertise to share with us, but they posses a contagious enthusiasm about person- centered and family-centered approaches to working with the individuals that so many of us serve. Despite this enthusiasm they also express a strong realism when it comes to the state budget (and the news is not easy news to digest regarding the proposed budgets). They are working closely with all the agencies providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities via the NJACP (New Jersey Association of Community Providers) to make sure that programs are developed in conjunction with the providers in the community. We at J-ADD too, have seen many changes, mostly for the better. We have balanced our books again for the third year running and have instituted a wonderful program for Social Work Interns. This program is a win-win situation for J-ADD, the interns and our consumer population, all of whom benefit in varied and wonderful ways. We also have begun developing a business for our consumers selling quality flowers for the Sabbath and holidays at competitive prices, sold at convenient locations within the Northern New Jersey Jewish community. “Flowers by J-ADD” is a profit-generating business that employs individuals with developmental disabilities with productive competitive employment opportunities, while fostering acceptance and inclusion in the (Jewish) community. Thanks to our loyal staff and volunteers we had a very successful walkathon on Sunday October 21, the proceeds of which will continue to help fund the many exciting developments in the group homes that we reported on in the past edition of “Outreach”. This past Succoth we had a pleasant evening at the Fisher home and next year, thanks to the Volunteers from the UJA Mitzvah Day, we will have our Succah party in the afternoon and be able to admire the wonderful garden they created for us. As always we need to thank those who help us do what we do whether as paid employees or volunteers. Wishing you all a happy and peaceful holiday season. May the lights of Chanukah brighten up all our lives and the lives of those whom we love.

John

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE

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WELCOME HOME

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Bonim Helps Out With Sukkahs

In the weeks leading up to Sukkot, volunteers from Bonim put up the Sukkahs at several of our sites. We thank Genene Kaye, Bonim Coordinator, and all of the volunteers for continuing to help out our sites and our consumers. Bonim is planning a backyard project at the Fisher Home on Mitzvah Day (Sunday, November 4).

Sukkah Festivities

On October 1, the Fisher Home hosted a Sukkah party for all of the sites. The weather cooperated with a nice autumn evening and everyone had a fun time. On the following evening Lauren Glubo opened her home and her Sukkah to the consumers of New Bridge and Leonia. Thanks go out to Lauren for hosting a great evening.

Home Beautification Projects Continue

Over the summer, home improvements took place at Berrie and Elmwood Park with new floors and other additions. At New Bridge, the exterior of the home received a much needed paint job. All of the residences look better than ever and the makeovers will be continuing at the sites in the coming months.

Volunteers Welcomed At The Homes

There are many ways to enrich the lives our individuals by just giving a little bit of time. Volunteers at the homes and apartments need not commit to regular visits. One-time or occasional volunteers are greatly appreciated. There are many activities that our residents enjoy, including baking, sports, and games. Visitors are welcome on Shabbat and on weekday afternoons or evenings. We welcome Bar and Bat Mitzvah projects as well. If interested in volunteering, please contact Scott Meyer at 201-457-0058, ext. 31 or at smeyer@j-add.com.

Employee News

Owen Woolley became the assistant manager at the New Bridge Apartments in August. Owen has been with J-ADD since 2004 and had worked at Elmwood Park prior to being promoted.

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FLOWERS BY J-ADD

J-ADD has started an innovative new “for-profit” business. Merri Pollock, a vice president of J-ADD and the program’s coordinator, hopes to give jobs to J-ADD’s group home residents and generate income at the same time. The profits will go back into programs at the agency. Flowers by J-ADD will provide people with developmental disabilities with productive and meaningful work, and provide experience and crucial business training. Their aim is to provide quality flowers at competitive prices in convenient locations. This idea was developed with guidance from the Entrepreneurial Training Institute of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, a state agency that encourages non-profit agencies to start small businesses. When you buy flowers from Flowers by J-ADD, not only will you be able to enjoy your purchase, but you can also derive pleasure from the knowledge that the profit from the sales are used to employ people with disabilities. Flowers will be supplied by a New Jersey wholesaler and once they arrive they will be sorted and distributed by J-ADD residents with the help of the agency’s staff. Individuals can pre-order flowers by calling the agency at 201-457-0058, ext. 17. The orders will be available for pick-up on Fridays at the JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly from 10am-3pm and on Sundays at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh from 11am-2pm. Representatives of other agencies who would like to make their locations a pick-up site are encouraged to call the J-ADD office.

Dr. John Winer, Owen Woolley, and Peter Clarin prepare the flowers for delivery

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OF INTEREST……….. (c)2007 The Record (NJ)/John Reitmeyer New Jersey gives $4M boost to autism research

Corzine signs bills to expand screening, education, aid

Families coping with autism will get more help and support from New Jersey, including a statewide registry of cases, a task force for autistic adults and more support for autistic infants and toddlers. Autism research in New Jersey is also getting a $4 million boost through the extension of a fund that collects $1 from every motor vehicle fine levied in the state. “Finally, they do not have to sit in their home alone,” said Linda Walder Fiddle, a Ridgewood resident and the executive director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation. Governor Corzine signed into law six measures Wednesday that target autism and one that addresses Asperger’s syndrome—a neurological disorder similar to autism—while visiting the Eden Institute in West Windsor, Mercer County. The new laws extend funding for research into a cause and possible treatment, establish an autism registry similar to those used to track other medical conditions such as cancer, and create the Asperger’s Syndrome Pilot Initiative to provide more services and education. Another new law provides for better training of teachers. An early intervention program to make screening, education and family support readily available is also being established. A task force designed to help address the needs of autistic adults and their families will be created. The Governor’s Council on Autism will also be reorganized. The goal of the new laws, Corzine said, is to give families better help and more options. “We want to make sure that there are choices,” he said. Autism advocates are calling the state’s effort a major first step. “This is just an incredible day for the state of New Jersey,” Fiddle said. “This is the apex of a lot of hard work and effort by the autism community.”

