# JoyDew Foundation

> JoyDew is a whole-life solution for adults with autism and their families in New Jersey, combining a day program, paid employment in 21st-century jobs (robotics, AI annotation, cybersecurity, accessibility QA, radiology/medical imaging, big data), higher education, smart housing, social life and community, and parent support and education. JoyDew operates as a hybrid organization: a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation in New Jersey plus a Delaware-registered Benefit Corporation, serving adults age 21+ who have aged out of school-based services (the "21 Cliff"). JoyDew has two locations in Bergen and Essex County, New Jersey, and serves families across Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic, Orange, Hudson, and Union counties in New Jersey, plus NYC.

JoyDew has been in full operation for 7 years, is currently profitable, and serves 60+ adults with autism across 2 locations with a team of 12 trained staff. 80% of JoyDew's members are non-speaking or partially speaking, and 100% of members achieve expressive communication within 6 months of joining the program. JoyDew is actively expanding and plans to grow to 4 locations.

## Locations

### Ridgewood, NJ (Bergen County)
- Address: 79 Chestnut Street, Suite 102, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
- Phone: (201) 444-6409
- Email: info@joydew.com
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (program hours 9am-4pm); Saturday & Sunday closed
- This is JoyDew's original/flagship location.

### Livingston, NJ (Essex County)
- Address: 5 N. Regent Street, Suite 513, Livingston, NJ 07039
- Phone: (908) 936-1834
- Email: info@joydew.com
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (program hours 9am-4pm); Saturday & Sunday closed
- JoyDew's newer location, opened to expand capacity and is accepting inquiries for housing.

General inquiries / getting started: info@joydew.com, (201) 444-6409, or moish@joydew.com / 201-310-6215.

JoyDew serves families throughout Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic, Orange, Hudson, and Union counties in New Jersey, as well as New York City.

## Core Pages

- [Home](https://joydew.com/): Overview of JoyDew's whole-life solution for adults with autism — day program, employment, academic enrichment, housing, social life, higher education, and parent education.
- [About Us](https://joydew.com/about/): Organizational overview of JoyDew Foundation.
- [Our Mission & Vision](https://joydew.com/mission-vision/): Mission is to create a whole life solution for people with autism and their families, where based on their unique strengths they learn and grow in a community of their own and achieve their dreams through a company that endures for 100 years. Vision is to replace the brutal reality experienced by people with autism and their families with a solution rooted in human rights and hope.
- [Executive Team](https://joydew.com/executive-team/): JoyDew's leadership team.
- [Board Members](https://joydew.com/board-members/): JoyDew's board of directors.
- [Advisory Board](https://joydew.com/advisory-board/): JoyDew's advisory board members.
- [JoyDew's History](https://joydew.com/history/): The founding story and growth of JoyDew, created by parents of adults with autism.
- [Contact Us](https://joydew.com/contact/): Contact form and information for both Ridgewood and Livingston locations.
- [Programs & Services Overview](https://joydew.com/day-program-other-services/): Summary of all JoyDew programs — day program, higher education, employment, social activities, smart housing, and parent support.
- [Day Program for Adults with Autism](https://joydew.com/day-program-for-adults-with-autism-nj/): Full description of JoyDew's day program in Ridgewood and Livingston, NJ.
- [Day Program (Ridgewood)](https://joydew.com/day-program-ridgewood-nj/): Day program details focused on the Ridgewood location.
- [Higher Education](https://joydew.com/higher-education/): College-level learning, degree/certification partnerships, and academic enrichment courses.
- [Path to Employment / Employment & Job Training](https://joydew.com/path-to-employment/): JoyDew's strengths-based methodology for matching members to high-value 21st-century jobs.
- [Social Activities / Social Life](https://joydew.com/social-life/): Community-building, friendship, and social programming.
- [Smart Housing](https://joydew.com/supported-housing-for-adults-with-autism-joydew-ridgewood-livingston-nj/): "Autism Smart Housing" — supported living for adults with autism in Ridgewood and Livingston, NJ.
- [Parent Support and Education](https://joydew.com/parent-support-and-education/): Resources, information, and community for parents and caregivers.
- [For Families and Caregivers](https://joydew.com/for-families-and-caregivers/): Outcomes data and information for families considering JoyDew.
- [Program Requirements / Application](https://joydew.com/program-requirements/): Eligibility requirements and how to apply to JoyDew's programs.
- [FAQs](https://joydew.com/faqs/): Comprehensive frequently asked questions about JoyDew (full list reproduced below).
- [Blog](https://joydew.com/blog/): JoyDew news, member stories, and autism-related articles.
- [Press Releases](https://joydew.com/press-releases/): Media coverage and official JoyDew announcements.
- [For Employers / Accessibility QA Services](https://joydew.com/joydew-accessibility-qa-services/): Information for companies interested in hiring JoyDew members or contracting accessibility QA / website audit services.
- [The JoyDew Way](https://joydew.com/the-joydew-way/): JoyDew's underlying philosophy and operating model.
- [Member Shop (Printify)](https://joydew-merchandise.printify.me/product/24964914/joydew-logo-apparel-colorful-autism-awareness-pullover): Member-designed apparel, blankets, artwork, candles, and mugs supporting JoyDew.
- [Donate](https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6L4XE7ALHVGTQ): Donate to JoyDew Foundation via PayPal, or mail a check to 79 Chestnut St, Suite 102, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

