NJEDDA 2023 Annual Report

Executive Director’s Message

The North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency continues to work towards its mission to enhance and improve the lives of students and adults with disabilities.

As my second year in the role of Executive Director comes to a close, I am still amazed daily by what our students, clients, and staff accomplish as they work tirelessly to meet the goals to become independent.

I want to thank the Board of Trustees Chair Richard Tabachuk, his officers, trustees, and members for their leadership, trust, and support in our programs in areas such as; budgeting, facilities, and personnel.

Thanks also to the Passaic County Elks Special Children’s Committee President Donna A. Tutuian, her officers, and committee members. I am in awe of their commitment and unwavering financial support to our programs, students, clients, and their families.

The administrative team remains hard fast in their drive to help students and their families. The elementary school has seen tremendous growth this past year and continues to welcome new students into our NJEDDA community. The high school continues to grow its academic programming, therapeutic services, and community inclusion activities. My personal thanks to the administrators of the buildings; Dolores Miles, Business Administrator, Martha Roman-Torres, Adult Center Supervisor, Marianne Idenden, Principal of the Elementary School, Amy Hammond, Principal of the High School, and Mary Fischer, Supervisor of Instruction.

Unfortunately, the long lasting consequences of the DDD model change to Fee for Service, low client attendance, staffing, and transportation costs not fully funded by client budgets had a significant impact in 2023.

The Board of Trustees made the very difficult decision to close the Adult Center on June 30, 2023. While it faced many challenges this past year, the program remained open to provide programming that was engaging, therapeutic, and a supportive environment for our clients. Our therapists and DSPs worked collaboratively to assist the clients in working towards their personal independence and growth.

And fondly, congratulations to a few staff members on their retirement. I wish you all well on your next adventure in life. Congratulations to Lynne Delohery, Jennifer Miller, Lauren Eskow, Linda Lakner, Linda Beirne, Aurelie Frey, Roseanne Grady, Lesley Conte, and Laurie Preefer. Their commitment and dedication to our students and clients was admired.

Closing thought...

In my quest to portray positivity in all aspects of my life, I am surprised each and every day by the dedication and unwavering support of each and every member of the NJEDDA family. I remain committed to my mantra – When you are positive, you will see opportunities instead of obstacles.

Rachel Herrington, M. Ed. Executive Director

Thank You

We would like to thank Mr. Keith Oakley and Mr. John V. Galletta for their many years of service. Mr. Galletta continues to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for over 55 years. Mr. Oakley has served on our Board of Trustees and Special Children’s Committee for over 30 years and we wish him well on his retirement. It is people like John and Keith, as well as the many other Elks Lodge members, that have long been key to our efforts at NJEDDA.

NJEDDA Administration Team

Marianne Idenden, M.A. Principal Elementary School

Mary Fischer, M.A. Supervisor of Instruction

Amy Hammond, M.A. Principal, High School

Martha Roman-Torres, B.A. Supervisor of Adult Services

Rachel Herrington, M. Ed. Executive Director

Dolores W. Miles, B.S. Business Administrator

Toddler Program

Ages: 18 Months to 3 Years

Our FREE Special Toddler Playgroup provides support and services to toddlers with special needs as well as their families.

The program is an innovative program for toddlers, ages 18 months to three years of age, who are already receiving services through NJ Early Intervention Program.

This program would not be possible without the generous donation from the Passaic County Elks Special Children’s Committee.

Our toddler program has been a pioneer in providing a venue where parents can come to socialize and support each other through their journey of nurturing toddlers with special needs. Activities are geared to enhance gross and fine motor skills as well as language and socialization.

The program is staffed with a bilingual teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech and language therapist who consult in the program each session.

Additionally, a social worker provides consultation to those in need of community resources. The program is in session 3 mornings a week with approximately 8-10 toddlers attending each day.

Pre-School Program

Ages: 3 to 5 Years

Our preschool program features an exceptional educational and therapeutic team approach that best serves young children with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Our therapeutic team consists of classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, and a social worker.

This collaborative team approach assists students in all academic and therapeutic areas. Our program is designed to develop pre-reading readiness skills, communication, mobility, therapeutic feeding, socialization, sensory integration, play skills and art. Preschoolers also have opportunities to participate in adapted physical education, music, special assemblies, and community outings. Our three to five year old students are a special part of the elementary program who attend full-day sessions, Monday through Friday.