The foundation Fiddle created and leads provides grants across the country for programs for autistic adults and adolescents. The organization is named after her son, Daniel, who had autism and died accidentally in 2000 at the age of 9. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Linda Meyer, executive director of the Ewing-based New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reported this year that one in 94 children has autism in New Jersey and that about one in 150 is afflicted nationwide. Researchers do not know what causes autism, but suspect a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms of autism can range from barely noticeable to debilitating, and include impaired communication skills, social awkwardness and inappropriate and repetitive behavior. The disorder is often diagnosed by age 3. Although autism has no known cure, intensive and expensive therapies show some promise in lessening and even reversing some of its symptoms. Behavioral, physical, occupational and speech therapies are used to treat the disorder. The symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are often similar to those on the autistic spectrum, but without the cognitive and communication deficits. Assemblywoman Joan Voss, D-Fort Lee, sponsored the measure establishing the pilot program for Asperger’s syndrome, a condition from which her son suffers. “This is very, very personal to me,” Voss said. “I spent many, many years running around trying to find an answer.” The bills signed into law Wednesday first cleared the Assembly in March, with Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, D-Camden, pushing the bipartisan initiative. “We’re trying to provide that parent with a lifeline,” Roberts said. “There is now a ray of hope.” The Senate passed the bills in May.

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OUR INTERN PROGRAM

Each year J-ADD welcomes several student interns from the Rutgers and Wurzweiler Schools of Social Work into our agency. One goal of this endeavor is to gradually increase the number of social workers in the field who are motivated and properly trained to work with and on behalf of individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. Another goal is to enrich the services we already provide by tapping into the passion, strengths and motivations of these enthusiastic developing professionals. This year our students are already involved in many challenging and exciting projects. Each student visits one of our group homes on a weekly basis, to get to know the residents and work together with them and staff to solve problems, set and reach goals and of course, improve quality of life. Other projects currently under way are: ♦ The publication of a monthly student-to-staff newsletter called "JUMP for J-ADD" ♦ Weekly volunteering at the Daughter's of Miriam Nursing Home in Clifton, NJ ♦ "Sib's Place" - A community for siblings of young people with developmental disabilities (This project is co-coordinated

with Yachad and the JCC on the Palisades) ♦ Participation in Flowers by J-ADD ♦ Coordinating participation in Yachad's Relationship Building Course ♦ Assisting with updating, production and distribution of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Resource guide for families

living with autism. We are thrilled to host these terrific students and wish them well on their year-long journey with J-ADD.

MEET THE STUDENT INTERNS Sung Kim: I am a first year Rutgers Social Work intern and look forward to a rewarding experience at J-ADD. In addition to visiting the Fair Lawn Home every week, I am collaborating with the other interns to create a newsletter for the managerial staff of the group homes and to develop a sibling group. I am also excited to coordinate the Yachad’s Relationship Building Course, which focuses on social skills necessary to develop and enhance relationships between individuals. Similarly, I am working on developing a Sexuality Project that promotes a healthy, mature way of dealing with issues regarding sexuality amongst the residents. Penina Feuerstein: As a first year student at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, I am eagerly anticipating working at J-ADD this year. This is a wonderful opportunity to see social work from an administrative point of view as well as a more meaningful, hands-on encounter with the residents. In addition, my ongoing involvement in a group home located in Brooklyn, continues to provide inspiration and tools that enable me to become a better social worker. My responsibilities at J-ADD include a visit to the Fisher and Berrie Homes in Bergenfield and Englewood, respectively. I currently work on the monthly staff newsletter as well as the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Resource Guide. Naomi Blum-Westrich: I am a first year intern attending the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. At J-ADD, I am looking forward to working with the residents of the Leonia group home. I will also be supervising the weekly volunteering at the Daughters of Miriam Nursing Home in Clifton, NJ. In addition, I am happy to be a part of the new Flowers by J-ADD program and I will be involved in the Passaic Community Project. Etan Pomerantz – I am currently a first year student at Wurzweiler School of Social Work. At J-ADD I am assigned to work at the New Bridge home. I am looking forward to and am extremely excited about meeting and getting to know all of the residents. In addition to working at the New Bridge Home, I am supervising the sibling group that I hope to continue to develop. I am also going to be helping one of my fellow interns on developing a Sexuality Project that promotes a healthy, mature way of dealing with issues regarding sexuality amongst the residents.

J-ADD 190 Moore Street

Suite 410 Hackensack, NJ 07601

Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #1425

South Hackensack, NJ

Reflections

Being the Best That You Can Be

If you can’t be a pine at the top of the hill, Be a bush in the valley, but be

The best bush by the side of the Oak, Be a bush if you can’t be a tree.

If you can’t be a tree, then be a blade of grass

And some highway happier make. If you can’t be a sailfish, then be a bass,

Be the liveliest bass in the lake.

If you can’t be a highway, then be a trail, If you can’t be the sun, be a star.

You see, it isn’t by size we win or we fail, Be the best of whatever you are