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Welcome to the Family Support Center of New Jersey
The Family Support Center is a clearinghouse of up-to-date information on national, state and local family support programs, services and disabilities. The Center offers a "One-Stop-Shopping" approach to individuals seeking information on disabilities and services by providing them with easy access to a comprehensive array of services.
Services, programs and website are made possible through support and funding from the
New Jersey State Division of Developmental Disabilities.
The Family Support Center (FSC) offers a comprehensive array of FREE services.
You can also access our FREE New Jersey Information Center by calling 1-800-372-6510
(TDD users, call through NJ Relay at 1-800-852-7899)
Our services include...
 Real Life Choices is a self -directed approach that represents a system change. It provides services and supports based on an individual budget. The consumer and family can purchase services and supports to achieve the outcomes they have identified in their Plan of Care. To learn more and to download documents for Real Life Choices click here.The Resource Database offers information on programs, services and resources on a wide range of disabilities, diseases and disorders. With just one toll-free phone call, families and professionals may request an individualized search and printout based on their specifications. Included in the information is the name of the service provider, phone number address and any eligibility and financial requirement that apply.
 Fourth Annual Caregivers Retreat for Women - Register Online Today!Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness Mercerville, NJ - May 15th, 2008. This fantastic event is entering its fourth year and it just keeps getting better. Join us for an invigorating day of pampering, great speakers and informational exhibits and health screenings. Click here to view brochure!Registration is required and space is limited for more information contact Cheryl Guaimano (732)528-8080.
Life Line for the Journey - Register Online Today! Have you been wondering what the future holds for you and your family with a developmental disability? Then don't miss the Division of Developmental Disabilities' new Interactive Information Sessions - Life Line for the Journey. At this session you will learn about the different systems that may touch your life, what each has to offer, and what some of the similarities and differences are among them. Families of children from birth to age 14 are encouraged to attend. Join other families, become empowered and engaged in life's journey! The 2008 schedule is available here. Sessions will be scheduled throughout the state. Click here to view session flyer. Please register online or by calling the Family Support Center at (800)FSC-NJ10 or (800)372-6510.
Pathways to Adult Life - Register Online Today!The Division of Developmental Disabilities invites you to an Education and Information Session for Pathways to Adult Life, click here for the 2008 Statewide Schedule of Information Sessions. To learn more about Transition Services and Self Direction for young adults transition from school to adult life, click here to view informational flyer. Students with developmental disabilities age 14 -19 and their families are encouraged to attend. Please register online or by calling the Family Support Center at (800)FSC-NJ10 or (800)372-6510.
Life After 21 - Register Online Today! Families Register click here. Life After 21 is a two part training series addressing the concerns of students with developmental disabilities ages 20 & 21 and their families as they approach the adult service systems.
Life After 21 - Part I is offered in the Fall and Life After 21 - Part II is offered in the Spring. These sessions are open to individuals registered with The Division of Developmental Disabilities and identified as 20 & 21 years of age and their families.
Life After 21 Part I - provides skills and tools to plan supports and services based on individual needs. Overview of eligibility criteria for DDD Day Services and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). Resource information regarding DDD Day Program/Day Service options and DVRS contact information will be distributed to participants.
Life After 21 Part II - provides information on the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Traditional Day Programs Supports and DDD Self-Directed options (Real Life Choices for Transition) and "The Provider Marketplace" which is an opportunity for families to become acquainted with Agencies providing supports and services in their neighborhoods.
Life After 21 - Part II *We have reached capacity for providers in ALL sessions. We thank you for the the interest, be we can no longer take any more registrations for providers.
The Provider Marketplace is an opportunity for families to become acquainted with Adult Agencies/Service Organizations providing supports and services in their neighborhoods. Each agency will have 3 minutes to introduce themselves and identify the supports and services they provide for young adults transitioning from school to adult life.
Please bring marketing materials for approximately 75-100 people. Most spaces will not have display tables, so be prepared to keep materials as compact as possible. Space is extremely limited. Registration is on a first come basis. Confirmation notices will be mailed.
2008 National Caregivers Conference - Wednesday, October 29th Woodbridge Hotel and Conference Center formerly the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place, Iselin NJ
An annual event that focuses on respite, family supports, caregiving, mental health and prevention of abuse and neglect and much more. The National Caregivers Conference is a place where professionals, parents and individuals come together to learn and discuss new approaches to caregiving issues. Our conference will host workshop sessions, informational exhibits and inspirational speakers. This year we proudly announce our keynote speaker, Lee Woodruff a freelance writer and wife of Bob Woodruff. Together they authored the book In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing. The New York Times best-selling book about their family's difficult journey during Bob's critical injury in Iraq while anchoring a broadcast for ABC News. For more information please call
(732)528-8080 or 1-800-372-6510 (NJ residents only) or visit us on the web at www.nationalcaregiversconference.org. To capture a glimpse of our exciting 2007 National Caregivers Conference moments click here. (Please allow a few moments for the pictures to load.)
