Providing support to persons with disabilities throughout their lifespan so they can achieve their highest level of independence in their community. | | |
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As caregivers, we rely on the support of other caregivers to:
- Help us learn how to navigate a complex system
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Share our stories and
- Discuss our challenges.
Caregiving is a lifelong journey that no one understands, unless they have experienced it. This program offers education, support, and socialization for caregivers caring for a loved one with a disability.
There is a focus on those caring for a loved one with a developmental disability, but all are welcome.
We hope you will consider joining us.
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October 2026
Caregiver Education & Recreation Sessions
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Caregiver Education Sessions
** PLEASE READ **
DAWN’s Caregiver Connection & Support Program, which brings you this caregiver education series, is funded by a grant from the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. The funding that DAWN receives to provide this program is directly tied to how many caregivers attend our Zoom sessions live. We will ensure that you receive the available information regardless of your attendance, but please help support us by joining the Zoom sessions live whenever you are able to do so.
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Employment for All: Workshop for Parents & Families on Supported Employment
Presenter: Bethany Chase, Senior Training and Consultation Specialist: Employment and Transition/Aging, Grief, and Loss Projects
The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Supported Employment is a valuable service that assists individuals with disabilities to secure integrated, competitive employment. Many parents, guardians, and family members have questions about how the process works, if it’s appropriate for their loved one, and what their role in the process should be. Please join us as we discuss how essential employment can be in the life of those with disabilities and examine how parents/guardians can contribute to their success.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
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Working and Government Benefits
Presenter: Adam Kubler, Employment Services Coordinator
The NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities
In this webinar, learn the basics of how benefits may, or may not, be impacted by working and where to go for help. Get information, in plain terms, on how Social Security calculates income, how work incentives allow individuals to earn more money while maintaining key benefits, and how Medicaid plays into all of this, which will include information regarding WorkAbility. Finally, Mr. Kubler will share about resource listing and some tips for reporting your income, and where to get the critical service: benefits counseling!
Thursday, October 22, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
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Understanding Residential Options for Adults with IDD
Presenter: Elizabeth Shea, Esq.
Founder & Principal Consultant of ZT Solutions Group
formerly, Assistant Commissioner of the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities
One of the biggest questions many families of individuals with developmental disabilities in NJ have is how their loved one can receive the support they need to live safely and successfully as an adult ... and what options exist beyond, or in addition to, a traditional group home. This presentation will provide an overview of residential options within New Jersey’s DDD system, including traditional group homes, supports in a family-owned or privately controlled home, and other ways housing and services may be structured. We will also discuss how families can begin thinking about putting the different pieces together, including where concepts like an LLC may fit into longer-term planning.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
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Caregiver Recreation Activity:
Caregiver Dinner Out at Red Hut Diner
Come join us for a relaxing and fun dinner out at Red Hut Diner, located at 152 US-46 in Rockaway. Space is limited so spots will be given to the first 10 caregivers who register. Each caregiver will pay her/his own way. Here’s to good company, tasty food, and an opportunity to unwind and connect with other caregivers – we hope to see you there!
*Please only register for the event if you truly plan to join us.*
(If more than 10 caregivers register for dinner, we will keep a waiting list and contact the next person on the list should any openings occur.)
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Wednesday, October 28, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
| | As this is an in-person event, the Zoom link accompanying your approved registration will not be needed. All future communication concerning the dinner will come from Julie Ferguson via email. | | |
Please contact Caregiver Support Coordinator Julie Ferguson at (862)-753-7424 for further information.
This program is supported by Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. Contributions are gladly accepted. Contributions are voluntary and are not required to participate in this programming.
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If you missed our Zoom meeting last month with Lisa Montalbano, NJ’s New Ombudsman of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, here is another opportunity for you to engage with her.
The Regional Family Support Planning Council #1 (Sussex, Morris, Warren) cordially invites you to their October family meeting! Join us as we welcome Lisa Montalbano, the new Ombudsman for New Jersey’s I/DD Community. Joining her will be Christine Bakter, Deputy Director, and Amanda Slaughter, Constituent Relations Manager. They will share an overview of her office, explain how it supports individuals and families, hear your experiences with the service system, and discuss opportunities for improving support and advocacy.
October 20, 2026 at 7pm
Click here to register.
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66 Ford Road, Suite 121
Denville, NJ 07834
973-625-1940
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