Guttenberg Center for Special Services

Sunday Social Skills Classes and Other Programs

AgesSchool age and teens

Social Skills, Sunday FunDay!, On Our Own and Project PALS

Group photo on a field trip.

Our Sunday programs are designed to develop socialization and communication skills through age appropriate structured activities in a natural environment.

All programs are facilitated by experienced, caring professionals. All groups are thoughtfully formed based on age and compatibility.

An intake interview is required for all new potential participants prior to finalizing registration.

The Guttenberg Center for Special Services at the JCC is a qualified agency through NJ Childrens System of Care/PerformCare and DDD.  

For more information contact, Ruthie Bashan, Director of the Guttenberg Center for Special Services, rbashan@jccotp.org, 201.408.1489

Two adults doing arts and crafts.
High five at bowling.
Petting zoo with a bunny.
Field day.
Friends smiling together.
Man watering a garden.
Two kids playing together.
Teen girl reading to a young boy.
Three adults just finishing the Rubin Run.
Swim instructor helping a woman swim in the pool.
Swim instructor and student in the pool.
Woman with her arm around a girl.

Sunday Programs

Sunday FunDay!

Ages 4-8

This two-hour session focuses on building social skills, reciprocal interactions, communicative skills, sharing, turn-taking, parallel play, choice time, outdoor play, and music therapy. This class is for children with intellectual and developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder. A high level of supervision is provided by staff and trained volunteers.

The JCC will follow all federal, state, and local safety protocols, guidelines, and health requirements.

Schedules and program activities are subject to change based on this guidance.

Fall Semester 10 am-12 pm 9/15/24 (15 sessions) $850 member/$950 public

For more information, contact Simara Bruhim, Associate Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services, sbruhim@jccotp.org, 201-408-1426.

Sunday Social Skills

Ages 8-15

Provides age-appropriate activities that enhance pro-social skills development in a natural setting for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, and learning and communication differences, who are conversational and can independently participate within a 1:2 staffing ratio. Activities include music appreciation, game play, and social-skills building.

The Kaplen JCC is a qualified agency through NJ Children’s System of Care/PerformCare.

Social Skills 1
Activities include social skills, sports and games, music therapy, art, outdoor play, choice time and more.

Social Skills 2
Activities include social skills, sports, fitness and games, art, outdoor play, choice time and more.

The JCC will follow all federal, state and local safety protocols, guidelines, and health requirements.

Schedules and program activities are subject to change based on this guidance.

Fall Semester 10 am-12 pm 9/15/24 (15 sessions) $850 member/$950 public

For more information, contact Simara Bruhim, Associate Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services, sbruhim@jccotp.org, 201-408-1426.

Youth Weekday Programs

Mommy/Daddy and Me for Special Little Ones

Ages 3 months-3 years old

Our Mommy/Daddy and Me weekly class is designed exclusively for parents of children recently diagnosed with special needs. This class will provide bonding activities, parent-to-parent support, engaging and interactive play sessions, expert-led discussions on child development, supportive environment for sharing experiences, building a community of understanding and encouragement, and enhancing your parenting skills.

The JCC will follow all federal, state, and local safety protocols, guidelines, and health requirements.

Schedules and program activities are subject to change based on this guidance.

Tuesdays 11:00 am-12:30 pm 9/17/24 (10 sessions) $450 member/$550 public

For more information, contact Ruthie Bashan, Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services, rbruhim@jccotp.org, 201-408-1489.

Project PALS

Ages 17+

This afternoon program is for teens and young adults with sufficient self-help skills to independently participate within a 1:3 staffing ratio. Activities include swim, life skills, music appreciation and cooking.

The Kaplen JCC is a qualified agency through NJ Children’s System of Care/PerformCare.

Tuesdays 4:30 pm-6:30 pm 9/17/24 (16 sessions) $1400 member/$1500 public

For more information, contact Simara Bruhim, Associate Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services, sbruhim@jccotp.org, 201-408-1426.

Adult Weekday Programs

Afternoon Connections

Ages 21+

Afternoon Enrichment and Respite Program at the Guttenberg Center for Special Services offers an extended-day initiative tailored for young adults aged 21 and above. Offering a balanced mix of life skills development and recreational activities, including self-care skills, cooking, shopping, and engaging pursuits at the JCC, our program fosters growth and enrichment in a nurturing environment. With flexible scheduling options tailored to your needs and a minimum participation requirement of 4 individuals, our program promises personalized support and meaningful experiences for every participant.

The JCC will follow all federal, state, and local safety protocols, guidelines, and health requirements.

Schedules and program activities are subject to change based on this guidance.

Monday-Thursday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm 9/15/24 (Ongoing)

For more information, contact Ruthie Bashan, Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services, rbruhim@jccotp.org, 201-408-1489.

Aging in Place

Ages 46+

This DDD-qualified Aging in Place Habilitation Day Program offers a nurturing and enriching environment for older adults with developmental disabilities, fostering independence and well-being. Tailored to meet individual needs, our program focuses on maintaining skills, promoting social engagement, and enhancing quality of life. Through a variety of stimulating activities, personalized care plans, and supportive staff, participants receive the attention and encouragement they need to thrive. From cognitive exercises to recreational outings, we prioritize dignity, respect, and meaningful connections, ensuring each member feels valued and empowered. An extensive intake assessment process is required.

The Kaplen JCC is a qualified agency through NJ Children’s System of Care/PerformCare.

The JCC will follow all federal, state and local safety protocols, guidelines, and health requirements.

Schedules and program activities are subject to change based on this guidance.

Monday-Friday 9:15 am-2:15 pm 9/5/24 (Ongoing)

For more information, contact Simara Bruhim, Associate Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services, sbruhim@jccotp.org, 201-408-1426.

Project PALS

Ages 17+

This afternoon program is for teens and young adults with sufficient self-help skills to independently participate within a 1:3 staffing ratio. Activities include swim, life skills, music appreciation and cooking.

The Kaplen JCC is a qualified agency through NJ Children’s System of Care/PerformCare.

Tuesdays 4:30 pm-6:30 pm 9/17/24 (16 sessions) $1400 member/$1500 public

For more information, contact Simara Bruhim, Associate Director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services, sbruhim@jccotp.org, 201-408-1426.