Two people with special needs at an iStrive Community event.

People with special needs at the iStrive Community's "Dancing with Michael Jackson" event.

People with special needs at the iStrive Community's "Ugly Sweater Event."

A person with special needs and a volunteer hug each other.

iStrive Community

empowering people with Special Needs through belonging, connection, & support

Events

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People with special needs at the iStrive Community's "Healthy Eating" event.

Addressing the Services Cliff for People with Special Needs

By age 21, a person with disabilities ages out of the support system that has aided them and their family since infancy.

We are parents in Monmouth County, NJ and surrounding areas, that have joined together to provide access to services and support to address the question, “What’s going to happen to my Special Needs Adult when I am gone?”

get involved

Addressing the Services Cliff for People with Special Needs

By age 21, a person with disabilities ages out of the support system that has aided them and their family since infancy.

We are parents in Monmouth County, NJ and surrounding areas, that have joined together to provide access to services and support to address the question, “What’s going to happen to my Special Needs Adult when I am gone?”

get involved

changing lives forever

Our Vision

We are seeking to establish the leading model for special needs integration by 2035.

Just as housing and support options for seniors have diversified and expanded over the past 50 years, individuals with Special Needs should also be able to access a variety of choices to meet their broad spectrum of support needs and diverse lifestyle preferences.

We believe that adults with Special Needs should have the same choices and opportunities that this world offers their typical peers.

Volunteer

Our Values

Community

We foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging so everyone feels valued, supported, and stronger together.

Inclusiveness

We create welcoming spaces where everyone is accepted, heard, and able to participate fully.

Respect

We honor the inherent worth of every person through kindness, empathy, and mutual understanding.

designing accessibility

Magnolia Oaks:
the 1st neuro-inclusive neighborhood in NJ

Magnolia Oaks is a pioneering neuro-inclusive neighborhood in Middletown Township, New Jersey that includes thoughtfully designed homes for sale to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as well as neurotypical homebuyers. The neighborhood is being developed by Three Oaks Communities, JK Development, and Hughes Design+Build in collaboration with iStrive Community, a Monmouth County, NJ non-profit focused on developing housing, programs, and services for IDD adults.

Situated on a 12-acre estate in Middletown Township, close to major transportation and local amenities
Eight custom homes, including two designed specifically for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
IDD homes feature private suites, shared living spaces, and fully accessible, ADA-compliant design

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