## Core Values

- [Our Core Values (overview)](https://joydew.com/core-values/)
- [Focus on Strengths](https://joydew.com/focus-on-strengths/): JoyDew identifies and builds on each member's unique sensory, cognitive, and personality strengths rather than focusing on perceived limitations.
- [Presume Competence](https://joydew.com/presume-competence/): JoyDew operates from the assumption that every member is capable, regardless of communication style or verbal ability.
- [Expressive Communication](https://joydew.com/non-speaking-adult-autism-program-in-ridgewood-nj-joydew/): JoyDew's program for non-speaking and partially-speaking adults, using facilitated communication, typing, ASL, and assistive technology so every member can express themselves.
- [Community of Friends](https://joydew.com/community-of-their-own/): JoyDew fosters genuine peer friendships and a true community among members.
- [Autism Friendly Environment](https://joydew.com/autism-friendly-environment/): JoyDew's physical and sensory environment is designed specifically to support autistic adults.

## What Makes JoyDew Different

JoyDew calls its underlying philosophy "Autism 3.0": presuming competence, accepting identities, focusing on expressive communication, building communities of friends, and using strengths-based approaches. Unlike traditional day programs or employment services that address one need in isolation, JoyDew integrates housing, employment, education, and social connection into a single whole-life solution. JoyDew's day program goes beyond activity-based models by emphasizing intellectual challenge, professional growth, paid employment, and earning potential in fields like robotics, AI annotation, cybersecurity, and multimedia production, rather than purely recreational activities.

## The "21 Cliff"

The "21 Cliff" is the term JoyDew uses for the abrupt loss of services and quality of life that occurs when individuals with autism age out of school-based services at 21. At that point, many face no housing options, no social life, no employment, no continuing education, and increasing isolation. JoyDew was created specifically to address this gap for adults 21 and older.

## Services & Programs in Detail

### Day Program (Ridgewood & Livingston, NJ)
JoyDew's day program runs Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm, at both the Ridgewood and Livingston locations. It combines career planning, employment readiness training, job-specific skills training, paid work, and academic enrichment. DDD funding, private pay, and insurance (where applicable) are accepted.

A typical day includes: opening meeting, movement/yoga, job training (e.g., multimedia/animation), a paid work block (e.g., website accessibility QA), lunch, 1-on-1 training (e.g., medical imaging/breast cancer prescreening), robotics training (including drone flying), career exploration with a guest speaker, and a closing meeting.

