Special Needs Young Adults Can Socialize In New Hazlet Club

HAZLET, NJ — Finding ways to keep engaged and fit can be a challenge for anyone. But for young adults with special needs, who often are no longer in a school setting, keeping social is particularly beneficial.

So a program through Hazlet Recreation that began as an eight-week session is coming back in September for a full year of weekly classes, according to the township Senior Center director, the instructor for the program.

Let's Get Social is a new club for young adults aged 16 and older with special needs, says Denise Bucciero, the instructor for the new club.

It will meet every Monday night for games, fitness, crafts and more, starting Sept. 11. The programs go from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the James J. Cullen Center and its costs $40 to register for the upcoming eight sessions. The Cullen Center is at 1776 Union Ave.

"They really enjoyed it," Bucciero said of the inaugural class members last year. There were about 10 registrants originally.

And she said the opportunity for social interaction - along with fitness - are the most important elements of the program.

"We have lots of movement," she added.

She said the special needs young adults can range from 16 to 28 or 30. Registering for the classes must go through the parents of the participants, she added.

"Its really like a club, she said. The members meet once a week. They can hang out, play pickleball do arts and crafts or fitness classes, depending on the programming.

The session will be offered all year in eight-week session. And you don't have to be a Hazlet resident to enroll, Bucciero added. However, a parent or adult chaperone must be in attendance.

For more information email instructor Denise Bucciero at the center. Pre-Register at Hazlet.Recdesk.com.