A handful of residents with special needs and their family members urged West Windsor Council on June 14 to apply for a $20,000 grant from the state Department of Community Affairs for the development of recreational programs for individuals with disabilities.
The measure, which was unanimously approved later during the meeting, allows the mayor to apply for the grant. If it is successful in obtaining the grant, West Windsor would be required to match 20 percent of the total amount to comply with the requirements of the grant.
Joan Nester, whose son Robert went through the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district’s special program, told council that “since he has been out of school, there has been little opportunity, and he needs support, as do his peers.”
The concerns were echoed by Hope Corman, whose daughter benefited from the recreational programs offered in the township. Having the opportunities “fills a very important void in the lives of our adult children” after leaving school, she said. The programs allow them to “maintain ties with peers with whom they went to school.”
There are “very few social and recreational opportunities,” and “for many years, this has been an under-served group in the community,” she added.
As an economist, she said she understood the importance of keeping costs down, but said that the grant covers 80 percent of the costs of running the program, with a majority of the rest of the costs being covered through registrations. In the worst case scenario, it would cost the township $4,000, she said.
Her daughter, Jessica, also spoke during the meeting. She told the council that she went through the program at Maurice Hawk, Community, and High School South. For the past six years, she has worked at Wegman’s. She said she has enjoyed the recreation programs, including yoga and dance offered by the township for residents with disabilities. “Please continue these activities,” she said.
Nantanee Koppstein, another resident whose child has a disability, also urged the council to approve submitting the grant. If successful, the opportunities “will expand fivefold.”
Each of the council members stressed the importance of passing the resolution allowing the grant application. Councilwoman Diane Ciccone said the move could help meet the township’s goal of social sustainability by ensuring “everyone can grow and thrive as a member of the community.”