**Job training courses include:**
- Pattern Recognition & Data Analytics (Excel, identifying business trends)
- Robotics (robotic engineering, coding, drone flying — remote-work potential)
- AI Annotation (foundational AI concepts and applications)
- Cybersecurity (data security, encryption, authentication, Google certification track)
- Website QA / Accessibility (Section 508 compliance, government certification, audit logs for developers)
- Multimedia (photo editing in PixlR and Canva)
- Medical Imaging (assisting radiologists with breast cancer mammogram pre-screening)
- Animation (animated GIF creation in PowerPoint)
- Self-Advocacy ("My Story" visual resume presentations; community-helper and first-responder awareness training)
- Business Technology (information systems, data analytics, digital marketing, e-commerce)
- Problem-Solving (critical thinking and decision-making frameworks)
- Music-Making (songwriting, sound design, BandLab production)

**Career Planning** includes strengths assessment, "My Story"/LinkedIn-style resume development, and a personalized growth plan.
**Employment Readiness** covers academic enrichment, computer/technology skills, professional communication, problem-solving, and workplace social skills.
**Support Services** include one-on-one mentoring, job coaching, career counseling, and ongoing employment support.

### Employment & Job Training (Path to Employment)
JoyDew's proprietary methodology: (1) identify each member's special gifts (sensory strengths like visual/auditory acuity, capabilities like exceptional memory and pattern recognition, and traits like detail-orientation and reliability), (2) teach core business and technology skills, (3) provide job-specific training, (4) assist with career planning, and (5) place members into high-value 21st-century jobs. Members complete real, paid client projects — for example, a large-scale enrollment data analytics project for Santa Fe College in Florida, a satellite imaging analysis project for the intelligence unit of the Israel Defense Forces (which has since created a permanent unit employing 300+ autistic adults), diagnostic breast-cancer screening work with a local radiologist and a major university, database development projects, and an "Autism 101" training program for first responders and medical personnel across the NY metro area.

Members can choose to work at JoyDew's for-profit division once employment-ready, and have the flexibility to change career tracks if their interests shift.

### Higher Education
JoyDew partners with colleges and educational institutions so members can take remote courses toward certifications and degrees. Example pathway: a member starts with JoyDew's Accessibility QA training, completes Department of Homeland Security online training, passes tests to earn DHS "Trusted Tester" status (auditing websites for WCAG compliance), and may later pursue a computer science degree to become a programmer.

**Academic enrichment courses** (for members who need to "catch up" before pursuing career-specific training) include: History, Science News, Math (Algebra/Geometry), Critical Thinking/Philosophy, READ (reading comprehension), Blogging/Content Management, Team Building, Music History, and Visual Story (animation history).

80% of members become employable for high-value jobs after 6-9 months of training.

### Social Life & Community
JoyDew builds a genuine community of friends through onsite, virtual, and community-based social activities including bowling, movies, gym time, workshops, dance, museum visits, group activities, and shared dining. Community outings happen at least every two weeks. Members' structured weekly schedules run from 9am to 10:30pm and include work, social activities, gym time, workshops, and outings. JoyDew is also planning to expand social activities beyond day-program hours into evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Outcome data: before JoyDew, 57% of members found it difficult to make friends or access community/social life, and 68% had little to no hope for their future. After joining JoyDew, 100% of members found it easy to make friends, and 95% reported renewed hope. Currently, 90% of members report having real friends for the first time, 85% actively participate in group projects/clubs, and 100% report feeling part of a supportive community.

### Smart Housing
JoyDew's "Autism Smart Housing" is designed as a safer, more transparent, and more empowering alternative to traditional NJ group homes — where, according to NJ state data, roughly 120 residents in state-licensed group home and supervised-apartment settings die unexpectedly each year, including at least 50 individuals with developmental disabilities since 2013 amid concerns about care and supervision.

