NJCU and A. Harry Moore Laboratory School cut the ribbon on new ‘LIFT’ program

New Jersey City University (NJCU) and the A. Harry Moore Laboratory School (AHM) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the Life Independence and Future Transitions (LIFT) program at NJCU’s Grossnickle Hall yesterday.

By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View

“We celebrate today the start of the LIFT program and the wonderful facility behind us,” NJCU Vice President of Student Development and Community Engagement Erin McCann said.

The A. Harry Moore School offers comprehensive academic, therapeutic, pre-vocational, and social programs for students classified as pre-school disabled, learning, and language Disabled, as well as multiply disabled.

The LIFT program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower high school and adult transition students with special needs between the ages of 15-21.

The goals include facilitating secure employment, encouraging further educational pursuits, promoting independent living skills, and building confidence and competence in daily life.

The LIFT program offers tailored and individualized instruction and replicates experiences found in a typical high school setting, including a culinary arts room and a consumer and family science room where students can practice independent living skills.

Additionally, it provides career technical education (CTE) and community-based instruction (CBI) opportunities in Jersey City and on the NJCU campus.

“It is a tremendous honor to have you all here as we celebrate a resilient partnership between New Jersey City University and A. Harry Moore Laboratory School,” NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo said.

“The A. Harry Moore School has been a symbol of hope, empowerment, and unwavering supporting for students with special needs in Jersey City.”

Additionally, Acebo said the A. Harry Moore School first partnered with NJCU in 1963 and he explained they help the most vulnerable.

“Not long ago, there were those who questioned this program’s future, viewing it as dispensable. In true Hudson County fashion, I’d be remiss to not throw in a little shade,” he joked.

“It’s true challenges arose, and hard choices were made. Some voices even considered disarming this extraordinary work. We chose to uplift itTrue purpose is not found in the grandiose places but the quiet, steady work of lifting those who are too often overlooked. This name and the work it reps captures the essence of what we strive for every person in our community and throughout their journeys.”

Acebo also commended the Jersey City Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Fernandez for their work on the program, as well as noting that his a father of special needs children.

“My wife and I could only hope our children receive the love and care that the folks at A. Harry Moore extend to the students and families,” he exclaimed.

“We’re very fortunate we’re celebrating our LIFT program in the national disability awareness month of October,” A. Harry Moore School Principal Jason Jusino said, noting that the school has thrived for a century.

Jusino explained they wanted to do more to help special needs students and then they came up with the LIFT program by working with the Jersey City BOE and NJCU.

He added they’ll have a grocery store in Grossnickle Hall, where the program is based, where people can shop and where the students can learn skills.

“We want to share our experiences and our final literacy … with the community. We want to get experience as much as we can for our students,” Jusino stated.

Dignitaries in attendance included state Senator Angela McKnight (D-31), Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (D-31),Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, and Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh.