We have been connected to REED as donors since 2011 and have never looked back. They are and have always remained a top-notch organization dedicating resources to where they are needed most. They are an innovative, creative and resourceful organization and one that we are proud to be affiliated with.
Nancy and Bruce Bushell
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We've been involved with REED for over a decade and can't say enough about the organization, the people involved and the work they've done for the community. They are a vital part of the autism community in our region serving kids on the spectrum and their families from early development stages to adulthood. They have opened all sorts of doors for our kids, provided incredible levels of care and service and most importantly helped our kids be the best versions of themselves. From learning and education services to home services, from employment opportunities through Greens Do Good to their residential program - the foundation is doing special work and should be recognized for it all!
The impact of REED on our daughter's life has been nothing short of transformative. Through their unwavering support, she has gained the skills and confidence to navigate the world around her, and we are forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community. Thank you to every teacher and staff member who has contributed to her growth and success. If it wasn’t for them our daughter would not be the amazing, thriving young girl she is today. We truly hit the lottery with REED!
When I began looking for a day program for my daughter, the goal was to find a place where she could be safe, happy and engaged. REED Next has far exceeded my expectations as she is not only happy to attend every day but anxious to get her day started. REED's willingness to find meaningful job sites and activities makes her a vital part of the community by contributing in any way she can. The fact that her transition to the program was so seamless speaks volumes about the quality of the program itself and exceptional staff they have working there. They are dedicated, professional, friendly and so kind. It’s that innate kindness that makes me thankful and grateful as I drop her off each day. It has always been my hope that others would just be kind to my daughter as she navigates through her adult life. How wonderful to have found a place where kindness is so readily available and freely given.
So very happy to be a part of the REED Family!!
REED Foundation for Autism has provided our son with amazing opportunities for learning and personal development. We feel that this organization leaves no stone unturned when it comes to supporting individuals with autism and their families. Additionally, in raising funds and awareness, they're educating communities about the ways in which those with autism can thrive. We're so grateful for all of these efforts.
Our son Charlie has been a student at Reed for the last several years. His teachers have been totally committed to his success, have always been caring and thoughtful, and above all, WELL TRAINED. It never ceases to amaze me how on the ball staff is there. His latest teacher Jenilee is so smart, so patient, and incredibly caring. Every Friday she shares photos and videos of Charlie at school as well as detailed reports on his amazing progress! Charlie is an active member of the community thanks to the hard work of everyone at Reed!
My twins, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commenced their educational journey at REED Academy at age five. REED provided comprehensive support, guiding them through to graduation at age twenty-one, seamlessly transitioning them into the REED NEXT adult day program. Now twenty-six, they continue to participate in the full-day REED NEXT program, engaging in volunteer work, field trips, and other enriching activities that enhance their quality of life. The transition to adulthood for children with autism presents significant challenges and uncertainties. The REED Foundation provided invaluable assistance by providing housing for my twins through REED RESIDENCE HOUSING. My children are thriving and leading fulfilling lives, and I am confident in their well-being under the care of THE REED FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM. I express my sincere gratitude for their exceptional support.
Forever grateful! -Denise G.
When I learned about REED and all that they do for people with Autism, I knew that I could help a bigger cause. I raised money and I volunteered last summer at the Go the Distance event. Seeing how much each and every person with autism enjoyed themselves over the course of my time with them was amazing. There are many kids facing a more challenging world who do not have the resources to participate in activities such as these. Hopefully this aids REED in their endeavor to make the world better for people with Autism.
My son Mark loves living at his group home in Glen Rock. From the moment he moved in, he has called it his house. He has been thriving as a member of the REED family for the last 20 years. He has 3 jobs (2 volunteer and 1 paid) and loves going to his program every day! As a parent, I couldn’t ask for anything more.
REED offers best in class services for individuals on the Spectrum ages 3 and up. My son has been a participant in the school program, adult day program, work force development program, and residence program. The instructors and leadership team are second to none!!!
