The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs provided outreach and chaperone assistance for Jets Dream Express last Sunday, November 6, in partnership with State Senate President Nicholas Scutari. Jets Dream Express is a transportation and pro sports experience for children with special needs, under a collaboration between the New York Jets football team and NJ Transit.
“The Commissioner Board established the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs to help ensure that community activities and opportunities for socialization are accessible to all residents. Forming relationships and creating inclusive environments are important parts of our work, and it was an honor to help Senate President Scutari, the Jets, and NJ Transit connect with our special needs families for the Jets Dream Experience,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
“I want to thank all the partners for working together to create an unforgettable day for special needs children from Union County. The Jets Dream Experience is a wonderful complement to local programs that give special needs children the opportunity to engage with the whole community at sporting events and other activities. To top off this great experience, the Jets won their game,” said Senate President Scutari.
Each year, the Jets Dream Express works with a legislative sponsor to identify ten special needs children and chaperones from their district to enjoy the Jets Dream Express. Senate President Scutari represents the 22nd Legislative District, which includes Clark, Fanwood, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Scotch Plains and Winfield in Union County.
Sunday’s event included a ride in a reserved front-end NJ Transit train car from Secaucus Train Station to MetLife Stadium, along with reserved seats for the game, a $15 gift card for each guest to buy refreshments at the venue, and photos with Jets personnel.
Jets Dream Express began as an annual program in 2010. Last Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills marked the return of the event after a three-year hiatus.
The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs provides outreach services and hosts a wide variety of recreational activities, programs and classes.
For information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit ucnj.org/special-needs. To contact the office, use the online form or call 908-527-4807 or 4781.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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