Community Inclusion Program: Where Every Day is an Adventure.
Community based activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Real activities. Real friendships. Real belonging.
About PHF’s
Community Inclusion Program
Choose Your Own Adventure
At Pyramid House Foundation, we believe adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else—to try new things, make friends, learn skills, and have fun!
Our Community Inclusion Program offers an à la carte menu of 25+ monthly activities designed around our three pillars: Housing (independent living skills), Healing (wellness activities), and Purpose (community engagement).
You choose what interests you. We handle the rest.
The Three Pillars in Action
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HOUSING PILLAR: Independent Living Skills
Build skills for more independent living:
Cooking & Nutrition:
Meal planning and grocery shopping
Cooking classes (beginner to advanced)
Healthy eating and nutrition education
Food safety and kitchen skills
Cultural cooking experiences
Home & Money Management:
Budgeting and money management
Banking skills and financial literacy
Apartment skills and organization
Laundry and household tasks
Shopping smart and comparison pricing
Community Navigation:
Public transportation training
Community resource awareness
Safety skills and stranger danger
Phone and technology skills
Self-advocacy and communication
Goal: Prepare for more independent living arrangements
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HEALING PILLAR: Wellness & Therapeutic Activities
Experience activities that promote wellbeing:
Nature & Movement:
Nature walks and hiking
Gardening and outdoor activities
Yoga and gentle exercise
Dance and movement therapy
Park visits and outdoor recreation
Creative & Sensory:
Art therapy and creative expression
Music therapy and sing-alongs
Sensory-friendly activities
Spa days and self-care
Relaxation and mindfulness
Health & Wellness:
Nutrition education
Personal hygiene and grooming
Health awareness activities
Emotional regulation skills
Stress management techniques
Goal: Improve physical, emotional, and sensory wellness
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PURPOSE PILLAR: Community Connection & Skills
Build social connections and job skills:
Community Service:
Volunteer opportunities
Community clean-up projects
Food bank assistance
Senior center visits
Animal shelter volunteering
Employment & Skills:
Job skills training
Workplace behavior practice
Money handling and cash register
Customer service skills
Manipura Gardens participation (coming soon!)
Social & Recreation:
Sports and recreation
Bowling, mini golf, arcade
Movies and entertainment
Social events and parties
Holiday celebrations
Seasonal activities
Civic Engagement:
Community events participation
Cultural celebrations
Educational field trips
Museum and library visits
Local business tours
Goal: Foster meaningful community integration and employment readiness
Program Features
✅ DDD Approved Provider
We bill directly to DDD—no out-of-pocket costs for most activities
✅ All Tiers Welcome
We serve tiers A through Ea (ambulatory participants)
✅ Transportation Included
Free pick-up and drop-off throughout Essex County
✅ Behavior Support Expertise
Staff trained in Positive Behavior Supports, CPR, First Aid, and emergency response
✅ Small Groups
Maximum 12 participants per activity
✅ Flexible Scheduling
Weekdays, evenings, and weekends—choose what fits your schedule
✅ Person-Centered Approach
You choose only the activities you want—no mandatory attendance
✅ Community-Based
Real experiences in real community settings, not facility-based programming
✅ ISP Goal Integration
We document activities and connect them to Individual Support Plan goals
How It Works
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Step 1: REGISTER
Complete our simple registration form with participant information
What We Need:
Basic contact information
DDD eligibility verification
Individual supports authorization
Emergency contacts
Medical/allergy information
Behavioral support needs (if any)
Transportation details
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Step 2: CHOOSE ACTIVITIES
Review our monthly calendar and select activities that interest you
Every Month We Offer:
25+ different activities
Multiple time options (morning, afternoon, evening, weekend)
Variety across all three pillars
Special seasonal events
New experiences to try
How to Choose:
Browse the online calendar
Discuss with your support coordinator
Try different things each month
Stick with favorites or explore new options
Sign up for as many or as few as you want
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Step 3: WE HANDLE LOGISTICS
Transportation:
Free pick-up from your home
Safe, fully equipped vehicles
Trained drivers
On-time service
Drop-off back home
Activity Preparation:
Materials and supplies provided
Staff trained on activity
Safety plans in place
Accommodations ready
Backup plans for weather
Communication:
Reminder calls/texts before activity
Updates if plans change
Photos shared with families (with permission)
Progress notes provided
Open communication with families
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Step 4: HAVE FUN!
Show up and enjoy meaningful, engaging activities with friends
What to Expect:
Warm welcome from familiar staff
Introduction to activity
Hands-on participation
Social interaction with peers
Support as needed
Fun and laughter!
Who Can Participate?
Eligibility Requirements
Adults (18+) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
DDD-eligible for Individual Supports
Tiers A through Ea (ambulatory participants)
Residing in New Jersey (Essex and nearby counties —contact us!)
We Welcome
All ability levels
Individuals with behavioral support needs
First-time program participants
People transitioning from other programs
Those seeking more community integration
Anyone ready to try something new!
Not sure if you qualify? Contact us —we'll help you figure it out!
Program Costs & Billing
No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Most Activities
We bill directly to DDD for program services
What's Covered:
Activity participation
Transportation
Materials and supplies
Staff support
Snacks (on most activities)
Occasional Extra Costs:
Special event tickets (movies, attractions)
Meals at restaurants
Personal purchases during shopping activities
Optional add-ons
We always communicate costs in advance.
Safety & Support
Our Commitment to Safety
Staff Training:
Positive Behavior Support certification
CPR and First Aid certified
DDD-required training completion
Background checks and clearances
Ongoing professional development
Safety Protocols:
Medical emergency procedures
Behavior support plans followed
Allergy and dietary accommodations
Accessibility considerations
Crisis intervention training
Communication:
24/7 emergency contact available
Regular family updates
Incident reporting and follow-up
Open door policy for concerns
FAQs
How do I know which activities are right for me/my loved one?
Start with interests! Love cooking? Try cooking classes. Enjoy being outside? Try nature walks. We also help match activities to ISP goals.
What if someone has behavioral challenges?
Our staff are trained in Positive Behavior Supports. We work with individuals, families, and support coordinators to create success plans.
Can participants attend just one activity per month?
Absolutely! Choose as many or as few as you want. There's no minimum or maximum.
What if we need to cancel?
Just let us know as soon as possible. We understand life happens!
Is lunch provided?
Some activities include meals or snacks. We always communicate this in advance.
Can family members attend activities?
Generally, activities are for participants only to promote independence, but family events happen throughout the year!
For Support Coordinators
Partnership Benefits
We Make Your Job Easier:
ISP goal alignment and documentation
Monthly progress reports
Open communication
Flexible scheduling to meet client needs
Quality Services:
Experienced, well-trained staff
Safe, community-based activities
Person-centered approach
Positive outcomes and client satisfaction
Let's Partner: We'd love to serve your clients! Contact us to discuss how our Community Inclusion Program can support your individuals.
Get Started Today
Questions? We're here to help!
📞 Call: 908-845-8956
📧 Email: info@pyramidhousefoundation.org
www.pyramidhousefoundation.org