Parent Groups By County
|
North Bergen Essex Hudson Union Morris Passaic Sussex Warren |
Central Somerset Hunterdon Mercer Middlesex Monmouth Ocean |
South Atlantic Cape May Cumberland Salem Burlington Camden Gloucester |
Bergen
District Based Groups
Disability Based Groups
Bogota Special Education Parent Advisory Council
City or town: Bogota
Contact person: Dr. Valerie Mosca (Special Education Director)
Phone: 201-441-4826
Area served: Bogota School District
FLASE Fair Lawn
Association for Special Education
Contact: Barbara
Addon, President Tel. 201-794-5534 (Special Education dept.). Meets the 3rd
Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. in Edison School Room 9
37-01 Fair Lawn Ave, Fair Lawn
Garfield Special Education Parent Advisory Council
Town: Garfield
Contact person: Luis Gonzalez
Email: lui7120@aol.com
Second contact person: Mr. Frank Roscoe
Email: froscoe@gboe.org
Area served: Garfield, Bergen Co.
Glen Rock Special
Services Advisory Council
Contact: Eileen
Besser
Email:
ssacgr@optonline.net
Special Services: 201-445-7700 Xt. 8933
www.glenrocknj.org
Learning Services
Home & School Association.
Contact:
Educational Center, 201-670-2672
Ridgewood, NJ
Ines Bunza, e-mail:
Nezzie2@aol.com
www.lshsa.org
Mahwah Parent Advocacy Group (MPAG)
Contact person: Christine Luciano
Email: lucrew@optonline.net
Area served: Mahwah
Target group: All disabilities
Mahwah Parent Group
All children are unique and have a variety of learning styles. Frustration can develop in children and their families when this learning style difference is misunderstood. Our group focuses on enhancing a parent's understanding of the various ways to help children become successful by not only addressing their weaknesses but also highlighting their strengths. Through the use of current resources that are available, we can help our children understand their learning styles and help them to advocate for themselves. This will enable our children to be more confident to approach all their academic tasks in the future. During the year we plan to have a diverse group of speakers, video presentations and literature that will provide parents with information on a variety of topics. Our group supports all parents whose children are in district as well as out of district, Pre-K – 12. All parents, teachers and Mahwah High School students are welcome to attend these meetings.
Contact: Doreen Entrup Telephone:
201-828-9870
Email:
dlatargia@hotmail.com
New Milford Special Education Parent Advisory Council
City or town: New Milford
Contact person: Dr. Judy Van Saders
Contact phone: 201-261-0640
Ramsey/Saddle River Parents of Special Needs Children
Address: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 55 Wyckoff Ave
City or town: Ramsey
Contact person: Stephanie Doyle
Email: rsrpsnc@gmail.com
Second contact person: Christine Mazzola
Email rsrpsnc@gmail.com
Target group: All disabilities
Area served: Ramsey/Saddle River
Ridgefield Special Education Parent Advisory Group
Contact person: Patricia Drimones (Special Ed. Coordinator)
Contact phone: (201)943-1861
Area served: Ridgefield, NJ
River Edge FOCUS
(Families of Children United for Special Needs)
PO Box 85
River Edge, NJ 07661
contact: Mary Hernandez 201-342-0522
email:
info@riveredgepec.org
River Vale Parents
of Exceptional Children (RVPEC)
City or town: River
Vale
Contact person: Patricia Pane
Phone: 201-.-391-8680
Email:
ppane@optonline.net
Target group: All disabilities
Area served: River Vale
Upper Saddle River Parent
Support Group & Educational Support Group
Contact person: Ann Marie
Phone: 201-236-4891
Email am_kennedy@verizon.net
Second contact person: Linda
Phone 201-327-8608
Email lmac8608@optonline.net
Founded almost 10 yrs. ago, our parent group focuses on a broad range of issues
that impact learning such as organizational skills, language based learning
disabilities (including dyslexia), auditory processing, sensory integration,
gifted/twice exceptional students, advocacy, and much more. Meetings are open to
parents and professionals. Call or email to receive the Lecture Series Calendar.
Upper Saddle River Special
Education Parent Advisory Council
Town: Upper Saddle River
Contact person: Suzanne Bassett
Email: sbassett@usrschoolsk8.com
Area served: Upper Saddle River, Bergen Co.
Waldwick Special Education Parent Organization.
Contact: Dawn
Monaco, 201-251-2330
Kathy McNaught, 201-612-7051
Walwick Public Schools Telephone
number (201) 445-3340
Some parents find it helpful to talk with another parent who
has been through the evaluation process. If you would like the name and number
of another parent from your local school who is willing to speak with you,
please feel free to ask the Child Study Team members.
SPOT (Special Parents of Teaneck)
Special Parents of Teaneck (SPOT) is a district-wide support and information group for parents of children who receive special education services in Teaneck. Meetings are the third Monday of each month at Teaneck High School at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted and changed for a holiday
Contact: Diane
e-mail address:
president@spotnj.org
Westwood Parents with Educational Concerns (Westwood Regional School District)
Contacts: Gina Mead
E-mail:
MeadGina@aol.com
First Steps (Cliffside Park)
Meets regularly. Please contact the special education department for further information at 201-313-2320
P.A.S.E.T. (Tenafly)
PASET is a parent organization designed to facilitate the exchange of information and promote parent advocacy in an effort to improve the school system for all children.
PASET is a parents’ non-profit organization that:
PLEASE JOIN US! WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Hackensack Special Education Parent Group
Parent leader: Karen Blumenthal
Special Ed. Coordinator: Ms. Antonia DeLuca, Director of Special Services -
201-646-8012
Apraxia Network of Bergen County.
PO Box
1142, Paramus, NJ 07653-1142
Meets in River Edge, NJ
Contact: Jeanne Buesser
Contact Phone: 201-741-4035
e-mail:
jbmistletoe@optonline.net
Meeting Location:
Shalom, River Edge
Website:
http://www.speechville.com/communication-station/new-jersey-network.html
A support group for professionals and parents of children with Apraxia. A severe neurological speech impairment.
Asperger Syndrome ASPEN.
Meets in Glen Rock
We meet the 2nd Monday of the month in the evenings only (7:30 pm).All scheduled meetings will be held at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd downstairs in the Parish Hall., 233 S. Highwood Ave, Glen Rock
Contact: Susan
Nierenberg and Claudia Reitmeyer
Telephone: 201-391-0758
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities Parent Group
Meets in Oradell
Contact person: Betsy Longendorfer blongendorfer@crestron.com
Billy's
Buddies
Address:
Wyckoff YMCA, 691 Wyckoff Avenue
Town: Wyckoff
Contact person: Kathy Elleo
Phone: 201-891-2081
Email:
kathye@wyckoffymca.org
Target group: Down syndrome
Meeting location: Wyckoff YMCA
A support network for children with Down syndrome and their families. We provide recreation and socialization for young children with Down syndrome.
CH.A.D.D. of Bergen County
(meets at Valley Hospital, Ridgewood)
Address: P.O. Box 401
City or town: Hillsdale, New Jersey 07642
Contact person: Maryann Dobbin, Coordinator
Contact phone: (201) 664-1313
Email: list@chaddbc.org
Target group: ADHD/ADD
Website: www.chaddbc.org
Area served: Bergen County, New Jersey
Child
Development & Wellness Parent Support Group.
Meets in
Ridgewood.
Contact: Elaine Cheteyan, 201-447-8278
e-mail:
dsanfil@valleyhealth.com
COSAC - The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community
Mt.
Carmel Church, Passaic Street, Ridgewood NJ
Contact person: Gary Lahm
Phone: 201-503-9476
Target group: All parents, family members and caregivers are welcome.
Meeting location: Mt. Carmel Church, Ridgewood
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Area served: Bergen County
Providing support, information and resources to the autism community
Family
Support Organization of Bergen County
Address: 0-108 29th Street
Contact person: Lynn Bolson
Phone: 201-796-6209
Fax: 201-796-1151
Email:
info@fsobergen
Target group: emotional, behavioral and mental challenges.
Meeting location: 0-108 29th Street Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Website:
www.fsobergen.org
Area served: Bergen County
The Family Support Organization of Bergen County provides direct, community-based family support to children and families with special emotional, behavioral and mental challenges. The FSOBC hosts a support group for families and caregivers each Monday and Wednesday evening from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM. On site child care is provided. The support group consists of families and caregivers who are dealing with the challenges of youngsters with complex emotional and behavioral needs. The opportunity to share our experiences often helps us discover approaches and options that may help us cope. Talking with and listening to others in similar circumstances can be just what we need to through a tough time. Your privacy and confidentiality are respected and maintained.
Parents in
Crisis. Support for Parents Disturbed
by their Children’s Behavior. (Glen Rock)
Meets in Glen Rock, at
the Community Church, 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 Every Wednesday at 7:45
pm
Contact: Jean Baker Wunder, 201-652-8332 or 201-670-4673
Parent Support Group for South Asian Parents of
Children with Disabilities
Address: 113 Cottage Place
Contact person: Vidya Bhushan Gupta, MD
Contact phone: (201) 936-9945
Email: bhushan458@gmail.com
Target Group: South Asian parents of children with disabling conditions such as
autism, ADHD, learning disability, behavior problems, bullying, racial
discrimination, etc. Our biggest challenge is to spread the word and assure
South Asian parents that their confidentiality will not be breached and they
will be welcomed.
Putting the Pieces Together Support Group
Meetings held at The
LaSalle Center, 200 Ridge Rd
City or town: North Arlington
Contact person: Debbie Wertalik
Contact phone: 201-955-1407
Fax: 201-955-1407
Email:
puttingthepiecestogether1@comcast.net
Second contact person: Tara Banuls
Second contact phone: 201-966-8738
Second contact fax: 201-955-1407
Second contact email:
puttingthepiecestogether1@comcast.net
Target group: Autism Fragile X or on the spectrum disorders
Meeting location: La Salle Center 200 Ridge Rd, North Arlington
Website link:
www.puttingthepiecestogether.org
Area served: no limits
Our meetings are held every Thursday at 7pm at the LaSalle Center 200 Ridge Rd North Arlington. We also have group trips, movie days, POAC Workshops, recreation group that includes tee ball soccer bowling and basketball, art shows, art classes and more. We are a family of parents grandparents relatives friends and caregivers of children on the spectrum. Our recreation group is for any disability and is run like a typical league but designed for a special needs child. Please visit our two websites www.puttingthepiecestogether.org and www.specialangels.eboard.com password sports. Please join us to learn more about us.
Family
Connections: Support Group for Early Intervention
Contact Person: Joy Hammerman
Phone #:
973-256-8484
Joy@nreic.org
Location: JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, NJ
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Families with young children, birth to5, are invited to attend a bi-monthly discussion group on various topics related to the experiences and challenges of raising young children with challenges. Topics may include Transition to Preschool and Kindergarten, Inclusion, challenging behaviors, resources and support, sibling issues, the emotional process of acceptance, stress management, Autism, or any other issues pertinent to the participants.
