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The Eastern Christian Children's Retreat is a private, non-profit organization created to support individuals with a broad range of mental and physical disabilities. This is done through residential services and programs.

Description:
The Eastern Christian Children's Retreat runs a congregate care facility and three on-site group homes in Wyckoff, 2 community group homes in North Haledon, 2 community group homes in Hawthorne and a supported apartment in Midland Park. The ECCR is contracted by the New Jersey DDD to provide respite care.

History:
In 1965 2 nurses founded the Eastern Christian Children's Retreat. They realized that there were no facilities locally for a home-like setting of care and treatment for children with mental and physical disabilities. These 2 nurses, along with many dedicated volunteers, began the fundraising efforts to build the ECCR. In December 1972 the Eastern Christian Children's Retreat's residential facility was opened. It was the first program of it's kind in New Jersey. Since 1972 the ECCR has grown to meet the changing needs of our residents.

Contact people:

Kimberly Salles, Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Jayne Press, Executive Director, (phone)

Office fax number: 201-847-9619

Address:

700 Mountain Avenue Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.eccretreat.org

Directions:

From the SOUTH: Garden State Parkway North to Exit 160. At end of exit ramp turn left onto Passaic Street and follow signs to Route 4 West to Route 208 North. Exit at Cedar Hill Avenue, Wyckoff. Turn left going over 208 and continue to the end of Cedar Hill Avenue. At the Stop Sign, turn right onto Sicomac Avenue. Go to the second street on the left, which is Mountain Avenue. Turn left onto Mountain; go about one-quarter of a mile to the ECCR sign (700 Mountain Avenue) on the left. Turn left onto our driveway and follow it about one-half mile, passing buildings on the left. Proceed to the end of the road. ECCR’s Bushman Building is the two-story brick building with white columns and a ramp at its front entrance. From the EAST: Take Route 4 West to Route 208 North. Follow directions above. From the NORTH: Take Route 208 South and exit at Cedar Hill Avenue. Turn left at end of ramp and take Cedar Hill Avenue to Stop Sign. Turn right onto Sicomac Avenue and follow directions above. From the WEST: Take Route 287 North to Route 208 South (Exit 59). Follow directions from the North.

Overall Experience   
I found love in a special and unique way at ECCR

If you're feeling down about your own troubles, this is a place where you can experience the full depth of human love. ECCR is a residental facility. The employees, who act very much as parents, relatives, and friends, care for those with severe disabilities. Some of the residents have been there for many years. This is an incredible experience. posted by Paul_junior on June 19, 2005