FRN’s Support Services provide individuals with disabilities and families of children with disabilities to get the support they need to lead a full and happy life.
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.
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.
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.
Caregivers of New Jersey is hosting a live webinar designed to help families better understand Support Coordination and navigating DDD services.
Our experienced team will cover NJCAT, DDD budgets and services, self-direction, and the role of a Support Coordinator, followed by a live Question and Answer.
These sessions are open to anyone interested in learning more.
Choose the session that works best for you:
Wednesday, September 23 at 12 PM Tuesday, September 29 at 7 PM
We’re still feeling all the feels from Autism Beach Bash!
Looking through this photo dump from Eric Sambol Photography brings us right back to an incredible day. Eric captured the joy and excitement of our surfers so perfectly, and thanks to him, families can now choose a favorite photo to have printed.
Eric is generously offering a complimentary 11x14 print of your child’s favorite surf photo.
How to Request Your Print: Find your favorite photo in the Autism Beach Bash album. Take a screenshot of the photo or make note of its photo number. Complete the request form and upload your screenshot or enter the photo number. Thank you, Eric, for capturing the day so beautifully and giving our families a lasting keepsake!
View the photos and request your complimentary print at the link in bio!
Family Resource Network is seeking Direct Support Professionals in Essex, Union, and Middlesex Counties. These part-time positions support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through social, recreational, and community-based activities.
You’ll support participants during program activities, encourage independence and socialization, and help ensure their comfort, health, and safety.
Ideal candidates will be: • At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED • Experienced supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities • Available to work three in-person weekend events per month
Learn more and apply at familyresourcenetwork.org/job-opportunities
Family Resource Network is seeking a part-time Job Coach to support adults with disabilities as they work toward their employment goals.
You’ll support individuals as they prepare for employment, navigate job searches and interviews, build workplace skills, and develop the supports they need for long-term success.
Ideal candidates will: • Have a bachelor’s degree • Have at least two years of experience in human services or working with individuals with disabilities • Have job coaching or job development experience preferred • Be bilingual - English & Spanish preferred • Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Learn more and apply at familyresourcenetwork.org/job-opportunities
We’re hiring: Part-Time Respite Connections Program Coordinator
Family Resource Network is seeking a part-time Respite Connections Program Coordinator to lead our Saturday respite program for youth ages 3–21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
You’ll support the planning and coordination of activities, supervise staff, work with families, and help grow the program.
Ideal candidates will: • Have a bachelor’s degree; a social service background is preferred • Have at least two years of experience working with indivi
We’re closing out National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week by celebrating one of this year’s NJACP Heroes Recognition Award recipients, Kristen Pearson!
For over 31 years, Kristen has supported the same family through her work with Family Resource Network. Each week, she and Matthew, who is living with autism, spend time in the community enjoying a variety of outings and activities. Whether it’s the boardwalk, arcade, stores, dinner, or the park, every outing is discussed and chosen together. Along the way, they work on social skills, money skills, and independence. As his family has shared in the past, Kristen is great at engaging him in new activities and is always thinking of ways to make his outings interesting, fun, and educational.
The family she supports shared: “So proud of Kristen! She is truly one in a million and is a very valuable part of our family. Kristen has been with our family for a long time, caring for our older son Dan at first, and then for Matthew. Kristen has been with Matt for 34 years and is amazing! Kris is very in tune with Matt and can read him like a book. We trust her to help Matt in every aspect of his life. She has always treated Matt with kindness and respect, watching him progress from infancy to the present. We have truly been blessed!”
The NJACP Heroes Recognition Awards honor outstanding Direct Support Professionals from across New Jersey for the dedication, compassion, and commitment they demonstrate every day.
Kristen, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your story is a powerful reminder of the difference a trusted, consistent DSP can make in the lives of the individuals and families they support. We’re proud to celebrate you and grateful for the support you have provided Matthew and his family for more than three decades.
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!
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.
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.