Supporting
Parents of Exceptional Children (SPEC)
Address: Pascak Valley Hospital
City or town: Westwood
Contact person: Lori Ruschman
Phone: 201-358-6000
Email:
lruschman@pvhospital.org
Target group: All disabilities
Meeting location: Pascak Valley Hospital, Westwood
Area served: Pascak Valley Area
Winning Angels
Contact Person: Yolanda
Quintero
Phone: 201-988-9670
Target Group: All disabilities; meetings are in Spanish
Meeting Location: Meets monthly in different locations
Area served: Hudson and Bergen Counties
This group is formed by Spanish speaking parents of children that have special needs in Bergen and Hudson counties
CHADD:
CHADD of Bergen County is a support and educational group for adults and parents of children with "Attention Deficit Disorder."
The first Monday of each month we schedule experts and professionals to present various ADD related topics. Come and enhance your knowledge and understanding. Our meetings are held the first Monday of each month, unless otherwise indicated (October-June), at 8:15 PM, at the Valley Hospital, Linwood, and VanDien Ave, Ridgewood, NJ. (Board Room, 1st Floor, Phillips Building).
Our Parent Support Group Meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. First Floor Terrace Room, Valley Hospital, 223 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood
Please
come, learn, and participate
www.chaddbc.org
(201) 664-1313
CH.A.D.D. Of Bergen County
P.O. Box 401
Hillsdale, New Jersey 07642
Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey’s Family CO-Options Program
A grant from the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), the Family Co-Options Program serves whole families in Essex, Bergen, Passaic and Hudson Counties. Family CO-OPtions: A statewide program which will allow participating families to create organized and flexible ways of exchanging child care and family-to-family support in their own neighborhoods.
Family Co-Options is a year round program and is open to all families with a child registered with DDD, living either in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic or Essex Counties. The majority of Co-Options events are free for the whole family, although some do require a small fee for attending parents and siblings. Parents attend all programs with their children, with the exception of Essex Kid’s Nite Out Events.
For More
Information:
Bergen, Hudson, Passaic: Aaron Ott (973) 244-0850 ext 302.
Essex: Elise Wohirab, ext. 308
District Based Groups
Disability Based Groups
Creating Choices For Children (CCC)
Our Mission:
CCC is the parent organization for children with special needs, ages 3-21, in
the Caldwell/West Caldwell school district. Our goal is to provide information,
education, support and advocacy for the parents of our towns and beyond.
Together with our district, we seek to provide community-based learning through
education, recreation, & peer socialization. And through our efforts, we believe
our children will flourish.
You can email us anytime, for any reason, at
cccparents@gmail.com
! To contact individual
members, please see below for list.
If you'd like to be placed on our email chain, please contact: Janine Novak at
jjnovak@comcast.net
and she'll add you in immediately.
Welcome to ‘Outreach’: On the third Wednesday of every month, we host ‘CCC Outreach’ -- conveniently and centrally located at the Presbyterian Church of West Caldwell at 31 Fairfield Avenue, (on the corner of Ravine Avenue). The purpose of ‘Outreach’ is to provide families support, advocacy, education and advice by other parents who can understand the unique and challenging lifestyle we face on a daily basis.
Please contact Janine Novak (973) 403-7887 jjnovak@comcast.net or Pam Donovan (973) 364-0717 pamela.donovan@us.kline.com if you have any questions or to RSVP.
Children Having
Individual Learning Differences (Verona)
veronachild@gmail.com
CHILD’s Purpose:
To provide a network and insight to all parents whose child
is either:
1. Classified under IDEA;
2. Receiving services under Section 504 and
3. Facing learning challenges
To provide a forum for parents, teachers, and administrators to learn together and work hand-in-hand.
For further
information, please contact one of our board members:
Randi Marlo
randimarlo@comcast.net
Phone# 973-857-2012
Marie BenIsrael
mbenisrael@comcast.net
Lucille Hahula
hulafive@comcast.net
Norma Francullo
forestnyc@aol.com
Area Served: Verona
East Orange
Special Education Parent Group (Essex County)
Contact: Dawn Cooper (President)
e-mail
dawn.cooper@gs.com
Tel. 973-943-2165
Irvington Special Education
Parent Group
Town: Irvington
Contact person: Darlene Reeves
Contact phone 973-202-7472
Area served: Irvington, Essex Co.
PASSE Parent
Support Group in West Orange
Contact person: Cynthia Hadley-Bailey
Phone: 973-731-6049
Email: Wopasse1@aol.com
Montclair Special Education Parent Advisory Council
The Parent Advisory Council’s (PAC) goals are to improve the
instructional process for children classified for Special Education and Related
Services, and to promote the inclusion of children with special needs with the
necessary supports within their schools and the community at large. We encourage
following “best practices” in the identification and evaluation of students with
special needs and in the provision of special education services. The PAC seeks
to keep parents informed and involved in their children’s education by providing
an arena to address policy issues and problems related to their children’s
education; by providing topical workshops that address identified problems and
by encouraging innovative educational practices. We welcome community members
and professionals to participate, to share information about innovative programs
or techniques they are using, and to raise issues or problems for the PAC to
address.
Contact person: Norman Rosenblum
Email: norro99@gmail.com
Area served: Montclair
Special Education Parent Advisory Council
C/O Montclair Board of Education,
22 Valley Road,
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 509-4022, Visit us at:
www.montclairspecialeducationpac.org
Newark Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Parent leader: Sheryl Nelson
E-mail: cthulucat@hotmail.com
It is a parent organization addressing
the concerns of parents with children requiring special services in Newark. For
more information please call 973-733-8788
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at Newark Schools Central
Office, 2 Cedar Street, 10th
Floor Conference Room
5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Refreshments
6:00 pm- 7:30 pm Presentation
La Casa de Don Pedro
City: Newark
Contact person: Zenayda Alfaro
Tel. 973-483-2703
This parent group is not linked to the Newark school district
SUCCESS
City: Bloomfield
Parent leader: Hedi Kovacs
E-mail: paniwinka@aol.com
Glen Ridge Association For Special Education (GRASE)
City: Glen Ridge
Contact Person: Jill Simmons
Phone: (973) 743-4095
Email: jillnj@comcast.net
Area Served: Glen Ridge
Special Ed. Coordinator: Ms. Barbara Gemza, Director of
Special Services - 973-429-8305
ASAP (Autista Soy Amame Pacientemente)
Address: 229 Grafton Avenue #3
City: Newark NJ 07104
Contact person: Luis Yepez
Contact phone: 973-484.0863
Email: luisyepez21@msn.com
Second contact person: Dina Alcocer
Second contact phone: 201-997.0656
Email: dinaalcocer12@hotmail.com
Target group: Autismo
Area served: Newark, Belleville, Kearny, Bloomfield, Nutley, Clifton
Asperger Syndrome ASPEN.
ASPEN of Essex County meets on the third Monday of every month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm unless otherwise noted.
Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey’s Family CO-Options Program
A grant from the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), the Family Co-Options Program serves whole families in Essex, Bergen, Passaic and Hudson Counties. Family CO-OPtions: A statewide program which will allow participating families to create organized and flexible ways of exchanging child care and family-to-family support in their own neighborhoods.
Family Co-Options is a year round program and is open to all families with a child registered with DDD, living either in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic or Essex Counties. The majority of Co-Options events are free for the whole family, although some do require a small fee for attending parents and siblings. Parents attend all programs with their children, with the exception of Essex Kid’s Nite Out Events.
For More Information:
Bergen, Hudson, Passaic: Aaron Ott (973) 244-0850 ext 302.
Essex: Elise Wohirab, ext. 308
COSAC - The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services
for the Autism Community
Target group: Parents, Family Members and Caregivers of
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Location/Time:
Congregation Beth Ahm, Verona from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Group Facilitator:
Michele Havens, Ed.D.
Parent Contact:
Jeannie Blum-Harper (973) 299-5106 or (973) 479-6042
Area served: Essex County
Providing support, information and resources for the autism community.
Determined to Achieve
Address: 1113 Springfield Avenue
City or town: Irvington, NJ 07111
Contact person: Darlene Reeves
Contact phone: 973-202-7472
Email: rambria@gamil.com
Second contact person: Felica Stovall
Second contact phone: 973-202-7472
Email:
fstovall@childrensspecialized.org
Target group: Developmental Disability
Area served: Essex County ( East Orange, Irvington, Newark)
Special
Needs Family Support Group
City or town: Newark
Contact person: Ana Jimenez Quinones
Contact phone: 973-533-7996
Email:
family_support@hotmail.com
Second contact person: Edna Lee
Second contact phone: Same as above
Target group: All disabilities, Bilingual (Spanish)
The
Jewish Education Association Center for Special Education
offers two monthly, support groups that are free to the community. These
groups provide emotional support for members as well as information regarding
how to work as a team member with your school district, and how to advocate for
your child's needs in the community.
Group A is for parents of children with medical/developmental disabilities and meets monthly from 9:30 AM -12:00 noon at either the West Orange JCC, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, or the Jewish Education Association, Seminar Room 2, 901 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ. This group has been in existence for seven years. The meetings are scheduled month-to-month at each meeting by those in attendance.
ADD Action Group: information about alternative solutions for attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, dyslexia and autism. Usually meets 3rd Thursday. 7-8:45 pm. Millburn Public Library, 200 Glen Ave, Millburn. Pre-registration required; call Lynn Berke 973-731-2189 (day/eve). E-mail: LTBerke@aol.com
Down Syndrome Parent-To-Parent: support and current information to new parents and families of children with Down Syndrome. Visitation, peer counseling, referrals. Meeting location rotates. Call 973-992-9830 (day) Website: www.arcessex.org
Irvington Special Education Parent Group
City or town: Irvington
Contact person: Darlene Reeves
Contact phone: 973-202-7472
Area served: Irvington, Essex Co.
District Based Groups
Disability Based Groups
Bayonne Special Education Parent Group
Contact: Donna Christensen and Lucy Hanh
Fax: 201-858-0722
e-mail:
NJTSREP@yahoo.com
East Newark Special Education Parent Advisory
Council
Contact person: Alain Mollinedo (Special Education Coordinator)
Contact phone: 973-481-6806
Area served: East Newark
Jersey City Special Education Parent Advisory Group
City or town: Jersey City
Contact person: Jenny Garcia E-mail: Acapela7@msn.com
Second contact person: Pam Gardner
Email:
pgardner@jcboe.org
Just Education
Location: Hoboken, NJ
Will meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month.
For further information email
JustEducation@gmail.com
DCF Regional School Hudson Campus Special Ed Parent Group
Contact Person: Elsa Hernandez (Assist. Principal)
Tel.
201-865-4913
E-mail:
Elsa.hernandez@dcf.state.nj.us
This school is a district by
itself. The student population has severe disabilities.
Weehawken Special Education Parent Group
Parent leader: Liza Cruz
E-mail:
The Arc of Hudson
County
Contact: Sandra Vasquez
Phone: 201-319-9229 Fax: 201-319-9227
E-mail:
svasquez@arcnj.org
Meets the second Friday of the month at 6 p.m.
Location: 405-409 36th Street, Union City, NJ 07087
www.arcnj.org
ASPENHudson
www.aspennj.org
Meeting Location: Saint Henry's School Building
625 Avenue C
Bayonne, NJ 07002
The school building is right across from the city hall. The parking lot is on 28th Street on the side of the school. Enter through the third door. The meeting room is downstairs on the right.