**Key housing features:**
- Smart sensors to monitor wellbeing
- Smart medication management for safety
- Smart, individually customized food/nutrition planning
- Privacy and choice of friends/roommates
- Technology-based independent life-management tools
- Independent 24/7 monitoring with nurse access, crisis management, security, and legal protection
- Dedicated, well-trained, well-paid staff who understand autism
- Full transparency and family trust, with stakeholder-driven decision-making — residents and families are regularly consulted on locations, programming, and policies
- Zero tolerance for abuse and neglect

Housing is located close to town centers with private living quarters and shared community spaces, and units are connected virtually so residents can socialize with each other and their families. The Livingston location is currently accepting inquiries for housing availability.

### Parent Support and Education
JoyDew provides parents and caregivers with information, resources, and a support network to navigate options and make informed decisions about their adult child's care, employment, housing, and future. 90% of parents report feeling more knowledgeable about their choices after engaging with JoyDew, and 90% of families report an increase in overall quality of life.

### For Employers / Accessibility QA Services
JoyDew partners directly with companies and institutions, contracting members' skills for real paid work — including website accessibility QA/WCAG auditing, data analytics, database development, satellite/diagnostic imaging analysis, and autism-awareness training for staff. Employers interested in partnering with JoyDew can find more information at the [For Employers page](https://joydew.com/joydew-accessibility-qa-services/).

## Outcomes & Impact Data

- 90% increase in quality of life reported by families and members
- 95% of members feel accepted and seen exactly as they are, for the first time in their lives
- 90% of parents feel more knowledgeable about their choices
- 80% of members become employable for high-value jobs after 6-9 months of training
- 100% of members achieve expressive communication within 6 months of joining
- 90% of members report having real friends for the first time
- 85% of members actively participate in group projects, clubs, and shared activities
- 79% of adults with autism (general population stat cited by JoyDew) feel socially isolated from their peers — a problem JoyDew's social programming directly addresses
- 84% of residents in traditional group homes experience abuse or neglect, per the statistic JoyDew cites in contrasting its Smart Housing model
- JoyDew has operated for 7 years, is currently profitable, and serves 60+ members with 12 trained staff across 2 locations, with active plans to expand to 4 locations

## Partnerships & Credentials

- 2 academic partnerships providing continuing online education in STEM fields
- Member of the NeuroDiversity@Work Roundtable, alongside 52 other companies
- Multiple corporate partners and 16 employment contracts (12 completed, 4 ongoing) as of latest reporting
- Operates as a hybrid organization: a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation in New Jersey and a Delaware-registered Benefit Corporation
- Listed on GuideStar/Candid with a Transparency Seal (profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/2949b0cd-7d54-4f48-8649-f47d929a7bb8)
- Funded through a hybrid, 100% self-sustaining model combining government revenue (e.g., DDD funding) with customer revenue from employment contracts

## Frequently Asked Questions

### About JoyDew

**What is JoyDew?**
JoyDew is a comprehensive organization that provides whole life solutions for adults with autism and their families. It operates as a hybrid model with both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation and a benefit corporation, offering employment, housing, education, social activities, and family support services. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/the-joydew-way/)

**What is JoyDew's mission?**
JoyDew's mission is to create a whole life solution for people with autism and their families, where based on their unique strengths they learn and grow in a community of their own and achieve their dreams through a company that endures for 100 years. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/mission-vision/)

**What is a day program for adults with autism?**
A day program for adults with autism is a structured daytime service providing meaningful activities, skill development, and employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum. JoyDew's day program goes beyond traditional models by focusing on career development, job training, and real employment in 21st-century fields like robotics, AI annotation, cybersecurity, and multimedia production. Unlike activity-based programs, it emphasizes intellectual challenge, professional growth, and earning potential. Members participate in higher education courses, receive job-specific training, work in paid positions, and develop independence in a supportive, autism-friendly environment. The program runs Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm, at the Ridgewood and Livingston, NJ locations. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/day-program-ridgewood-nj/)

**What makes JoyDew different than other day programs for autistic adults?**
JoyDew provides a Whole Life Solution. Its vision is to replace the brutal reality experienced by people with autism and their families with a solution that touches every part of life and is rooted in human rights and hope. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/day-program-other-services/)

**How long has JoyDew been operating?**
JoyDew has been in full operation for 7 years and is currently profitable, with consistent growth since 2020. It now serves 60+ adults with autism across 2 locations.

