November 29 Program: Heather Alonge spoke on ECLC of New Jersey

Heather Alonge (L), Director of the ECLC Foundation at ECLC of New Jersey gave an overview of the organization that serves students who have learning disabilities. She was introduced by Kiwanis President Mary Anne Maloney (R).

ECLC includes a school in Chatham, a school in Ho-Ho-Kus, a supported employment program housed in the Chatham Borough Hall, a day program located in an office on Passaic Ave. in Chatham and a day program in Bergan County. ECLC has changed their role and the need for client services has changed.

ECLC was started in 1970 by a group of parents who felt their children would have had a better life with early intervention. The organization now provides support for their graduates and clients through all phases of their lives. Heather showed many examples of successful activities at ECLC.

Currently, ECLC serves over 700 individuals from 175 New Jersey Towns. Starting with 6 children in the first school, there are now 350 students in two schools. ECLC has served over 2000 clients over the last 43 years. Growth is largely in the area of adult services. The developmental disabilities of clients vary greatly. Unfortunately, the disabled population is growing.

In 2010 the Ho-Ho-Kus campus added a service dog. Now the Chatham campus has one. Click here to learn about Gino on Chatham Patch.

ECLC Foundation will be embarking on a new capital campaign in early 2012. New funds will expand project PRIDE facilities, add air conditioning to schools and make other needed improvements. She asked Kiwanis to continue to support ECLC in these and other endeavors.

Kiwanis members in the audience were very impressed with the improvements ECLC has made in the lives of their clients.