Lennon’s House Builds a New Model of Supportive Living for Adults with Special Needs
Rockaway, NJ — April 2025 — In a world where traditional group homes often limit autonomy and community connection, Lennon’s House is pioneering a different path. Based in Morris County, New Jersey, this nonprofit organization is creating a supportive, inclusive community for adults with special needs — a place where friendship, independence, and dignity thrive.
Founded by Erica and Chris Phillips, inspired by their son Lennon who lives with the rare CDK13 genetic syndrome, a condition affecting development and communication abilities, Lennon’s House envisions a future where individuals with disabilities are empowered to live full and meaningful lives. Rather than forming a traditional group home, the organization is carefully building what they call “houses of supportive living”—a model focused on choice, autonomy, and true belonging.
“We are slowly building a special community of friends,” explains Erica Phillips. “Our homes are not institutions. They are places where individuals live with support, but also with freedom and a strong sense of community.”
Over the past year, Lennon’s House has expanded its impact through a wide range of programs. Participants engage in life-enriching activities such as Special Olympics training, creative arts workshops, environmental service projects, and educational classes in subjects like American Sign Language and Spanish. Frequent social events, including game nights, dances, and hiking trips, offer young adults with special needs a safe space to make friends and build confidence.
“Lennon’s House has given my son a place where he belongs,” shared a local parent. “We are so grateful for the friendships and joy it brings.”
The nonprofit recently celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its first dedicated office at Pine Street Commons in Rockaway. This central hub enables Lennon’s House to organize its growing calendar of activities and continue its vision of supportive community living.
Fundraising efforts are ongoing to achieve two major goals: acquiring a 12-15 passenger van for participant transportation and ultimately purchasing property to establish a permanent residential and recreational center. These goals are crucial to ensuring participants can safely access activities and build lifelong homes where they are truly included. Community support has been strong, with partnerships from local businesses like Krogh’s Brew Pub, Panera Bread, and Stop & Shop fueling the organization’s mission.
Families and community members alike have praised Lennon’s House for filling a critical gap. As many adults with disabilities age out of school programs, they face isolation and lack of opportunity. Lennon’s House is changing that narrative by offering inclusive programming and striving toward a future where supportive living is the norm, not the exception.
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For more information or to support their mission, visit lennonshouse.com.
About Lennon’s House: Lennon’s House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating supportive living environments and inclusive programming for adults with special needs. Located in Morris County, NJ, Lennon’s House provides opportunities for socialization, skill-building, recreation, and lifelong community connections.
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