Providing support to persons with disabilities throughout their lifespan so they can achieve their highest level of independence in their community.

Consumer News

September 2025

Click below to access our interactive calendar:

DAWNcil Recreation Events

September 27th - Peddlers Village: Scarecrows in the Village

Transportation can be provided from the DAWNcil office in Denville, but space is limited. Please reach out to Marc Molde at info@dawncil.org or (973) 625-1940 ext. 111 if interested.

Click on the event above to register.

DAWN’s Annual Picnic 2025! 🌞

DAWNcil is thrilled to invite you to our Annual Picnic — a beloved tradition that brings together friends, families, and members of our community for an afternoon of connection and celebration.

📅 Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025

📍 Location: VASA Park, 93 Wolfe Rd., Budd Lake, NJ 07828

🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

To Register:

Call 973-625-1940 ext. 111 or 1-888-383-3296 (toll-free)

Or email us at info@dawncil.org

RSVP by Friday, September 5, 2025

Checks or money orders should be made payable to DAWNcil and mailed to:

66 Ford Rd. Suite 121, Denville, NJ 07834

Let’s make this year’s picnic the best one yet—we can’t wait to see you there!

Enhanced Interactive Life Skills (EILS)

September 16th: Fall Harvest "No Cook" Cooking

In this fun and interactive session, we’ll explore a delicious no-cook recipe using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Perfect for all skill levels—no stove required, just creativity and a taste for fall!

Click below to explore upcoming sessions. You can register in advance by clicking on the class title.

Find our full class schedule here.

Catch us in the Community:

In the News

Build an Accessible Future: Power the Disability Vote

Celebrate Disability Voting Rights Week, September 8-12, 2025!

Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is a nationwide, nonpartisan initiative led by disabled activists to promote civic engagement and protect voting access for people with disabilities. DVRW empowers communities through voter registration drives, education events, candidate forums, and digital advocacy.

Celebrate Inclusive Employment:

Nominate an Outstanding Employer for NDEAM!

This October, we’re proud to join the Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey Disability Committee in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to celebrate the skills, talents, and contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities.

As part of this celebration, one exceptional employer from each of the counties we serve, Morris, Sussex, and Warren, will be honored for their commitment to competitive integrated employment. These employers go above and beyond to support individuals with disabilities in meaningful, competitive, and integrated work environments.

Do you know a business or employer that deserves to be recognized?

Maybe it’s where you work.
Maybe it’s a local business that supports our consumers.
Maybe it’s a unique placement through our Pre-ETS program.

Submit your nomination by September 5, 2025.

Winners will be announced in September and celebrated at a special event in October.

Click here to nominate an employer!

2025 Community Health Day with Atlantic Health

📅 Saturday, September 13 | 🕘 9 AM–1 PM

📍 Hyatt Hotel, Morristown, NJ

Enjoy free health screenings, wellness presentations, nutrition tips, and youth activities — no registration needed!

📧 Questions? Email: communityhealthday2025@gmail.com

How to Pay for In-Home Care: Options for Aging in Place

Many older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions prefer to remain in their homes, surrounded by comfort and familiarity. In-home care can make this possible—providing support with daily tasks while preserving independence and dignity. But one of the biggest questions families face is: How do we afford it?

There are several ways to pay for in-home care, including:

Personal Resources: Retirement income, savings, home equity, and family support offer flexibility in choosing care.
Medicare: A new program called GUIDE supports dementia patients with Original Medicare, offering respite care, 24/7 clinical support, and care coordination—at no cost to eligible beneficiaries.
Medicaid: State programs and waivers may cover long-term in-home care for those with limited income.
Long-Term Care Insurance: If your loved one has a policy, it may help cover licensed home care services.
Veterans Benefits: Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for in-home care through VA programs like Aid and Attendance.

Every family’s situation is unique, and understanding your options is key to making informed decisions.

To learn more, download the free guide: Ways to Pay for In-Home Senior Care

66 Ford Road, Suite 121

Denville, NJ 07834

973-625-1940

For general information