Open House to Celebrate Woodlea Community Home Renovation and Re-opening

Photo 1 (l.-r.): Paul Vagianos, Ridgewood Mayor, Delia Perretta, Stacey Hamilton Sandler, Member, Agency Board of Trustees, and Shavonda Sumter, President and CEO

Photo 2 (l.-r.): Mary J. Amoroso, Commissioner Vice Chairwoman, Tracy Silna Zur, Commissioner, Shavonda Sumter, President and CEO, Germaine M. Ortiz, Commissioner Chairwoman, Stacey Hamilton Sandler, member, Board of Trustees and Kaylee McGuire, Deputy Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Human Services for Aging and Disability Services

Photo 3 (l.-r.): JT and Barbara Bolger

Children’s Aid and Family Services recently hosted an open house to celebrate the re-opening of the Woodlea Community Home in Ridgewood. This home has been a vital part of Children’s Aid since 1973 when it was purchased and renovated by the Junior League of Bergen County. Led by Ridgewood resident Barbara Bolger, the home was donated to Children’s Aid to serve children in foster care. It was named in honor of the Junior League and the village of Ridgewood.

“As an agency, we have adapted to meet the community’s needs throughout our history,” says Shavonda Sumter, President and CEO. “Today there is a significant need for safe, supervised housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and we’ve repurposed the home to fit that need.”

She added: “After a year-long renovation, Woodlea is now a home for adults with disabilities. While the house has changed, the same spirit of caring continues to live on.”