www.spectrumforliving.org
OUR HISTORY In 1978, a small group of Bergen County parents who had children with developmental disabilities gathered to discuss a shared concern:
Who would care for their adult disabled children in a barrier-free environment when they could no longer do so? Their concern was the impetus behind Spectrum for Living, and the dream of our founding parents Alexander Gallione, Rena Kamena, Adele Guttenberg, Edna Melosh, and Annette Levy was realized.
In 1983, the first Spectrum for Living site opened its doors in Closter, New Jersey - Spectrum’s Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) - which houses up to 60 clients who require medically intensive support. As the facility grew in popularity and community supporters began to multiply, Spectrum for Living expanded and amplified its community impact. Today, Spectrum for Living operates across
27 service locations
Bergen, Passaic, and Middlesex counties than
1,000
and serves more
adults with disabilities each year.
OUR MISSION To enable individuals who have developmental and/or physical disabilities to have the opportunity to attain their highest level of skills, purpose, and independence with dignity through an ongoing commitment to comprehensive quality services, advocacy, and family partnership.
OUR VISION We envision a future where all individuals with developmental disabilities have opportunities to live healthy, safe, and enjoyable lives. Our goal is to provide full access to services that promote independence, community integration, and freedom from physical barriers.
OUR VALUES We believe that individuals with disabilities have the right to exercise personal choice and make meaningful decisions in their own lives. Our services embody a lifespan approach that is flexible and responsive to the changing needs of each individual throughout his or her lifetime.
POPULATION SERVED Spectrum for Living provides a multitude of services for adults with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities. We serve individuals across all income levels, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, including adults with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida, psychiatric needs, and other neurological impairments.
Many of our clients have substantial functional limitations, including those with a limited capacity for:
Mobility Learning Self-Care
Expression Self-Direction Independent Living
A large majority of our clients reflect the need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services which are individually planned and coordinated.
Learn more about our population and programs by scheduling a tour
!
Call us at (201) 358-8000 to plan your visit.
SERVICES & PROGRAMS Spectrum for Living provides a wide variety of services, including intermediate care for those requiring medically intensive support, barrier-free housing, adult day programs, case management, respite services, and recreational programs.
Each year, we serve upwards of
1,000 clients
providing access to...
285 community
600 hours of
integration
job training and
opportunities
workplace readiness
500
950
recreational
hours of behavioral and
programs
psychological mental
and events
health services
ADULT TRAINING CENTERS Our Adult Training Centers provide a variety of stimulating programs, which help clients with skill-building. Clients participate in art therapy, computer applications, music classes, community integration, sensory integration, workplace readiness, and cognitive development programs.
HEALTH CARE We provide comprehensive health care services for our residents and community clients at our sites. Our Medical Director oversees the provision of quality care, including nursing services, behavioral health, physical, occupational, speech, and dietary therapies.
HOUSING We care for clients in an intermediate care facility, group homes, and supervised apartments. Our Intermediate Care Facility provides care for our most medically intensive residents. Our homes provide clients with private rooms and common living areas. Our apartments offer private rooms, a shared living room, and adaptive kitchens and bathrooms.
RECREATION Our Recreational Programs offer our clients the freedom to make their own choices, become active members of society, and have access to the same opportunities as other adults. Clients participate in dances, games, arts, music, and field trips. These activities improve the quality of life of our clients, offering new means of socialization, integration, and sensory development.
RESPITE CARE Our Family Respite Program provides a safe, secure, and warm environment for families of those with disabilities. We offer short-term respite stays at our Bergenfield Community Respite Home and area hotels, and we also offer a Saturday Respite Program.
SUPPORT SERVICES Our Support Services Unit offers in-home training, community-based support, and community inclusion services. We work to link adults with developmental disabilities and their families living in the community to essential services such as benefits/entitlements, housing, day programs, and support services.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers are an essential part of the Spectrum for Living culture. Each individual who donates their time by volunteering with us helps to enrich the quality of life for our clients.
Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Adopting a Garden
Assisting Recreation
Offering a Friendly Visit
Help plant and
Help at recreation
Bring a favorite game
maintain gardens at
events, including
to play, a small craft
our client homes and
dances, arts and
activity, or entertain
recreational
crafts, cooking, talent
our clients with your
facilities.
shows, and more.
musical talents.
Providing
Teaching a
Facilitating
Office Support
Trade/Skill
Pet Therapy
Assist with social
Provide instruction in
Bring your certified
media, training,
computers, cooking,
therapy dog to visit
finance, human
music, art, and/or
our residential and
resource management,
woodworking to our
recreational facilities
billing, and more!
residents.
to meet our clients.
Access our volunteer/internship application by visiting
www.spectrumforliving.org/volunteer
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES If you enjoy helping people and are looking to make a positive difference in the lives of adults with disabilities then Spectrum for Living is for you.
Employment opportunities range from entry-level through managerial level positions, from direct-care opportunities to program assistants, directors, and more!
We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a rewarding career environment geared towards upward mobility and a positive work-life balance.
Join our winning team and see current job offerings by visiting
www.spectrumforliving.org/careers . 100% of Spectrum for Living employees agree that Spectrum for Living offers a positive work environment filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth coupled with a potential for career enhancement.
SUPPORT SPECTRUM FOR LIVING Your gift to Spectrum for Living enables us to achieve our goal of helping adults with disabilities reach their highest potential.
Every dollar donated helps change the life of an adult living with a developmental, physical, or intellectual disability.
Donations support our recreation programs, capital improvement needs, adaptive equipment updates, and/or other services not covered by federal and state funding.
To see our full list of giving opportunities or to make a donation online, please visit:
www.spectrumforliving.org/giving
CONTACT US Corporate Office 210 Rivervale Road, Suite 3 River Vale, NJ 07675
(201) 358-8000 Main Office
(201) 358-8081 Development Team (201) 358-8005/8006 Human Resource Office (201) 358-8000 x3042 Support Services Unit (201) 358-8000 x3026 Volunteer Services
General Inquiries contact@spectrumforliving.org
Social Media @ SpectrumforLiving
210 Rivervale Road, Suite 3 River Vale, NJ 07675 (201) 358-8000 www.spectrumforliving.org