Get Involved

The Out N About (ONA) program is designed to offer adults with developmental disabilities group socialization opportunities throughout the year. ONA is a community inclusion service providing enrichment and recreational opportunities to enhance inclusion and participation in the community.

Group Recreation

Getting to Work (GTW) assists people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and retain competitive employment. GTW is a CARF Accredited supported employment program for people with disabilities.

Individual Supports

Employment & Transition

FRN’s employment and transition programs support youth and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities through mentorship, education, and employment in order to become integrated, productive members of their communities.

Supported Employment

The Internship to Career (I2C) program provides paid internships for students ages 14-21. Students will complete a 150-hour internship and participate in pre- and post-internship trainings on professionalism, advocacy, networking, and work readiness skills.

Paid Internships

NJWINS is a Social Security Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program that assists SSI and SSDI beneficiaries of working age to protect benefits while exploring, starting, continuing or increasing work efforts, with the end goal of assisting them to transition from cash benefits to earnings and public health benefits to private health insurance options.

New Jersey Work Incentives Network Support (NJWINS)

The EmployAbility Program is a free initiative designed to help individuals with disabilities build workplace skills, explore career opportunities, and gain hands-on experience through internships.

Employment Training

Provides individualized and community-based nutrition education services and resources for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Public Health Programs

FRN’s public health department aims to address the social determinants of health that impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and chronic conditions.

Center On Nutrition and Disability

FRN Navigators provide expert assistance in preparing electronic and paper applications to establish eligibility and enroll in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and CHIP.

Health Insurance Navigator

Connects individuals living with epilepsy to information, tools, and community resources, including support in accessing treatment options, seizure-related devices, and temporary medication assistance for those experiencing financial hardship.

Patient Assistance Program

A scholarship opportunity for graduating New Jersey high school residents with a diagnosis of Autism who plan on pursuing post secondary education at a college or vocational level.

Education & Training

The Family Resource Network provides engaging educational opportunities for professionals, families, and individuals across New Jersey. Our programs are offered both virtually and in person and cover a wide range of topics, including epilepsy, autism, caregiving, transition planning, and IEP development.

Autism Scholarship Program

A scholarship opportunity for graduating New Jersey high school residents who are blind or visually impaired who plan on pursuing post secondary at a college or vocational level.

Blind & Visually Impaired Scholarship Program

A scholarship opportunity for graduating New Jersey high school residents with a diagnosis of Epilepsy who plan on pursuing post secondary education at a college or vocational level.

Epilepsy Scholarship Program

Training and in-services on the medical, educational and social impact of epilepsy available to any interested organizations. Specialized training available for: school nurses, school personnel, students, seniors, first responders, and law enforcement.

Epilepsy Public And Professional Presentations

Provides information, resources, knowledge, direction and assistance to families, parents, caregivers, professionals and individuals with disabilities.

Informational & Referral

Online presentations and trainings to support family caregivers and individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities or chronic health conditions.

Webinars

Epilepsy Services of New Jersey (ESNJ) provides seizure recognition and first aid training to school personnel, students, and first responders across New Jersey.

Seizure Recognition & Response Training

We look forward to the Epilepsy Services of New Jersey Walk for the ONE every year!

Events

October, 2026

Annual Walk For The One

October, 2026

Annual Walk For The One

November, 2026

Under the Lights Screening

March, 2027

Annual Paint The Pony Purple

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Sep 19

Meet Sydney! 💙

Sydney lives with autism and loves the beach and surfing. That love for the water inspired her mom, Jill, to create the winning design for this year’s Autism Beach Bash T-shirt contest.

Sydney and her family attended Autism Beach Bash this year and got to see Jill’s design come to life on a T-shirt!

There’s still time to purchase the winning shirt, along with other Autism Beach Bash merchandise. Shop the collection at the link in bio!

#AutismBeachBash #AutismAcceptance #AutismAwareness #FamilyResourceNetwork

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Sep 18

This DSP Week, we`re celebrating Deb Sabienza and the difference her support has made for one family.

As a respite provider with Family Resource Network, Deb has been someone the family can count on. For 30 years, she has been part of their lives in big and small ways, from outings and activities to birthdays, holidays, and milestones.

