Chester Business Helps Nonprofit With Special Needs Housing

CHESTER, NJ — Rose House, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for people with developmental disabilities, has received significant volunteer support from a Chester business.

FatRabbit Creative, a Chester-based full-service design, digital marketing, and branding agency, donated its time and services to fix up Rose House's Hanover Apartments for independent living residents.

Rose House, based in Morris County, provides group homes and independent living apartments for adults with developmental disabilities. Their newest group home is expected to open in May 2023.

Members of the FatRabbit Creative team went to Rose House earlier this week to reinforce and stain the garden boxes on the property, add new netting, and plant flowers and vegetables for the community to enjoy.

"Both volunteer projects were completely unexpected and tremendously appreciated," Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell said. "We didn’t ask them for help. The businesses selflessly reached out and asked what they could do for our clients with special needs. It just so happened that our new group home needed cleaning up before the opening, and it was the perfect time of year to have our gardens restored at the apartments."

Heather Reddy, FatRabbit's principal owner, found her rewarding volunteer experience to be very personal.

"As a parent of kids with special needs, I know firsthand how important it is to help organizations like Rose House," Reddy said.

FatRabbit Creative was founded in Netcong 17 years ago but eventually relocated to Chester, the home of founder Eric Koby. Their Chester studio is at 221 Main Street, Suite 2.

"We loved seeing how the independent residents have purposeful lives in the community when we visited. It was a fun day out of the office, and we’re happy to know that the residents can enjoy watering and harvesting the vegetables," Reddy said.

Rose House provides tailored, self-directed programs to meet each individual's needs. According to officials, the organization's vision is an inclusive community where everyone has a loving home.