Legislators Experience the Magic of LifeTown
Opening Doors to Opportunity
When a child steps through the doors of LifeTown, they are transported to a magical place where everyone belongs. Thanks to a generous state grant, made possible through the support of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and state legislators, more children than ever can experience that magic. The grant subsidizes visits from Title 1 schools, allowing for equitable access to LifeTown’s inclusive programs which facilitate developmental growth, life skills, and social opportunities for individuals with special needs.
To see the impact of their efforts firsthand, on Wednesday, March 26, New Jersey state legislators rolled up their sleeves and volunteered at the LifeTown Shoppes, experiencing the program in action and connecting directly with the children and families it serves.
“It was intentional that we’re not only visiting and getting a tour, but actually participating in the program,” said Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill. “It’s not just a grant. It’s an investment in something much larger than what we can do. We need to support these kinds of programs.”
The $500,000 allocation opens the doors of LifeTown to neurodiverse students from underserved communities, directly impacting 10,000 individuals from families living at or below the federal poverty level. This critical funding was led by Senator John McKeon and Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, as well as cosponsors Assemblywoman Collazos-Gill, Assemblyman Spearman, Assemblywoman Speight, and Senator McKnight. The dedication to supporting the special needs community demonstrated by these legislative leaders played a vital role in bringing this initiative to life.
In 2024 alone, LifeTown welcomed over 35,000 participants, demonstrating both the overwhelming need and the center’s capacity to serve the growing population of individuals with special needs throughout New Jersey.
Bridging the Access Gap for Families and Schools
Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of LifeTown, emphasized the grant’s transformative impact. “Raising a child with special needs is a 24/7 commitment for every family,” said Grossbaum. “This grant ensures that those without the resources or support—families with limited means and students from underfunded schools—are not left behind. We’re deeply grateful to the Governor and the New Jersey Assembly for championing those most in need and helping us bring opportunity, dignity, and inclusion to every child.”
On March 26, three Title 1 elementary schools from Garfield, Edgewater and Waldwick visited the impressive LifeTown Shoppes – a simulated main street featuring 15 stores. Guided by their teachers and volunteers, children with special needs – from kindergarten through fourth grade – navigated the innovative space, stopping first at the bank to withdraw money for their fun-filled day of shopping.
“A mother met me downstairs and said this is the first field trip I’ve ever taken with my child,” said Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie. “Not only was the student excited to walk through the doors of LifeTown, but the parent was excited to experience this unique space with her child for the first time. To be able to give this opportunity to a parent just brought it home for me.”
As the mother of a child with special needs, Bagolie has a deep understanding of the importance of inclusive programming that enhances developmental learning. When her young son needed a place to thrive during a difficult time, LifeTown welcomed him with open arms.
“I’m indebted to LifeTown because they embraced us and helped us,” said Bagolie, of her son’s experience at Allie’s Camp – a weeklong camp program held during school break. “It’s not easy to find people who are willing to extend a hand – and do so with a loving heart. When I walk through the doors of LifeTown I feel like I’m hugged by community.”
Learning That Lasts
That feeling of community strikes a chord in all who experience the wonder of LifeTown – an interactive center that is home to an abundance of inclusive spaces such as a therapeutic bowling center, adaptive swimming pool, outdoor football turf, and the famed LifeTown Shoppes.
The legislators were awe-struck as they took on various volunteer roles in the one-of-a-kind, simulated city, smiling along with the children as they shopped. Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin held up a stop sign and played traffic cop for the day.
“It’s an educational process and a caring process wrapped in one. It’s learning those life skills like crossing the street. There’s so much to be proud of here and so many good lessons for everyone who visits,” said Coughlin. “I think it’s just marvelous to see it come to fruition. Today feels like we did something good. It brings it to life and then we get to recognize the true benefit of what we’ve done.”
Assemblywoman Shama A. Hader said, “I was a volunteer at the nail salon and a little girl opened her wallet and took out her money. She was so excited. It made her feel grown up. These are skills she’s going to carry throughout her life. This is an invaluable experience.”
Real-Life Skills, Real Impact
As children walked through the shoppes, they learned important skills in a safe environment that could be applied to real life experiences. The education they received in school was also reinforced during their visit to LifeTown. They put their classroom lessons into practice—managing money, waiting their turn at various stores, and making thoughtful choices about how to spend their time. The state grant has proven to be crucial to Title 1 schools, which otherwise may not have been able to visit LifeTown.
“As a state and a school, we’re working towards inclusion, so to see the legislators here witnessing our students having fun, that means a lot,” said Alaina Donohue, a K-2nd grade teacher at George Washington School in Edgewater. “They were able to do things that they maybe normally wouldn’t have,” Donohue continued with a smile. “I think this is also going to give the parents a little more confidence when bringing their children out in public because now it’s something they’ve experienced in an enclosed, safe setting.”
Livingston Councilman Al Anthony commented, “It really is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and I am just so honored to be part of it. It feels great to see this in action.”
Courtney Teicher, a parent of a child with special needs, who volunteered that morning with fellow Atlantic Health System employees, was blown away by the support of the NJ legislators. Teicher volunteered as a manicurist at Linda’s Salon and left feeling hopeful for the future.
“Today was really heartwarming for me as a parent. But to give back to individuals that may not have it in their communities truly filled my heart,” said Teicher. “There’s an opportunity for continued growth and development in this realm knowing there are important legislators here wanting to give back and wanting to support this vital movement. I know for me personally, my son may have more opportunities as he gets older but there’s opportunity for all these children to develop more skills and have surroundings that are safe.”
A Model for the Future
The growth at LifeTown is truly inspiring. As programs continue to expand, they demonstrate that meaningful partnerships between the state and LifeTown can address systemic inequities and champion inclusive opportunity. This initiative doesn’t just support students in the moment—it sets in motion a broader movement for change. By strengthening families, empowering educators, and fostering understanding within communities, LifeTown is creating a blueprint for inclusive education across the state.
“I appreciate everything that the legislators have done to fill this place up with that many more children,” said volunteer Rich Hollander. “The more kids we can get in here, the better off the world is going to be.”
