News

Earlier this month, our Chatham school Class of 2024 graduated with proud families, staff and friends cheering them on!

A graduation for ECLC students with special needs is an emotional evening that for most marks the capstone of their educational careers.

Given this milestone in their academic achievement, each student has an opportunity to address the crowd and acknowledge those who helped in their school journey and express their dreams for the future.

One student perhaps summed up the sentiment of the entire class by saying, “Thank you for getting me through some challenging times and believing in me when I did not.”

There was a particularly poignant moment when Assistant Principal Allison Clemens held back tears while reading a speech written by a student who tragically passed away just weeks before graduation. In the speech, this student had reflected back fondly on her school days: “My favorite part of ECLC is all the dances and seeing my friends and teachers. I will never forget my classmates.”

Continue reading “Chatham School Graduates 34 Students with Special Needs” →

Every Spring, our Chatham school hosts an Employer Breakfast to thank area businesses and nonprofits for opening their doors to students with special needs to learn new work skills!

Nearly 30 employers participated in the program during this school year, including child-care centers, retail stores, environmental organizations, a museum, several restaurants, a library and even a hair salon!

The work-skills program is a critical component of the school’s curriculum to prepare students as they approach graduation. Students are placed with an employer to learn hard skills and “soft” skills that are just as important to understand in a workplace. They learn how to show up on time; stay on task; ask a manager questions; and appropriate social interactions with coworkers.

Continue reading “Celebrating Local Employers for Hosting Job Skills Programs!” →

On April 1, we started Autism Acceptance Month by welcoming Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (CD-11) to our Chatham school. Chatham Borough Mayor Carolyn Dempsey, Council President Jocelyn Mathiasen, and other council members and borough officials joined the Congresswoman for a big check presentation!

Rep. Sherrill delivered $850,000 in Community Project Funding to undertake renovations at the school, which is leased from Chatham Borough.

Continue reading “Chatham Borough Awarded Major Federal Grant to Renovate ECLC School” →

We are so proud of Ho-Ho-Kus Principal Vicki Lindorff who was honored as a Hometown Hero by Congressman John Gottheimer on Dec. 15! These awards are given twice a year to recognize exemplary individuals from the Congressional Fifth District who are bettering the lives of others through their work or volunteerism.

Principal Lindorff has led the ECLC Ho-Ho-Kus school for almost 50 years and has an incredible legacy of success. She started as a teacher in 1977 and was promoted to principal in 1981.

She has been a fearless advocate for her students with special needs and constantly comes up with innovative ways to ensure they achieve their highest potential. Principal Lindorff is a dynamic inspiration to staff, students and parents. She has created a true family, and it shows every day, through the caring felt throughout the school!

Continue reading “Ho-Ho-Kus Principal Named a Hometown Hero!” →

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to taking a pause on holiday shopping to support nonprofits that are making a difference in our communities. It started here in the United States and has grown into a global event. We rely on the extra support from our Foundation to supplement school district and government funding for our programs. This additional funding allows our staff to provide the highest quality and most caring level of service in a warm, nurturing environment.

We appreciate any donation made to help in the challenging lifelong journey our young students and adult clients face every day! Donate.