The team works closely with parents, child study teams, physicians, and specialists in order to meet each child’s individual needs. When the student reaches the age of 5, they have the opportunity to move to one of our elementary classrooms, if it is deemed appropriate.

Elementary Program

Ages: 5 to 13 Years

Our elementary school program provides instruction and therapy to students ages five through thirteen, who have a wide range of cognitive and physical disabilities. This special education program integrates academics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy into a typical school day.

Teachers, nurses, therapists, paraprofessionals and a social worker work hand-in-hand to optimize our students’ educational and therapeutic experience.

Each class has a collaborative team with a teacher and paraprofessionals. Some students may require additional assistance from a one-to-one aide or personal nurse, which is supported and occasionally provided by the sending

school district. Our nurses and social worker are an integral part of the school. They assist students and their families with the many medical and social services they need.

Our curriculum is aligned with the NJ Student Learning Standards. Adapted physical education, sensory integration activities, music, pre-vocational activities, family life education, and inclusion for special activities with local schools, enrich our students’ overall educational experience.

Some of the enrichment activities our students have the opportunity to participate in include; Special Olympics, Clifton Library trips, assemblies, class field trips, traveling farm, annual field day, local parades, and various community outings.

High School Program

Ages: 13 to 21 Years

Our high school offers educational and therapeutic programs for multiply-challenged students, from teens to young adults. Students receive academic instruction as well as, physical education, music, art and pre-vocational skills. Instruction is focused on attaining the NJ Student Learning Standards and the high school is an approved site for state standardized testing.

Our team of talented teachers, occupational, physical, and speech therapists, paraprofessionals, nurses, and a social worker share a strong sense of caring in a disciplined and achievement-oriented environment. Through collaboration, our students are continuously challenged to achieve their personal best.

Our Augmentative Communication Lab evaluates the needs of students and provides means for them to access technology and equipment. Using software and augmentative communication devices, students develop written and verbal communication skills.

Our Job Quest Program provides training with a job coach in community settings such as; CVS Pharmacy, Clifton Public Library, Clifton Recycling, Shoprite Supermarket, and DIAL. The goal is to provide realistic training to assist participants in making future career choices as they graduate and move on into adult life.

Our Life Skills Program begins in classrooms and therapy sessions, then carried over for generalization as students venture into the community. Students visit shops, grocery stores, laundromats, hair salons, museums, and movie theaters. They learn to take public transportation whenever possible. Additionally, a classroom was transformed into a studio apartment where functional life skills can be practiced and applied.

Adult Center

Ages: 21 to 55+ Years

It is with a heavy heart that the decision was made to close the Adult Training Center on June 30, 2023. The Adult Center served individuals with developmental delays and medical needs over the age of 21.

The center provided a day program which included work activities, nursing care, social services, physical, occupational and speech therapies, sensory integration, and continuing educational experiences. The Adult Center was only partially funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Medicaid, and relied heavily on donations to operate.

The goal of the Adult Center was to support participants in maximizing independence in their daily lives, through enhanced communication and activities designed to promote growth. With this goal in mind, the Board and Center staff are committed to assisting all participants in finding alternate placements and/or services.

Therapy Services

We offer a wide range of therapy services including physical, occupational, speech and language therapy, as well as assistive technology support.

Physical Therapy assists students and adults in achieving their highest level of independent mobility. Through proper positioning and weight-bearing activities, they promote normal development of bones and muscles. Our therapists utilize exercises, sensory activities, ambulation training, and adaptive equipment to help enable students and adults to reach their highest physical potential.

Occupational Therapy focuses on fine motor skills and motor planning. Our therapists help each student and adult client achieve optimal functional skills within their range of abilities to promote his/ her growth towards independence. Occupational therapists are specialists in sensory integration, hand function, and vision / perception.

Speech and Language Therapy provides opportunities to improve communication and feeding skills. Speech and Language Pathologists utilize many methods of augmentative communication systems

Professional Services

and devices including sign language, communication boards, and various forms of low and high technology. Screening procedures are also conducted for audiology and tympanometry.

