Recent reports indicate that New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in the nation. Mt. Bethel Village began addressing this concern long before the latest statistics were released. It is a unique project on several levels. The $7.5-million facility, completed in January 2013, is designed specifically for adults with autism and other special needs, with nationally recommended attention to: safety and security; a clear layout to maximize familiarity; clean, simple lines, eliminating visual clutter; minimizing sensory overload by using familiar materials and muted colors; appropriate lighting; and acoustics that reduce ambient noise as much as possible.
Unlike any other residence on the East Coast, Mt. Bethel Village most closely resembles an assisted living community, with private apartments for 40 residents in a safe, modern building that complements the character of its surroundings. It provides extensive, planned activities, exercise venues, a dining room, game room, computer lab and trained staff to help the special needs adults maximize their independence and self-determination.
A key component of Mt. Bethel Village is community participation. The facility intends to involve both Day Program and full-time Residential Program clients in appropriate volunteer and employment opportunities in Warren
Township. Similarly, Mt. Bethel invites Warren Township organizations to the facility for tours, and other events and programs that will benefit not only Village residents but community residents as well. Mt. Bethel Village already has demonstrated its commitment to being a great neighbor by reaching out to the community and its leadership for advice and support as the Village was developed.
With its proximity to the Autism Think Tank founded by Dr. Paul Abend, the father of an autistic child, and the Developmental Learning Center, a school for children with autism or autistic-like behavior, Mt. Bethel Village is now part of Warren Township’s legacy of progressive treatment, education and housing for the autistic community.
In addition to Mt. Bethel Village’s 30 employees and the 45 workers hired for the building’s construction, numerous other local contractors, vendors and suppliers will benefit from the facility’s operation.
ARCHITECT
Douglas J. Coleman & Associates
Warren
BUILDER
HAF, Inc.
Warren
FINANCE ENTITY
Two River Community Bank
Summit
NOMINATOR
Hon. Victor Sordillo, Mayor
Township of Warren