To provide comprehensive support services to individuals with special needs to enable them to reach their highest level of independence and integration in the community.

Alternatives’ philosophy is based on a person-centered approach. This means developing a program around the specific needs of an individual rather than offering a generic group of services to a large number of people.

Description:
Founded in 1979 as The Association for the Advancement of the Mentally Handicapped (AAMH), Alternatives, Inc. was a pioneer in helping individuals with developmental disabilities live in community based residences rather than institutional environments.

Since our founding, Alternatives, Inc. has expanded to provide services to individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, families and individuals who are homeless, pregnant and parenting teens and at-risk adolescents and others with special needs with a range of support and services in their own communities.

Residential programs include; group homes, supervised apartments, a supportive living program, transitional and permanent supportive housing. Additional initiatives include a school-based program and a respite program. Over 400 individuals living in Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties participate in a variety of Alternatives, Inc. programs and services.

History:
(1973) Seeking services for his son and finding very few options, Arthur Ritmaster established The Association for the Advancement of the Mentally Handicapped (AAMH) in Princeton. (1979) Branch offices were opened in Somerset and Union counties. (1979-1984) Operated a program called Community Alternative Living Support System (CALSS) where high functioning clients were deinstitutionalized and placed into their own apartments. This program developed into the current Independent Living Program.

Contact people:

Anita Feiner, Program Director, (phone), (email) Nancy Good, President, (phone), (email)

Address:

600 First Avenue Raritan, NJ 08869 (See a map)

Directions:

FROM NEWARK - Rte 78 West to Exit 29 (287 & 202-206, Morristown Somerville). Bear left to Rte 287 South (202-206 South) Continue straight on Rte 287 South to Exit 17 (202-206 Somerville/ Flemington). Continue straight - bear left to. . . (more)