Eden family at home at Special Olympics

By: Kyle Moylan
   The family that plays together, stays together.
   Their names and backgrounds might be different, but the individuals that live in the Eden Acres group homes in Robbinsville have become closer than a lot of traditional families.
   "They go to work together and live together," noted Monika Zak, who works for Eden Acres and was one of the coaches for the team in the Special Olympic Summer Games, held this past weekend at The College of New Jersey. "They also go on vacations together. They really are a family."
   Eden Institute has established 11 area group homes to help individuals with autism get involved as much as possible in a community setting. They also have supervised apartments. The individuals in the two Robbinsville group homes (one for males and one for females) all hold down jobs and do the household chores.
   "All of our group homes will do family meals," Zak added. "That way the guys can say, ‘Can you pass this?’ or ‘Can you pass that?’ We want them talking and interacting with each other as much as possible."
   Another great device to this end is the Special Olympics. Eden Acres has always entered several athletes in the games. This year Robbinsville residents Michael Schwallie (100 dash and 400 dash), David Ramsey (100 meters and softball throw), Sharon Sanclimenti (50 meters and softball throw) and Joelle Bredon (100 meters and standing broad jump) were all competing.
   "We took them to the park and got them ready for some of the events they’d be doing," noted Craig Absalom, an assistant manager at one of the group homes.
   But most of the participants from Eden Acres are veterans of the Special Olympics. Bredon has been competing in Special Olympics since she moved into one of the group homes in 1992. In addition to the Summer Games, she also competes in skiing events in the winter.
   "I like running, jumping and throwing," Bredon said. "I didn’t practice much, but I’m going for gold medals."
   And, as usual, the group from Eden Acres took home several medals.
   "The guys and girls look forward to it," noted Nikki Rosol, one of the coaches and a manager at one of the group homes. "They work had preparing for the Special Olympics and like to be rewarded."
   And to continue to show their friends and neighbors how successful people with autism can be.
   "Our goal is to try and help them be as independent as possible," noted Samantha Ames, another coach and employee of Eden Acres. "We run teaching programs. They’ll do job placement. They’ll go to work. We’re there to help them run the house."
   And to be a welcome addition to what is already a big and loving family.
   NOTES: The area was well Represented at the Special Olympic Summer Games. Robbinsville’s Charles Russell competed in the 50, 100 and 4×100 relay. Robbinsville’s Alexander Buzgo competed in softball. Allentown’s Jillian Cantor competed in the 50, 100 and 4×100 relay. Cream Ridge’s David Paparozzi competed in the softball throw and 50 meters. Cream Ridge’s Casey Meirs competed in the 25 meter breaststroke, the 4×25 medley relay and the 25 meter butterfly.
   For more information about the Special Olympics call (609) 896-8000 or visit the Web site at www.sonj.org.