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Family Support Services

Advancing Opportunities understands the stresses families face when a family member has a disability. The agency offers a comprehensive network of information, services and support, including:

  • In-Home Respite
  • Inclusive Recreation Programs
  • Aides for Community-based Recreation Programs
Who is Eligible?

Individuals with disabilities who live with a natural family (parents, siblings or grandparents) in a private residence and are registered with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) are eligible for the Advancing Opportunities’ Family Support Services provided in their county. To register for Advancing Opportunities’ Family Support Services, contact your DDD case manager for a referral. Or call 888-322-1918 ext. 544.

Your Family Is In Good Hands

small girl and her aide smilingAdvancing Opportunities is committed to hiring highly qualified, caring staff members to deliver the highest quality services. Our staff is trained to help promote peer relationships and to help participants develop the skills they will need to interact within their communities. All employees of the agency are carefully screened before hire and are subject to a background check and drug testing. Staff are trained in accordance with state regulations and are certified in first aid and CPR.

In-home Respite Care

aide and adolescent boy reading on a sofaIn-home Respite services provide families with a break from the additional responsibilities inherent in caring for a family member with a developmental disability. The program provides individualized care for children and adults with disabilities in the home or at a community-based setting of their choosing. Services provided by respite care workers may include:

  • Activities of daily living (toileting, dressing, feeding)
  • In-home recreational activities
  • Preparation of light meals for the child
  • Help with homework

Currently, Advancing Opportunities provides in-home respite services in Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties.

Inclusive Recreational Experiences

four little girls in purple jerseys in the dugoutAdvancing Opportunities’ Bridges Program provides individual supports for people participating in community-based activities, including:

  • Summer Camps
  • After-School Programs
  • Athletic Leagues
  • Weekend and Social Activities

Our staff works with recreational providers to help them create accessible activities and encourages the development of peer relationships. Bridges is available for people age 4 and older. Activities are organized and offered to participants with groups of age appropriate peers. Currently, the Bridges Program is offered in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties.

Community-based Drop-off Programs

youngster at a table covered with craft suppliesWeekend Rec and Parents’ Night Out have been described as win-win programs. First, parents get a break and their children participate in fun activities. These programs are offered weekly and participants enjoy a variety of different activities, from seeing movies and having pizza parties to attending local sporting and theater events. Other popular events include bowling, game and craft nights and theme parties. The Parents’ Night Out program invites siblings to attend as well and is available in Burlington, Camden, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. Weekend Rec is offered in Passaic County.