Contact person: Mary Engebretsen
Phone: 201-892-8572
Email:
maryengebretsen7@aol.com
Target group: Asperger's Syndrome, PDD, High Functioning Autism
Meeting location: St. Henry's School, Room 319, 625 Ave. C, Bayonne, Nj 07002
Website link:
www.aspen.org
Area served: Hudson County
Meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm
ASPEN is a New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development Provider. Educators earn 2.0 Professional Development Credit Hours for each Speaker meeting they attend.
Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey’s Family CO-Options Program
A grant from the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), the Family Co-Options Program serves whole families in Essex, Bergen, Passaic and Hudson Counties. Family CO-OPtions: A statewide program which will allow participating families to create organized and flexible ways of exchanging child care and family-to-family support in their own neighborhoods.
Family Co-Options is a year round program and is open to all families with a child registered with DDD, living either in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic or Essex Counties. The majority of Co-Options events are free for the whole family, although some do require a small fee for attending parents and siblings. Parents attend all programs with their children, with the exception of Essex Kid’s Nite Out Events.
For More Information:
Bergen, Hudson, Passaic: Aaron Ott (973) 244-0850 ext 302.
Essex: Elise Wohirab, ext. 308
COSAC - The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community
Union City (SPANISH SPEAKING)
Contact person: Susana Albisu
Phone: (201) 864-7262
Meeting location: Iglesia San Augustin, Union City, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Providing support, information and resources for the Spanish speaking autism community. Please call the contact person to verify specific dates and times.
Bayonne
Location/Time:
Jewish Community Center, Bayonne, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator:
Tamara Bannon, LMSW, BCBA
Grandparent Contact:
COSAC, (609) 883-8100 Ext. 45
Winning Angels
Contact Person: Yolanda Quintero
Address: 515 54th, West New York NJ 07093
Phone: 1800 654 SPAN Ext 211
Email:
4yolanda@gmail.com
Target Group: Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome
and others
Meeting Location: Meets monthly in different locations
Area served: Hudson and Bergen Counties
This group is formed by Spanish speaking parents of children that have special needs in Bergen and Hudson counties
Family Support Organization of Hudson County
Contact: Nicole Pratt, Executive Director of FSO of Hudson.
E-mail: nicolepratt2@msn.com
Tel. (W) 201-915-5140
Family Support Organizations are family-led, community-based non-profit agencies whose mission is to provide support, advocacy, and education to families and caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs.
To ensure that the highest quality child-centered & family friendly approaches to service delivery are created and maintained throughout New Jersey
To provide a forum in which families, caregivers, providers, and other concerned individuals work collaboratively to identify needs, service barriers, resources, and appropriate, effective, and timely ways to intervene and to provide the resources necessary to support strong community-based support programs
District Based Groups
Disability Based Groups
Advocating For
Special Kids (ASK) of Berkeley Heights
County: Union
Address: Berkeley Heights Library Meeting Room
City or town: Berkeley Heights
Contact person: Jeanne Mirabella
Contact phone: (908) 464-7048
Email:
ASKBHinfo@yahoo.com
Target group: All parents of children with special needs are welcome to come and
find support and to work with us as we make Berkeley Heights a great place for
our children to live and grow
Area served: Berkeley Heights
On the third Tuesday of each month, the whole group meets in the BH Library meeting room. On the first Tuesday of each month, the parents of classified children meet with our liaison to the School District, Sandy Gogerty, in the District Offices. NOTE: Meetings listed for the first Tuesday of each month are held in the school district offices and are only open to parents of classified children. The meetings on the third Tuesday of each month are open to ALL parents of ALL children with any special needs.
Linden Educational
Association for Parent and Professionals
County: Union
100 Edgewood Road
City: Linden
Contact Person: Joann Fruciano
Phone: 908-486-2615
Email:
jmfm24@comcast.net
Second contact person: Tirrell Martin
Second contact phone: 908-275-0773
Second contact email:
autism_advo@yahoo.com
Target group: All
Meeting location: Department of Pupil Personnel Services
L.E.A.P.P is a parent run organization that collaborates with professionals with in the district that have an impact on our children's educational process, be it administratively or in the classroom.
Summit Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
City or town: Summit City
Contact person: Kevin Taylor
Email ktaylorrat@yahoo.com
Westfield Parent
Teacher Council Special Education
City or town:
Westfield
Contact person: Fee Buttrick
Contact email:
FButtrick@comcast.net
Second contact person: Annie Corley-Hand
Second contact email:
AnnieCorley@comcast.net
Meeting location: Visit the website for information about meeting location
www.westfieldnjk12.org
Area served: Westfield School District
Elizabeth Special Education Parent Group (bilingual parent group)
Contact parent:
Yonguina Rodriguez
Tel. 908-352-7508 Xt. 105
E-mail:
yonguina@yahoo.com
Asperger Syndrome
ASPEN. Meets in North Edison
Contact: Lori Shery,
732-321-0880
e-mail:
aspenorg@aol.com
COSAC - The New
Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community
Contact person: Deb
Ritter
Phone: (908) 233-8510 (1-5 pm only)
Target group: Parents, Family Members and Caregivers of Individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Meeting location: Children's Specialized Hospital, Mountainside NJ, 7:30pm -
9:30pm
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Area served: Central New Jersey
Providing support, information and resources for the autism community. The Union group usually meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. Please call the contact person to verify dates, times and location.
Central NJ Down Syndrome Parent Advocacy Group
Mutual support for parents of children with Down Syndrome. Literature, guest speakers and phone help. Meets last Tues., 7 pm, Children’s Specialized Hospital, New Providence Rd., Mountainside. Call Janet 908-222-1281 (day). E-mail: janetcostello@verizon.net
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205, Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: JFK Hospital Neuroscience Institute, 65 James St., Edison, NJ,
08820
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
Morris County
District Based Groups
Disability Based Groups
Boonton PEAC - Parents of Exceptional Adults and Children
Boonton PEAC c/o Boonton PTA Sp Ed. Committee
PO Box 195
434 Lathrop Ave. Boonton, NJ 07005
Suzanne Mullaney 973 334-6493
Gabrielle Bohon at
ptamentor@optonline.net
Boonton Township PEC - Parents of Exceptional Children
Group Name: Parents of Exceptional Children-BoontonTownship
Meeting Location:
Boonton Township Municipal Bldg, 155 Powerville Rd
Contacts: Leigh Rogalo 973-334-8826 or Kim Frick 973-316-5669
Leigh Rogalo leighrogalo@att.net
Kim Frick Kimster@aol.com
Butler
PEC
We meet at
the Butler Library on the second Thursday of the month
7 PM to 9 PM Additional contact info is on our web page
http://www.butlerpec.org/
butlerpec@optonline.net (Grace Rivera
10 Kakeout Rd. Butler, NJ 07405
(973) 865-6411)
CHATHAM
ChASE (Chatham Association for Support in Education) is a district-wide parent group focusing on special services. Open to all parents. ChASE formally meets three times during the school year, in addition to
other less formal mtg’s. See the calendar for the schedule. For more information: check out our website. http://www.chatham-nj.org/coin/ChatSS/chasehome.htm
You can email ChASE at our email address chase@chatham-nj.org.
ChASE distributes
a monthly newsletter to all schools and to parents of children in
out-of-district placements who request it. This newsletter announces our
meetings and lists other nearby meetings and programs of interest. See the
current newsletter or
archived newsletters
COIN - Chatham Online
Informaton Network
School
District of the Chathams
Contact Person: Jean B. Earle
Chatham, New Jersey
973-635-4734
973-635-1926 (fax)
http://www.chatham-nj.org/coin/
Denville
Denville’s parent support group is S.P.A.R.K. (supportive parents advocating for our kids); SPARK: meets each month on the first Tuesday of the month at the Valleyview Middle School Library at 7:30 pm. Contact person -- Sheila DiFalco 973-586-9712.
e-mail:sbdifalco@optonline.net
JEA Whippany, NJ
The Jewish Education Association Center for Special Education offers two monthly, support groups that are free to the community. These groups provide emotional support for members as well as information regarding how to work as a team member with your school district, and how to advocate for your child's needs in the community. Members also share resources such as doctors and therapists.
Both groups are facilitated by Dr. Daniel Gallagher, a clinical psychologist who also has a private practice in Maplewood, NJ. Dan has been a consultant to the JEA for over seven years.
Group B is for parents of children with learning/behavioral issues including autism and Asperger Syndrome and meets monthly from 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon at the Jewish Education Association, Seminar Room 2, 901 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ. This group has been in existence for over three years. The meetings are scheduled month-to-month at each meeting by those in attendance.
Interested persons may contact me and I will put them on an e-mail contact list and/or mailing list. They are contacted each month with the next meeting date.
Contact Person: Linda Kay, Jewish Education Association, 901 Route 10, Whippany, NJ 07981
Phone: 973-929-2968 E-Mail: lkay@jeametrowest.org
Lincoln Park PEC Lincoln Park Parents of Exceptional Children
Meets the first Tuesday of the Month 7:30-9:30 at Lincoln Park Elementary School, Media Center (LPPEC 19 Jardine Lane Lincoln Park, NJ 07035)Contact: Denise McCarthy/Margaret Hefferle (973) 694-7817 or e-mail at LPPEC@aol.com
Kinnelon PEC Parents of Exceptional Children
Meets monthly at Meets the 1st Thursday of each month 7:30pm at the Kinnelon Public Library
Contact: Ellen Sharpe: President
ELMSHARPE@aol.com
Tania Haycock: Secretary
Tanianhal@aol.com
Madison PPEC Parents and Profesionala of Exceptional
Children
Contact:
madisonppec@yahoo.com
(Tara Amaral, c/o MPPEC, 47 Broadview Ave, Madison, NJ 07940.)
Joan Palmieri
joanpalm@optonline.net
Beth Fissel momfizz3@aol.com
: 973-301-9190
MILLINGTON (Long Hill Township)
Rachelle Shelly
(908) 604-1131
rachelleshelly@msn.com
Mine Hill
Mary Jo Walilko (973) 927-9162
e-mail:
maryjowana!@yahoo.com
Montville Parents of Exceptional Children (PEC)
Mothers’ Support Group meets monthly at the Town Library
Saturday mornings 9-11am
Also: Fathers’ Support group
Sibling Support Group
Mentoring Program
Recreation Program
PEC President Melinda Jennis (973) 334-9240
e-mail:
mvtpec@aol.com
website:
http://hometown.aol.com/mvtpec/pec.html
Pequannock PPEC
Address: 493 Newark Pompton Tpke
City or town: Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Contact person: Bob Friedman
Email:
friedmanbj@aol.com
Second contact person: Maureen Daly
Target group: Special Education
Website link:
http://www.pequannock.org/DISTRICT/SuperintendentAdmin/SpecialServices.html
Area served: Pequannock Township
Parsippany PPEC Parents and professionals of Exceptional Children
Contact :Diane Byrne - krjbyne@optonline.net
Randolph
Parents and Professionals for Exceptional Children
Monthly Meetings are held at 2 Emery Ave.
on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm
President: Laurel Clark (973)328-0531
lclark88@hotmail.com
Vice President: Lucy Ortiz (973)537-0539
lucyortiz@yahoo.com
ROXBURY
THE ROXBURY PARENTS FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN, INC. (PEC)
PO Box 128, Succasunna, NJ 07876
(973) 598-0848
cullens@optonline.net
Jodi Cullen, treasurer
Programming for children and teens with disabilities and their families are offered throughout the year.