Surfer's Healing 20084th Annual Beach Bash & Surf Camp - Sunday, September 7th - Belmar, NJ! An estimated 1,400 people came out last year and enjoyed a family day at the beach which featured a DJ, fun in the sun and a delicious lunch! *Registration to surf with Surfer's Healing will open on May 31st via www.surfershealing.org at 12:00 a.m. California time. Space is limited and fills very quickly. Registration for Beach Bash also required call (877)237-4477. To catch a glimpse of last years near perfect event click here. (Please allow a few minutes for the pictures to load.)
3rd Annual Seaside Soiree Friday, September 5th WINDANSEA Highlands NJ Join us for a tropical night with great food, friends and festive music.For more information, call Jacqui Moskowitz (800)372-6510. New Jersey Statewide Parent to Parent - in collaboration with SPANThe Parent to Parent Program connects parents of children with disabilities who are seeking mutual support with other parents who have been there. Family members share experiences, resources, and encouragement. Parents may be matched with another parent for information on a specific topic, such as, education, medical issues, or just to talk with another parent who understand how they feel.
A Family-Friendly Guide to New Jersey Developmental Disability Community. OPTIONS includes information on support programs, advocacy, education, recreation, financial assistance and practical parent to parent tips. This resource manual is free to family members and is available to professionals at a nominal cost. The new Options Manual is now online, just click on the link above or call our office to request your new edition today!
Lending LibraryThe lending hosts over 3000 books, videos, newsletters and reference materials on specific disabilities, family support programs and other resources. Information is available on topics including, disabilities, respite care, parenting issues, education, recreation and much more. Materials meay be borrowed for one month. Returned postage is prepaid.
$$ Cash Subsidy Program $$This program helps families and individuals with developmental disabilities defray the expenses associated with special needs. New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities eligibility is required, along with a referral from the Division.
Private Respite NetworkThe Center maintains a database of Private Providers statewide, who are available to provide in-home respite services. Family members may call the Center to request a printout of the providers available in their area. Information includes provider's availability, educational background and requested hourly rate for care. If you would like to provide respite services, and if you would like to be listed in our Statewide Private Respite Network, please click here to print out forms. Once completed, return it to The Family Support Center of NJ.
Emergency MedicationLimited Funds available for families who are temporarily unable to afford the purchase of their anticonvulsant medication.
Guardianship StipendsThis program helps families care for their family members with developmental disabilities. New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities eligibility is required, along with a referral from the division.
Speakers BureauFamily Support Center'r Staff and volunteers speak to parent groups and organizations statewide, free of charge, to raise awareness of resources and services available to families and individuals with disabilities.
Monthly EzineThe Family Support Center's Monthly Ezine is now available online. Click here for the latest issue. We hope that you will enjoy reading all of the resources that are provided.
We Want To Hear From You!Family Support Center would like to provide you with up-to-date information and hear your comments. Click here to give us your Feedback or to sign up for our monthly Ezine.
Employment Opportunities - Full Time Resource Coordinator Manasquan, NJProvide information and referrals to all callers seeking services from the Family Support Center as needed. Assist with outreach for all projects. Participate with coordination of the annual conference. Participate with statewide exhibits and presentations. Assist Director and Senior Resource Coordinator with other relevant tasks, as necessary. Experience necessary in the human services field and knowledge of state disability programs and general assistance programs. Bilingual appliants needed. Interested applicants should contact Senior Resource Coordinator, Ramona Carmeci (732)528-8080.
Internship OpportunitiesThe Family Support Center of NJ is seeking dedicated individuals willing to assist our staff in various areas. Past interns have undertaken important projects that have provided services, assistance and resources to families throughout New Jersey and surrounding states. Most internships are uncompensated. However, we work with colleges and universities to assure that interns receive academic credit. Flexible scheduling is available. For more information, please contact Laura Kay at 1-800-372-6510 or by email at Laura.Kay@fscnj.org
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The Family Support Center of New Jersey
2516 Route 35 North
Manasquan, New Jersey 08736
Call 1-800-372-6510 (NJ Only) or 732-528-8080 TDD Users call
through NJ Relay at 1-800-852-7899