with a roommate, who was carefully selected
by the Bergen County United Way.
Very Special Homes provide affordable
housing for those with special
needs, survivors of domestic violence,
seniors and veterans and their families.
The Bergen County United Way President
Tom Toronto and Madeline Corp
Executive Director Shari DePalma have
together created a chance for people in
Jonathan’s situation to lead an independent
and more liberated lifestyle. Not
only do these homes become the gateway
to individual growth, but also they
bestow something priceless: a true sense
of accomplishment and pride. Within
these communities the residents are fully
embraced in to a caring neighborhood,
succeeding in an independent life overall.
Furthermore, the homes are specifically
designed to meet their tenants’
needs. The communities are run by management
who also arrange for a variety
of social events, such as pizza and movie
nights, summer BBQs and holiday parties.
The staff even keeps the parents informed
of significant happenings by
phone as well.
Currently, there are 24 developments
for Very Special Homes, but they continue
several building plans and the sky
is the limit for the 50,000 individuals
like Jonathan, now age 31, living in New
Jersey with disabilities. Jonathan’s
mother sees such a dramatic change in
Jonathan’s behaviors when he comes
over for dinners since he has lived in the
ranch that Very Special Homes has
helped him obtain. This has sparked
such a hope for his future.
“Very Special Homes has really
helped Jonathan evolve into a man and
grow as a person in general,” Barbara
said.
Jonathan agrees whole-heartedly.
“Very Special Homes has given me
independence. It helps me to do chores,
clean and gives me the convenience of
shopping at nearby locations,” he said.
While the attainment of Jonathan’s
adult life continues to prosper with the
assistance of this program, simultaneously
does the inspiration of his personal
story as a whole. Jonathan’s father,
Larry, who works in PR at Montclair
State University, was recently talking
with his colleague Sonja Bozic, a filmmaker.
She shared with Larry that she
was interested in creating a movie based
on Jonathan’s life. Upon meeting with
him in person, the decision to move forward
with the film was easy.
Jonathan experienced a memorable
trip all the way to Switzerland with
Bozic to a film workshop and contest
there, where the film won two major
awards. One of these awards brought
bring to Paris, where funding of the film
was granted. Jonathan’s father is currently
helping with the script for the
film. Jonathan will be playing himself.
Once completed, the movie, “Chocolate
Milk,” a simple yet truly fitting title, will
give viewers an inside look to Jonathan’s
life from his perspective. When Bozic
went out for dinner for the first time to
meet Jonathan about the film, he ordered
chocolate milk – what a way to capture
the essence of this truly influential,
courageous, independent and intelligent
man with his innocent heart of youth.
For more information on the
Very Special Homes Program, visit
www.bergenunitedway.org.
/www.bergenunitedway.org