About
Our House

About Our House

We believe in creating communities where everyone is valued and supported.

Our Milestones in Making a Difference

1980

Patricia Shillingburg has serious concerns about her daughter Lillian’s future. Without suitable housing options and staffing to help provide a range of supports, she worries Lillian will be vulnerable and dependent in her adult years, especially when she will no longer be there to protect her daughter’s best interests. Pat purchases a home in Summit for Lillian and three other women and Our House is born. Pat’s action ensured an independent, active and meaningful future for her own daughter as well as for hundreds of other individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

1980

1988

Our Supported Employment program began to provide our clients with an opportunity to secure employment and work within their community.

1988

2003

Our Volunteer Action Program was created as an alternate workforce initiative under our Supported Employment program for those clients looking for a way to give back to the community.

2003

2020

Organization celebrates 40 years of service, begins fundraising to refurbish and expand group homes and day programs, enhance staff skills and retention and establish an endowment.

2020

2022

Our House is determined to be the solution to a community in need. Our House launches the public phase of our Comprehensive Annual/Capital/Endowment Campaign to secure $10 million in support.

2022

2025

Our House celebrates it’s 45th anniversary with the opening of our new SkillsUp program in Woodbridge and acquiring our 20th home in Plainfield.

Our House, Inc. supports 320 adults with I/DD and is a leading 501(c)3 nonprofit social agency serving:

Close to 100 adults in 20 residences varying from group home settings, supervised apartments and our Supported Living Program that are located throughout Essex, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union counties,
175 adults through nine innovative day programs, and
75 supported employees through our working partnerships with over 80 companies.

2025

Our Mission

Our House’s mission is to provide healthy, stimulating and inclusive environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community residences, employment services, innovative day programs, social opportunities and related support services designed to help them achieve their full potential for living meaningful and productive lives.

Our Services

residential services

Our residential living is designed with care, community and dignity at its core. Compassionate, around-the-clock Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide care tailored to each individual, nurturing both autonomy and connection. Thoughtfully built with ADA-compliant features, our homes are designed to evolve alongside residents’ changing needs. Every day brings opportunities for growth, from morning routines and job responsibilities to evening skill-building and shared laughter around the table.

LEARN MORE

day services

We offer a variety of specialized programs designed to match both practical needs and personal aspirations. Through Hope Autism Solutions (HAS), we provide life-enhancement supports that build on individual strengths. Our Volunteer Action Program (VAP) creates meaningful community connections, while our SkillsUp Pre-Vocational Training develops essential workplace competencies. Together, these programs form a comprehensive pathway to greater independence and fulfillment.

LEARN MORE

Employment Services

Employment services are offered to help individuals obtain competitive employment with training services available to assist them with learning their tasks and duties that will enable them to surpass their employers’ expectations.

LEARN MORE

recreation

Our recreation program creates vibrant opportunities where friendships flourish and new passions come alive. With the guidance of our dedicated and experienced DSPs, participants discover the joy of community connection through engaging activities tailored to individual interests and abilities. Every laugh shared, skill mastered and memory created builds confidence that extends far beyond recreation—it transforms lives. Join us and be part of a community where everyone belongs and where you can experience life beyond boundaries!

LEARN MORE

Capital Campaign

Planned Giving

Tribute
Gifts

Make a Donation

Fundraise for Our House

Attend an Event

Support Our Foundation

Our Annual Partners

Hugo &
Janet Barth

Bernards Parents for Exceptional Children

Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation, Inc.

The Bolger
Foundation

Bruce &
Mary Dalziel

E.J. Grassmann
Trust

Matthew and
Sue Evans

Joshua and
Kristina Feldman

The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey

Grover & Tonya
Martin, Jr.

Jack & Cynthia
Mathis

Thomas Montrone & Gail Curtin

Neely Family
Foundation

Phil & Carla
Provenzano

Gregory & Denise
Reiser

Christopher & Margaret
Santana

Mehul and
Maya Shah

Alan Shapey
and Suki Han

Christopher and
Callie Solomon

Summit Elks
Lodge 1246

Union
Foundation

Virtu
Financial

The Westfield
Foundation

Let's Connect

We’d love to hear from you — please fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Together, we can.

"As a trusted partner through weekly karate lessons, I witness an awesome staff that cares very much for their clients. The management team is amazing and on top of things, which allows me to focus on the participants and meeting their individual goals. We went through obstacles during COVID, but we are proudly moving ahead in making a difference in the lives of so many."