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For Immediate Release: May 26, 2006
For further information contact: Joyce Luhrs, 201-592-9126,
jluhrs@erols.com
Trailblazing Housing for
People with Developmental
Disabilities Dedicated
(Rochelle Park, New Jersey)—
New Concepts, a non-profit organization, dedicated
a trailblazing style of permanent housing for people
with developmental disabilities located at Emerson
Plaza West in Emerson, New Jersey.
The
May 23 morning ceremony featured the presentation
of a flag and a tour of a model apartment. The Reverend
Gerard J. Graziano, pastor of Immaculate Conception
Church in Hackensack, offered the invocation. Gina
Diorio, District Director from U.S. Congressman Scott
Garrett’s office, presented to Homer J. Cudia,
Chairman of New Concepts, a flag that flew over the
U.S. Capitol Building. The project’s supporters,
funders, public officials, representatives, and the
families of people of developmental disabilities watched
as the flag was raised over the complex.
"New Concepts provides the
developmentally disabled and their families with the
tools needed for individual growth and achievement
in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. I applaud
them for their mission and their dedication,”
said U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett. Freeholder Chairwoman
Bernadette P. McPherson presented a certificate of
commendation from the Bergen County Board of Chosen
Freeholders. "It is important that our communities
realize the importance of affordable housing. The
Freeholder Board along with County Executive Dennis
McNerney, through Community Development, are proud
to have been part of this remarkable project by helping
with the funding,” she said.
Meeting an Urgent Need
In New Jersey, nearly 8,000 people with developmental
disabilities are on waiting lists for barrier-free
housing. According to the Disabled Children’s
Foundation, 62% of caregivers surveyed wanted their
loved ones to be able to live in a barrier-free home
or apartment when they were no longer able to care
for them.
"Projects
like this make me proud to be Mayor of Emerson. A
dire need exists for housing for people with disabilities
in New Jersey. Through New Concepts' efforts, Emerson
will be home to 10 of these individuals, whom I welcome
to our fine community. I urge other communities to
follow our model of helping people with disabilities
to find a place to live, while fulfilling their fair
housing obligations to the state. It is a win-win
situation for Emerson, our new residents, and the
state,” said Emerson Mayor Steve Setteducati.
“We are extremely pleased
with the turn out for the dedication of the New Concepts
Plaza West Community. We are very grateful to Emerson’s
residents for their generous and warm reception. This
effort could not have been accomplished without the
support of Mayor Setteducati and Emerson’s Council,
administration and staff. With so many people and
families waiting for this kind of housing, it is heartwarming
that the Borough of Emerson and the County of Bergen
have extended themselves in such a gracious fashion,”
said Homer J. Cudia, Chairman of New Concepts.
Trailblazing Design
The complex’s trailblazing design solves a common
problem for group home residents: the difficulty of
finding new housing if they become physically unable
to live in conventional group homes as they age. The
complex, a cluster of three single-story homes, with
each home containing a pair of two-bedroom apartments,
will accommodate 10 individuals with developmental
disabilities in five of the apartments. On-site staff
will provide daily 24-hour supervision and use the
sixth apartment. The single-floor, barrier-free homes
will offer people with developmental disabilities
a place to live out the rest of their lives, while
creating a sense of community among the residents
and their families.
Support for the project came from
various sectors. The Borough of Emerson donated the
land for the homes. The Bergen County Community Development
Program, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development HOME Program, and the Louis P. Berkowitz
Family Foundation provided grants. Several businesses
also contributed to the effort, including Boiling
Springs Savings Bank, D.S. Meyer Enterprises, Inc.,
Fred Schrader & Sons, Inc., Inserra Supermarkets,
Inc., Kuiken Brothers Lumber, Longo Associates, Oakland
Shop-Rite, and Reiner Heating & Cooling.
About New Concepts
Twenty years ago, New Concepts was founded by
a small group of parents concerned about the future
of their sons and daughters with developmental disabilities.
New Concepts is a community non-profit organization
committed to people with disabilities and their families.
Inspired by the vision of families and people with
developmental disabilities, New Concepts enables them
to realize their dreams and achieve their individual
potential through quality community programs and services
that include housing in group homes, vocational and
day program training, recreation, advocacy, and family
education and support.
For further information about New Concepts, call 201-843-3427
or visit the organization’s web site at www.ncfl.net.
