Congressman Tom Kean Jr. honored Matheny’s eight decades of healthcare and education to people with medically complex developmental disabilities in New Jersey

PEAPACK, NJ (August 12, 2026) – Congressman Tom Kean Jr., (NJ-7), recognized Matheny’s commitment to the care of the developmentally disabled population recently during a ceremony in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ. The Congressman entered a tribute into the Congressional Record recognizing Matheny for its 80 years of distinguished service to the community.

Representative Kean presented the recognition in tribute to Matheny's impact on the lives of thousands of patients, students, and families throughout New Jersey and beyond. Congressman Kean said, "Matheny has spent 80 remarkable years changing lives, strengthening families, and providing exceptional care to individuals with medically complex disabilities. Somerset County and all of New Jersey are stronger because of the compassion, expertise, and daily dedication of the entire Matheny community. It is an honor to recognize this extraordinary milestone, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a partner and advocate for Matheny and the families they serve. Congratulations on 80 incredible years and here’s to the next 80.”

Dr. Vincent Barba, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, opened the ceremony by giving an overview of Matheny’s history. He then thanked the Congressman for being a long-time friend and advocate to the organization and its people served. He said, “Congressman Kean has been a staunch supporter of disability rights and healthcare. He’s been incredibly gracious and he and his staff have always listened to us and helped us to advocate for the people we serve.” Dr. Barba continued, “We are truly grateful that he took the time to celebrate our 80^th anniversary in such a meaningful way. This is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of all of our employees.”

“On behalf of everyone at Matheny, we are deeply honored that Congressman Kean chose to recognize our 80th anniversary in the Congressional Record. For eight decades, our mission has stayed the same — to give every person we serve the chance to live with dignity, opportunity, and joy. This recognition belongs to every resident, student, patient, staff member, family, and volunteer who has been part of that mission,” said Nancy Hamstra, FACHE, President and CEO of Matheny.

Since 1946, Matheny has offered a full range of healthcare services and educational opportunities to children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities in New Jersey. The Congressional Record entry celebrates Matheny's eight decades of providing medical care, education, therapeutic services, recreational programs, independent living opportunities and a fine arts program to individuals with some of the most complex disabilities in the region. Today, Matheny is a nationally recognized special hospital and nonprofit private school based in Peapack, New Jersey.

Matheny will mark the culmination of its 80th anniversary in March 2027 with a two-day conference for professionals, families, caregivers, and advocates on its Peapack campus. More information will be released soon on Matheny’s website: matheny.org and on its social media channels. The full congressional record can be found here and on Matheny’s website along with photos of the ceremony via this link.

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About Matheny: Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a nonprofit special hospital and private school headquartered in Peapack and Gladstone, NJ and has five community residences in Somerset and Warren counties as well as an adult day center in Hillsborough, NJ. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medically complex developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND), and a wide range of rare diseases including Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Cornelia De Lange syndrome and others. To learn more about Matheny, visit matheny.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn using handle @mathenymedical.

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