Mission Statement
We are committed to enable and support people with developmental disabilities to live their lives as independently as they are able including working, participating and contributing in the everyday activities of life as valued citizens in the community-at-large.
History of Our Agency
The Parents and Friends Association (PAFA) began in 1968 as a volunteer advocacy organization comprised of parents, relatives, and friends of the residents of the Vineland Developmental Center (VDC). To assist in providing community residences for VDC residents, PAFA formed a relationship with VDC in which PAFAC would build and/or renovate homes, and oversee the maintenance of these homes and vehicles while VDC would provide for the staffing needs in each home. The first home that opened as part of this joint venture was Park Avenue Group Home in 1982. Until its dissolution in 2012, this partnership supported (21) group homes, (3) supervised apartments, which provided housing to approximately (190) individuals.
In 1985 PAFA expanded its realm of services to include day programs. The day programs provide a variety of opportunities for over (150) individuals in southern New Jersey, which include: vocational programs, community living skills, music therapy, socialization skills, arts and crafts, and community trips.
In 1997, PAFACOM (Parents and Friends Association – Community Services) was incorporated to address the growing need for housing opportunities in this area. In July of 2000, PAFACOM opened its first residence—independent of the joint agreement with VDC—in Mays Landing, NJ. To date, PAFACOM operates a total of (12) residences, which provide housing to over (45) individuals in Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Camden, and Atlantic counties.
Referral Process
Day Programming & Residential Referrals
PAFACOM’s day programming and residential referrals must come through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities via an individual’s Support Coordinator. Currently, we do not provide any programming that is not supported by the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities. If you or a family member is interested in placement in any of PAFACOM’s programs, please contact your Support Coordinator or DDD Case Manager.