Community House is Home for Adults with Disabilities

By Tiffany Workman

The mission of Community House at St. Thomas, Corp. is to provide affordable, stable housing for adults of very low income who are living with significant physical disabilities and to provide social services that compliment, support and foster the resident’s independence and quality of life.

Susan Kuzma who is an employee of Catholic Charities has spent 16 years as the supervisor for Community House in Old Bridge and has always worked with people with disabilities. She feels that adults with disabilities are somewhat of a forgotten community. Kuzma says, “they don’t have a lot of money, and are not as outspoken as other communities.” She stresses that there is a severe housing shortage as well as a shortage for transportation.

At Community House, adults with physical disabilities are welcomed with open arms into a boarding home that has a family atmosphere. Most people that live at Community House have become disabled as adults from either strokes, accidents or other ways. Kuzma says the adults that are living there currently are very independent. “They are all like a family,” Kuzma says. “They look out for each other and they will let someone know if they aren’t coming home.” Susan also says, “my favorite part about working here are the people who live here.” She has had residents stay for years and has developed close relationships with them all. She finds out what they need, motivates them and sometimes just gives them someone to talk to.

Community House offers case management services and referrals are made to Catholic Charities and other community providers. Community House is American Disabilities Act compliant and wheelchair accessible. Residents must be able to self-medicate, self-evacuate, and have a desire to become as independent as possible.

Community House is well maintained by the residents themselves. Residents have daily responsibilities to clean their rooms, cook and grocery shop. They eat breakfast and lunch on their own, but each resident prepares dinner once a week. They each put in money every month that sits in a special account and they all decide what they are going to buy and go grocery shopping. Rent at Community House is 30% of their adjusted income.

Kuzma hopes that the disabled community will be viewed by the general population as no different than themselves. That is one of the reasons why Community House is located right in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Old Bridge. These individuals don’t deserve to be hidden away.

Community House has openings for adults with disabilities right now. Kuzma encourages those who feel they would be a good fit for Community House to call her at 732-251-0022. Community House has two shared rooms and four single rooms available. Kuzma can answer any questions, and once an application is received, applicants are going to be invited to Community house for an interview and tour of the facility. If all works out, a move in date is set up.

Donations are always welcome and can be made at communityhouse-saintthomas.com.

For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, please visit ccdom.org. LIKE and visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ ccdom1 to stay updated on upcoming events and ways we help clients get the services and assistance they need.

Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations