Once a child who is neurodiverse ages out of the school system, parents often worry about how best they can support them in their adult years.
Karen Fluharty, a global retail real estate executive, faced that with her own son Ryan, who is now 23, and so she formed Parents With a Plan, an organization to create best practices solutions for neurodiverse young adults. Part of her mission was to provide social and educational programs for when they turn 21, and now a new neuro-inclusive apartment building will bring them one step closer to independence.
“Failing to plan for Ryan’s future was not an option, and that led to where we are today,” she says. “It’s not too much for my son to be happy, to be safe, to be as independent as he can be. And this supportive housing innovation will help create data-based outcomes to help change policy.”
Fluharty, who is from Montville, worked with developers John and Robin Klein on the plan for THRIVE Red Bank, a 34,000-square-foot apartment building with 32 one-bedroom apartments over three stories, that will be built at 273 Shrewsbury Ave. at Drs. James Parker Blvd in Red Bank. There will be a shared amenity space, including a teaching kitchen, common event space, a sensory space, health and wellness areas, workout spaces and areas to socialize.
Five of the units will be affordable housing, with the remaining 27 as private pay apartments.
More than 200 THRIVE partners, board members from Parents With A Plan, representatives from the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, public officials, community members, and neurodivergent advocates joined a groundbreaking ceremony on July 30. The building should open in 2027.
One in 34 individuals in New Jersey is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, and the state is well-known for having many programs for school-age children. But many of those children fall off the “services cliff” when supports are drastically diminished at age 21, Fluharty said. Currently, 3 in 4 of these autistic adults live with a family member, many of whom are now aging themselves.
THRIVE will have support and services from the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. Residents living there will benefit from the expertise of senior clinical faculty from Rutgers as well as highly trained clinical staff. The program also provides opportunities for university students from a variety of academic disciplines to receive hands-on training and intensive supervision.
“All of us will have a child, grandchild, niece or nephew who will benefit from what we’re doing today,” says N.J. State Senator Vin Gopal, who helped secure more than $200,000 in state grants for Parents With A Plan. “What you are doing today will impact generations who aren’t here yet.”
Red Bank was chosen as the site for the building because of its walkability and access to shopping, recreation, education and entertainment. There are opportunities for employment and access to public transportation, which is especially important for adults who are unable to drive.
Applications are open.
Read More:
How Music Therapy Can Be a Game Changer For Neurodiverse Kids
Social Skills Groups Are Beneficial For Neurodiverse Kids
This Princeton Father’s Film About Autism Is A Must-See
Study Shows Significant Autism Increase in NY and NJ
Popular Now:
Mini Vacations in New Jersey: 5 Short But Sweet Getaway Ideas
The Other Jersey Shore: How to Plan a Perfect Summer Day at an NJ Lake
NJ Public Schools Just Ranked 3rd Best in the Country, According to New Ranking
These 2 NJ Downtowns Were Just Named Among the Most Walkable in the U.S.
Townsizing Is the New Travel Buzzword—And Cape May’s at the Top of the List
A School in New Jersey Has Been Named One of the Most Innovative in The World
Little Words Project: How an NJ Mom Turned Kindness Into a Million Dollar Brand
How to Book a Taylor Swift-Inspired Airbnb at The Jersey Shore