E-mail alexander4@worldnet.att.net or Jodi Cullen at cullens@optonline.net
Upper Saddle River Special Education Parent Advisory
Council
Town: Upper Saddle River
Contact person: Suzanne Bassett
Email: sbassett@usrschoolsk8.com
Area served Upper Saddle River, Bergen Co.
ADHD
CHADD Parent Support Group Meetings
Parents of children with AD/HD - Meets every 2nd Monday of the month (except
July and August). 7-8:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Bernards Township
Library, 32 Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ.
Facilitator: Theresa Donnarumma, Kroft M.Ed. , Ed.S.
Autism
The New Jersey Center for
Outreach and Services for the Autism
All
parents and family members of individuals with autism are welcome to attend.
Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties Community
Location/Time: Hackettstown Hospital
from 7:30 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Cindy Chiariello, LSW
Parent Contact: Jodi Pimentel 973-663-2505
(ASPEN) Asperger’s Syndrome
ASPEN of Northwest New
Jersey meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm unless
otherwise noted.
St. Clare's Hospital
25 Pocone Road
Silby Cafeteria - 1st floor
Denville, NJ 07834
Phone: 973-625-6000Janice Lemmo
5 Pickwick Lane
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Phone: 973-541-0178
Email:
janmleml@hotmail.com
S.P.I.R.I.T. (Spectrum Parents
Inspired with Resources, Information and Teamwork)
Town: Scotch Plains
Contact person: Christine Gee-Lowrey
Email: GroupSPIRIT@aol.com
Targetgroup: Autism
Down syndrome Parents Group
Parents
of children with Down Syndrome from birth to five years. 1st mtg. 10/03/07 7-9pm
contact: Sarah Ettinger MSW 973 829-8484 PG Chambers School
15 Halko Drive
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
www.chambersschool.org
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205, Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: St. Clare's Hospital, 25 Pocono Rd., Denville, NJ 07834
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
Sussex/Morris County Family Support Group
Location:
St. Clare’s Hospital, Denville, 25 Pocono Road, Denville, NJ 07834.
RSVP 973-625-6199. Click
here for directions
Room:
St. Clare’s Auditorium
Time: 7:00 pm
2008/2009 Meeting Dates:
10/02/08 - Auditorium
12/04/08 - Auditorium
02/05/09 - Auditorium
04/02/09 - Auditorium
06/04/09 - Auditorium
For further information and updates call the TSANJ office: 908 575-7350
District Based Groups
Disability Based Groups
Clifton PRAISE
(Parents
Requiring Action and Information for Special Education)
Meets monthly at Cliftion
public library
Leaders: Elisa Varano, Julie Scolnik,Sherri Brading
E-mail: Elisa at Archeo_one2001@yahoo.com
Paterson
SPPA Special Paterson Parents Association
Barbara Brooks CST Case Manager 973-321-1000x20254
skoorbarabrab@aol.com
contact Name: Kathi Champagne
Ktkathi2@optonline.net
Home: 973-460-9034
Wayne
SPA (Special Parents Association) of the Wayne
Council of PTO’s
1502 Hamburg Tpke. Wayne NJ 07470
SPA Co-Presidents:
Arlene Hlavaty (973)720-5801
& Carla Rudow (973)839-0987
Workshops held in the media center Wayne Hills HS
Family
Connections: Support Group for Early Intervention
Lisa Weinstein Regional Family Support
Coordinator
Helpful Hands, Inc. NREIC
65 Willowbrook Boulevard 2nd Floor
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973)256-8484 x205
Email: joy@nreic.org
Web: http://www.nreic.org
Families with children in Early Intervention are invited to attend bi-monthly
discussion groups on various topics related to the challenges of raising young
children with challenges.
West Milford
Association for Special Children and Families
P.O. Box 494 Hewitt
New Jersey 07421
Phone: 973-728-8744 Fax: 973-728-5919
Web Address: www.ascfamily.org
E-mail address:
ASCFamily@hotmail.com
Two Parent Support Groups meet once a month
Fridays 9:30 -11:00am At the center for Family Resources in Ringwood
Wednesdays 9:30-11:00am in West Milford Hillcrest Community Center
(ASPEN) Asperger’s Syndrome
ASPEN of Northwest New Jersey meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm unless otherwise noted.
St. Clare's Hospital
25 Pocone Road
Silby Cafeteria - 1st floor
Denville, NJ 07834
Phone: 973-625-6000Janice Lemmo
5 Pickwick Lane
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Phone: 973-541-0178
Email:
janmleml@hotmail.com
Autism
COSAC’s: Parents of
Adolescents with Autism
Meeting dates: September 20, October 11,
November 8, December 13
Location/Time: Jewish Community Center, Clifton, 8:00 to 10:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Linda Meyer, Ed.D., MPA
Parent Contacts: Kathy Kientz 973-655-8066 Mon-Fri, 6:30pm-10:00pm or Sat. &
Sun, anytime.
Site is generously provided by Jewish Family Services of Greater
Clifton-Passaic.
Autism
INFORMATION & SUPPORT GROUP
Barnert Hospital,
680 Broadway
(Ezor Conference Room - First Floor)
Paterson, NJ 07514
The group meets
monthly the second Wednesday evening
of the month at Barnert Hospital.
The group is intended for parents, family members, and practitioners who are
dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Developmental Disorders.
email Regina Cioffi at cioffir@optonline.net
Sussex County
District Based Groups
Disability Based Groups
BYRAM
VERNON
The Center for Families with Special Needs
Sheila McNally
(973) 827-4419 e-mail:
thecenter@nac.net
H(973)764-7922 Mcnallys@warwick.net
(ASPEN) Asperger’s Syndrome
ASPEN of Northwest New Jersey meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm unless otherwise noted.
St. Clare's Hospital
25 Pocone Road
Silby Cafeteria - 1st floor
Denville, NJ 07834
Phone: 973-625-6000Janice Lemmo
5 Pickwick Lane
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Phone: 973-541-0178
Email:
janmleml@hotmail.com
Autism (COSAC)
Tri-County Morris/Sussex/Warren
The New Jersey
Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism.
All parents and family members of individuals with autism
are welcome to attend.
Community
Location/Time: Hackettstown Hospital from 7:30 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Cindy Chiariello, LSW
Parent Contact: Jodi Pimentel 973-663-2505
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205, Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: St. Clare's Hospital, 25 Pocono Rd., Denville, NJ 07834
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
District Based Groups
Disability Based Groups
Blairstown
North Warren Special Needs Advocacy Group
Contact: Margaret Scocozza @ 908-362-9066
Email:
scocozza@earthlink.net
meeting dates vary: We're trying to meet once a month this
year for the most part. Usually towards end of month on a Thursday from
7-9pm, depending on the availability of the library.
Phillipsburg
Stewartville
Special
Needs Parent Network
Stewartville, NJ (908) 454-7058
Contact: Alison Tiesi e-mail:avtiesi@bellatlantic.net
Patty Bozada e-mail: bozada@ptd.net
(ASPEN) Asperger’s Syndrome
ASPEN of Northwest New Jersey meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm unless otherwise noted.
St. Clare's Hospital
25 Pocone Road
Silby Cafeteria - 1st floor
Denville, NJ 07834
Phone: 973-625-6000Janice Lemmo
5 Pickwick Lane
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Phone: 973-541-0178
Email:
janmleml@hotmail.com
Autism (COSAC)
Tri-County Morris/Sussex/Warren
The New Jersey
Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism.
All parents and family members of individuals with autism
are welcome to attend.
Community
Location/Time: Hackettstown Hospital from 7:30 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Cindy Chiariello, LSW
Parent Contact: Jodi Pimentel 973-663-2505
Bernards Township
Bernards Parents of Exceptional
Children
Contacts: Co-presidents
Kristina Folkart
kfolkart@optonline.net
Chris Walsh
chris@lostplanet.com
Bridgewater-Raritan Regional
Special Education
Alliance of Bridgewater-Raritan (SEA)
c/o : 888 Ardsley Lane
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-429-8596, Dorothy Driscoll
Or, 908-253-0778, Sue Meola
Hillsborough Parent Advisory
Council (HPAC)
260 Triangle Road, Hillsborough, NJ
Contact person: Marty Mayes, HPAC Chair
Email: martymayes@aol.com
Second contact person: Deanna Rodriguez
Second contact phone: 908-336-0561
Website: www.hpaconline.com
Area served: Hillsborough School District
Hillsborough Township
S.T.E.P.
Support for the Exceptional Parent
18 Murray Drive, Hillsborough
Contact Person: Laura Kinney
Contact Phone: 908-369-8424
E-mail:
lkkinney@patmedia.net
Second Contact: Kathy
Abashinow
Phone: 908-359-9928
E-mail:
hellopuffy@aol.com
Meeting Location: Triangle
Elementary School on South Triangle Road
STEP is a group for parents of children with special needs in the Hillsborough
Township School District. STEP's goal's are to: share information; facilitate
communication between parents, schools and professionals and to present speakers
to discuss important special needs topics.
Disability Related Groups
ASPEN of Hunterdon /
Somerset Counties
Contact Person: Inez Gutman
Contact Phone: 908-904-1610
Email:
dgutman@patmedia.net
Meeting Location: Hillsborough
Presbyterian Church, 770 Rt. 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844-1506
Target Group: Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High
Functioning Autism, and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Website:
www.ASPENnj.org
ASPEN provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with: Education about the issues surrounding the disorders. Support in knowing that they are not alone, and in helping individuals with ASD's and NLD achieve their maximum potential. Advocacy in areas of appropriate educational programs, medical research funding, adult issues and increased public awareness and understanding.
Care to Share
Parent Support Network
Address: PO Box 504
Flagtown, NJ
Contact person: Tina
Email: tina@caretosharenj.com
Target group: All developmental delays or disabilities
Meeting location: Arc of Somerset, Manville, NJ
Website:
www.caretosharenj.com
Area served: Anyone who wants
to attend
We are families of children with special needs who have come together to provide resources and support to one another. Although our lifestyles may differ our children’s needs create a common bond between us. Our mission is to create an open and inviting community where our families thrive.
Central NJ Down
Syndrome Parent Advocacy Group
Address: 563 Greenbrook Road
North Plainfield, NJ
Contact person: Sandra J. Dodd
Phone: 908-756-6774
Email:
sjdodd@aol.com
Second contact person: Janet
Costello
Second contact phone: 908-222-1281
Second contact email:
janetcostello@verizon.net
Target group: Down syndrome
Meeting location: Children's Specialized Hospital, Mountainside
Area served: Morris, Union, Somerset, Middlesex counties
We are a parent-run, non-profit parent support/advocacy group that meets monthly. We work with children and families of individuals with Down syndrome.
Rutgers Community Christian
Church Parent Support Group for Parents of Autistic Children (RCCCPSG)
Somerset, Somerset, NJ 08873
Target group: Chinese parents with autistic children
Chinlin Fong, 732-868-6736
Mission of RCCCPSG: Raising an autistic child is a life-long challenge. For many Chinese parents of autistic child(ren) in the US, this challenge is intensified by the language and cultural barriers which make it impossible to properly assert the rights and needs of an autistic child.
