MORRIS COUNTY — Dawn’s Family Fun Day and Disability Resource Fair occurred on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, at Central Park of Morris County, at One Governor Christie Drive, Parsippany.
The event featured various activities, including a Community Resource Fair, food trucks, live music, games, prizes, and more. Attendees enjoyed a reptile show and turtle races presented by Snakes ‘n’ Scales.
Highlights of the event included:
- Food trucks by Colonial Grill
- Live music throughout the day by Marin Contini
- Over 20 resource vendors
- Lawn games
- Photo opportunities with Minnie Mouse
- Activities and games for all ages
- Giveaways and prizes
- Planting activities, sensory activities, STEM activities, and a scavenger hunt
- A wheelchair softball game on Challenger Field, where attendees could cheer on the players or use provided wheelchairs to join in and experience the game themselves
This event was perfect for families looking to have a great time while learning about essential services available for individuals with disabilities. With games, entertainment, informational booths, wheelchair softball games, and live music, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The community came together to make lasting memories at this special event.
•DAWN Center for Independent Living: Dawn is a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities in the New Jersey counties of Morris, Sussex, and Warren. DAWN’s dedicated and professional staff work with consumers from three locations following a self-directed philosophy. This means that consumers are always empowered to make their own decisions and set their own goals. They provide various services for people with disabilities in advocacy, information and referral, peer support, and independent living skills training. We offer employment services, life skills training classes, and recreational activities for adults, youth, and young adults. DAWN also provides support coordination and care management under many state programs. DAWN’s comprehensive services are a critical part of the support network that enables people with disabilities residing in Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties to live independently in their communities. Click here for more information.
•Hope House: Hope House is located at 101-103 Bassett Highway, Dover. It is a non-profit social services agency that is part of Catholic Charities. Click here for more information.
•Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs: At MCOHA, the organization understands that its strength is not only in the words it stands by but also in the actions of its initiatives. That’s why MCOHA works diligently to enhance the lives of over 12,000 of Morris County’s Hispanic and low-income residents annually, offering direct social and legal services and client advocacy. Click here for more information.
•National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey: Founded in 1998, NIPD/NJ is a rapidly growing residential and family support service provider in New Jersey. With an emphasis on opportunities for people we support to live independently, NIPD/NJ offers supervised and supportive residential programs. Currently, the agency operates ten supervised group homes, ten supervised apartment programs, and one supportive apartment. The agency also offers Support Coordination services in Sussex, Hudson, Essex, Somerset, and Warren counties. Click here for more information.
•Reliant Care Transport: Reliant Care Transport was established in response to the shortcomings of conventional transportation options for individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities. We’ve leveraged the convenience and safety of Uber’s ridesharing services to offer our participants a superior, cost-effective solution. Click here for more information.
•Abilities of Northwest Jersey: Offers individualized employment and support services for persons with disabilities. Enhancing personal development by offering training activities in daily living, personal health and safety, socialization, decision-making, and communication. Providing individuals with the skills to acquire and maintain successful, meaningful employment and to benefit from community-integrated activities. Click here for more information.
•ArcMorris: ArcMorris is dedicated to caring, supporting, and advancing people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families. Click here for more information.
•A & J Majestic Care: A & J is a home care provider inspired to care majestically for recovering disabled adults and seniors. They believe each client deserves a holistic approach that restores and maintains their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Majestic Care Nurses are committed to quality care. Registered Nurses perform initial assessments, delegate responsibilities, and make periodic visits to monitor progress and client satisfaction. Click here for more information.
•Celebrate the Children: Celebrate the Children (CTC), is a New Jersey State – Approved, not-for-profit private school serving neuro-diverse individuals. Their developmental program serves a range of students ages 3-21 with Autism and other Developmental Challenges. Their school program commenced in January 2004. Click here for more information.
•Child & Family Resources: Child & Family Resources (CFR) focuses on children. They create and implement programs and services that support the development of children and their families by engaging and partnering with the community in their efforts to enhance children’s lives. Their vision is a communal state that shares the burden of early care and education with families. Click here for more information.
•Circle of Strength: Their mission is to create opportunities for growth and meaningful life choices with services and support so the individuals we service have meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, pursue their dreams, and achieve their goals. Click here for more information.
•Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming: They partner with the DAWN Center for Independent Living to provide Care Management and other disability services to adults with disabilities. You can reach them at 973-625-1940. Click here for more information.
•Caring Hands Group Home: It is an approved provider for the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, offering many services to support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities within the community and in homes. Caring Hands LLC administrative staff has over 20 years of combined DDD experience servicing individuals with intellectual disabilities and behavioral and medical complexities. Click here for more information.