**What makes JoyDew different from other autism services?**
JoyDew follows "Autism 3.0" principles: presuming competence, accepting identities, focusing on expressive communication, building communities of friends, and using strengths-based approaches. Unlike traditional day programs or employment services, JoyDew provides integrated life solutions that address housing, employment, education, and social connections simultaneously.

### Services & Programs

**What services does JoyDew provide?**
A complete whole life solution including employment training and job placement in high-tech fields (robotics, AI, cybersecurity, radiology, accessibility, big data), smart housing in safe community-focused environments, higher education in STEM fields, social activities and community building, and family information and support services.

**Do you serve non-speaking individuals with autism?**
Yes. 80% of JoyDew's members are non-speaking or partially speaking. JoyDew specializes in expressive communication, and 100% of members achieve expressive communication within 6 months of joining.

**What types of jobs do your members get?**
Members work in high-value technology fields including robotics, radiology, accessibility technology, artificial intelligence, big data integration, and cybersecurity, matched to each individual's unique strengths.

### The "21 Cliff" and Eligibility

**What is the "21 Cliff" that JoyDew addresses?**
The "21 Cliff" refers to the abrupt end of services and quality of life that occurs when individuals with autism age out of school-based services at 21 — suddenly facing no housing options, no social life, no employment, no continuing education, and often isolation.

**What age group does JoyDew serve?**
JoyDew serves adults with autism, particularly those who have aged out of school-based services (21+), filling the critical service gap that occurs after high school.

**Does my family member need to be verbal to participate?**
No. JoyDew works with both speaking and non-speaking individuals across multiple points on the autism spectrum. Its strength is developing expressive communication regardless of verbal ability.

### Housing & Living Arrangements

**What kind of housing does JoyDew provide?**
"Autism 3.0 Smart Housing" that is safe, secure, and designed specifically for the JoyDew community. Unlike traditional group homes — where 84% of residents experience abuse or neglect — JoyDew's housing focuses on resident engagement, choice, and independence, with well-trained, well-paid staff and continuous oversight. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/supported-housing-for-adults-with-autism-joydew-ridgewood-livingston-nj/)

**Do residents have choices in their living arrangements?**
Yes. JoyDew's housing model emphasizes that residents are engaged and given choices about their living situations, activities, and daily routines. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/supported-housing-for-adults-with-autism-joydew-ridgewood-livingston-nj/)

### Education & Training

**What educational opportunities are available?**
College courses in STEM fields through remote learning with accommodations, certifications, degree programs, and support for continuous academic achievement — designed to provide unlimited educational opportunities rather than the limited access typically available. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/higher-education/)

**How long does job training take?**
80% of members become employable for high-value jobs after 6-9 months of training. JoyDew provides both basic and high-level job training skills. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/higher-education/)

### Social Life & Community

**How does JoyDew address social isolation?**
By creating a true community of friends. Members participate in bowling, movies, gym activities, workshops, dance, museum visits, group activities, and shared dining experiences. 95% of members feel accepted and seen exactly as they are for the first time in their lives. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/social-life/)

**What does a typical week look like?**
Structured but flexible schedules including work, social activities, gym time, workshops, and community outings. Activities run from 9am to 10:30pm and include everything from work training to social dining and entertainment. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/social-life/)

### Family Support & Outcomes

**How does JoyDew support families?**
JoyDew provides information, resources, and support to help families navigate choices and understand options. 90% of parents report feeling more knowledgeable about their choices, and 90% of families experience an increase in quality of life. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/for-families-and-caregivers/)

