New Concepts was created in by a small group of parents concerned about the future of their disabled sons and daughters. This was, and continues to be, particularly important to older parents wanting to see their adult children living in an appropriate, warm home before they pass on. Therefore, New Concept’s initial focus was on providing appropriate Housing with necessary supports and services for people with disabilities.

From these early dreams, and with seed money provided by families and the Bergen County Community Development Program, New Concepts has grown from one residential home in 1986 to homes throughout the Bergen County. In addition, we are working on developing new special needs housing designed to enable people to live there the rest of their life rather than being forced to move (homes to apartments, etc.) because of their growth or changing needs.

This is critically important given the fact that Bergen County has the largest waiting list in the State and the fact that the number of families and people waiting in Bergen County is more than one percent (1%) of those waiting nationally. Unfortunately this list is continuing to grow at an alarming rate.

In the late 90’s New Concepts opened its barrier-free “Achievement Center” providing unique new vocational and day program services. This new Achievement Center also provided the opportunity for New Concepts to expand its evening and weekend recreation programs, as well as centralizing and consolidating its new Management Team.