Sweeney, Codey Visit LifeTown Educational Facility

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Codey toured LifeTown today, a recreational, therapeutic and educational facility that opened earlier this month. The center offers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities real world experiences in a safe and controlled environment.

“LifeTown is going to provide invaluable experiences to countless kids in New Jersey, providing them with a safe environment to face their fears and learn what to expect in life’s many scenarios,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “There was no stone left unturned, no corners cut and nothing that they didn’t think of when building this facility. I look forward to seeing the success of the programming here and I hope we see more facilities like this throughout New Jersey in the future.”

LifeTown’s focal point is “Life Village,” a simulated Main Street that will help prepare participants with special needs for independent living. Offering real-world scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, Life Village will empower them to reach their individual potential.

“The importance of teaching basic skills for independent living for people with special needs cannot be overstated,” said Senator Codey (D-Essex/Morris). “I am grateful Friendship Circle chose Livingston to build their facility. LifeTown is going to be an incredible resource to the district and the children who live in the surrounding area.”

LifeTown is the third facility of its kind and the largest in the United States. It has the capacity to serve 30,000 individuals each year. There are partnerships in place to serve students from public and private schools as well as children from the Children’s Specialized Hospital, Rutgers and RWJ Barnabas health networks.