Special needs event scheduled

MANALAPAN - The Mayor's Special Needs Council of Manalapan will host an Abilities Provider Resource Fair on April 12. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Taylor Mills School, Gordons Corner Road.

The Mayor's Special Needs Council was formed in 2006 as a resource for individuals and families of children and adults who have classified needs and disabilities.

The mandate of the council is to promote awareness and to develop programming for individuals with special needs in the areas of transportation, vocational opportunities, social and recreational programs. It is also expected to undertake fundraising initiatives.

The council's membership is not limited to Manalapan residents. Interested residents from the region are encouraged to join the group.

Resident Charlene McLaughlin is a member of the council and one of the event coordinators. She said the event is expected to feature about 60 vendors; service providers and governmental agency representatives in attendance who will acquaint caregivers and family members on a one-to-one basis with the services available in the area, as well as an opportunity to network with other friends, families and caregivers of special needs children and adults.

"It is the hope of the council that residents from all of Monmouth County will benefit from this event," McLaughlin said.