North Jersey Friendship House

125 Atlantic Avenue

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 488-2121

Fax: (201) 488-4157

http://www.njfriendshiphouse.org

Helping People with Disabilities:

North Jersey Friendship House is a not for profit 501 (c) (3) organization located in Hackensack, New Jersey., providing comprehensive, behavioral health services, pre-vocational training, job training and employment services for adults with varying abilities. For each member, we develop and individual plan of programs and services taking into consideration his or her specific needs, interests and skills.

Established in 1984 as a storefront operation by the Teaneck Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, Friendship House has grown into a 30,000 square foot facility which services 700 individuals annually. In recent years, Friendship House has expanded to include an Adults with Autism Day Program, which operates in three locations throughout Bergen County.

Most members are sponsored by Medicaid or the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). For those who are not eligible for either, we accept private insurance or fee for service.

Our Mission:

The mission of North Jersey Friendship House is to build the skills of individuals with varying abilities and developmental needs by providing, within a safe haven, comprehensive clinical treatment, vocational training and work opportunities in order to achieve meaningful and productive lives.

Pre-Voc & Job Training

Learn job readiness skills and good work habits in our supportive and structured pre-vocational training programs.

Food Services:

*Food Preparation

*Cooking/Baking

*Serving

Maintenance:

*General Building Cleaning

*Floor Maintenance

Computer Lab:

*Microsoft Office

*Microsoft Windows

*Internet Navigation

Workshop:

*Heat Sealing

*Mailings

*Product Packaging

Clinical Services and Supported Employment:

We provide comprehensive behavioral health services. Each member is assigned to a counselor and together they develop individualized treatment plans goals.

This enables members to identify their needs and preferences with the goal of maximizing their social, vocational and personal potential. The primary objective is to provide members with a safe, supportive environment in which to learn skills, explore concerns, normalize experiences and increase socialization.

Our Job Coaching staff provide the following services:

*Pre-Placement: Resume writing, applications submission, interviewing skills, travel training and customized employment searches.

*Job Coaching: onsite or offsite support and educating employers about members’ abilities and challenges.

*Long Term Follow Along: Ongoing onsite or off site job support with the client and employer to help them maintain employment.

Adults with Autism Day Program:

Our Adults with Autism Day Program includes four program sections. Placement in each section depends upon independent abilities and staff ratio needs. Each program includes:

*Skills and needs assessment

*Individual counseling to help each member establish goals and attain personal growth.

*Behavioral on staff and ABA consultant

*Skill building training: Activities of Daily Living, social skills, leisure skills, healthy lifestyle technology, graphic arts and more.

*Functional academics: Money management, community.purchasing, safety and more..

*Job sampling and internships

*Family consultants

Innovative Culinary Opportunity Network (ICON)

ICON is an intensive 12 week culinary skills training program for adults with Autism and other varying abilities. Participants become familiar with common food prep/cooking techniques and appliances used in professional kitchens. Upon graduation from ICON each participant will receive a nationally recognized Serv Safe Certification.

Custodial Learning for Employment and Networking (CLEAN):

CLEAN is an innovative 8 week custodial services training program open to adults with varying abilities who are work ready. Participants are prepared for custodial and facilities maintenance employment through a combination of classroom activities, hands on demonstration guest speakers and site visits.

Adolescent Career Exploration (ACE):

Adolescent Career Exploration (ACE) enables students with disabilities, 16 and older, who are DVR clients, to gain a better understanding of post -secondary education options and employment opportunities. ACE follows a Three Phase structure that includes Career Exploration/Workforce Readiness, Work-based Learning  and Internships.

Teaching Adolescents Skills Towards Employment (TASTE):

Teaching Adolescents Skills Towards Employment (TASTE) is an 18 week, comprehensive food service training and job placement program for youth aged 14-17 who have been involved in the juvenile system. TASTE is held on Saturdays from 10:00am-3:00pm.

Hours of Operation: We are available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Our structured program activities are offered from 8:00am until 3:00pm.

http://www.njfriendshiphouse.org

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from Friendship House’s pamphlet and I give them full credit for the work. Please call them for more information on the programs.