The Reed Foundation for Autism has been a huge part of my son John's development. John, who is 26 and ready to enter Reeds Residential program, joined the Reed family when he was 7 years old. John has learned so much over the past 20 years. When I look back and can't begin to fathom the avalanche of hours of teaching the Reed teachers and staff have provided to teach John the skills necessary for him to live as independently as possible. John has learned many life skills which builds his independence and make him a happier person. These skills give John a sense of accomplishments and pride in himself. These accomplishments don't happen by themselves and would not have happened with out the dedication of the Reed teachers and staff. This is a calling and not a job for them. They don't do it for fame, glory or money. They do it to make a difference in someone's life, and in their families lives. I wish I could pin a medal on the chest of every Reed teacher and staff person who helped John over these past 20 years. These are very special people and they all have had a hand in making John the man he is today. Thank you Reed!
My son was diagnosed with Autism at 16 months old. We worked hard everyday through private therapies and Early Intervention and didn't want to undo all the work and progress we had already done when it came time to find the right placement. To say we searched all over New Jersey to find the right placement for our son is an understatement. From the moment I stepped into REED Academy I knew we had finally found the placement for my son. The progress my son has made in the 7 months he has been there is unbelievable. EVERYONE at REED Academy truly cares about the children and gets to know each of them on a personal level. It's like everyone is an extended member of your family. One of the things that I love most about REED Academy is the open communication. You are kept in the loop about your child's weekly progress. You are always welcome to come in and speak with your child's care team and it's truly like speaking with a family member who loves and care for your child but also has the knowledge to give them the tools to succeed in life. We are BEYOND grateful for REED Academy and all it's staff for everything they do on a daily basis to help the children be the best versions of themselves.
I truly do not know where my son CS would be without the fabulous schooling, training and support he has received over the last 20 years from REED Autism Services. Whether it is in their school, their day program, their vocational training or their adult housing, REED always manages to do a fantastic job while focusing on the individual to make that person the best that they can be despite their disability. They do this while showing how much they truly care so the individual and their family feels supported and loved! I recommend their programs wholeheartedly.
REED has been a life changer for my son, Ryan, and our entire family. I discovered the REED Foundation when my son aged out of his district placement, and I was looking for a day program that would enable my son to continue to grow. REED Next has surpassed all expectations, as my son has been kept productive and happy, even through the challenging experience of Covid. They trained my son for volunteer work, which he did so well at that his employer offered him a paid position. The staff is phenomenal, and they really know Ryan as a person. Ryan was also lucky enough to be a resident in REED’s first home in Glen Rock, which has been an unbelievably successful transition for him. While I see Ryan weekly and remain a part of his life, I am NOT his life. Prior to REED I had to plan every day for Ryan. Now he has an incredible calendar from his house, to his day program and work, to great weekend trips.
My son is happy, has a great life that is independent of mine, and is very well cared for. I support the REED foundation so that they can expand and offer the same services to a community that desperately needs more resources.
Jeff Michaels
REED Foundation for Autism has been part of our son and family’s lives for twenty years. Our son started at REED Academy when he was five years old and we have been supported by REED’s extraordinary clinical staff every step of the way. REED is part of our family! REED helped our son navigate and overcome numerous challenges as well as shared in his joys and opportunities, such as his first volunteer jobs, successful medical and dental appointments, community outings, food shopping and meal preparation, using an Ipad, going on an airplane!…the list goes on and on. Without REED, none of this would have been possible. Our son currently attends REED Next Day Habilitation Program and resides in one of their 24/7 supported residences with his peers. Our son is happy and we are thrilled that he lives nearby, so we see him often. We know how truly fortunate we are, and do not take this blessing for granted. We are so grateful to REED’s talented and exceptional administrators, Board of Directors, clinical/program staff and direct support professionals for providing leadership, guidance and endless support so that our son continues to lead a happy and productive life. A huge, THANK YOU, to REED Foundation for Autism for twenty years of Excellence!
Reed is an amazing organization. Our son attends Reed and he has made tremendous progress. The teachers and staff are highly skilled, dedicated and caring professionals. We truly appreciate all the hard work that they put into our son.
My twins have grown along with REED from age 5 into adulthood. The last 20 years have made ALL the difference in their outcome of being independent adults who can be an integral part of their community. The skills that they have acquired has given them the opportunity to take care of themselves independently, prepare a meal and even enter the workplace. My children now live in a REED Residence where they enjoy their independency! I am so grateful for everything REED has and continues to do for the autism community. Congratulations on 20 years of serving individuals with Autism and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!
