What began more than four decades ago as 14 families working together to provide an appropriate education for their child with autism has grown into a leader in autism services throughout the lifespan.
Our history is as inspiring and wonderful as the individuals we serve. Thanks to a generous grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we have the opportunity to document Eden’s rich history through a collective experience.
Ari S. was the first individual with autism to be hired by Wawa in 1981. Ari still works at Wawa today.
Eden families, friends, and staff are invited to participate in the first step by reflecting on their personal history with Eden via an informal conversation with a loved one, a friend, or an Eden staff member. These conversations – referred to as listening sessions – will be recorded for the purpose of producing a film. From founding families to our newest staff and parents — all are welcomed to join in!
Listening sessions will be held at the Eden School on the following dates. Participants will have 20 – 30 minutes to engage in conversation in an informal setting.
August 20 – August 22
11am to 2pm
August 22
5 to 7pm
The Eden School
2 Merwick Road | Princeton
Click here to sign up for a session!
No memory is too small or too new to share, as we want to capture a variety of moments from all members of our community.
Please bring any photos you’d like to share with us for possible inclusion in the film, and bring other family members who would like to share their stories as well. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Pollack at laura.pollack@edenautism.org or 609-987-0099, ext. 3515.
Finally, please join us in extending gratitude to Andy Haughwout, Chair of Eden’s Board of Trustees and an Eden parent, for envisioning this project, and to Kathy Hempstead and Lydia Ryba, Eden Moms and employees of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, for embracing Andy’s vision and securing the grant to fund it.
