On Monday night at 8pm, be sure to tune in for our newest episode of Hope Saves the Day on Autism Radio .Tonight's shows Guest will be with Executive Director Carolann Garafola
5 Time, Mayor of Warren Township, NJ, will be in charge of the day-to-day operation of Mt. Bethel Village when it is completed in the fall of 2012. During construction, she will be educating the community about the mission of Mt. Bethel Village, connecting with families of prospective residents and hiring staff.
Prior to her appointment, Mrs. Garafola was the principal of Horizon High School of Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey, a non-profit agency in Livingston that supports individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Prior to that, she was Executive Director and Principal of the Children’s Therapy Center in Fairlawn and a public school administrator in Bergen County. She holds New Jersey Superintendent and Principal certifications.
For more than 20 years, Mrs. Garafola has also been a public official in Warren Township, first as a member of the school board, then as a member of the Township’s governing body. She is currently serving her sixth term in public office as Mayor and expects to continue in public service.
Mt. Bethel Village is a unique concept that provides safety, comfort and enjoyment of life to adults with autism, developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injuries. The model employs an assisted living approach pioneered by the senior provider community, but specifically tailored to address the unique learning and social support needs of its residents. The program provides extensive social skills training and counseling supports, higher-level life skills training, exposure to employment opportunities, case management and health services. Staff support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Prior to acceptance, each prospective resident receives an extensive assessment to ensure a compatible integration of the individual's needs with the support services provided by Mt. Bethel Village. Once accepted, the individual resides in his/her own apartment and may choose to participate in an array of enriching and fun activities. The individual and his/her family work closely with the Mt. Bethel team to develop a person-centered program to meet their needs and goals. While Mt. Bethel Village is not a medical facility, medical support staff including a nurse, physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist and behaviorist will be available to the residents. In addition, all Day Program activities are included for Mt. Bethel residents.
The Mt. Bethel Day Program offers many of the same activities and supports for adults with autism, developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries in a day program that runs from approximately 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Families may drop off their loved one in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. The program is available for as many days per week as is appropriate for the client.
The Mt Bethel Day Program offers such activities as music, dance, yoga, sports, current events discussions, a men's and women's club and a computer skills lab. In addition, optional activities are offered late in the afternoon and/or early evening and on the weekends for residents so that those who do want to participate may be engaged seven days a week in activities that are safe and enjoyable
http://www.mtbethelvillage.com/