“I can`t believe that I have been with FRN for 30 years, as well as having a friendship that is still going strong,” Deb shared.

Outside of her work as a respite provider, Deb enjoys caring for children and making sure they feel happy and supported. She loves being outdoors, swimming daily, spending time with her husband of 47 years, and making memories with her family, especially her two granddaughters and grandson. Her faith is also an important part of her life, as she serves as a Eucharistic Minister.

Deb says her patience and understanding have been a gift, allowing her to be the person she is and to give back to others whenever she can. We’re grateful to have Deb as part of the Family Resource Network team and for the many years she has spent supporting others.

#DSPWeek #DirectSupportProfessional #FamilyResourceNetwork

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Sep 17

It’s DSP Week, and today we’re highlighting another one of our incredible DSPs, Mimi Wulfekotte!

Mimi Wulfekotte has been a dedicated member of the Family Resource Network team since 2018 and has served as the lead staff member for Kidz Korner for many years. Throughout her time with the program, Mimi has built meaningful relationships with participants and takes great pride in creating special connections with each individual she supports. Her caring nature, patience, and enthusiasm help make Kidz Korner a welcoming and positive environment for everyone involved.

Outside of her work, Mimi is a loving mother of six children and serves as a full-time caregiver for her mother. Her nurturing spirit extends beyond her family and is reflected in the compassion and dedication she brings to her role every day. When she is not working, Mimi enjoys spending time listening to live bands and taking walks along the boardwalk. She finds joy in helping participants grow, build confidence, and create lasting memories through their experiences at Kidz Korner. Mimi`s commitment to the individuals and families she serves makes her a valued member of the Family Resource Network and an important part of the Kidz Korner community.

#DSPWeek #DirectSupportProfessional #FamilyResourceNetwork

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Sep 17

REMINDER: Registration for October Out N` About events closes in 3 days!

This month, participants can enjoy outings in Essex and Union counties, including pumpkin picking, a Halloween dance and costume party, fragrance making, and mini golf.

Register by September 20 at the link in bio!

Out N` About is a community inclusion program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering opportunities to explore new places, try new activities, build friendships, and take part in the community.

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Sep 16

This DSP Week, we’re taking a moment to recognize Mark Nordyke and the dedication he brings to his work.

Mark Nordyke has been a dedicated Direct Support Professional for more than 20 years and has been a valued member of the Family Resource Network team for over 14 years. He currently serves as a DSP in our Weekend Respite Getaway program for adults ages 21 and older and also lends his support to our Out N About program whenever needed. Mark`s commitment to helping individuals with disabilities live fulfilling and meaningful lives is evident in everything he does.

Outside of Family Resource Network, Mark works as an Autism Support Teacher for students in kindergarten through second grade. He is also a Certified Employment Support Specialist for adults with disabilities in Pennsylvania and a Licensed Behavioral Health Technician. His extensive experience and professional expertise allow him to provide exceptional support and guidance to the individuals and families he serves.

Mark is passionate about opening new doors and creating opportunities for people who need extra support. He takes great pride in helping individuals achieve their goals, build independence, and reach milestones they may not have thought possible. His patience, encouragement, and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact on the lives of those he supports, and he is truly an asset to the Family Resource Network community.

#DSPWeek #DirectSupportProfessional #FamilyResourceNetwork

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Sep 15

Throughout DSP Week, we’ll be celebrating a few incredible Direct Support Professionals who make a difference in the lives of the people they support. Today, we’re highlighting Maryann Fergus, a valued member of the Family Resource Network team for the past three years.

Maryann works in both our Kidz Korner and One-to-One programs. Participants are always excited to spend time with her, and her positive energy and genuine care help create meaningful connections with everyone she supports.

Maryann`s passion for the disability community began through her personal experience growing up with a sister who lives with autism. This connection inspired her to become a Direct Support Professional and fueled her commitment to helping others. In addition to being a dedicated Direct Support Professional, Maryann is a full-time caregiver for her sister and a devoted mother to her two sons.

Maryann loves helping people in any way she can and finds great joy in seeing participants achieve their goals and reach important milestones. Her compassion, patience, and dedication make a lasting impact on the individuals and families she serves, and she is truly an asset to the Family Resource Network team.

#DSPWeek #DirectSupportProfessional #FamilyResourceNetwork

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