Nonprofit helps young adults with special needs transition from high school to higher learning
For the first time, the ARC of New Jersey at the Monmouth County chapter in Tinton Falls will host a college fair this evening to help make those difficult and sometimes challenging decisions.
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It’s that time of year when high school seniors begin preparing for the transition to college. But what about families of children with special needs?
For the first time, the ARC of New Jersey at the Monmouth County chapter in Tinton Falls will host a college fair this evening to help make those difficult and sometimes challenging decisions.
DJ Belfer is an 18-year-old about to graduate from Rumson-Fair Haven High School. He and his mom applied for a spot in the KACH program at Brookdale Community College.
The KACH program, short for Keep Achieving, is run by the ARC of New Jersey at Monmouth County’s chapter – just one of 16 programs on display at the college fair from schools all over the state.
His years in high school that was filled with singing, acting and drama classes will end in two months.
“KACH looks interesting to me, and I love to check it out,” said DJ.
“The opportunities here give us the tools for the next steps into adulthood,” said Susan Belfer, DJ’s mom.
“It’s important for people to know there are programs like ours that exist especially for those desiring to continue their education,” said Jaclyn Willaims, the KACH program coordinator at Brookdale Community College.
Like many teenagers, Susan says DJ grew up fast and conversations about what’s next after high school happened in a hurry.
“We weren’t sure where we would land,” she said.
“Everybody’s disabilities are different. What they can do varies from person to person. We want to make sure there’s options for everybody on every level,” said Annalisa Leite, the director of development and marketing at The ARC of Monmouth.
Programs through the ARC cover everything from life skills to independent living to higher education.
For more information CLICK HERE: https://arcofmonmouth.org/what-we-do/employment/kach.html
