Can you tell us about HASC Center New Jersey and what bochurim experience there?

HASC Center New Jersey is a place where bochurim with developmental disabilities can continue to learn, grow, and be part of a real Torah community. They spend their days learning, volunteering, developing life skills, going on community outings, and building friendships.

I’ve been privileged to be with HASC for 31 years, and before coming to New Jersey, ran the Brooklyn Day programs. What has always amazed me is how much people can accomplish when they’re given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities.

Our goal is simple: to help each bochur become the best version of himself. We want to teach them to be good people, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to the world around them. And, we want the community to appreciate them for who they are, not because they have special needs, but because of the unique qualities, talents, and strengths they bring to those around them.

How did the HASC Center in Lakewood come about?

The programs really grew from the requests of parents in the Lakewood community. Families were looking for something different, a place where their sons could continue to grow while feeling part of a genuine Torah environment and community.

From the beginning, the goal was to create a program where each individual is respected, challenged, and encouraged to reach his full potential. We want to give the participants the experience of being real bochurim: learning Torah, davening, building friendships, and feeling a true sense of belonging among their peers. At the same time, they develop practical life skills that help them grow in confidence and independence, preparing them for meaningful lives within their families and communities.

What makes this program different?

The biggest difference is that everything we do is person-centered. Every bochur is treated as an individual, and the program is tailored to his unique strengths, interests, challenges, and goals.

Just as importantly, HASC makes a tremendous investment in its staff. Team members receive ongoing training, mentorship, and support, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed to help participants succeed. That investment creates a culture of care, professionalism, and growth that benefits everyone in the program.

As a result, our staff takes the time to truly understand each person and build meaningful relationships with them. Activities and opportunities are designed to help participants grow socially, emotionally, vocationally, and personally, always with the goal of helping them become the best version of themselves.

What does a typical day look like?

No two days are exactly alike, but each day is structured and chock full of enriching activities. Participants daven Shacharis and Mincha in local shuls, learn Torah, volunteer throughout the community, and take part in a variety of educational and life-skills activities. They study current events, explore topics such as science and practical living skills, and participate in group discussions that encourage critical thinking and personal growth. Throughout the day, there are countless opportunities to build friendships, gain confidence, and develop greater independence.

How important is community involvement?

It’s a huge part of the program. The bochurim volunteer with community organizations, interact with local businesses and shuls, and have become familiar faces around town. The goal isn’t simply to keep them busy. It’s to help them become confident, contributing members of the community.

One of the most meaningful examples is seeing bochurim receive aliyos in shul. I remember one bochur who had never had an aliyah before. With encouragement and support from a staff member, he built the confidence to get up and receive one. Moments like that may seem small to others, but they represent tremendous growth and a powerful sense of belonging. We want the participants to be seen, valued, and included as active members of the community.

What kinds of skills are bochurim learning?

A tremendous amount of focus is placed on life skills and follow-through. That can mean learning how to complete a task properly at a volunteer site, helping organize supplies, making choices and sticking with them, or learning kitchen skills in the program’s new kitchen.

Recently, bochurim prepared potato kugel together using family recipes brought from home. Learning how to check eggs properly, measuring ingredients and even how to properly wash dishes or clean up after cooking, becomes a major accomplishment and a real confidence-builder.

Torah and learning seem to be a major part of the atmosphere as well. Can you tell me a bit more about that?

Certainly. Torah learning is woven into the fabric of the program. The bochurim have a daily seder with a rebbe, spending dedicated time learning Mishnah, Halacha, Pirkei Avos, Neviim, stories of Gedolim, and inyanei d’yoma. They’re treated with the dignity and expectations of real bnei yeshiva and are encouraged to take their learning seriously.

On Sundays, they learn in a yeshiva environment alongside other bochurim, with rabbeim and Roshei Yeshiva. They’ve celebrated numerous siyumim, welcomed Gedolim into the program, and participated in meaningful Divrei Torah discussions.

More than anything, there is a genuine Torah atmosphere. The learning gives structure, purpose, and pride, and helps participants continue growing both b’ruchniyus and b’gashmius..

What kind of growth have you seen from bochurim?

The growth has been remarkable. Our staff members describe the bochurim becoming calmer in shul, more socially aware, more responsible, and more confident in everyday situations. Many are learning how to communicate more appropriately, complete tasks independently, and make thoughtful choices.

One of the biggest breakthroughs we’ve seen came before a siyum that the bochurim were making. A bochur had a medical appointment scheduled on the same day, which meant he wouldn’t be able to attend. The group was faced with a choice, and after encouragement from their staff, they decided to move the siyum to another day so that everyone could celebrate together. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it became a powerful learning experience and a real “aha” moment. It was a beautiful example of what it means to live the values of bein adam l’chaveiro and v’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha, learning to put another person’s needs before your own and to care for one another in a meaningful way.

What has the response from parents been?

The response has been incredibly emotional. I’ll read you a card that one parent wrote to us: “We didn’t imagine how fantastic it would be. With your expertise, wisdom, and love for each of the bochurim, you outdid yourself.”

Parents consistently express appreciation not only for the structure and programming, but for the genuine care and respect shown to each individual.

What role does HASC Center’s experience play in the program?

While the Lakewood program is still growing, it operates with the support and backing of HASC Center’s decades of experience serving individuals with special needs.

That experience allows the staff to combine professionalism, warmth, structure, and high expectations in a way that helps bochurim truly thrive.

What is the ultimate goal of the program?

The goal is to help each person become the best version of themselves. We don’t get to decide what that looks like for them, and we certainly don’t write the script for their future. Our job is to give them the tools, opportunities, support, and encouragement to pursue their own dreams and discover their strengths. When someone gains confidence, independence, friendships, and a sense of purpose, that’s success.

As I always say, ‘one should reach for the moon, and a handful of stars isn’t so bad.’

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To learn more about the HASC Center program, reach out to Surie Englard at [email protected] or 646-285-5309.