LENNON’S HOUSE – A TRIBE CO-OPERATIVE

We are in the beginning stages of making our tribe strong! We are parents working hard to give our special needs young adult children a rich life with meaningful friendships.

We have over 30 years experience working with the special needs population since 1986. Through a family member who worked with Neurologically Impaired young adults across Greystone Park Psychiatric campus I realized people with special needs, needed opportunities for richer life experiences that most of us take for granted.

As a teen I was fortunate to volunteer and work at the Special Needs “Camp Fatima.” Later working in the Morris School district, Special Ed program, I again learned we need more for our special needs community. I did not realize all this was setting me up for my future with my Special Needs son. Funny how things kept showing up in my life and then I had a son with Special Needs.

In 2007, I worked in Sussex County, helping and observing a Special Needs Non Profit Activity Center and Creative Housing opportunities under Evelyn Dudziec, Founder of Healing the Children NJ Inc and Founder of Katie’s House Inc. She helped pioneer some amazing programs in both organization. Now her efforts are devoted to Katie’s House providing Supportive Housing and Services to the Special Needs population.

I have learned many things working for Mrs. Dudziec and one of the most important thing is: WE NEED MORE safe places and groups all around the country to help this population feel connected.

Our Goal at LENNON’S HOUSE – A TRIBE CO-OP is to take everything I have learned and with the help of other parents joining our group, create a safe place filled with activities, community outings, vocational skills, workshops, socials, upcycle/recycle classes, dancing, yoga, gardening, game nights, dinners, movies and community beautification projects! BUT WE CANT do it alone. We need funding to help with our activity center and funds to rent or buy a building. OUR GOAL is to have housing by Lennon’s graduation. This depends on our supporting community.

We now have Marcella Community Center as our main location to use for any of our events. However, we will be holding our events at various places as well. It is our passion, love and life work to make this much needed program come alive and you can help make that happen! Be a part of the Tribe and Donate today!

D.Erica Phillips

Founder