Refill Your Cup: Support for Parents/Guardians of Loved Ones with Disabilities
Third Wednesday of every month, 7:30 PM – 8:45 PM
Price: $0.00
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Inclusion and Support Services
The JCC of Central New Jersey is committed to the inclusion of people of diverse abilities, backgrounds, denominations, gender identity and religious affiliations into all of our programs. We are committed to making our Wilf Jewish Community Campus a barrier-free environment and our programs equally inclusive. We believe inclusion is an attitude, not an activity. Inclusion is belonging.
Inclusion. support. belonging.
Our Commitment to Inclusion and Barrier-Free Access
Inclusion & Support Services
The JCC of Central New Jersey is committed to the inclusion of people of diverse abilities into all of our programs. We believe inclusion is an attitude, not an activity. Inclusion is belonging.
The JCC of Central NJ strives to reduce and remove barriers to participation. Our campus is an accessible facility with wheelchair access to all indoor programming spaces, including our indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, gymnasium, meeting rooms and event spaces. Our building has a gender-neutral restroom featuring a full, private bathroom with roll-in shower. Designated handicap parking spaces provide convenient parking, drop-off and pick-up.
We will make every reasonable effort to reduce barriers to participation so that everyone can meaningfully participate with dignity.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Accommodations
We are happy to work with individuals and families to provide reasonable accommodations, to the best of our ability. We may be able to provide the following accommodations during on-campus programming and can discuss other accommodations as needed. Please email [email protected] two weeks prior to an event to request accommodations.
AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Closed-caption service for virtual programming (for speech or hearing difficulties)
- Large print materials
- Chair with arms for added stability
- Preferential seating near a presenter
- Presenter to use microphone
- Personal assistive listening device to amplify sound
- Wiggle seat
- Sensory fidget tools
- Provide ingredient lists, when available, for food allergy awareness
Programs & Services
find community & Connection here
GRADE 9 – age 21+
Club Connect
Club Connect creates weekly social and recreational opportunities for high school students with disabilities to interact with neurotypical peer buddies within their local community!
It’s a place to engage in activities and socialize with new friends in a safe and structured environment!
PARENT ADVOCACY & SUPPORT SERVICES
Parent Pass
Guidance from a certified advocate that provides support and resources for parents/guardians planning for the educational needs of a child with higher level of need or suspected disabilities.
Open to the community
CAREGIVER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Support Group
Refill Your Cup with Support Group with Lisa Afflitto, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This free monthly group provides support, connection and self-care for parents/guardians of loved ones with disabilities.
FITNESS & WELLNESS
Adaptive Training
Personalized fitness and yoga training designed for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental differences. Certified trainers develop programs tailored to each person’s unique needs, goals, and abilities, using our fully accessible fitness center and pool facilities.
SAFETY AND FUN IN THE WATER
Adaptive Swim
Angelfish trained swim instructors at the JCC specialize in teaching swimmers with motor or sensory delays.
These one-on-one aquatics class are ideal for children with special needs. Lessons are adapted to each child’s specific strengths and needs. Our aquatics staff can hep even the most hesitant child enjoy the water!
ACCESS SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Special Needs Resource Directory
For the 6th year, we have compiled a list of professional
agencies and businesses across the state that support
people with disabilities and their families. Feel free to
print or electronically share this directory with others to
ensure as many people as possible benefit from these
resources.
FITNESS & WELLNESS
Community Based Instruction
The Community Based Instruction (CBI) program at the JCC of Central NJ offers adults age 21+ with disabilities the opportunity to learn and generalize skills within a community setting while engaging in adaptive swim with certified Swim Angelfish instructors, adaptive yoga and mindfulness for diverse abilities and adaptive fitness programs. The CBI program may be payable through DDD.
YACHAD ROCKS FOR EVERYONE
Camp Yachad Inclusion Programs
The Camp Yachad Shadow Program provides an accommodation of 1:1 staff for campers with a higher level of need so they can participate to their best ability in the camp experience within a neurotypical, same-age camp group.
The Camp Yachad Skills Training Program offers paid, supported employment opportunities to high school students entering 10th grade+ and young adults with higher levels of need.
The JCC of Central NJ has met and exceeds all of the requirements for being an inclusive and accessible environment for members and community participants through the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.
GET STARTED
PROGRAMS OR ACCOMmODATION QUESTIONS?
Contact [email protected].
Please Note: We require a minimum of 2 weeks notice prior to an event to process accommodation requests.
For Grade 9–21+
Club Connect
Club Connect creates weekly social and recreational opportunities for high school students (Club Connect Varsity) with disabilities to interact with neurotypical peer buddies within their local community!
It’s a place to engage in activities and socialize with new friends in a safe and structured environment!
*District bussing to the JCC may be available through your child’s IEP.
The Schedule
Club Connect Varsity (Grades 9 – Age 21)
Day
Tuesdays
Time
3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Session Dates
September 8, 2026 – June 15, 2027
Calendar
Follows SP-F District Calendar
Price
Price: $220/month, Member Price: $187/month
DAILY BREAKDOWN
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Arrival, snack and social skills
Fitness and wellness (in the fitness center)
Recreational activities
Dismissal
My son – who is 19 – started Club Connect last fall as we were seeking an environment during the week where he could hang out, make new friends and have an opportunity to practice how to socialize appropriately with peers in a structured environment. I am thrilled with how much he loves the program and looks forward to going every week.
