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Director Kelly Keenan-Clifford, a Lyndhurst resident has been running the workshop for a little over two years, and has more than 26 years of experience in the field of special education, transition and supportive employment.
The program provides many services for individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities and physical disabilities.
"We work on socialization skills, daily living skills and recreational outings," Keenan-Clifford said. "We also participate in many community activities."
They pitch in with the Visiting Homemakers of Bergen County, providing shopping services for Lyndhurst seniors. As part of the Lyndhurst Parks Department, they get involved with many town functions.
"We participated in the recent town wide cleanup. Last Halloween, we made up over 600 bags for the town Halloween parade. We also set up and serve lunch at the bi-weekly movies for seniors," she said.
The Lyndhurst Parks Department also has a Saturday Intergrated Recreation program for those with disabilities, and the town has a Special Olympic Bocce and bowling teams.
"We have individuals that range in age from 19 to 60-plus," she said.
Keenan-Clifford said what she finds most rewarding about her job is seeing the individuals become a part of the community and accepted in the the town they live in.
Before she started working at the Lyndhurst Adult Workshop, she was with Arc of New Jersey/Project HIRE for 24 years.
"I provided transition and supportive employment services throughout the state of New Jersey," she said.
As far future plans for the workshop, Keenan-Clifford said she would like to increase the number of workshop members and offer additional services.
The workshop is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., except holidays. There is no cost to attend the program.
For more information about the program, contact Kelly at KellyK@lyndhurstnj.org or 201-372-1135.
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