Alternatives, Inc

To provide comprehensive support services to individuals with special needs to enable them to reach their highest level of independence and integration in the community.

Alternatives’ philosophy is based on a person-centered approach. This means developing a program around the specific needs of an individual rather than offering a generic group of services to a large number of people.

Description:
Founded in 1979 as The Association for the Advancement of the Mentally Handicapped (AAMH), Alternatives, Inc. was a pioneer in helping individuals with developmental disabilities live in community based residences rather than institutional environments.

Since our founding, Alternatives, Inc. has expanded to provide services to individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, families and individuals who are homeless, pregnant and parenting teens and at-risk adolescents and others with special needs with a range of support and services in their own communities.

Residential programs include; group homes, supervised apartments, a supportive living program, transitional and permanent supportive housing. Additional initiatives include a school-based program and a respite program. Over 400 individuals living in Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties participate in a variety of Alternatives, Inc. programs and services.

History:
(1973) Seeking services for his son and finding very few options, Arthur Ritmaster established The Association for the Advancement of the Mentally Handicapped (AAMH) in Princeton. (1979) Branch offices were opened in Somerset and Union counties. (1979-1984) Operated a program called Community Alternative Living Support System (CALSS) where high functioning clients were deinstitutionalized and placed into their own apartments. This program developed into the current Independent Living Program.

Contact people:

Anita Feiner, Program Director, (phone), (email) Nancy Good, President, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: 908-685-1444

Address:

600 First Avenue Raritan, NJ 08869 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.alternativesinc.org

Directions:

FROM NEWARK - Rte 78 West to Exit 29 (287 & 202-206, Morristown Somerville). Bear left to Rte 287 South (202-206 South) Continue straight on Rte 287 South to Exit 17 (202-206 Somerville/ Flemington). Continue straight - bear left to 202 South (Flemington/Lambertville) - road will take you over an overpass. First Avenue is before the first light . Keep to right. Right onto First Avenue. Driveway is first right. Building is light tan. Alternatives, Inc. is in two-story section of the building - park in any spot not marked handicapped. FROM SOMERSET AREA - 287 North to Rte 22 West. Follow signs for Rte 202/206 S (Flemington/Princeton). 202 S (Flemington/Lambertville) to First Avenue Exit (before traffic light). Right onto First Avenue. Driveway is first right. FROM TURNPIKE - NJ Turnpike to Exit 10. Rte 287 North to Rte 22 West. Follow signs for Rte 202/206 S (Flemington/Princeton). 202 S (Flemington/Lambertville) to First Avenue Exit (before traffic light). Right onto First Avenue. Driveway is first right. FROM TRENTON - Rte 206 N to Somerville Circle; to Rte 202 S (Flemington) First Avenue Exit is just before the first traffic light. Keep right at exit. Right onto First Avenue. Driveway is first right. FROM PRINCETON - Rte 206 N to Somerville Circle; to Rte 202 S (Flemington) First Avenue Exit is just before the first traffic light. Keep right at exit. Right onto First Avenue. Driveway is first right. FROM 287 SOUTH - Exit for Flemington/Somerville (202S/206S) Follow signs for 202 South (Flemington). Get into right lane. Exit at First Avenue before the first light. Right onto First Avenue from exit. Driveway is first right. FROM 287 NORTH - Rte 287 North to Rte 22 West. Follow signs for Rte 202/206 S (Flemington/Princeton). 202 S (Flemington/Lambertville) to First Avenue Exit (before traffic light). Right onto First Avenue. Driveway is first right. FROM ROUTE 22 WEST - Rte 22 West. Follow signs for Rte 202/206 S (Flemington/Princeton). 202 S (Flemington/Lambertville) to First Avenue Exit (before traffic light). Right onto First Avenue. Driveway is first right. FROM ROUTE 22 EAST - Route 22 East to Route 28 East. Right onto First Avenue (Sunoco gas station on left). 600 First Avenue is last building on the left before traffic light (just past Washington School Annex). FROM 202 SOUTH - Follow signs for 202 South (Flemington). After Somerville Circle, get into right lane. Exit at First Avenue before the first light. Right onto First Avenue from exit. Driveway is first right. FROM 202 NORTH - Exit at First Avenue jughandle. Left onto First Avenue; cross 202; first driveway on right. FROM ROUTE 28 WEST - Left at First Avenue (Sunoco gas station on right). 600 First Avenue is on left before traffic light, just past Washington School Annex. FROM ROUTE 28 EAST - Right onto First Avenue (Sunoco gas station on left). 600 First Avenue is on left before traffic light just past Washington School Annex.

Last updated on July 22, 2009