Assistive Technology – Therapists and teachers, utilizing a team approach, implement new and innovative forms of assistive technology to enhance a student and adult’s ability to communicate and function in their environment. These include computers, adaptive switches, augmentative communication and feeding devices, as well as, power wheelchairs.

Family & Community

Our agency’s mission is to bring our families, our children and adults and staff together to celebrate and support each other. And we do it wonderfully.

We welcome parents and families to visit us during the program day so that they can understand our dynamic educational and therapeutic techniques.

Also, parents attend Individualized Educational Plan (I.E.P.) meetings and participate in the planning for their children.

This year in all three of our facilities we enjoyed a variety of special family days and meetings with our parents. Our Open House days, holiday parties, International Days, concerts, assemblies, socials, awards and graduations are all exciting times for the staff to interact with family members.

The parents and staff send out special thanks to United Parcel Service (UPS) for the holiday gifts and the visit from Santa and the Holiday Express

Band for their concerts in all three facilities. All of the events were well attended and created vivid, unique memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you parents, guardians, and siblings for sharing these events with us. You inspire us to greater levels of success!

Chairperson’s Message 2023

Established in 1947, this year the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA) is celebrating its 76th Anniversary of providing educational and therapeutic services to individuals with disabilities.

NJEDDA is a private non-profit organization, operated by a volunteer Board of Trustees comprised of representatives from local Elks Lodges and other concerned citizens. As a team, NJEDDA has been serving individuals from the age of 18 months through High School.

Services provided to toddlers and students range from academics, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy to vocational training, social and emotional development and nursing. We have worked very hard to continue to provide the best opportunities to our students, clients, and their families.

It is with a heavy heart that we must close our adult center at the end of June 2023. The rising costs in every area have made it so we can not sustain the losses over the past years. We will assist our clients with finding other placements and services, as well as assist their families in every way possible. We have not made this decision without great pain and have sustained years of financial loss in trying to make it work but were sadly unsuccessful in our efforts.

These past years have been difficult. Coming out of Covid and getting staff for the schools has been exhausting to say the least. Our staff met the challenges of the virus and have continued to provide the best educational, therapeutic, vocational, social, and medical programs possible.

Staff dedicated their time to ensuring that services for students were not interrupted. They have worked tirelessly to provide adaptive equipment, classroom materials, and resources to each family.

Special thanks to the Passaic County Elks Special Children’s Committee for their generous donations, for without them we would not operate. The toddler playgroup provides services and support to toddlers with special needs as well as their families.

Geared to children ages 18 months to 3 years old who are eligible for services through the NJ Early Intervention Program, the program is staffed with a bilingual teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and a social worker. The staff creates activities focused on enhancing gross and fine motor skills as well as language and socialization.

The elementary and high schools provide services to students ages 3 through 21. Each school offers educational and therapeutic programs geared to the students’ developmental levels. The students receive instruction in the following academic areas: math, language arts and literacy, science, social studies, art, music, daily living and vocational skills.

The students receive speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy services based on their needs. Our nurses and social worker assist students and their families with the medical and social services they may require.

We continue to provide onsite clinics with equipment suppliers, orthotists, pediatric orthopedic surgeons, and pediatric physiatrists on a regular basis.

These programs would not be possible without the support of the Board of Trustees and the Passaic County Elks Special Children’s Committee. Our Board of Trustees officers include myself as Chairman, along with Nicholas Trentacoste (First Vice-Chairman), Anthony Fiorello (Treasurer), and Ernest P. Canali (Secretary).

Board of Trustees

The members of the Board of Trustees are: John V. Galletta, who has served the school for over 55 years, Keith Oakley, Marc-Allyn Gloriande, Gary Margiotta, Mary Anne O’Brian, Frank Tiernan, Lisa Szegedi, Ron Subrizi, Guy Schweizer, and Financial Consultant, John M. Szczomak.

We thank these individuals for dedicating their time and efforts to supporting the programs offered through the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency as well as the entire staff of all our facilities. We would not be able to achieve the educational and therapeutic excellence for our students and clients without their support.

