Shadiyah loves watching SpongeBob SquarePants, the Step Up movie series (which stars her favorite celebrities, the Lombard Twins), and Vampire Diaries, as well as listening to music. When she talks about her favorite shows, movies, and music, her face lights up! But this independence has only been possible for Shadiyah since December 17—which is when she moved into NJCDC's Hawthorne Heights residence.

Before, Shadiyah lacked stable and secure housing. She bounced between staying with family members, which she described as "hectic", hotel rooms, and motel rooms, and didn't have stability. But now, she not only has a private bedroom—she also has an entire apartment of her own, complete with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom!

It's a holiday miracle that was facilitated by Shadiyah's Support Coordinator, who linked her to NJCDC and Hawthorne Heights. Opened by NJCDC back in 2008, and built on land donated by the Borough of Hawthorne, Hawthorne Heights is a Supervised Apartments Program licensed by the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). The program provides quality care, supports, and services to 13 men and women with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Each resident is accommodated with a furnished one-bedroom apartment, which—like Shadiyah's—also includes a living room, bathroom, kitchen, and dining area.

Hawthorne Heights residents have the unique benefits of having their own apartment while also having their necessary levels of supervision and assistance met. There are also many opportunities for peer social interactions and community-based activities. In fact, this week Hawthorne Heights held its Holiday Party, where Shadiyah got to know her fellow residents better as they enjoyed great food, dancing, and singing!

And since moving in, Shadiyah has already demonstrated an interest in putting her kitchen to good use by cooking more, and is excited to try new recipes! She's learning to cook different types of pasta, like spaghetti, and is also looking forward to learning how to make specific dishes such as barbecue chicken and salt and pepper shrimp.

Shadiyah was very emotional when she first moved into her apartment just one week before Christmas; as Hawthorne Heights staff said, it was a very surreal and overwhelming moment for her. Shadiyah explained, "I had tears of joy because I finally had a place I could call my own. I no longer had to worry about moving around and living somewhere that's not safe."

NJCDC Director of Residential Operations Robin Murray said, "We are pleased to be able to offer secure and supportive housing to Shadiyah—especially during the holiday season. This opportunity allowed Shadiyah to move from being alone in a hotel room to having her own apartment surrounded by peers and supportive staff. We are looking forward to assisting Shadiyah's transition to her new home and neighborhood. We are very optimistic that Shadiyah will be successful in achieving her goals of having a stable home, employment, and greater independence."

Bob Guarasci, NJCDC's CEO, added "I couldn't be more pleased that our team worked hard to get Shadiyah in the door of her new apartment in time for the holiday season. When I reflect on our many accomplishments this past year, providing safe, decent, and secure housing to someone in need like Shadiyah ranks at the top of my list."

Welcome to the NJCDC family, Shadiyah!