Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism Officially Launched in Monmouth County

The Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism in Wall NJ at the Brookdale Community College Wall location was launched, July 16, 2024, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the facility. This milestone marks the culmination of years of effort and dedication to providing essential services and support for adults with autism. 

Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners who has been a fierce advocate for the Academy, made the opening remarks, “This project has been a labor of love for so many of us. It’s incredible to see it finally come to life and to know that it will make a real difference in the lives of these adults and their families.”

The vision for the Academy was first conceived over a decade ago, driven by a commitment to address the critical need for services and educational opportunities for adults with Autism once they attain 21 years of age and public-school services end. The persistence and collaboration of numerous individuals and organizations eventually made it a reality.

Director Arnone recognized the Board of County Commissioners, including Deputy Director Ross F. Licitra, Erik Andersen, and Susan M. Kiley, whose unwavering support was pivotal, both in spirit and financially. He said that the Board of Trustees at Brookdale Community College also played a crucial role, with many members present at the event. The contributions of the trade unions and contractors, particularly Bryan Keeshen of Shoreland Construction, were acknowledged for their generous donations of time and materials, and the Frances and Paul Turner Family Foundation, Inc., for their exceptionally generous donation, which played a significant role in making the Academy a reality.

David M. Stout, Ph.D., President of Brookdale Community College, spoke about the college’s initiative and partnership with the Achieve Academy. “This project exemplifies what can be achieved through collaboration and dedication,” Dr. Stout remarked. “We are incredibly proud to support such an important initiative that addresses a significant gap in services for adults with autism. Dr. Stout further elaborated, “Brookdale has several pathways for individuals with developmental disabilities, and we can begin funneling students from those programs into the Achieve Academy. Our specialty in academics allows us to develop certificate programs and degrees to support the clients of the Academy. Whether it’s training behavior analysts or technicians, we can build certificate programs to support this initiative. This partnership between many entities is a testament to our collective dedication, and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are incredibly proud to be a part of it.”

Tara Beams, Superintendent of the Henry Hudson Regional School District and Board member of The Monmouth Ocean Foundation for Children (MOFFC) has been a passionate advocate for the project since her involvement began seven years ago to ensure high-quality continuing education for adults with autism.

“This is an underserved population that grows every day,” Beams emphasized. “The need continues to outgrow what we can do for these amazing members of our community.”

Among the attendees was Joseph Shimko, a longtime Wall, NJ resident and former All-American at North Carolina State, now with the Arizona Cardinals. At this year’s Annual Joe Shimko Foundation Fundraiser event, they raised $60,000 for the MOFFC’s Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism.

“My family and I are honored to support such a vital cause,” Shimko said. Seeing the dedication and hard work of everyone involved has been truly inspiring.”

Attendees were invited to tour the newly completed facility, which is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering commitment to serving adults with autism.

Steve Leone, Principal of Spiezle Architectural Group, generously donated all his work to this building. And Congressman Chris Smith assisted in securing a $400,000 grant that will be used to furnish the building and purchase the necessary fixtures.

The Academy, which is tentatively slated to begin accepting clients in 2025, features various rooms to support adults in developing essential life skills. One space will have modular furniture and a large screen for instructional videos and lessons. Other rooms include an industrial-strength refrigerators and freezers to help adults learn budgeting, shopping, and meal preparation, including booth seating and high-top dinettes to mimic a restaurant, with plans to run a business where students can make coffees or treats for the Brookdale campus, gaining experience in a business environment. Another room is designed to mimic a one-bedroom apartment with a small dining nook, bedroom, home-like bathroom, and laundry facilities, allowing adults to practice hygiene and daily living skills. Additionally, there is a fitness area to promote healthy lifestyles. And a classroom that will also replicate environments like a hair salon or doctor’s office to help adults with sensory needs become comfortable with these experiences, reinforcing essential skills for independent living.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to impact a growing number of families across the United States. According to recent statistics, approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD nationwide. New Jersey has one of the highest rates of autism diagnoses, with about 1 in 34 children identified as being on the spectrum. This increasing prevalence underscores the vital importance of facilities like the Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism, which provide essential support and services to help individuals with autism lead fulfilling and productive lives.

For information about the Achieve Academy, contact Linda Jordan at ljordan@brookdalecc.edu.