OFFICERS

Richard Tabachuk ................................ Chairman

Nicholas Trentacoste .......... First Vice-Chairman

Anthony Fiorello................................... Treasurer

Ernest P. Canali .................................... Secretary

TRUSTEES

John V. Galletta

Marc-Allyn Gloriande

Gary Margiotta

Keith Oakley

Guy Schweizer

Ronald Subrizi

Lisa Szegedi

Frank Tiernan

Trustees

Richard Tabachuk Chairman, Board of

Mary Anne O’Brien

John M. Szczomak

Financial Consultant

Back Row: Guy Schweizer, Gary Margiotta, Ronald Subrizi, Maryanne O’Brien, Marc-Allyn Gloriande, Frank Tiernan. Front Row: Keith Oakley, Anthony Fiorello, Richard Tabachuk, John V. Galletta, Nicholas Trentacoste, Ernest P. Canali. Not Pictured: Lisa Szegedi, John M. Szczomak.

President’s Message

Always, remember we are assisting our Special Children with our 50/50 raffle and our special fundraisers which are listed below.

I ask that everyone continue to donate generously at all times for our Special Children and Adults.  Our students and clients are very special to all of us and to see their happy faces whenever we are at the Center, is fantastic.

I would like to thank all teachers and staff in making sure that our children and clients have the opportunity to grow each day.  Your dedication to your students and clients is second to none. This is our MAIN mission with NJEDDA and our committee.

We had several Fundraisers which were successful.  Twice to Thatcher McGhee’s Irish Pub and Eatery.  This was a Dine and Donate for us and they graciously donated back to us 20% of all sales for the weeks we were there.

These events were wonderful, and I am sure everyone really enjoyed going out to dinner and being with friends and family.

The other fundraiser for Dine-In or Takeout was at Uno Pizzeria & Grill. Here the establishment donated back to us 25% of our checks.

I would like to thank all my committee members for all their dedicated work, time and effort put forth into this committee.  It has been a great pleasure working with everyone.

Thank you, Gene Schnaidt, for stepping in for me, Joanne Stolarz for always backing me up, and Nick Trentacoste for assisting me with every 50/50 Raffle drawing night.

I could not have completed my year as President of the Special Children’s Committee without Vivian Bender, always being there and answering all my questions.

Thank you, Rachel Herrington, for putting up with me and you have done a fantastic job with our Agency and all the many efforts in making everything run as smoothly as possible.

I would like to wish our incoming President Gene Schnaidt good health and many enjoyable hours being President of the Special Children’s Committee.

I’ll be there to assist you in any way I can. I am extremely proud and honored to have been the President, once again, for the Special Children’s Committee at NJEDDA.

Donna A. Tutuian President 2022 - 2023 Passaic County Elks Special Children’s Committee

Committee Members

OFFICERS

Donna A. Tutuian ................................. President

Gene Schnaidt .................... First Vice President

Mary Beth Clark ............. Second Vice President

Marge Theobald ................ Third Vice President

Joanne T. Stolarz ............. Fourth Vice President

Kenneth “Ken” Low ............................. Treasurer

Beth Toole ............................................ Secretary

MEMBERS

Arthur Andreano

Ronald F. Doncoes

Gloria Hardy

Jayne McLaughlin

Maureen Whalen

Alice M. Filippelli

Back Row Left: Maureen Whalen, Gloria Hardy, Arthur Andreano, Ronald F. Doncoes.

Front Row Left: Beth Toole, Joanne T. Stolarz, Gene Schnaidt, Donna A. Tutuian, Ken Low, Marge Theobald. Not Pictured: Mary Beth Clark, Jayne McLaughlin, Alice Filippelli

Special Activities

Would You Like to Help NJEDDA?

Every dollar donated to NJEDDA provides educational and therapeutic services or helps us purchase equipment for our special needs children and adults.

Some gifts may bring the simple joy of story telling by purchasing books. Other donations or endowments can be made to help fund specific items, including therapeutic items, such as specialized chairs or computers, to something larger, such as an expansion to one of our facilities.

There are many needs at NJEDDA and that list evolves annually. Would you like to help? To find out more and discuss ways you can help, call the Director’s office at 973-772-2600. Click the donations link on our website: www.njedda.org.

We also participate in the CARS Donation Program. If you have a car, van, boat, or RV that you feel no longer is worth fixing, you can donate it by call 877-537-5277 or visit cardonatingiseasy.org.

Thank you Contributors & Corporate Sponsors

Also special thanks to the many supporters for who space does not permit us to list individually.

