The West Milford Community Services & Recreation Department, located in Hillcrest Community Center, offers several programs for developmentally disabled adults and children. This program is funded primarily through a Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant, received through the Department of Community Affairs. This grant has always been generous. Additional funds are also received through modest fees charged for the various programs and through fundraising.

P.R.I.D.E. is a modified daytime activity program for developmentally disabled adults. It operates in the Hillcrest Center Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 2: 00 PM year round. A very qualified and caring staff helps disabled adults address independent living skills, leisure skills, as well as survival reading and math skills necessary to function within their community. Computer activities are incorporated into the curriculum as well as other visual learning aids. Community awareness is a large part of the program; trips on the town bus to Shop Rite, the library and other local establishments enhance the concept of community. In order to foster a feeling of independence, the PRIDE clients operate several "businesses", such as a laundry service, where they wash, dry and fold sheets and towels for $2.00 per load, a luncheon service where they shop for, prepare and deliver lunch 3 to 4 days per month and a limited catering service. PRIDE has also helped local volunteer organizations with their fundraising efforts. This program provides for social and emotional growth as well as providing some much-needed parental respite. Our Department does not want any disabled adult to sit idly at home because he or she has no constructive outlet. PRIDE may be their answer.

T.E.A.C.H. – is a special component of Community Services & Recreation’s Program for developmentally disabled adults to introduce clients to the work force through volunteering at local establishments. The primary goal of this program is to help clients develop confidence and self esteem by fostering a sense of belonging and accomplishment, and to receive practical experience which may be applied to future job opportunities.

STAGE I AND STAGE II are geared toward providing positive socialization opportunities for mature developmentally disabled teen and adults. Participants meet one Friday evening a month or one weekday afternoon and enjoy a variety of activities ranging from Bingo, thematic dinners, hayrides, dances, miniature golf and bowling.

ALL STARS is a softball program for children with and without developmental disabilities. This program is sponsored jointly by Parks & Recreation, the Association for Special Children and the Phoenix Center. Rules and play are adapted to meet the special needs of these children so that each of them achieves some measure of success.

Evening With The Arts is offered approximately four times a year. This program is designed to introduce developmentally disabled participants to the varied mediums available in the arts. During the 1 ½ hour class participants are taught the correct methods for creating a beautiful piece of art. An important aspect of this program is the feeling of accomplishment each person takes home along with his or her very own creation.

If you know of an individual who may benefit from one of these programs to reach their full potential and to enjoy themselves, please call Community Services & Recreation at 728-2860.