(Courtesy of Ohel) This month, Ohel will open the doors to its first of three residential homes in collaboration with The Bayit Association, an organization of Teaneck parents who support young adults with developmental disabilities in raising, funding and building residential Shabbos-observant homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey.
Read on to hear from Lee Niren, assistant director of Ohel Children’s Home and Family Service, and gain insights about the home’s offerings and plans for additional residences within the area.
Creating Safe and Independent Living Opportunities. Over the last year and a half, The Bayit Association worked with Ohel to create a new type of residence for adults 21-plus with intellectual and developmental learning disabilities. With the help of over 30 families and local congregation advocates, plans for Ohel-based support services, like housing, came to fruition. “Nothing like what we’ve created in the area existed until now,” said Niren. “Together, Ohel and The Bayit Association are developing multiple certified residences, including this new home in Teaneck, where we can foster the independence of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they have access to the skills they need for independent living. A huge differentiator from other agencies is that our residences are aligned with Orthodox values, which we’re very proud to share and uphold within the community.”
Personalizing Resident Experiences. This new home in Teaneck supports four men with different lived experiences and personal preferences. The residence will be staffed in shifts 24/7 with a nurse and BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) to provide a critical, supportive and enriching environment for practical skill-building, personal growth and independent living. Niren stated, “We always hire staff far in advance of move-in day, so residents can meet the team, and we can ensure a smooth transition. Ohel also accommodates residents’ needs to feel at home and comfortable, ensuring they have kosher food requests, activities, and even the paint color in their room catered to their customized preferences.” Niren noted that this is typically a resident’s first time away from their parents or caregivers, saying, “Many of these individuals have been seen as children by their parents, and now, they are moving on and becoming more independent, making their own daily decisions. Most will experience an emotional learning curve, and our team remains mindful that they’re handling a delicate personal journey filled with new milestones.”
Ensuring Parents Remain a Priority. Emotional awareness isn’t only about the residents. Niren noted that parents are always top of mind because many have never lived without their children. He added, “After 33 years at Ohel, I can confidently say that an adult child moving out of the home will often feel like a very traumatic experience for any parent. It’s our job to build trust because it can feel like strangers are caring for their children. We want to shift the mindset and prove how this is a healthy process for the entire family. At this stage of life, parents can refocus on other parts of their family in deeper ways than they likely have experienced with only respite care. It’s wonderful that their child is with age-appropriate peers, and we remind parents that they can stop by to visit or enjoy a meal any time they like since the homes are very central.”
In 2025, Ohel plans to open additional residences and launch day habilitation programs in the area. If you’re a New Jersey parent interested in learning more about local housing opportunities for a child 21-plus, please call 618.686.3133 or email [email protected].
Learn more about Ohel’s comprehensive services throughout New Jersey by visiting https://www.ohelfamily.org/service/Community-Services-in-New-Jersey.
