History of EFNJ

1970

Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey founded after a meeting of interested individuals in a West Orange home. Organization is incorporated and affiliates with Epilepsy Foundation of America.

1972

Active in the passage of New Jersey Civil Rights Act

1983

EFNJ becomes "amicus Curiae" in a major employment discrimination case. Five years later, the NJ Supreme Court would hold a decision that no supermarket chain could fire an employees because he has epilepsy.

1984

EFNJ office moves to Trenton, NJ.

1985

Division of Mental Retardation (DMR) becomes Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Statewide Need Assessment is undertaken by EFNJ under contract with DDD.

1986

The Needs Assessment is complete. EFNJ begins to provide respite care services under contract with DDD.

1987

South Jersey opens office at Medical Arts Building, Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ.

1988

North Jersey office opens in Martland Building, UMDNJ in Newark, NJ.

1989

EFNJ named "Affiliate of the Year" by Epilepsy Foundation of America. Camp Nova summer camp program begins.

1990

EFNJ pushes for passage and signing of Americans with Disabilities Act at White House on July 26, 1990.

1992

Family Support Center of NJ founded under sponsorship of EFNJ to provide information to families regardless of disability.
EFNJ appointed to U.S. Delegation to first ever Vatican Conference on Disability held in Rome Italy.

1993

EFNJ Scholarship program initiated.

1995

The first Family Support Awareness Day takes place in Trenton, NJ. Gov. Whitman is guest speaker.

1996

EFNJ only lay organization to participate in 1st Russian – American Epilepsy Symposium in Moscow.

1997

Website (www.efnj.com), is one of the first affiliate websites in Epilepsy Foundation network to be set up.

1998

EFNJ is named "one of the 50 most important people or organizations" in the past 50 years by the Easter Seals Society of NJ.

1999

A year long strategic planning process results in sweeping proposals for corporate restructuring.

2000

Statewide poster contest is initiated. Kidz Korner at Berkeley begins as a site-based after school program.

2001

EFNJ selected to co-sponsor WINS Project.

2002

North Jersey Office relocates to larger space in Parsippany from Livingston.

2003

Family Support Center receives grant to develop website for families participating in Real Life Choices.

2004

Family Support Center moves to larger offices in Wall Township. EFNJ named "Agency of the Year" by the Child Assault Prevention Network. Organization hosts the "National Respite Conference" in Atlantic City drawing 1,000 participants.

2005

EFNJ named recipient of Rosalyn Carter Institute/JNJ Caregiving Award for Helping Hands Program.

2006

National Council on Aging names EFNJ program as NJ “Family Friends” Site.

2007

S.H.A.R.E. (Students Hearing About &anp; Recognizing Epilepsy). 5th Grade Education Program Launches.