Rutgers Community Christian Church Parent Support Group (RCCCPSG) was founded in April of 2001 by a Chinese parent of autistic children to assist parents functionally and emotionally. Through advocacy training and information exchange, RCCCPSG hopes to help autistic children receive appropriate and timely services from the state and from their local school districts. Through mutual support, RCCCPSG strives to enable the family with autistic children to rise above the challenge and live productive and meaningful lives.
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205, Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: Somerset Medical Center, 110 Rehill Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
ASPEN of Hunterdon /
Somerset Counties
Contact Person: Inez Gutman
Contact Phone: 908-904-1610
Email:
dgutman@patmedia.net
Meeting Location: Hillsborough
Presbyterian Church, 770 Rt. 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844-1506
Target Group: Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High
Functioning Autism, and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Website:
www.ASPENnj.org
ASPEN provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with: Education about the issues surrounding the disorders. Support in knowing that they are not alone, and in helping individuals with ASD's and NLD achieve their maximum potential. Advocacy in areas of appropriate educational programs, medical research funding, adult issues and increased public awareness and understanding.
Asperger
Friends
Address: 126 Petticoat Lane, Lebanon, NJ
Contact persons: Matthew and Carolyn Loscialo, 908-236-6153
Email:
info@aspergerfriends.com
Target group: Individuals with
high functioning autism, or PDD
Website:
www.aspergerfriends.com
Area served: Hunterdon and all
NJ
We are the Young Adults group for ages 18 and up - who have Asperger Syndrome. Other young people with high functioning autism, or PDD may also be comfortable in our group. The main purpose of the group will be socializing. We meet once a month for a support-type group where we will get to know one another and talk about the challenges of our jobs or college classes, learning to deal with co-workers, and finding friends when school is over. We would also like to meet one other night each month to go to a movie, out to dinner, bowling or any other activities that group members are interested in. We have tentatively arranged to meet at Health Quest in Flemington. We have reserved a room for late Sunday afternoons. We would meet for two hours from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Parents would be welcome to meet with one another at the same time. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our group please e-mail me or call me.
PAR for NHV
23 Wellington Drive, Annandale, NJ 08801
Contact person: Renay Zamloot
Phone: 908-730-0080
Fax: 908-730-0063
Email:
rzamloot@earthlink.net
Second contact person: Martha
Davis
Second contact phone: 908-319-0755
Second contact fax: 908-713-9714
Second contact email:
nhdavis23@earthlink.net
Target
group: Medical, Emotional and Learning disabilities
Meeting location: North Hunterdon High school
PAR for NHV is a sub-group of PAR for Learning, the Hunterdon County Parent Support Group that provides Educational Seminars to parents of children with special needs. PAR for NHV offers its members the opportunity to discuss areas of specific interest to the North Hunterdon/Voorhees sending district. In a collaborative effort with the Department of Special Services PAR for NHV brings education and advocacy to another level.
Pro-Active
Resources for Learning
202 Main Street - Jutland, Hampton, NJ
Contact person: Martha Davis
Phone: 908-319-0755
Fax: 908-713-9714
Email:
nhdavis23@earthlink.net
Second contact person: Renay
Zamloot, 908-730-0080
Second contact fax: 908-730-0063
Second contact email:
rzamloot@earthlink.net
www.parforlearning.com
Target group: Medical,
Emotional and Learning diabilities
Meeting location: Meetings are generally at Sensagration Whole Child Center
Area served: Hunterdon County, Warren County
PAR is a Hunterdon County Parent Support Group that provides educational seminars for the parents and guardians of children with special needs. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in on the coffee and chat session prior to the presentation. This is a great time to connect with other parents. Started by Parents in 2003, PAR runs seminars and workshops Sept. through June. We have members not only in Hunterdon County, but across NJ. PAR for Learning...empowering parents to enable children.
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205, Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: Somerset Medical Center, 110 Rehill Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
District Based Groups
Hamilton Township Parent Advisory Council on Special Education
(PAC)
is a concerned group of parents and professionals who meet to discuss, support
and educate each other on various issues and concerns in special education.
Meetings are open to ANYONE involved in special education through the Hamilton
Township School District or any local school districts; including parents of
students in and out of district placements. In addition to planning meetings, we
hold large meetings providing information on topics in special educations.
President: Beverly Bowser, 393-4077
Vice President: Lauren Agoratus , 584-5779
email:
HTPAC@aol.com
web:
http://groups.msn.com/HamiltonPAC
If you prefer, we can also
connect you with volunteer parent liaisons at your school.
See our What's Happening section for upcoming events
West Windsor/
Plainsboro Special Kids Special Parents
11 Rowanberry Ct
West Windsor, NJ
Contact person: Anne Marie Veno
Phone: 609-799-8036
Fax: 609-799-5689
Email:
AnneMarie@wwpsksp.org
Second contact person: Kristin
Rogers
Second contact phone: 609 799 4813
Second email:
Kristin@wwpsksp.org
Target group: All disabilities
Meeting location: West Windsor Library or Plainsboro Municipal Building
A community based support group of parents and caregivers who live in the West Windsor-Plainsboro Community and have special needs children. Our goal is to support and empower each other through shared knowledge and understanding.
Disability Related Groups
ASK
(Advocates for Special Kids)
6 Stonerise Drive
Lawrenceville, NJ
Contact person: Diane Goff, 609-912-0487
Email:
dianegoff@asknj.org
Website:
www.asknj.org
Area served: Lawrenceville
ASK provides advocacy, support, and information. Meetings are held 5 times a year and can be found on our website.
ASPEN
Contact: Beth Rolleston, 609-275-5922
Meet at W.Windsor Library, Princeton Junction
COSAC - The New
Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community
Contact person: Kelly Lutz, 609-584-8825 (evenings
& weekends)
Target group: Parents, Family Members and Caregivers of Individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Meeting location: Hamilton YMCA
Providing support, information and resources for the autism community. The Mercer Group usually meets the third Friday of every month. Please call the contact person to verify dates, times and location.
District Based Groups
East Brunswick Special
Education PTA
Contact person: Eddie Weiner
Contact phone: 732-390-9265
Email:
eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com
Second contact person: Audrey Weiner
Second contact phone: 732-390-9265
Target group: Targets All Disabilities
Website link:
http://teacherweb,com/NJ/FrostElementarySchool/SEPTA/
Area served: East Brunswick
EDISON:
Edison Special Education Parent Support Group
Contact Person: Patti Rittman
Contact Phone: 732-572-4153
E-mail:
rritt58878@aol.com
Meeting Location: Woodrow
Wilson Middle School (call for dates and times)
Our support group meets monthly from October to May. We meet to discuss and share any issues that parents may have.
Providing support, information and resources for the autism community. January 2006 and February 2006 groups canceled. New location for March, Castle Senior Living at Forsgate, 380 Forsgate Drive, Jamesburg.
MONROE
TOWNSHIP: MT SEPA (Monroe Township Special Education Parents Assoc.)
8 Cypress Drive
Contact Person: Kathy Leonard
Contact Phone: (732) 723- 1838
E-mail:
kaleo@comcast.net
Meeting Location: Brookside
School Library
Area Served: Monroe Township and anyone who would like to attend.
South Amboy
Special Education Parent Support Group
County: Middlesex
City or town: South Amboy
Contact person: Kim McDonald
Phone: 732-316-2900
Email:
kimm_mcdonald@yahoo.com
Area served: South Amboy and
surrounding areas
People who share a common experience are uniquely qualified to provide support and understanding to each other. We hope to provide training for parents as well as a strong support system.
Sewaren:
P.A.C.E. Parents' Organization
Address: 99 Glen Cove Avenue, Matthew Jago
Elementary School
Town: Sewaren
Contact person: Victoria Romanienko
Phone: 732-636-1284
Email:
vromanienko@comcast.net
Second contact person: Chris
Penik
Second contact phone: 732-499-8295
Second email:
cpenik@comcast.net
Targetgroup: Woodbridge Township parents of any and all Special Needs Children
Meeting location: Matthew Jago School, Glen Cove Ave., Sewaren, N.J., 07077 (use
rear door #9)
Website:
www.woodbridge.k12.nj.us/pace/PACE.htm
Area served: Woodbridge
Township
We are parents of children with special needs. We understand. We care. We are the P.A.C.E. Parents' Organization. Meetings are the 1st Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Parents of special needs children are welcome to attend the P.A.C.E. P.O. Monthly Meeting/Support Group. The P.A.C.E. Parents' Organization is in its 3rd year. Woodbridge Township's In-District Extended School Year Program for the Advancement of Children's Education celebrates its 40th year in 2006.
West Windsor
Plainsboro Special Kids Special Parents
Address: 11 Rowanberry Ct
Town: West Windsor
Contact person: Anne Marie Veno
Phone: 609-799-8036
Fax: 609-799-5689
Email:
AnneMarie@wwpsksp.org
Second contact person: Judith
Gregory
Second contact phone: 609 799 3344
Second email:
Judith@wwpsksp.org
Target group: All disabilities
Meeting location: WW library or Plainsboro Municipal Building
Area served: West Windso/Plainsboro NJ
A community based support group of parents and caregivers who live in the West Windsor-Plainsboro Community and have special needs children. Our goal is to support and empower each other through shared knowledge and understanding.
Disability Related Groups
A.I.C. &
Support
County: Middlesex
Contact person: Angela Frazier
Email:
angelafrazier123@yahoo.com
Target group: Autism, Add, And
learning disabilities, Down syndrome
I provide information from parent to parent with children who have disabilities. And support group for single moms who need someone to talk to in the same position as themselves
ASPEN
Contact: Lori Sherry 732-321-0880
Meets in North Edison
COSAC - The New
Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community
Contact person: Steve Sobel
Phone: (732) 390-1796
Target group: Parents, Family Members and Caregivers of Individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Meeting location: Raritan Valley Academy, Piscataway, NJ
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Area served: Middlesex County
Providing support, information and resources for the autism community. Middlesex County group usually meets the first Thursday of every month. Call the contact person to verify dates, times and location.
Grandparents
Support Group
Contact person: Shelly Mendias
Phone: 732-727-5398
Target group: Grandparents, Family Members and Caregivers of Individuals with
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Area served: Central New
Jersey
Woodbridge:
Parents of Internationally Adopted Children
Middlesex
Contact person: Deborah Chitester
Phone: 732-642-5118
Fax: 609-737-7225
Email:
djcslp@slllc.org
Meeting location: Woodbridge
Public Library Main Branch, George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Website:
www.slllc.org
Support group for parents with internationally adopted children. Those seeking a support system, friendship, interest in sharing information, understanding, will receive relevant information helpful for both child and parent. This group will feature guest speakers on relevant issues such as education, developmental concerns as well as second language acquisition. Topics may also include discussions in how to make family trips to birth countries, as well as other themes of interest to the family and the internationally adopted child.
