My wife and I and Dawn Fittipaldi “started” Our Special Place way back in 2004 when our youngest son — the mystical and magical Mr. “E” — was diagnosed with autism. The informal play group among three- and four-year old children on the Autism Disorder Spectrum in our basement grew to include more and more playful tykes.
Our home became an impromptu gathering place for families. Actually, a conversation around the kitchen table one day seeded a dream.
“Let’s start a non-profit organization for children with special needs,” Liz said, “Andrew, you’re the real estate broker — go find us professional office space.”
“We can raise money and offer families a cost-effective way to enhance their children’s lives,” chimed in Dawn.
I sat quietly. Well, those of you who know me know I never sit quietly.
Special needs funding either comes from the school district or the parents’ pockets, occasionally from the insurance company. Private therapies are expensive. The goal of OSP is to provide worthwhile programs, play groups and summer camps at a reasonable cost to families.
Now we’re here, literally. Our Special Place is located at 62 Broad Street, Matawan N.J. 07747. Telephone (732) 765-8500. Donations are welcome.
ORGANIZATION NEWS
- The first annual Our Special Place picnic will be held at Bucks Mill Park, Colts Neck NJ on Sunday, July 12th.
- The first annual Our Special Place golf outing will be held at Eagle Oaks Country Club in Farmingdale on Monday, September 14th. Golfer cost is $275 for 18 holes, lunch and dinner.
Please call us or email me at lenza.andrew@gmail.com if you have any questions about special education, parent support groups or Our Special Place.
–Andrew J. Lenza
Thank you for good articleshttp://duffy-real-estate.blogspot.com/
[...] districts; promote the use of resolution sessions and special education mediation; inform them Our Special Place, Matawan NJ Update – andrewlenza.wordpress.com 06/19/2009 My wife and I and Dawn Fittipaldi “started” Our Special [...]
Good Luck Andrew!
Thanks, Greg. You are a good man. Hope you survive the Santa Barbara circus out there this weekend.
[...] Broad Street in Matawan runs parallel to Main Street, so it's an easy walk to shops, restaurants (check out my review of Aby's Mexican), banks and post office.There is even a wonderful haven for special needs children located on Broad Street called Our Special Place! [...]