Unique Special Needs Center In Livingston Gets Own Supermarket

LIVINGSTON, NJ — There’s a lot you can learn in a supermarket.

That’s the philosophy behind ShopRite’s highly anticipated new grocery store at LifeTown, a unique, $18 million learning facility for people with special needs in Livingston, New Jersey.

In LifeTown, kids, teens and adults can master independent living skills in a real-life setting… but without the pressure. The facility’s replica “Main Street” is full of the sights and sounds people would encounter in their own neighborhoods – a bank, a movie theater, a doctor’s office, a bookstore – all staffed by volunteers from the local community.

• See related article: Replica 'Main Street' In Livingston Empowers Special Needs Youth

Now, the estimated 6,500 students and 35,000 community members who enjoy LifeTown every year will have a new place to visit: their very own supermarket.

Earlier this week, ShopRite and LifeTown cut the ribbon on a replica store, which will become part of the educational curriculum offered at the facility. The store will give people a chance to practice skills such as money management, choosing healthy food and following a shopping list, all tasks they can put to immediate use in their daily lives.

Young adults with special needs will also have the opportunity to learn how to stock store shelves, work a cash register and bag groceries as part of a job-readiness training program.

Story continues below

It's not all work and no play at LifeTown, either. Some of the building's cooler features include:

• An aquatic center with a zero-entry pool and a giant water table
• A three-lane bowling alley with wheelchair ramps and bumpers
• A therapeutic activity wing designed to mimic a natural park and beach setting
• A gymnasium with sound-absorbent walls and ceiling
• A parents lounge where local guardians can network and relax

“LifeTown is such a wonderful addition to the Livingston community, and we are proud to help support the learning center,” said Perry Blatt of Village Super Market Inc., which owns and operates the ShopRite of Livingston.

“We’re very excited that ShopRite has partnered with us to create a store that simulates the experience our children would have when they walk into any ShopRite location,” said LifeTown CEO Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum. “Through their experience at LifeTown, participants will learn life skills and be more confident when they enter a store in their own towns.”

The 53,000-square-foot facility at 10 Microlab Road is a years-long project spearheaded by nonprofit Friendship Circle. It's been building up an eager buzz, earning accolades from elected officials and celebrities such as U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Ivanka Trump.

In July, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association recognized the facility with a Good Neighbor Award, which honor redevelopment projects in New Jersey that benefit their communities and improve the state's economic landscape.

• See related article: Lifeown In Livingston Earns 'Good Neighbor' Award

Other corporate partners at LifeTown include Maplewood-based Words Bookstore, RWJ/Barnabas Health, Regal Bank and DCH Audi.

“The young people who come to LifeTown inspire us with their special ability to face challenges with strength, passion and commitment,” said Neil Greenstein, a third-generation grocer who owns the ShopRite of Newark and Brookdale ShopRite.

“ShopRite is honored to partner with LifeTown to provide a store experience that helps visitors develop life and job skills, and we look forward to working and learning together,” Greenstein said.

• See related article: Holiday Party In Livingston For People With Special Needs

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Livingston Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.