New Concepts for Living Celebrates Opening of 23rd Community Residence for Adults with Disabilities
PARAMUS, N.J. (Oct. 27, 2026) - New Concepts for Living (NCFL) celebrated the opening of its 23rd community residence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today in Emerson, N.J.
The event brought together state legislators, county and township officials, families and supporters united in their commitment to expanding access to inclusive, safe, community-based housing for adults with I/DD. NCFL is a nonprofit organization that provides community housing, day programs and therapy services for adults living with a wide array of intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and many others.
Located at 15 Locust Avenue in Emerson, the new residence provides a beautiful, supportive home for adults who require specialized, around-the-clock care. The home enables residents to live safely in a comfortable home environment without sacrificing community, connection or quality of care.
“We are proud to welcome another NCFL residence to Emerson and grateful to New Concepts for Living for its continued commitment to providing adults with I/DD the opportunity to live in a beautiful home within a safe, inclusive community,” said Emerson Mayor Danielle DiPaola. “Every individual deserves a secure and supportive place to call home, and this residence reflects the importance of creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
NCFL’s new home was custom designed with accessibility in mind. The co-ed residence features extra-wide hallways and wheelchair-accessible accommodations to support residents' mobility and safety.
“We are committed to fulfilling our agency’s mission by expanding our number of residences to provide more adults with I/DD a beautiful, nurturing home in a welcoming Bergen County neighborhood,” said NCFL CEO Steve Setteducati. “Our homes also give families the invaluable peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones are receiving the highest quality of care in a person-centered supportive environment.”
“Across New Jersey, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities face extremely long waits for housing that meets their needs,” said state Sen. Holly Schepisi, R-39 “NCFL is addressing that need by expanding access to housing where adults with special needs can live with dignity, independence and a sense of community.”
Assistant Division Director Amy Scartocci of the New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony said the state values partnerships that help make additional homes like the latest NCFL home in Emerson available for New Jersey residents.
"Community-based housing is central to our mission of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible in the communities they call home,” Scartocci said.
The new home marks NCFL’s second community residence in Emerson and its 23rd in Bergen County. In addition to its residential services, NCFL operates two day program centers, located in Paramus and Rochelle Park. Both offer professional therapy services including speech, occupational and physical therapy as well as a robust calendar of social, recreational and community activities. In addition, behavioral and nursing services are onsite and available 24/7. To learn more about the nonprofit agency, visit www.ncfl.net.
ABOUT NCFL:
New Concepts for Living (NCFL) is the nation’s leading provider of community-based housing, day programs, therapeutic, nursing and behavioral support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was founded in 1981 by parents whose children were approaching adulthood without adequate options for support and care. The Bergen County, N.J.-based agency is dedicated to helping adults with I/DD live with dignity, independence and the support they need to thrive. To learn more, visit www.ncfl.net.
PHOTO CAPTION: Ribbon cutting for new home in Emerson, N.J. for I/DD adults
(From Left to Right:)
Lisa Babin, NCFL Board of Trustee member and NCFL day program parent
Barbara Michelson, NCFL resident parent, whose daughter Jessica, age 33 lives in one of the agency's homes in Wyckoff
Emerson Councilman Michael Timmerman
New Jersey Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): Amy Scartocci, assistant division director
Emerson Mayor Danielle DiPaola, presented NCFL with a Proclamation
New Jersey Sen. Holly Schepisi
Bergen County Commissioners Germaine M. Ortiz and Mary J. Amoroso
New Concepts for Living CEO Steve Setteducati
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