We are eternally grateful for Reed foundation! Our son Ryan has been at Reed Academy for 12 years. It is an truly amazing school with the most kind, caring, and exceptional teachers, administrators, and staff! They have made a significant difference in our lives. Ryan is so happy to go to school every day! All I have to say in the morning to get him out of bed is “The bus is coming”. When he’s on vacation he asks me daily “The bus is coming?”. For a parent of a child with limited verbal abilities and difficulty articulating how he feels, his excitement to get on the bus every day shows me how much he loves school and that he’s being treated well. This means everything to us!
We have experienced many challenges with Ryan over the years and Reed has helped us overcome them all. Just one example is tolerating the doctor. It used to be extremely stressful to go to the doctor and we needed to go with a therapists just to get Ryan in the room. Ryans instructors came up with a plan and practiced all aspects of an exam from taking his blood pressure to taking blood. I’ve included a picture of Ryan recently at the doctor getting his blood pressure taken with a big smile on his face (and I took him by myself to the appointment). They know exactly how to make what feels impossible possible!
REED Foundation for Autism is doing groundbreaking work in helping individuals with Autism and their families. They provide support for pre-school children, fantastic educational setting within REED Academy, home outreach services helping families with daily functional skills and behavior management, preparing teens for adulthood and providing families guidance on how to navigate system with their SN teens and soon to be adults, daily programs and the latest offering for employment enablement and opportunities through their visionary hydroponic farm. REED team does everything in their power to give support and enrich lives of children and adults on the spectrum and will always have our family full support and gratitude.
The day we found out our son would be part of the REED family was the day we won the lottery! We are not just proud to be part of the REED family, but profoundly PROUD of the work REED Foundation for Autism does for this community. While parents are dealing with 'in the moment' concerns, we know that REED is thinking 10 steps ahead and down the line for this community. No one does the work REED does - and our son is in good hands with REED.
I was first introduces to REED nearly a decade ago and have loved watching the organization's evolution over the years. I witnessed first hand the impact they've had on so many individuals and their families.
Bravo to Reed Foundation for Autism for the incredible work they do for the students and their families. I have watched them transform over the years and they are an incredible addition to our community
I was introduced to REED in 2015 and have had the honor of witnessing their vision for excellence and innovation in autism services become a reality every day. Their staff are inspiring and incredibly dedicated to the inclusion, care, support and empowerment of individuals with autism. I have so much respect for everyone associated with REED and its portfolio of services, and look forward to seeing their continued growth.
Incredible organization doing so much good within the community. The organization has countless programs and resources to help individuals with autism thrive and achieve success, not only in their youth - but beyond. I've been so impressed with each individual I've met at the organization and their dedication to their mission, their kindness, and professionalism. Truly a top-notch organization all around.
We first learned about REED Academy 12 years ago and have had the privilege of supporting and watching REED Foundation for Autism grow exponentially.
A group of parents had a vision of a school for their young children. As their children grew, their vision grew. Countless children and adults have benefited from the services that REED Foundation provides. Along with their educational programs and behavioral services, they offer housing, day programs, job training and employment for adults.
We are so thankful that our son, Jack, was given the opportunity to train and become a Farm Tech at Greens Do Good. He has grown in so many ways from this experience.
I was introduced to REED almost 4 years ago and have loved seeing this organization grow. I've been able to interact closely with several staff members and am in awe at their dedication to the autism community. They have built a family-like culture and it's beautiful to see so much good being done for individuals with autism at various stages of life. I can't wait to see what else they bring to the table!
I'm so inspired by all that REED does. Their dedication to enriching the lives of people without autism is unmatched. From their Greens Do Good initiative that helps people with autism get on-the-job training AND helps support our environment, to their unique simulated high-stress living experiences (dentist, hairdresser) to the thoughtful and well-appointed living they provide, REED shows that they are doing all they can with great creativity and compassion.
I have been so impressed with the Reed Foundation since I first learned about the organization a few years ago. I have been amazed by their growth and addition of new programs to help the populations it serves. Wishing the organization continued success.
I’ve been so impressed with the work that Reed does. Their educational/developmental programs for young people with autism have made a huge difference in the community. The Greens Do Good hydroponic farm is also a wonderful operation. The Reed Foundation For Autism is a well run organization that helps countless people.