CTC is so grateful for all of the wonderful community partners we and our students are fortunate to work with.
Every month, we shine a light on just one of the many amazing establishments in our community.

May 2025 - Denville Dog C.B.I.

At Celebrate the Children, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom walls. Thanks to community partners like Denville Dog, our students gain real-world experiences that are full of joy, connection—and a side of hot dogs and ice cream!

Denville Dog closes its doors right after Thanksgiving, and reopens in the spring every year. It's a beloved, seasonal destination that our students of all ages look forward to visiting. From our elementary classrooms to our young adult program, students excitedly countdown to opening day each spring. When the doors open, CTC classrooms start planning Community-Based Instruction (CBI) walks, eager for the chance to enjoy a treat and engage with the world around them.

What makes Denville Dog truly special isn’t just the menu. It’s the kindness, patience, and inclusion their staff brings to every visit. Our students are given the space and time they need to practice essential life skills—making choices, handling money, waiting in line, having conversations, and participating in two-way communication. Whether ordering a hot dog or deciding between sprinkles or no sprinkles, every interaction becomes a chance to grow. These real-world interactions build confidence and reinforce the learning happening in school.

Experiences like this are only possible because of partnerships with thoughtful, inclusive businesses. Denville Dog reminds our students that they belong in the world outside of school, too, and are capable of navigating it successfully. It’s a simple setting with a big impact.

We are so grateful to Denville Dog for opening their doors—and their hearts—to our school each spring. Thank you for helping our students grow, one visit at a time.

- Vanessa Graves Foster, High School and Y.A.P. Vice-Principal at Celebrate the Children

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April 2025 - Morris Catholic High School Prom

At Celebrate the Children, we believe community partnerships play a vital role in helping students of all abilities grow, connect, and thrive.
One of our most cherished relationships is with Morris Catholic High School, whose commitment to inclusion and collaboration
has made a lasting impact on our school community.

Morris Catholic students have regularly visited our school to participate in events and engage with our students in meaningful, peer-based interactions. Whether it’s through shared classroom experiences, group activities, or school-wide celebrations, their presence brings warmth, friendship, and a sense of community that benefits everyone involved.

For the past two years, Morris Catholic has gone above and beyond by hosting our school prom, opening their doors — and their hearts — to our students and staff. Their students play a huge role in planning, decorating, and attending the event as prom partners, helping to create a welcoming,
joyful night for everyone.

One unforgettable moment from this year’s prom? A Morris Catholic student who had been on a ladder just two hours earlier, hanging decorations and making sure every last detail was perfect, was later seen on the dance floor, enthusiastically leading the Cha Cha Slide alongside Celebrate the Children students. It’s moments like these that show just how special this partnership truly is — rooted in care, connection, and shared celebration.

Our collaboration with Morris Catholic also extends beyond events. The school has served as an internship site for some of our students, offering valuable opportunities to develop job skills and confidence in a real-world setting. These experiences help prepare students for life beyond school while reinforcing the importance of community inclusion.

The friendships formed between typically developing peers and neurodiverse students are full of laughter, growth, and genuine understanding.
​When we come together, we all benefit — learning from each other, building empathy, and simply enjoying life side by side.

We are so thankful for the continued support of Morris Catholic High School and can’t wait to see what we’ll create together next.

- Vanessa Graves Foster, High School and Y.A.P. Vice-Principal at Celebrate the Children

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March 2025 - Factory Records & Max’s Unique Internship Journey

One of the things that sets our Young Adult Program internship experience apart is the intentionality and level of personal attention that goes into its design. Each student is given the opportunity to explore their interests, helping them gain a better understanding of who they are and what type of post-21 environment they might enjoy most.

For Max, a student in the Young Adult Program, that meant finding a way to engage with music in a quiet, individualized setting—somewhere he could work with what he loves without being surrounded by large crowds or overwhelming noise. That’s where Factory Records came in.

Located in Dover, Factory Records is the brainchild of Ethan Reiss, who opened the business four years ago. The space, housed in a converted factory (hence the name), blends Ethan’s passion for music with his expertise in audio equipment, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. From vinyl records, to memorabilia and collectibles, to sound systems, Factory Records isn’t just a store—it’s an experience. Says Ethan, “This space is an experience. This is going to a place where you can feel the vibes, see the nostalgic albums, and look at the records that just transport us back in time.”

Max and James, another student in the Young Adult Program, have recently started their internship at Factory Records, working to alphabetize and categorize materials. This hands-on experience allows them to build organizational skills while engaging with a subject they enjoy. Though the internship is still in its early stages, we are incredibly grateful to Factory Records for opening their doors and welcoming our students and staff as part of their team.
We are excited for Max and James to make their own memories and explore the unique vibes of Factory Records. This kind of personalized internship placement is what makes our program special—matching students with real-world opportunities that reflect their abilities, interests, and goals for the future.

- Vanessa Graves Foster, High School and Y.A.P. Vice-Principal at Celebrate the Children

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​February 2025 - Hudson Farm Internship

Hudson Farm has been a longstanding partner of Celebrate the Children, providing valuable internship opportunities for students in the Young Adult Program (YAP). Each semester, five students have the chance to gain hands-on experience working on Hudson Farm’s expansive 4,000+ acre property.
This semester, Moishe, Kevin, James, Christopher, and Mitchell are taking part in internships focused on hydroponic planting and general groundskeeping.
Under the guidance of CTC job coaches and Hudson Farm staff, students are building on skills from prior weeks and making meaningful contributions to the farm’s hydroponic operation. The experience allows them to engage in real-world tasks that promote independence, responsibility, and teamwork. Through their work, students are not only developing valuable vocational skills but also fostering a sense of connection and accomplishment.
The internship at Hudson Farm highlights the importance of structured, purposeful work experiences for young adults, especially as they prepare for their post-21 transition. The students' dedication and enthusiasm are evident as they remain motivated, regulated, and engaged in their tasks.

Fun Fact: Did you know that hydroponic plants can grow in volcanic rock?
Here, Moishe is busy preparing new pots for the next round of plants, contributing to the ongoing success of the hydroponic program!

- Vanessa Graves Foster, High School and Y.A.P. Vice-Principal ​at Celebrate the Children