Essex County Executive Visits LifeTown

On Wednesday, November 13, Essex County Executive, Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. visited LifeTown, an interactive play and learning space for children, teens, and adults with special needs. DiVincenzo Jr. was accompanied by Chief of Staff Philip B. Alagia and Assemblyman Michael Venezia on a comprehensive tour of all the wonderful amenities LifeTown has to offer.

Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, the CEO of LifeTown, led the group through the brand new, three lane bowling center. In addition, they toured the therapy pool, and the famed LifeTown Shoppes, an innovative indoor shopping street that allows people with special needs the ability to practice real world skills.

“Essex County is home to the largest population of individuals with special needs in the state,” said Rabbi Grossbaum. “We feel a profound responsibility to respond, and LifeTown is a vital part of that effort. It’s a place that truly enhances the lives of families raising children with special needs from across the region.”

DiVincenzo was awed by the scope of LifeTown, which also features an outdoor football field, indoor basketball court, sensory room, and indoor playground. LifeTown’s unique spaces are home to a variety of programming for all ages.  

 “I am thoroughly impressed with LifeTown and the real-world experience it provides the students who visit,” said DiVincenzo. “From the musical stairs that greet you upon entering the building to the indoor simulated Main Street setting, along with the host of other programs available, students with special needs can experience real-world situations in a welcoming and supportive environment.”

LifeTown’s doors are open to the community, offering a special haven and a one-of-a kind experience for residents of Essex County and beyond. Rabbi Grossbaum and the entire staff at LifeTown were grateful for the chance to showcase LifeTown’s state-of-the-art facilities to DiVincenzo, Alagia and Venezia.

“It was an honor to have them explore all that LifeTown has to offer and to see its impact in action,” said Rabbi Grossbaum. “Their enthusiasm for the difference LifeTown is making in the lives of so many children, adults, and families means so much to us. We are proud that LifeTown is a treasure of Essex County!”