Simulated Essex County Town Helps People With Disabilities Enjoy Holidays

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — There's a lack of programs for adults with special needs, but LifeTown — an Essex County-based 53,000 square-foot facility for people with disabilities and their families — serves those from all age groups. And local first responders periodically stop by to help.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, members of one local police department volunteered as "storekeepers" at the facility, located in Livingston.

Schools from throughout the Tristate area visit the LifeTown Shoppes, which allow them to simulate buying groceries at ShopRite and caring for animals at the pet shop. They also visit the bank and catch a movie at the theater.

“Research shows that people with special needs are more likely to have police encounters than their peers. Visiting LifeTown helps our department become more aware and understanding," said Livingston Police Officer Joy Klapal, who coordinates community outreach programs in her department.

The LifeTown Shoppes feature a town square with streets, traffic lights, a park, sidewalks and shops. At 11,000 square feet, this is the largest area in LifeTown, which also features a gym, therapeutic activity wing and more.

The LifeTown Shoppes help students master lessons taught in the school curricula. But they also help first responders understand how to interact with the students.

“There are many situations that escalate because someone does not recognize the signs or understand how to interact with people who have special needs," said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of LifeTown. "These visits help the police department be more comfortable interacting with the students and helps the students feel more at ease with the officers.”

LifeTown is Friendship Circle’s 53,000 square foot center redefining the landscape for individuals with special needs. Its recreational, therapeutic, and educational facilities, the first of the kind in the region, cater to the needs of children, teens, and adults. Visit www.LifeTown.com to find out more.

Friendship Circle of New Jersey provides support for children and teens with special needs and their families, as well as meaningful volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit www.fcnj.com