From
The Holmdel Independent in N.J.: In the picture, Ryan Koenigsberg (from left), Susan Koenigsberg, Tim Koenigsberg and Thomas D'Augusta help plant gladioli during an Impact Oasis planting session.
Middletown Township and a local nonprofit group are close to an agreement that would give autistic young adults a place to live together as a community on a farm after they graduate from high school.
The mission of Impact OASIS is to promote inclusion and acceptance of autistic individuals into their local communities by establishing environmentally exemplary farm centers that provide meaningful work, peaceful and healthful residences, and community interaction.
Impact OASIS President Mai Cleary said the group is an offshoot of a program that already exists in the public schools in the township.
"We came from the group Impact, which is done though the school system, and we decided to form another group for what happens after school," Cleary said. "We decided to use the farm concept, which is a great way to create work and community life."
On June 15, the Township Committee will hold a public hearing and final vote on an ordinance that would approve a joint acquisition by the township and Impact OASIS of a 26-acre farmland property on Sleepy Hollow Road.
Impact stands for Improving Middletown's Program for Autistic Children, and OASIS stands for Ongoing Autistic Success in Society.
The overall amount of the agreement is $2.9 million, which is split, with the township paying $1.55 million, Impact OASIS $900,000, NY/NJ Baykeeper $250,000, and the Monmouth Conservation Foundation $200,000.
In the agreement with the township, ImpactOASISwill have 9 of the 26 acres for its use.
"It really is a great deal for everyone involved for the amount of land that we are going to preserve," Cleary said. "We plan to invite the public in so that we do not isolate the individuals at the center."
With the land, the group hopes to create a Transitional Residential/Adult Independent Learning (TRAIL) Center that will provide young adults with autism a unique experience parallel to their non-disabled peers once they graduate from high school.
As part of the purchase agreement, Impact OASIS will be given the farmhouse and residence quarters for use as part of the center."
The TRAIL Center will provide services to assist in the transition from the role of student to that of an adult.
Cleary said the idea grew from a 2006 sitdown with former planner and current Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante and Gregg Silva, the head of Parks and Recreation, to discuss farmland that was available to be leased.
"Gregg Silva came up with the idea for the lease agreement, and we jumped on it," Cleary said. "They wanted to preserve some land and we wanted to farm the land, and we came to an agreement and looked up funding possibilities."
Services provided by Impact OASIS include residential/habilitation services, vocational services, recreational services, and continuing education with a focus on language comprehension and usage and social skills training.
"We believe, as parents of autistic individuals, that the peaceful setting of a farm and the closeness to nature will be a truly rewarding and therapeutic work environment for these challenged individuals," the website states.
According to the website, the TRAIL center will be open throughout the calendar year.
From September through May, six to eight individuals between the ages of 18 and 26 will reside at the facility, which will be very similar to that of a college dormitory.
There will also be the capacity to take on six to eight day students. And the students will be able to go home on weekends and holidays, just like any college student.
"What they are doing for us is creating a peaceful environment," Cleary said. "Since the surrounding land will be preserved for open space, it will be a very peaceful and safe setting. The quiet is something that is very helpful."
During the day, the residents will participate in a variety of activities and groups, depending on their needs, she said.
In the early afternoon, when they return from their morning chores, residents will learn to utilize their time and maximize their independence by participating in an array of exercises designed to help them move toward greater independence.
"Learning how to utilize personal time, how to manage one's finances, how to determine preferences, interests and hobbies, and self-advocate for their needs and dreams will be built into their daily schedules," the website states.
Cleary said she is eagerly anticipating passage of the ordinance at the June 15 Township Committee meeting that would put the plans in motion.
"It really is going to be a nice place," Cleary said. "It will add jobs in the community as well, as we will need people to help and work the land."
Impact OASIS is also in the third year of a five-year lease with the township for a tract of land at Stevenson Park.
The group has enclosed about 4 acres of the farmland with a deer fence, with the help of autistic young adults and several teenagers from area schools. Also, an Eagle Scout has taken on the project this year of reinforcing the fence against groundhogs, Cleary said.
As a group activity, the group planted the corners of the rectangular space with tulip and daffodil bulbs in the fall.
"Everyone has been very helpful," Cleary said, "especially Bob Sickles [local farmer and farm market owner], who has been tilling the land for us and has helped us get up and going. We have no machinery, so we really appreciate all of his and the community's help."
Cleary said the work done on the farmland isn't really hard work in the minds of the students.
"They really just enjoy being out there," she said.
From The Holmdel Independent in N.J.: In the picture, Ryan Koenigsberg (from left), Susan Koenigsberg, Tim Koenigsberg and Thomas D'Augusta help plant gladioli during an Impact Oasis planting session.