New Concepts for Living taking over former Barnes & Noble space

New Concepts for Living’s mission is caring for adults challenged with special needs. Photo via https://ncfl.net

PARAMUS—New Concepts for Living (NCFL), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) announced they will be expanding their Achievement Center (adult day program) and relocating to a much larger facility centrally located on Route 17 S. in Paramus—the former Barnes & Noble site.

The former Barnes & Noble site on Route 17 S. in Paramus is getting new life with New Concepts for Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

NCFL has been providing services and support to individuals with special needs since 1981. Their current Achievement Center in Rochelle Park provides therapeutic programs, socialization, independent skill development, behavioral and nursing services, and a variety of activities, including community inclusion designed to meet the diverse needs of their participants. The organization’s mission is to enable adults with special needs to reach their fullest potential and thrive.  

The new Barnes & Noble is situated on Northbound Route 17, in the former Big Lots! space (634 N. State Rt. 17, Paramus) next to the Paramus Fashion Mall.

“We recognized a critical need for additional, quality Day Programs as the number of individuals transitioning to adult services continues to increase,” NCFL CEO Steve Setteducati said in a press statement shared with Pascack Press.

“In response, we are eager and proud to be renovating and opening the nearly 81,000 sq. ft. facility for those 21 and over, which will be, in all metrics, the finest in the State, if not the Country,” he added. 

There are over 300 individuals on NCFL’s waiting list for acceptance into their programs, which speaks to the overwhelming need for additional services in our area. This new facility will more than triple the size of NCFL’s current Achievement Center, enabling the agency to run three separate and targeted programs under one roof. Included will be Behavioral, Non-Behavioral, and Medically Fragile wings with specific programs for individuals with mild, moderate, or severe classifications. 

NCFL’s new facility will offer life skills and prevocational training; occupational, physical, and speech therapy, a nursing suite, sensory rooms, a calendar of activities and events, and a 5,500 sq. ft. Town Square for community events. 

Opening in the spring, this facility will mark a significant milestone in NCFL’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. 

About New Concepts for Living (NCFL)

NCFL has been a beacon of care and support for adults (21 and older) with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981. The organization’s mission is rooted in fostering independence and community integration for its program participants. Over the years, NCFL has positively impacted countless individuals’ and families’ lives and has emerged as a leader in the IDD community. NCFL remains focused on growing and expanding its offerings, including residential housing, state-of-the-art adult day programs, behavioral services, transportation, community inclusion, and nursing services.