Volunteers Wanted At Unique Special Needs Center In Livingston

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Here’s your chance to role play for the greater good, New Jersey.

“LifeTown,” a Livingston-based center that gives young people with special needs a place to practice real-world life skills without being judged, is looking for adult volunteers to help power the unique, beloved facility.

In LifeTown, visitors can explore a stunningly accurate replica “Main Street,” which is full of the sights and sounds people would encounter in their own neighborhoods – a grocery store, a bank, a movie theater, a doctor's office, a bookstore.

• See related article: Replica 'Main Street' In NJ Empowers Special Needs Youth (VIDEO)
• See related article: LifeTown In Livingston Gets Its Own Supermarket

The estimated 6,500 students and 35,000 community members who enjoy LifeTown every year rely on the goodwill and acting skills of thousands of volunteers, who play the roles of shopkeepers, florists, bankers and more.

Other volunteers work behind the scenes, working one-on-one with young adults practicing job skills, helping with sports programs or putting their creative skills to good use at arts-and-crafts workshops.

Background checks are required. Learn more about volunteering at LifeTown, which is located at 10 Microlab Road in Livingston.

The 53,000-square-foot facility at 10 Microlab Road is a years-long project spearheaded by nonprofit Friendship Circle. It's been building up an eager buzz, earning accolades from elected officials and celebrities such as U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Ivanka Trump.

In July, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association recognized the facility with a Good Neighbor Award, which honor redevelopment projects in New Jersey that benefit their communities and improve the state's economic landscape.

• See related article: LifeTown In Livingston Earns 'Good Neighbor' Award (VIDEO)

Corporate partners at LifeTown include Maplewood-based Words Bookstore, ShopRite, RWJ/Barnabas Health, Regal Bank and DCH Audi.

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