Happy Thanksgiving, all!

I thought today I’d bring you something special. This is an amazing indoor village called LifeTown. Located in Livingston, NJ, LifeTown is a place where special-needs kids can learn and practice essential life skills in an environment designed just for them. The 53,000 square foot replica of a small town includes a bank, movie theater, art studio, supermarket, library, hair salon, and dentist’s and doctor’s offices, to name a few. The businesses are all staffed with volunteers.

The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, and features life skills, job training, recreation, and therapeutic play programs for special needs children and their families. While the Livingston LifeTown has only been opened for a few weeks, the facility’s model isn’t a new one. The first was built in Columbus, OH, in 2017, and it was an instant hit with special education teachers and advocates all over the world. There’s also one in the works in Tallahassee, FL.

I am so grateful that there are people in the world who can come up with wonderful ideas like LifeTown, and I am grateful for the people who have the energy and resources to make those wonderful ideas a reality.

You can learn more about Livingston LifeTown on their website, and on Facebook and YouTube.

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We had the privilege of attending the grand opening of #lifetown in Livingston, NJ and wow we were impressed!!! 🤩 Such amazing opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in and practice life skills! ☺️ We can’t wait to visit for the educators’ tour!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

A post shared by JumpAheadPediatricTherapy (@jumpaheadpediatrictherapy) on Sep 11, 2019 at 10:17am PDT

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Moat amazing place for the developmentally challenges

A post shared by Fern Heinig (@fsheinig) on May 9, 2019 at 10:29am PDT

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We had a great time @fcnj_friendshipcircle!

A post shared by E.P.I.C. Family Group (@epicfamilygroup) on Oct 20, 2019 at 10:18am PDT

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A Chabad couple in New Jersey build an immersive village for kids with autism. These photos are from the 11,000-square-foot shopping center, which includes 15 storefronts where visitors can practice doing everyday errands, including buying food, getting a manicure at a nail salon and visiting a pet store. The shops are all staffed by volunteers. Click the link in our bio to learn more. #jewish #autism

A post shared by JTA | Jewish News (@jtanews) on Nov 4, 2019 at 7:42am PST

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I’m not here for the applause, I just want to share a good cause. . Last week I had the opportunity to volunteer at Lifetown with a group of my coworkers. It was such a great way to build camaraderie while giving back to the community.♥️ . ℂσℓυмвυѕ friends, have y’all heard of Lifetown? It is a small indoor city where special education kids can learn real life skills through a variety of scenarios. They have lessons that teach them to schedule doctor appointments, make withdrawals from the bank, and can even treat themselves to items or experiences such as, going to a movie. What a neat concept!! . I’m standing in front of the movie theater because… food, but I volunteered in the art shop. I’m not sure who had more fun making the sand art, me or the kids.😬 . If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities in Columbus, I would 𝙃𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙇𝙔 recommend Lifetown. A few hours of time, can make a lasting impact on these kiddos. Plus, the biggest reward was seeing their smiling faces as they walked through the doors.♥️

A post shared by Colleen | Right Back Spatula (@rightbackspatula) on Nov 24, 2019 at 4:49pm PST