Essex County executive visits LifeTown
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. recently visited LifeTown in Livingston, an interactive play and learning space for children, teens, and adults with special needs. His chief of staff, Philip B. Alagia, and Assemblyman Michael Venezia joined him on the tour.
Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, LifeTown’s CEO, led the group through the new three-lane bowling center. They also 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.
Lindsay Kreinberg was one of the first participants at Friendship Circle in the early 2000s. Now she volunteers in the Shoppes with her father, Larry Kreinberg, and her bubbe, Mitzi Kreinberg.
“Essex County is home to the largest population of individuals with special needs in the state,” Rabbi Grossbaum said. “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.”
Mr. 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,” he said. “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.
“It was an honor to have Essex County Executive DiVincenzo, Mr. Alagia, and Assemblyman Venezia explore all that LifeTown has to offer and to see its impact in action,” Rabbi Grossbaum said. “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.”
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