AGL Welding Supply, Fenelon Family

Allen, Willie Mae & Family

Anstadt, Ms. Barbara

Bach, Mr. Michael, Manager UPS Parsippany

Board of Trustees’ Officers & Members (NJEDDA)

Canali, Ernie V. & Ernest P. & Family City of Clifton

Children’s Benefit Fund (CBF), North Jersey Elks

Clifton/Garfield Elks Lodge #1569

Comprehensive Winter Services & Circle Janitorial Supplies – Dan Quiles

Corrado’s Family Affair, Clifton

Daisy’s Bakery Inc., Clifton (Jose and Karina)

Doris Denker Wheelchair Sports Foundation Inc.

(Mr. Scott Brawer in honor: Mother Lillian Brawer)

Elmwood Park/Paterson Elks Lodge #60

Fiorello, Mr. Anthony, Attorney at Law & Isabel

Fogarty & Hara, Counsellors at Law, Fair Lawn, NJ

Foord, Mr/Mrs. Alexander & Melissa

Frontstream Comprehensive Dist., Reston, VA

Galletta, Mr/Mrs John V. & Fran

Gloriande, Mr/Mrs Marc-Allyn & Pat

Hawrylko, Tom – Tom-A-Hawk Promotions

Herrington, Mr/Mrs Rachel & Robert J.

Holiday Express Entertainers, Mr. Tim McLoone

Leong, Mr/Mrs Judith & John

Lindsay, Mrs. Rita Lindsay

McPherson, Mr/Mrs Malcolm J. & Pat

Needle Wits Club, Elmwood Park Senior Center

Network for Good, Washington, DC

New Jersey State Elks Association, Charities, Inc.

North District Past District Deputies, NJ - Elks

Northeast District Special Children’s Com.

Northeast Past District Deputies, NJ - Elks

Northeast District Special Children’s Committee

North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Staffs: (Elementary, High School & Adult Training Center)

Oakley, Mr/Mrs Keith & Michele

Park Ridge Elks #2234

Passaic County Elks Special Children’s Com. Inc.

Passaic Valley Elks Lodge #2111

Past Exalted Rulers’ Assoc.

Pompton Lakes Elks Lodge #1895

Pompton Lakes Past Exalted Rulers’ Assoc.

PSE&G Power of Giving Campaign

Reda, Mr/Mrs Richard-Virginia & Family

Rutherford Elks Lodge #547 (Spec. Children Com.)

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Clifton

Stolarz, Joanne T., Clifton Elks #1569

Szczomak, Mr/Mrs John M. & Jody

Tabachuk, Mr/Mrs Richard & Linda

Trentacoste, Mr/Mrs Nicholas & Mary Lou

Tutuian, Ms. Donna A.

United Givers Plan of Packanack Lake, Inc., Wayne

United Parcel Service (UPS) Saddle Brook, NJ

United Parcel Service Givers United Way Campaign

United Way of Bergen

United Way of Essex and West Hudson

United Way of Morris County

United Way of Passaic County

United Way of Tri-State

United Way – UPS Pledge

Wayne Elks Lodge #2181

Wayne Elks #2181 – P.E.R. Association

Weiss, Dr/Mrs William & Christine

Weiss, Mr/Mrs John F. & Susan

Westwood Elks #1562

CORPORATE SPONSORS:

Mutual of America Financial Group

Paradigm Pioneers, Inc.

Partlow Insurance Agency Inc.

RBC Wealth Mgt. & Rosa Mazzone

School Accounting Professionals, LLC –Mary Bawarski

Smolin, Lupin & Company, Fairfield, NJ

Tarpey Group

Toshiba Business Solutions

United Parcel Service Corporate

IN MEMORY OF THE FOLLOWING:

Thomas Basta (NJEDDA Adult Center Client)

Dorothy “Dotty” Cotugno (NJEDDA Adult Center Parent)

Endy Cruceta (NJEDDA HS Student)

Cecilia Degnan (NJEDDA HS Staff)

Justin Kalish

James Lienhardt (NJEDDA Adult Center Client)

Virginia “Ginny” Reda (NJEDDA Adult Center Parent)

Dionna Wah (NJEDDA HS Student)

Louis Ortiz-Bermudez (NJEDDA HS Student)