Guttenberg Center for Special Services
The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is committed to creating a safe space where all are welcome.
The Guttenberg Center for Special Services provides both direct and indirect services for individuals with disabilities. We offer a full range of programming for individuals from childhood through adulthood.
For Children and Teens
Sunday FunDay Social Skills for children ages 4-8
Sunday Social Skills for children ages 5-10
Sunday Social Skills for children ages 10-15
Project PALS after school life skills program for teens ages 14-21
Camp Haverim for children and teens ages 5-21
For Young Adults and Adults
Year Round Daily Shelley W. Levy Adult Day Program for young adults ages 21-35
Sunday Young Adult On Our Own life skills program
Life Skills Development Center and Circle of Friend for young adults ages 20s-30s
Aging in Place ages 46+
Family and Caregiver Programs
NEW! Mommy and Daddy and Me for Children with Disabilities
Monthly Parent Support Group – Children and Teens
Monthly Parent Support Group – Adults
Monthly Siblings are Special Too
Inclusive PlayDates- Connecting Special Hearts
We also provide supports and accommodations as appropriate to individuals in fully inclusive classes and programs in a natural environment. Individuals are encouraged to participate in all JCC programs and classes. Please contact Ruthie Bashan, Director of the Guttenberg Center for Special Services, rbashan@jccotp.org, 201.408.1489 for any further information or to request special accommodations.
Our Mission
The Guttenberg Center for Special Services goal is to provide an environment where people with disabilities have the opportunity to reach his or her own potential. We are committed to the belief that all participants have access to appropriate social, recreational, cultural and educational experiences in a natural community setting.
Our programs are designed to provide appropriate supports to participants within an inclusive, nurturing environment, and to work toward meeting the specific needs of each person in our community.
History
The Guttenberg Center for Special Services was established by Adele and Bill Guttenberg (of blessed memory). This endowment continues to support ongoing vital programs and services for individuals with disabilities and has enabled the JCC to be an accessible agency.
Guttenberg Center for Special Services Resources
Resources
Shelley W. Levy Adult Day Program
Sunday Social Skills Classes and Other Programs
All Ability Allies
Special Services Summer Camps
Social Stars
FAQs
About the Staff
All classes are staffed by professionals in the area of special education, and other related services. Paid assistants are high school seniors and college students. Volunteers range from junior high school students to mature adults.
How do I begin?
All new participants are required to have an intake interview with the Special Services Director to determine appropriate program placement and supports. Final program placement must be approved by the Director and Program Coordinator.
Is my application confidential?
All official documentation provided to the Kaplen JCC is kept in the strictest confidence and only used to meet each participant’s individual needs.
Who can apply?
Programs at the Guttenberg Center for Special Services are open to both Kaplen JCC members and the public, including all classes and for camping. A minimum of 4 participants is required to run any program or class.
Is tuition reimbursable?
The Kaplen JCC is a qualified provider of the State of NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Children & Families(DCF)/PerformCare, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Medicaid. We accept payments from other Service Agency Providers as well as sending school districts.
Can I apply for government financial aid?
In order to receive services through the state, children must be registered with New Jersey DCF/PerformCare. For more information, go to www.performcarenj.org.
Adults (21+) must be registered with New Jersey DDD and be Medicaid approved. For more information, go to www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd.
Does the JCC provide scholarships?
Limited financial aid and scholarship assistance is available for families with documented financial need.
Contact Us
Have a confidential question that you would like an answer to?
Reach out to our team, we’d love to hear from you and provide you with the important information you are looking for.
Monthly Parent/Caregiver Supports Groups
Looking for a professional facilitated support group for parents and caregivers of similar age children with disabilities?
Fill out our confidential form for further information and we will surely be in touch with you.