**What kind of results can we expect?**
Based on weekly operations data and quality-of-life surveys: 90% increase in quality of life for families and members; 95% feel accepted and seen exactly as they are for the first time; 90% of parents feel more knowledgeable about their choices; 80% become employable for high-value jobs after 6-9 months; 100% achieve expressive communication within 6 months. [Learn more](https://joydew.com/for-families-and-caregivers/)

### Locations & Expansion

**Where is JoyDew located?**
JoyDew currently operates 2 locations and is expanding to 4. It serves 60+ members with a team of 12 trained staff with diverse expertise.
Ridgewood location: 79 Chestnut Street, Suite 102, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, (201) 444-6409.
Livingston location: 5 N. Regent Street, Suite 513, Livingston, NJ 07039, (908) 936-1834.
[Learn more](https://joydew.com/for-families-and-caregivers/)

**Are you expanding to new areas?**
Yes, JoyDew is in an active expansion phase and planning to grow to additional locations to serve more families.

### Partnerships & Credentials

**What partnerships does JoyDew have?**
JoyDew has 2 academic partnerships for continuing online education in STEM fields and is a member of the NeuroDiversity@Work Roundtable alongside 52 other companies. It also has multiple corporate partners and 16 employment contracts (12 completed, 4 ongoing).

**Is JoyDew accredited or regulated?**
JoyDew operates as a hybrid organization with both a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation in New Jersey and a Delaware-registered Benefit Corporation, ensuring accountability and proper oversight.

### Financial & Practical Information

**How is JoyDew funded?**
Through a hybrid business model that is 100% self-sustaining from government revenue combined with customer revenue from employment contracts, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

**How can I learn more or get started?**
Contact JoyDew directly at moish@joydew.com or call 201-310-6215, or reach the general line at info@joydew.com / (201) 444-6409.

**What is JoyDew's long-term vision?**
To create solutions through a company that endures for 100 years, ensuring the community and support built today will be available for generations of individuals with autism and their families.

### Day Program Specific

**What funding sources does JoyDew accept for the day program?**
DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) funding, private pay options, and insurance coverage where applicable.

**Who is the day program designed for?**
Adults with autism who are seeking meaningful employment opportunities, looking to develop professional skills, interested in building independence, ready to engage in real work experiences, and motivated to grow in a supportive environment.

**What does a typical day at JoyDew look like?**
A sample schedule: 9:00-9:15 Opening Meeting; 9:15-9:45 Movement/Yoga; 9:45-10:45 Multimedia Job Training (Animation); 10:45-11:00 Snack Break; 11:00-12:00 Paid Work (Website Accessibility QA); 12:00-12:45 Lunch; 12:45-1:45 Medical Imaging Training (1-on-1); 1:45-2:00 Break; 2:00-3:00 Robotics Training (drone flying practice); 3:00-3:45 Career Exploration with Guest Speaker; 3:45-4:00 Closing Meeting.

**How do I get started with JoyDew's day program?**
Three steps: schedule an initial consultation, complete the assessment process, and create a personalized development plan. [Contact JoyDew](https://joydew.com/contact/) to schedule a tour or consultation.

## Press, Media & Social

- [Blog](https://joydew.com/blog/)
- [Press Releases](https://joydew.com/press-releases/)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joydewfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joydewfoundation/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joydew-foundation/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyDewFoundation
- Google Business Profile: https://www.google.com/maps/place/JoyDew/@40.985464,-74.1427692,17z

## Donating & Supporting JoyDew

- Donate online via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6L4XE7ALHVGTQ
- Donate by check: mail to 79 Chestnut St, Suite 102, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
- Shop member-designed merchandise (apparel, blankets, artwork, candles, mugs): https://joydew-merchandise.printify.me/product/24964914/joydew-logo-apparel-colorful-autism-awareness-pullover

## Optional

- [Executive Team](https://joydew.com/executive-team/)
- [Board Members](https://joydew.com/board-members/)
- [Advisory Board](https://joydew.com/advisory-board/)
- [JoyDew's History](https://joydew.com/history/)
- [Program Requirements](https://joydew.com/program-requirements/)