Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 1, 2013 Area ECLC of New Jersey, with help from New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, officially opened a new P.R.I.D.E. Center in Paramus. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at this center for adults with special needs also underscored the need for more services to support people with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities. “The demand for education and services for people with disabilities has skyrocketed,” said Dot Libman, director of the P.R.I.D.E. programs. “In response, ECLC has always Guadagno helps ECLC of New Jersey open center been at the forefront.” The urgent need for such programs was emphasized by Lt. Gov. Guadagno, who said, “It’s not very hard to stand up and talk about how important a facility like this is, not only to the clients, that’s obvious, but to the parents who know they have a safe place, a safe, welcoming, open place, that’s going to give opportunities to their sons and daughters.” ECLC is a nonprofit serving children and adults with special needs, such as Down syndrome, autism, and severe learning disabilities, with schools in Chatham and Ho-HoKus. ECLC also runs a supported-employment agency for special needs adults and the P.R.I.D.E. programs. P.R.I.D.E focuses on independent living skills, vocational work opportunities, and community participation, from grocery shopping and volunteering to book club in a coffee shop and fitness at the Y. (continued on page 19)