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205, Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: JFK Hospital Neuroscience Institute, 65 James St., Edison, NJ,
08820
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
Monmouth
District Based Groups
Disability Related Groups
District Based Groups
COLTS NECK -
"PROUD" Parents Reaching Out and United with the District
County: Monmouth
Address: Colts Neck Township Schools, 70 Conover Road
City or town: Colts Neck, New Jersey 07722
Contact person: Pamela Wood
Contact phone: (732) 946-7511
Email:
pwood@woodfour.ugate.net
Second contact person: Andrew & Liz Lenza
Second contact phone: (732) 409-7148
Target Group: All disabilities
FAIR HAVEN:
FHFDL@HOTMAIL.COM
Co-chairs: Carrie Marxen:
732-212-0380,
cmarxen@comcast.net
Sarah Maris: 732-747-6692
FREEHOLD BORO: "Organization for Children With Profound Disability" Jane Ye janeye@optonline.net , 732-866-9217
LITTLE SILVER: Little Silver SEPA Contact: Kerin Meehan knm605@yahoo.com
MANALAPAN:
PASS –
Persons Associated with Special Services
Stacey Goto 732-446-4293
sgoto@optonline.net, and
Denise Harrison
dmharrisson98@yahoo.com
MARLBORO: Special
Children's Organization For Parents and Educators (SCOPE)
41 Enclosure Drive, Morganville
Contact Person: Paula Fasciano
Contact Phone: 732-591-2497
Second Contact: Julie Zagari
Phone: 732-845-1453
E-mail: zagari@optonline.net
Meeting Location: Marlboro Township Recreation Center
Website: http://www.marlboro.k12.nj.us/district/scope.asp
Area served: Marlboro & Morganville NJ
"SCOPE is a Special Children's Organization for Parents and Educators, assisting parents in understanding what special education services mean to their child and to their families and to provide a forum for parents to have a voice on behalf of their child."
MATAWAN-ABERDEEN-
Parents Of Special People -
We meet outside the school district.
Contact Person(s): Anissa Esposito 732-583-6643 and Laura Porter -
732-583-7950.
toma1926@aol.com and Paula -
nobagofcandy@aol.com
MIDDLETOWN –
“IMPACT”
One Morgan Road
Middletown, NJ 07748
Contact person: Grace Pedretti
Phone: (732) 530-7022
Email: gppedretti@comcast.net
Target group: Autism
Meeting location: check website for dates and locations
Website: www.impactnj.org
Area served: Middletown, NJ
Impacts mission is to promote autism awareness in the community. Promote inclusion in the school district. Promote acceptance of autism in the community.
VOICES Parent Advisory Group
City or town: Middletown School District
Co-Leader: Stephanie Cartier
Phone: 732-530-8834
Email: stephmark3@comcast.net
Second contact phone: 732-872-8657
Second contact email: pkantone1@yahoo.com
Target group: All Middletown special needs parents and caregivers welcome
Area served: Middletown Public School District
Parental support, workshops and advocacy. Please contact for workshop info and meeting dates and times
NEPTUNE CITY - contact Fayth Newell 732-775-9326 teddies96@aol.com
OCEAN TOWNSHIP:
Families Accessing Services Together (FAST)
Dow Avenue Elementary School, Oakhurst
Contact Person: Liz Calcitrai
Contact Phone: 732-539-3318
Second Contact: Linda Butler
Phone: 732-239-0598
Group Served: Parents of children with all types of disabilities
Meeting Location: Dow Avenue Elementary School Library
Area Served: Ocean Township, NJ in Monmouth County
RUMSON - PASS
(Parent Advocates for Student Success)
Contact person: Maureen Saling
maureenholahan@verizon.net
Spring Lake
Heights Elementary School
Susan Genco, Supervisor of Special Services
“Partnership In Education”
Madelyn Curtis, Chair, Parent-to-Parent Network
madelyn@madelyncurtis.com
732-449-6149
Our group serves: Parents of Children with Special Needs
Mission:
The Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs is a group of
parents who meet to exchange ideas and techniques. The Support Group shares
resources through meetings, speakers, lending library, and other resources to
help parents deal with the special needs of their children. In addition to
providing resources, we assure parents that they are not alone.
Monthly meetings at Spring Lake Heights Elementary School
For Meetings and topics info:
www.MadelynCurtis.com/parent_support.htm
UPPER FREEHOLD:
(in Allentown) RISE (Recognizing Issues in Special
Education)
Chair: Kelly Borden-Joye
Vice-chair:
Maryannfrisbie@verizon.net 609-259-5301
ASPEN
Contact: Ann Hiller 732-446-7610 Meets in
Manalapan
ASPEN Adult
Issues-Monmouth
Contact: Mary Laresch 609-409-1007
Meets in Freehold
Atlantic Highlands Autism
Meetup Group
Address: Panera Bread, 776 Highway 35
City or town: Middletown, NJ
Contact person: Jodi Frunzi
Contact phone: 732-397-1113
Email: jodi@jodistutoring.com
Target group: Autism, other developmental disability
Area served: Monmouth county
BEAM of Neptune - contact Nancy Lynch 732 502-0335 Nlynch@citistreet.online.com
BEAM of Eastern Monmouth County
Contact: Lynn Muller Guiser,
Provides leadership training workshops for special education parent support group leaders.Provides training sessions for parents of children with a variety of disabilites.
CHADD ( Children and Adults
with AD/HD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Address: 36 Chestnut Hill Road
City or town Howell, NJ
Contact person: Eva O'Malley
Contact phone: 732-552-8012
Target group: AD/HD children and Adults
Website link:
www.chadd.net/275
Area served: Monmouth/Ocean County
COSAC - The New
Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community
Contact person: Cheryl and Mike Aquino
Phone: (732) 252-5545
Target group: Parents, Family Members and Caregivers of Individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Meeting location: Monmouth County Library, Manalapan, NJ, 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Area served: Monmouth County
Providing support, information and resources for the autism community. The Monmouth group usually meets the fourth Thursday of every month. Please call the contact person to verify dates, times and location.
CPC Behavioral
Healthcare/ Therapeutic Community Homes Program
Address: 1 High Point Center way
Town: Morganville, NJ 07751
Contact person: Debra Reim, Program Manager
Phone: 732 591-1750 ext. 3303
Second contact person: Debra Reim, Program Supervisor
Second contact phone: 732 591-1750 ext. 3347
Target group: ADD,ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Meeting location: Parents enrolled in program receive 12 yearly hour training
Website:
www.cpcbhc.org
Area served: Monmouth, Ocean,
Middlesex County
Therapeutic Community Homes Program is a Foster Care Program for Special Needs children. Currently recruiting parents in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlessex County. Provide financial rewards to parents who qualify.
Family Support
Group (coordinated by Family Based Services
Association of NJ)
Corner of Broad Street and 5TH Street, Long Branch, NJ 07724
Contact person: Leia Phelps
Phone: 732-571-3272
Website:
www.fbsanj.org
Meetings are Thursdays from 7 - 9 pm. RSVP to assure child care and pizza.
Spanish Support Group
279 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ
7pm-9pm
Contact Ana Salgado: 732-713-9027
A place where parents can come to be encouraged, laugh, cry, share, and spend time with other families whose children are experiencing tough emotional and behavioral challenges.
District Based Groups
BRICK TWP. SPECIAL
ED. PTA
101 Hendrickson Avenue
Brick, NJ 08724
(732)785-3000
All meetings are on Monday evenings @ 7:00 at the new
Educational Enrichment Center (EEC) located on Hendrickson
Ave., next to the Board of Education
Building.
POINT PLEASANT
BORO - FRiEnD - Family Resources in Education and Development
Address: Office of Special Services, 2100
Panther Path,
City or town: Pt. Pleasant Boro
Contact person: Maureen Martino
Phone: 732-642-4728
Email:
mmartino@forallages.net
Second contact person: Maureen Martin-Dragon
Target group: All disabilities
Meeting location: Pt. Pleasant Boro Special Services Office
Area served: Pt, Pleasant Boro and surrounding communities
JACKSON –
“Jackson Parent 2 Parent”
Contact Person: Pattie Carollo
Contact Phone: 732-886-9584
E-mail:
jacksonparent2parent@yahoo.com
Second Contact: Sarah Logan
Phone: 732-367-0712
Meeting Location: Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary School Library
The Jackson Parent-2-Parent Support Group is dedicated to serving the special education needs in Jackson Township. The mission is to provide a forum where parents/caregivers can find emotional support on the challenges of raising a child with special needs and a venue to be informed on matters related to special education.
Lacey Special
Education Parent Group
Mill Pond School Library Annex
210 Western Boulevard, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734
Please check the
What's Happening section for upcoming
meeting schedules.
Plumsted
Township Special Education Advisory Council
New Egypt, NJ
Contact Person: Vicki Molokie
Contact Phone:609-758-2371
Email:
vickimolokie@aol.com
Second Contact: Debbie
Simicsak
Contact Phone: 609-758-1799
Email:
simicsak@aol.com
Disability Related Groups
COMMUNITY GROUPS:
ASPEN Ocean
County Chapter
Address: 1041 Kaitlyn Court
Town: Toms River
Contact person: Eileen Davis Kovar
Phone: 732-473-9630
Fax: 732-473-9631
Email:
aspenoc@comcast.net
Target group: Asperger
Syndrome & PDD-NOS
Meeting location: Toms River
Website:
www.aspennj.org
Area served: Ocean County
A parent support group for children under the age of 18 with Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS. Meetings held in Toms River from September to June. All parents and professionals are encouraged to attend our speaker meetings.
BEAM OF OCEAN -
BECOMING EDUCATED AND MOTIVATED ABOUT SPECIAL
EDUCATION
BEAM is a support group for parents of children
in special education. Our goal is to help parents understand and become educated
partners in their child’s special education needs.
CONTACT: Julia Zindzius 732-929-9212
Trisha Falotico 732-606-0915
COSAC - The New
Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community
Contact person: Maria & Brandon Chornobroff
Phone: (732) 363-6228
Target group: Parents, Family Members and Caregivers of Individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Meeting location: Children's Specialized Hospital, Toms River, NJ, 7:30pm -
9:30pm
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Area served: Central New
Jersey
Providing support, information and resources for the autism community. The Ocean group usually meets the second Thursday of every month. Please call the contact person to verify dates, times and location.
FACES AUTISM
SUPPORT NETWORK
Counties: Atlantic, Cape, and Ocean
Address: P.O. Box 2341
Town: Ventnor
Contact person: Isabelle Mosca
Phone: 609-412-3750
Fax: 609-926-9757
Email:
facesgroup@comcast.net
Second contact person: Trish
Cowan
Second contact phone: 609-625-1697
Target group: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Meeting location: EHT, Manahawkin, and Cape May Courthouse
Website:
www.facesautismsupport.org
Area served: Atlantic, Cape
May, and Ocean Counties
Autism Support for families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Monthly meetings are held in each county. To find out the latest on meetings in your area, please check out our yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/facesautism/
Ocean County
Family Support Organization
44 Washington Street - Suite 2A
Toms River, NJ
Contact Person: Deedra Eckhoff
Phone: 732-281-5770 x14
Fax: 732-281-5880
Email:
deedra.eckhoff@ocfso.org
Website:
www.ocfso.org
Area Served: Ocean County
The FSO is a nonprofit organization made up of parents and community members whose mission is to ensure that every Ocean County family who have children with special emotional and behavioral needs is given community based resources and support in a family friendly, child centered, culturally competent manner.
District Based Groups
Disability Related Groups
School Based Parent Groups
Absecon school district
800 Irelan Ave.
Absecon, NJ 08201
Contact person: Catherine McMahon, CST Coordinator
Phone: 609- 641-5375
Meeting Location: Call for meeting dates and location.