— MOTHER OF A CLUB CONNECT PARTICIPANT
Enrollment is open! To begin, email [email protected]. Completion of an intake form is required prior to enrollment. Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Refill Your Cup is led by Lisa Afflito
Lisa Afflitto is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a NJ certified Special Education teacher. She is the owner of Integrative Therapy Solutions, LLC, and was the Mental Health Coordinator for the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center at Morristown Medical Center and is the owner of Integrative Therapy Solutions, LLC. Her clinical focus is in supporting adults (18+) and families, who are navigating life either as an individual with a disability, or as a caregiver to a child or adult with a disability.
Lisa is not only a clinical therapist, but the mother of two beautiful children, one of whom has a learning disability. Lisa currently serves as the district representative for the Springfield Public Schools SEPAG (Special Education Parent Advisory Group).
Lisa has a passion for mental wellness, facilitating support groups and is excited to bring caregivers togethers to connect in a supportive space.
PARENT ADVOCACY &
SUPPORT SERVICES
Parent PASS offers individualized appointments for parents and guardians seeking guidance, support, and resources related to their child’s educational needs. Whether your child has a diagnosed disability, a suspected disability, or you are simply looking to better understand available services and options, Parent PASS provides a space to ask questions, explore resources, and navigate the special education process with confidence.
Price: $130/hour
Member Price: $100/hour
JCC Early Childhood Student: $66/hour
Complimentary 10-minute consultation
Guidance for parents/guardians of children who are:
Being assessed for Early intervention or transitioning into a preschool disabled program
Beginning the special education evaluation process
Receiving existing supports through an IEP or Section 504 Plan
Planning for transition to adult life
Seeking resources related to special education in NJ
Preparing for meetings and participating collaboratively with their district
Beth Mitchell, the JCC’s Director of Inclusion and Diversity, has completed the SPAN Resource Parent and Special Education Resource Advocate programs arming her with information to help parents and caregivers advocate for the child’s needs in the educational setting. She is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and a licensed Speech-Language Specialist through the NJ Department of Education with 20 years of experience working with children ages 0-21 in the Early Intervention, public and out-of-district special education settings. During her tenure in the schools, Beth not only provided clinical services, but also participated as an active Child Study Team member. Beth has also worked as a NJ Early Intervention provider through Children’s Specialized Hospital and owned and operated a thriving private practice for over 10 years.
Currently, Beth is a Level 1/2 Fieldwork Education through Kean University, supervising graduate level students in their clinical rotations at the JCC. Always eager to continue learning, Beth recently completed coursework and is now certified as a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). Beth is a seasoned staff trainer, most recently facilitating national training for the JCC Association of North America and at the Tri-State Camp Conference. In her current role, Beth oversees and facilitates all JCC programming and services around the inclusion of people with disabilities and steers agency culture around celebrating diversity. Beth can be reached at [email protected].
Working with Beth, we have been able to determine strategies to better shape our child’s IEP, and best advocate for our family. Through Parent Pass, we are armed with information, context, and tools for our next steps. Parent Pass and Beth’s expertise through the inclusion program are a differentiated benefit for our community.
— PARENT WHO HAS USED PARENT PASS
Adaptive Swim
These one-on-one 30-minute adaptive swim lessons are taught by our Swim Angelfish trained swim instructors. Lessons are adapted to each swimmer’s specific strengths and needs in the water.
Please note: These lessons are in high demand; if there are no sessions available at the time of inquiry, we will put your name on a wait list. Sorry for any inconvenience.
This one-on-one 30-minute aquatics class, taught by our Angelfish trained swim instructors, is ideal for children with special needs. Lessons are adapted to each child’s specific strengths and needs. Our aquatics staff can hep even the most hesitant child enjoy the water!
Single 30-minute lesson
Price: $78, Member Price: $58.50
Four 30-minute lessons
Price: $312, Member Price: $234
PLEASE NOTE: An intake process is required to ensure that the JCC is able to meet the needs of your swimmer. To begin the process, please contact [email protected].
Lessons must be paid for by the first day of class. Private lessons must be completed over a 6-week period. In the event of cancellation, please notify the instructor or Aquatics Director at least 4 hours prior to the start of the lesson. If 4 hours notice is not given, you will be charged the cost of that lesson. No credit given for uncompleted lessons.
Personal Training Packages and Rates
| 30-MINUTE INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS | 50-MINUTE INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS | |
| Single Session | $45 Non-Member Price: $57 | $66 Non-Member Price: $85 |
| 5-Pack | $215 Non-Member Price: $270 | $320 Non-Member Price: $400 |
| 10-Pack | $390 Non-Member Price: $490 | $590 Non-Member Price: $740 |
| 15-Pack | $570 Non-Member Price: $715 | $855 Non-Member Price: $1,070 |
| 20-Pack | $725 Non-Member Price: $910 | $1,106 Non-Member Price: $1,385 |
Select JCC fitness staff are certified to work with people with a variety of disabilities who may need a modified program to move their bodies and access the fitness center. Our adaptive fitness trainers are certified in a variety of programs through Strong Education and the Adaptive Training Academy. Our adaptive yoga instructors are certified in Yoga for the Special Child or Child Light Education Company. Yoga classes are currently being offered in a group format through our Community Based Instruction program. For more information or to schedule sessions, please contact [email protected].