FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2025  

MEDIA CONTACT: Kamana Shrestha: kamana.shrestha@yai.org | 646.780.9936

New program offers crisis prevention and response services across 11 counties 

 Ewing, NJ – October 22, 2025 – START Services NJ officially launched this week at the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP) offices in Ewing. Designed to mitigate psychiatric emergencies and reduce inpatient hospitalizations, START offers crisis mitigation, clinical consultation, psychoeducation, therapeutic coaching, in-home support, and community linkages for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who have complex behavioral and mental health needs, with the capacity to serve up to 80 participants across 11 counties. 

“Today’s launch is a major milestone for START Services NJ,” said Amanda Duva Gannon, YAI’s Senior Program Director in New Jersey. “After nearly a year of planning and preparation, we’re finally bringing this service to life. Seeing community partners, support coordination agencies, and providers all together today highlights the strong collaboration and shared commitment that make this initiative possible.” 

The launch brought together officials from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, community providers, parent advocates, and members of the National Center for START Services, who provided an overview of the START model.  

“New Jersey has resources and tools to support people with I/DD, but there are still gaps in the system, roadblocks that people encounter regularly,” Gannon said. “START Services NJ complements existing supports by addressing systemic gaps rather than focusing solely on the individual. Our stabilization homes can help someone in an acute crisis for 90 days, but START tackles larger, long-term challenges and helps people access the services they need.” 

Using a systemic approach, START engages community partners and stakeholders to provide linkages, education, and training to enhance quality of life for participants and their support networks. Short-term programs can address immediate crises, but they do not fully address ongoing behavioral or trauma-related needs. START Services NJ is designed to provide sustained, holistic support to the full system of care. 

Parent advocates praised the program for its person-centered approach. Mary Hurley, whose 32-year-old son Sean is receiving START services, said: “I wanted START to come to New Jersey because it was a good model for my son, who has severe autism. Traditional ABA approaches did not work and caused him trauma. START’s holistic and positive psychology approach resonated with me. The intake, crisis planning, and staff training are extremely thorough and unlike anything I’ve seen. This program is helping me create a support system for my son, so he has connections beyond our family. I hope he finds more joy and a better quality of life.” 

For more information, visit yai.org/STARTNJ. 

About YAI: Founded in 1957, YAI remains at the forefront of an extraordinary movement aimed at empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. YAI and its network of affiliate agencies offer children and adults with (I/DD) a comprehensive range of services. YAI is committed to seeing beyond disability, providing opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn in their communities. YAI’s 4,000 employees provide supportive housing, education, medical, dental, and mental health care, job training, community integration, and social enrichment for more than 20,000 people with I/DD, and their families, in New York, New Jersey, and California.