Website link: www.abseconschools.org
Egg Harbor Township School District
Home and School Association Special Needs Committee
Contact person: Kathryn Cafaro Atzott, Supervisor of Special Services
Phone: 609-646-7911 ext.1019
Email: atzrottk@eht.k12.nj.us
Meeting Location: Alder Avenue Middle School
Website link: www.eht.k12.nj.us
Pleasantville School District
N.A.N.A. (Never Alone, Never Afraid)
801 Mill Road
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
Contact person: Connie Graham
Phone: 609-641-5693
Email: cg1408@aol.com
Meeting Location: Middle School Library
Website link: www.pleasantville.k12.nj.us
Margate
Parent Advisory Committee
Contact person: Dr. Shelley Meyers, Director of Pupil Services, Chair of CST
Phone: 609-822-7720 ext.350
Email: smeyers@margateschools.org
Meeting Location: Call for dates and locations.
Website link: www.margateschools.org
21 DOWN
PO Box 205
Northfield, NJ 08225
Contact person: Pam Ginet
Phone: 609-390-5645
Email:
info@21down.org
Target group: Developmental Disabilities
Meeting location: Quarterly Meetings Call for Location
Website link:
www.21down.org
21 Down is a Down syndrome and Developmental Disabilities support group
serving families in Atlantic, Cape May and Southern Ocean Counties. We offer
quarterly meetings, free social events and grants to families with a child with
Down syndrome, autism, or other disability.
Atlantic
Cape Family Support Organization
2312 New Road, Northfield New Jersey 08225
Contact person: Chris Meehan, Director
Phone: 609-463-1007
Second contact person: Andrea Burleigh, Community Outreach Specialist
Second phone: 609-485-0575 ext 105
Target group: Emotional and Behavioral Challenges
Meeting location: 2312 New Road Northfield NJ 08225
Website:
www.acfamsupport.org
FACES AUTISM SUPPORT NETWORK
P.O. Box 2341
Ventnor, NJ 08406
Contact person: Isabelle Mosca
Phone: 609-412-3750
Fax: 609-926-9757
Email:
facesgroup@comcast.net
Target group: Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disabilities.
Meeting location: EHT, Manahawkin, and Cape May Courthouse
Website:
www.facesautismsupport.org
Autism Support for families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Monthly meetings are held in each county. To find out the latest on meetings in your area, please check out our yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/facesautism/
OLEY
Tube-feeding and TPN Group
Contact person: Lee Anne Bye
Contact phone: (609) 641-9087
Email:
allenleeannebye@aol.com
Target group: Home IV and Tubefeeding
Meeting location: Saint Bernadette’s Church Parish Hall,1421 New Road
Northfield, NJ 08225
Website: http://www.oley.org
REGIONAL FAMILY SUPPORT PLANNING COUNCIL #9
ATLANTIC AND CAPE MAY COUNTIES
Contact person: Mary Ann Philippi
Contact phone: 609-641-1877
Email:
maryphilippi119@comcast.net
Target group: People with Developmental Disabilities and their families.
Meeting location: Meets 3rd Thursday of the Month at ARC of Atlantic
County.
Website:
www.njddc.org/familysupport.htm
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205,
Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: Atlantic city Medical Center, Jimmie Leeds Road, Pomona NJ
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
District Based Groups
Disability Related Groups
CAPE MAY COUNTY SPECIAL SERVICES SCHOOL DISTRICT
Parent Teacher Organization
Contact Person: Mary Margaret Lynn, Principal
Contact Phone: 609-465-2720 ext. 5500
Email:mlynn@cmcspecialservices.org
Website:
www.cmcspecialservices.org
21 DOWN
PO Box 205
Northfield, NJ 08225
Contact person: Pam Ginet
Phone: 609-390-5645
Email:
info@21down.org
Target group: Developmental Disabilities
Meeting location: Quarterly Meetings and Monthly events Call for Location
Website link:
www.21down.org
21 Down is a Down syndrome and Developmental Disabilities support group
serving families in Atlantic, Cape May and Southern Ocean Counties. We offer
quarterly meetings, free social events and grants to families with a child with
Down syndrome, autism, or other disability.
THE ATLANTIC CAPE FAMILY SUPPORT ORGANIZATION
303 Court House - Dennisville Road, Suite 2
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Contact person: Andrea Burleigh
Phone: 609-463-1007
Target group: Emotional and Behavioral
Website: www.acfamsupport.org
Parents Supporting Parents, to support, educates and advocates for families
who have children in crisis struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges.
FACES AUTISM SUPPORT NETWORK
P.O. Box 2341
Ventor, NJ 08406
Contact person: Isabelle Mosca
Phone: 609-412-3750
Fax: 609-926-9757
Email:
facesgroup@comcast.net
Target group: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Meeting location: EHT, Manahawkin, and Cape May Courthouse
Website:
www.facesautismsupport.org
Autism Support for families of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Monthly meetings are held in each county. To find out the latest on meetings in
your area, please check out our yahoo group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/facesautism/
.
OLEY
Tube-feeding and TPN
Contact person: Lee Anne Bye
Contact phone: (609) 641-9087
Email:
allenleeannebye@aol.com
Target group: Home IV and Tubefeeding
Meeting location: Saint Bernadette’s Church Parish Hall,1421 New Road
Northfield, NJ 08225
Website: http://www.oley.org
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205,
Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: Quarterly Meetings at the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
in Galloway.
Website: www.tsanj.org
District Based Groups
Disability-Related Groups
VINELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Parent Advisory Committee
Contact Person: Ruth Ann Polof, Director of Special Services
Contact Phone: 856-794-6700 ext. 2300
Email:
rpolof@vineland.org
Website:
www.vineland.org/specialed
FAMILY SUPPORT ORGANIZATION OF CUMBERLAND/GLOUCESTER/SALEM
Jaime Connolly, Executive Director
GCS Family Partnership
445 Woodbury-Glassboro Rd.
Sewell, NJ 08080
PHONE: 856-716-2100 ext. 121
FAX: 856-716-2109
EMAIL: jaconnolly@comcast.net
Family Support Organizations (FSO’s)
are family-run, county-based organizations that provide direct family-to-family
peer support, education, advocacy and other services to family members of
children with emotional and behavioral problems.
REGIONAL FAMILY SUPPORT PLANNING COUNCIL #8
CUMBERLAND, GLOUCESTER & SALEM COUNTIES
Contact person: Nan Ivins
Email:
nan.ivins@comcast.net
Target group: People with Developmental Disabilities and their families.
Meeting location: Various locations by county.
Website:
www.njddc.org/familysupport.htm
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205, Somerville,
NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: South Jersey Medical Center, Wellness Center, 1430 West
Sherman Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
COSAC - The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services
for the Autism Community
Contact person: Nancy Galey
Phone: (856) 678-5741 (w) or (856) 678-4534 evenings
Target group: Parents, Family Members and Caregivers of Individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Meeting location: Small Wonders Preschool, Pennsville, NJ, 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Website:
www.njcosac.org
Providing support, information and resources for the autism community. The
Salem group usually meets the second Wednesday of every month. Please call the
contact person to verify dates, times and location.
FAMILY SUPPORT ORGANIZATION OF CUMBERLAND, GLOUCESTER/SALEM
Jaime Connolly , Executive Director
GCS Family Parntership
445 Woodbury-Glassboro Rd.
Sewell, NJ 08080
PHONE: 856-716-2100 ext. 121
FAX: 856-716-2109
EMAIL: jaconnolly@comcast.net
Family Support Organizations (FSO’s) are family-run, county-based
organizations that provide direct family-to-family peer support, education,
advocacy and other services to family members of children with emotional and
behavioral problems.
REGIONAL FAMILY SUPPORT PLANNING COUNCIL #8 CUMBERLAND,
GLOUCESTER & SALEM COUNTIES
Contact person: Nan Ivins
Email: nan.ivins@comcast.net
Target group: People with Developmental Disabilities and their families.
Meeting location: Various locations by county.
Website: www.njddc.org/familysupport.htm
SALEM COUNTY AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
3 Ferry Road
Pennsville, NJ 08070
Contact person: Diane Hitchner
Contact phone: 856-351-6666
Email:
info@salemcoautismsupportgroup.org
Target group: Autism, ADHD, other Disabilities, etc.
Meeting location: Small Wonders Pre-School,3 Ferry Road, Pennsville, NJ 08070
(2nd Wed. of each month)
Website:
www.salemcoautismsupportgroup.org
Support for families and friends of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Not limited to ASD.
Bordentown Regional School District
BRSD Special Education Parent Advocacy Group : Contacts include Cheryl Cifelli at 609-298-2600 ext 4107 or Jen Kafer at 609-298-0025 ext. 1136.
The Director of Special Services is Louise Sullivan who can be contacted at 609- 298-0025 ext 1135
Burlington City School District
Contact person: Ms. Suzanne Cote, Supervisor CST & State and Federal Programs , 609-387-5874
Burlington Township School District
Contact: Ms. Elizabeth Parnagian, Director of Special Education/Child Study Team, 609-382-3955 ext. 4158, eparnagian@burltwpsch.org
Burlington Special Services School
Contact person : Donna Civa, Parent
support Group Coordinator, 609-261-5600
Director: Jeff Reuter, 609-702-0500
Chesterfield School District
Chesterfield Child Study Team
609-298-3027
PALS - Parents for All Learning Styles, established March 2007 to provide feedback to the district about special education programs and services. Current information will be posted in the monthly school newsletters.
Cinnaminson School District
Director of Special Services – Stephen Bennett, 856-829-7600 ext. 2116
SEPAG (Special Education Parent Advisory Group) meets periodically to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities. In addition, the SEPAG will provide information to parents concerning programs and services available to students with disabilities through its website and invited speakers.
To receive email notification of meetings, website updates, special events, or other SEPAG pertinent information, join their opt-in email group :
http://groups.google.com/group/sepag?hl=en
Evesham Township School District
Jeffrey C. Palmer, Director / Supervisor of Special Services, 856-983-1800
The organization of the Parent Advisory Committee is based on parent volunteers of special needs students that is reviewed on an annual basis and members added or changed as necessary. The members of the committee meet three or more times per year to develop parent workshops, act in an advisory capacity to the Special Services Office and perform other functions as needed.
Information can be shared with the Parent Advisory Committee through the Office of Special Services at the District Administration Building. 856-983-1800
Medford SPARC (Special Parent Advisory & Resource Committee)
City or town: Medford, NJ 08055
Contact person: MaryBeth Kenneally
Second contact person: Eowyn M. West
Second contact email
westlakeview@verizon.net
Target group: All
Website:
www.medfordsparc.org
Area served: Medford, Burlingtion County, Moorestown Township
Special Education Advocacy Council (SpEAC) Contact Information
As of February 2007
Contact Name -
Jane
O'Donnell, 778-6600
ext. 28100,
speac@mtps.com
Westampton Township
Contact: Andre Daniels, 856-428-7059
Willingboro Township
Contact: Gwen Taub, 609-835-3912
Meetings in Willingboro Parent Center
Disability Related Groups
ASPEN
Contact Person: Jackie Pantaliano, Coordinator
E-mail:
jackieppr@comcast.net
Second Contact Person: Debbie Schmidt, Co-Facilitator
Second Contact Phone: 856-616-0877, Cell 856-261-3282
Second E-mail:
dschmidt6@verizon.net
Target Group: Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High
Functioning Autism, and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Meeting Location: Mount Laurel Library, Meeting Room #1, 100 Walt Whitman
Avenue, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, on the third Wednesday night of each month
unless otherwise noted on website. Meeting times are 6:45-8:45, with light
refreshments.
