By John Saccenti, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Families of residents with disabilities and special needs urged the Township Council this week to help improve recreational opportunities for their loved ones.
In response, the council Monday approved a resolution authorizing the township to seek a $20,000 grant from the state Department of Community Affairs for the development of recreational programs for individuals with disabilities. If the grant is approved, West Windsor would match 20 percent of the total amount.
“For many years this has been an underserved group in the community,” said Hope Coburn, whose daughter, Jessica Rockoff, takes part in the program. “Once our disabled children leave school, there is very little … this fills a very important void, it maintains ties to the communities, and peers and with whom they went to school.”
Ken Jacobs, manager for West Windsor’s Recreation and Parks Department, said the township offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Over the summer, attendees can enroll in programs for martial arts, yoga, swimming, sports and dance aerobics, as well as attend a dance with refreshments. The program also will sponsor trips for dinner and a show.
The specials needs program began in 2007 when a group of residents and parents approached the township about offering activities for the disabled.
Mr. Jacobs said the township has received the grant in previous years. The grant, along with fees, funds nearly all of the program. However, even without the grant, the township would continue to offer the programs.
Joe Nestor, whose son Robert participates in the program, said the activities provide residents with disabilities with needed opportunities.
Jessica Rockoff talked about how the program has helped her through high school and into adult life.
“I grew up in West Windsor. I went to Maurice Hawk and Community Middle School, then High School South. I left high school when I was 21 and went to work at Wegmans. I have been at Wegmans for six years. I enjoy the activities I have done in West Windsor recreation,” she said.
Councilman Charlie Morgan pulled the resolution from the agenda before voting so that he and other council members could comment. He said the issue was too important to allow no comment and that families and residents need the township’s support of the program.
The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to serve as buddies to participants through out the year. Contact the department at 609-799-2400 for more information.
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