Lieutenant Governor Stops into West Orange WAE Center

New Jersey's Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno stopped into West Orange's Wellness, Art and Enrichment, WAE, Center Monday just to see what the center is all about. 

The lieutenant governor was welcomed to the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled center by members and staff, who showed Guadagno what goes on at the center. 

According to program manager Renee Rolzenlogen, the center focuses on holistic treatment for adults with disabilities. Through spoken word, live theater and art, the center allows members to express themselves in whichever way they want, she said. 

The members performed a comedy skit and afterwards Guadagno toured the center and spoke with members about their artwork and sculptures, followed by a spoken-word session. 

Recently, the center has helped members with sensory workshops by focusing on different sense each month, Rolzenlogen said. For example, the center would blindfold one of the adults at a museum while one of the other members would describe the exhibits to them as if they were blind, she explained. 

According to its website, the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled WAE Center is a nonprofit organization and alternative learning center. The WAE helps individuals with disabilities find the spark within by providing an environment for participants to learn, create, express themselves, and foster meaningful relationships.