Celebrating Those Who Care for Our Special Needs Adults
Caring for a special needs adult can be challenging, but families, caregivers, and individuals are not alone!! In New Jersey, a Support Coordinator plays a crucial role in coordinating services and support for special needs adults with developmental disabilities. It is upon them that so many lay their hopes, dreams and future. They make a huge difference in the lives of NJ adults with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and other forms of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. They help special needs adults and their families create the ISP, or Individualized Support Plan that guides and outlines eligibility of services for the special needs adult.
This year, Gracious Services, a provider of day habilitation and support services for special needs adults, put out the call to NJ family, clients, Support Coordinators, Support Coordination Agencies, industry professionals and friends to share with us the very best in NJ. The response was overwhelming and heart wrenching with nominations from across the state that came with glowing testimonials and thanks. Clearly the position of Support Coordinator is meaningful, and we wanted to celebrate these often unsung heroes with our Top NJ Support Coordinators and Agency competition.
After hundreds of votes, the winners were announced at our Revel with Royalty Ball, an annual special needs fundraising gala.
Top Support Coordinator in NJ - Nicole Arseneau, Spectrum Care & Management
Runner Up - Jennifer Mandel, Supportive Choices
Runner Up - Jayme Proano, Supportive Choices
Top Support Coordination Agency in NJ - Supportive Choices
Runner Up - Spectrum Care & Management
Runner Up - Abilities First, LLC
These individuals and agencies should be proud and honored to be so well respected and loved by their industry. They truly make a difference in their clients’ lives every day.
Grace Badmus of Gracious Services shared the following about Gracious Services, the special needs community and the Top Support Coordinators in NJ:
"I am blessed to be living my dream. I get to do what I am called to do. It is a privilege. I can’t help but be overwhelmed to meet so many people who care as deeply as I do. I am so happy we decided to do this, and I pray that next year we will continue the tradition of honoring such amazing, loving people."
The following agencies were represented through nominations from peers and clients to be named Top Support Coordinator in NJ.
Community Personnel Services Inc.
Equal Opportunity Support Services
Heat Holistic Lifestyle Program
For more information about Gracious Services Inc. and its special needs adults services, please visit www.graciousservicesinc.com or contact (908) 948-8170.
Read more about how to set up Support Coordination Services and acquire an ISP in NJ
Want to Participate in the 2025 Top Support Coordinator Competition?
About Gracious Services Inc.
With 25 + years in case management, quality assurance and HPBS Habilitation Planning with the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, co-founder Grace Badmus of Gracious Services Inc. understands how Tiered services are awarded, planned, and provided.
Frustrated with years of “clients, not fitting services”, she decided to turn the tables and design services to fit the clients. Gracious Services Inc., located in Fanwood, NJ, creates custom day habilitation and support services programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Union, Somerset, and Essex counties and throughout NJ.