Website:
www.ASPENnj.org
Area Served: Camden/Burlington County
ASPEN provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with: Education about the issues surrounding the disorders. Support in knowing that they are not alone, and in helping individuals with ASD's and NLD achieve their maximum potential. Advocacy in areas of appropriate educational programs, medical research funding, adult issues and increased public awareness and understanding.
Autism Biomed
Marlton, NJ
Contact person: Marlene Selfridge
Phone: 856-914-9512
Email:
marlenes@comcast.net
Target group: Autism, Biomedical Interventions, DAN!
Website:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autismbiomed/
Area served: southern and central NJ
This is a support group for parents, professionals, friends and family interested in meeting and discussing caring for people with autism and related disorders. The group has online support and regular local meetings.
Bring Up Down Syndrome (BUDS)
P.O.
Box 1085
Marlton, NJ 08053
Phone: 856-985-5885
Website:
www.buds-sj.org
E-mail:
chairperson@buds-sj.org
The purpose of the local Down Syndrome Support Group of South Jersey is to help families of children with Down Syndrome address issues associated with raising a child with special needs through organizing meetings and educational format, facilitating friendships and creating an environment that encourages self-advocacy and promotes public awareness.
Burlington TRUST (Township Residents: a Unified and Supportive Team)
A committee of parents, community members and employees dedicated to the needs of children with special needs within Burlington Township, NJ. Our mission is to provide parents and students with information and resources by strengthening partnerships with each other, the educational community, and related services.
Contact person Patti Devlin
People can email us at burltrust@yahoo.com or visit the web site. http://www.geocities.com/burltrust/
This group is an information and communication group - not a support group per say. We hold meetings several times a year on topics of interest to the parents of special needs kids who live in Burlington Township.
There is also an additional, unmonitored support group site called Burlington Township Special Kids - at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/burlingtontownshipspecialkids.
CHADD Chapter of Burlington County
Lisa Kincaid, Life Coach
Hand N Hand Coaching
Gently Taking you by the Hand To Success
(856) 461-1651 Phone, (856) 461-1652 Fax
LilADDCoach@cs.com
http://www.HandNHandCoaching.com
CHADD of Southern NJ Counties
Location: Barry D. Brown Health Education Center at Virtua West Jersey Hospital Voorhees, 106 Carnie Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043
Support Group Meets once a month facilitated by local professionals – call 800-233-4050 for further information.
Family Support Organization of
Burlington County
Address: 774 Eayrestown Road
City or town: Lumberton
Contact person: Deborah Kennedy
Contact phone: 609-265-8838
Fax: 609-265-0116
Email: dkennedy@fsoburlco.org
Second contact person: Sue Aitken
Phone: 609-265-8838
Fax: 609-265-0116
Email: saitken@fsoburlco.org
Target group: Youth with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges
Area served: Burlington County
PASE (Parents Advocating for
Special Education)
P.O. Box 27
Columbus NJ 08022
Contact: Cate Kurowsky 609-324-0292
Email:
g.kurowsky@att.net
Jeanine Baechtold 609-298-5353
NJPASE@yahoogroups.com
Mission: Provide resources,
support, training and information for families of children with disabilities in
order for them to successfully access special education programming for their
children.
Group: Not limited to single disability and includes children with autism,
Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD, speech disorders, learning disorders,
behavioral disorders etc.
MEETINGS: Wesleyan United Methodist
Church, 24573 East Main Street, Columbus, NJ 08022
WHEN: First Tuesday of each month at 7 pm
REGION SERVED: Northern Burlington region to include Springfield, Chesterfield,
Mansfield and North Hanover. Not exclusive to these areas and welcome visitors
from neighboring communities.
If you have any questions about this group, email info@njpase.org
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205,
Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: West Jersey Hospital, 106 Carnie Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
Camden City Schools
Parent Support Group has various
committees and projects they work on throughout the school year
District Parent
Center,
Rose Street & Kaighn Avenue,
Camden, NJ 08103
Voice: 856-966-4443/4445,
Fax: 856-541-8597
Ms. Edna J.
Davis, District Parent Coordinator,
District Parent Advisory Council
Ms. Marilyn
Torres, District Parent Coordinator,
Bilingual District Parent Advisory Council
For more information contact Ms. Davis or Ms. Torres at the above number or visit the webpage at: http://www.camden.k12.nj.us/ - under 'Community'
Cherry Hill Special Education PTA
Support, Education, Socialization and Advocacy for children with special
needs, their families and educators
visit:
www.chlive.org/septa for more
information
mailing address:
Cherry Hill SEPTA
45 Ranoldo Terrace
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Collingwood School District
Special Needs Family Support Group (A committee of Collingswood PTA)
Contact person : Dianne Malley
Phone 856-397-5294
Meetings held at Collingswood Community Center from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Childcare and refreshments provided. Professional development hours available
for most workshops. If you have any questions, please call: Dianne Malley,
397-5294 , Linda & Tim Phillips, 854-9352, Harry & Mary Rita Sheldon, 854-5991
Haddonfield School District
Committee for Children with Special
Learning Needs (CCSLN)
Address: 48 Jefferson Avenue
City or town: Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Contact person: Jerry Tanenbaum
Contact phone: 856-482-5733
Email:
jtanenbaum@schnader.com
Second contact person: Karen Ressler, Secretary
Second contact phone: 856-428-2363
Second contact fax: 856-428-6793
Second contact email:
karenressler@comcast.net
Website link:
www.ccsln.haddonfield.site.eboard.com/
Meeting Location: once per month, Haddonfield Middle School Library, 3rd Floor
Area Served: Haddonfield and surrounding area
Parent support and education group for families of children with special learning needs or other disabilities, classified or not. Meetings open to all interested persons.
Haddon Heights
STEPS (Special Teachers, Exceptional Parents and Students)
Special Teachers, Exceptional Parents and Students
STEPS is a support group for parents, teachers, and administrators who are involved with and concerned about children with special needs in the Haddon Heights School District serving the communities of Barrington, Haddon Heights and Lawnside. We were founded over 15 years ago by a group of concerned HH parents interested in reaching out and making connections for the benefit of all children with special needs.
Contact STEPS now:
contact@hhsteps.com
Sandra Sheil 856.546.0287
Deborah Lynam
lynamgraph@comcast.net
Meetings will be held at Haddon Heights, 7th Avenue School in the All Purpose Room.
Group is opened to parents from other
school districts and counties. Group also welcome speakers and presenters
on special education related topics.
www.hhsteps.com
Disability Related Groups:
ASPEN
Contact Person: Jackie Pantaliano, Coordinator
E-mail:
jackieppr@comcast.net
Second Contact Person: Debbie Schmidt, Co-Facilitator
Second Contact Phone: 856-616-0877
Second E-mail:
dschmidt6@verizon.net
Target Group: Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High
Functioning Autism, and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Meeting Location: Mount Laurel Library, Meeting Room #1, 100 Walt Whitman
Avenue, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Website:
www.ASPENnj.org
Area Served: Camden/Burlington County
ASPEN provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with: Education about the issues surrounding the disorders. Support in knowing that they are not alone, and in helping individuals with ASD's and NLD achieve their maximum potential. Advocacy in areas of appropriate educational programs, medical research funding, adult issues and increased public awareness and understanding.
BUDS
Bringing Up Down Syndrome
Teen & Young Adult Social Group
1115 Yardley Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Group Coordinators:
BUDS Co-Chairperson, Sue Orthey
(856)751-7421 e-mail:
regan65@aol.com
Camden County, Nancy Hennefer
(856)354-0584, e-mail:
threehens@aol.com
Gloucester County, Jan Brodzinski
(856)232-5312, e-mail:
janbrod6@aol.com
Camden County Family Support Organization
23 West Park Avenue, Suite 103-104, Merchantville, NJ 08109, 856-662-2600
The mission of the Camden County FSO is to assist families with children who have behavioral or mental health issues in the Child’s Behavioral Health Systems. They help ensure that the families voice is heard in all planning, coordination and delivery of services.
NAMI
Camden County
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Mailing Address:
NAMI Camden County, Inc.
19 East Ormand Ave.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
For Information call: NAMI Contact Persons (856)854-2165, (856)783-2518
Support Group Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the
Steininger Behavioral Care Services, 19 E. Ormond Ave., Cherry Hill, from 7-9
PM.
• For 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines: Kennedy Hospital 428-HELP (4357)
Our Lady of Lourdes 541-2222
• Need help, but don’t know where to start?
In Camden County just dial 2-1-1 or call (800)331-7372
TOURETTE SYNDROME
50 Division St., Suite 205,
Somerville, NJ 08876
Contact person: Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ
Contact phone: 908-575-7350
Email:
info@tsanj.org
Target group: Tourette Syndrome, OCD, Related disorders
Meeting location: West Jersey Hospital, 106 Carnie Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043
Website:
www.tsanj.org
A support group for parents of children with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders.
Youth Partnership Parent Support
Group
County: Camden
Address: 23 W. Park Avenue, Suites 103 - 104
City or town: Merchantville, NJ 08109
Contact person: Susan A. Doherty-Funke
Contact phone: 856-662-2600
Contact fax: 856-662-2242
Email:
sdoherty-funke@camdenfso.org
Second contact person: Maria Haas
Second contact phone: 856-662-2600
Second contact fax: 856-662-2242
Second email:
mhaas@camdenfso.org
Target group: Mental health
Meeting location: Camden County Family Support Organization
Every Tuesday evening from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Parent to Parent Support through
education and advocacy. Family members have an opportunity to share their
experiences, discover new resources, meet others with similar situations and
establish friendships. The focus is to help family members deal with their
children with mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Call 856-662-2600 for
more information
District Based Groups
Washington Township Public
Schools
Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO)
SEPTO provides support and information for parents and teachers going
through the special education process with their child or student.
Website:
www.wtps-septo.org for more
information
West Deptford Township
PIES
Parent Information Support and Education
For families of children who receive special education services in West Deptford
Township
taraLtL@comcast.net
856-853-8233
Disability Related Groups
BUDS
Bringing Up Down Syndrome
Teen & Young Adult Social Group
1115 Yardley Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Group Coordinators:
BUDS Co-Chairperson, Sue Orthey
(856)751-7421 e-mail:
regan65@aol.com
Camden County, Nancy Hennefer
(856)354-0584, e-mail:
threehens@aol.com
Gloucester County, Jan Brodzinski
(856)232-5312, e-mail:
janbrod6@aol.com
YAHOO! GROUPS
Q. What is a “Yahoo! Group?”
A. Yahoo! Groups operate as both electronic mailing lists and Internet forums. Group messages can be posted and read by e-mail or on the Group homepage, like a web forum. Members can choose whether to receive individual e-mails or daily digest e-mails, or to read the posts at the web site. Some Groups are simply announcement lists, to which only the Group moderators can post, while others are discussion lists.
autisminsouthjersey@yahoogroups.com
FAASA_NewJersey@yahoogroups.com
medicallycomplexkidscare@yahoogroups.com
NJCIE@yahoogroups.com
NJSTRONGIDEA@yahoogroups.com
SpecialChildExchange@yahoogroups.com
LISTSERVS