Let The First Occupational Center of New Jersey (OCNJ) Give you the break you need by providing loving care to your developmentally disabled family member while you get on with the business of life

You provide the best care for your family member when you can be at home, but when you can't be there, trust the OCNJ Respite Care staff to provide the same level of care in your absence.

Whether you need time away for work, school, recreation, or other life obligations, we can provide relief and support to your developmentally disabled family memeber. Eligible familes can receive these services, at no charge, through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

WE OFFER:

COMPANIONSHIP

Our trained Respite Care staff spends time in your home providing companionship for your disabled family member. Times of service are determined by your family’s needs. This service is provided to children and adults of all ages.

COMMUNITY TRIPS

Offered to eligible adults, participants in this program can select from a variety of supervised Saturday recreational trips, including bowling, movies, plays, museums, and sporting and outdoor events. Transportation from your home to the event and back again is provided by OCNJ vans.

WEEKDAY RECREATION

Participants gather at OCNJ ’ s Lakeside School for afternoons filled with social and recreational fun. Activities include games, cooking, crafts, aerobics, and neighborhood trips. Transportation from school to home is provided by OCNJ vans.

This program is open to eligible residents, of Essex , Bergen , Hudson , and Passaic Counties, ages 13 to adult.

These services are provided by The First Occupational Center of New Jersey, with funding support from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, through the Human Services Advisory Council for Essex County . Programs are offered to families who meet the eligibility requirements of the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities. If your family is interested in receiving Respite Care services,please contact your DDD Case Manager or the DDD Intake for your county.

For more information about OCNJ's Respite Care Services call 973-429-5500 or contact Tanya Edghill at Tanya.Edghill@ocnj.org

To learn more about the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities visit their website at this link.