(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County officials joined the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) in Piscataway on October 21st, to discuss how the $250,000 in funding will benefit the Adult Community Services program. The ESCNJ Adult Community Services program offers individuals 21 and over who have an intellectual or developmental disability an opportunity to strive for independence by helping participants develop their social, emotional, and life skills.

There are currently 35 students enrolled in the Adult Community Services program. The majority of these participants are from Middlesex County.

“Along with the State of New Jersey, the County helps fund the Adult Community Services program at little to no cost. This grant from Middlesex County helps ensure that participants and their families are not charged tuition. The funding will also help support the expansion of the program so it can include more students and families,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “On behalf of myself and my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners, I just want to say how grateful we are to ESCNJ for creating and operating the Adult Community Services program — and to the participants and their families for being a part of the program.”

“The Adult Community Services program is making a huge difference in our community. Not only does this program create opportunities for participants to learn a variety of life and job-readiness skills; practice self-advocacy; and socialize with peers, it offers hands-on learning experiences that help bridge the gap between school and adulthood,” said County Commissioner Chanelle Scott-McCullum. “And unlike other programs, there is no age cap for the Adult Community Services program which helps ensure everyone has access to options, assistance, and opportunities regardless their age. I’m proud to support such a worthwhile program”

“We are tremendously appreciative of the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners for supporting our mission to change the lives of many young people in our community," said ESCNJ Schools Superintendent Mark Finkelstein.  "Our Adult Community Services program serves as a critical gateway for young people with disabilities as they transition from public school supports into `real life.' ACS is dedicated to creating opportunities for meaningful, long-term, competitive employment. We are so pleased that Commissioner Director Ronald Rios and Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum took the time this week to tour the program at our Piscataway campus, speak with the instructors and the students and develop an even firmer understanding of the successes that are taking place at ESCNJ every day."

For more information on the Adult Community Services program, please visit www.escnj.us/ESCNJ or call 732-777-9860. 

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 863,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County's award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.