Community Resource

DAWN Center for Independent Living (CIL)

(973) 625-1940
Denville

DAWN Center for Independent Living (CIL)

DAWN CIL is a not-for-profit organization that works with people with all disabilities to advance their independence. DAWN CIL also empowers people with disabilities who strive to take control of their own lives by:

  • Providing tools that encourage independence and self-advocacy.
  • Promoting public awareness of the rights, needs, and desires of individuals living with disabilities.
  • Offering community activities that create new experiences and opportunities.
  • Creating informed communities that advance the Independent Living Philosophy.

DAWN provides 4 core services:

Information and Referral
We maintain comprehensive files on the services available to people with disabilities in the community and refer the individual appropriately. Services may include housing, transportation, personal assistants, employment, interpreter services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, assistive technology, and more.

Peer Support
Opportunities are made available to members through social or educational activities to meet and support other members. Members are encouraged to continue this support outside of the organizational activities.

Independent Living Skills Training
Educational seminars are offered periodically to members to enhance their knowledge of programs, services, benefits and entitlements that may assist them in their goal of living independently. Individualized assistance is provided as needed and available on issues such as money management, self-advocacy and more.

Advocacy
We facilitate opportunities for members to collaborate with other community groups, to advocate for systems change to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities. DAWN also provides individual consumer advocacy, which involves trained staff or volunteers directly assisting an individual in addressing issues of discrimination. If needed, a referral may be made to a legal provider.
 

Other Activities that DAWN Offers

  • Early Intervention
    DAWN coordinates early intervention services for children and families residing in Sussex County.
  • Adult and Young Adult Recreation Programs
    Offers a variety of recreation events throughout the year for adults and for young adults ages 16 and up. Accommodations are made available to attendees as needed.
  • Nursing Home Transition Services
    Collaboration with other social service agencies to provide support and services to individuals currently residing in nursing facilities who wish to transition to the community.
  • Morris County Care Management
    Individuals, 18-59, with a physical disability as their primary diagnosis, receive a wide range of available services, including but not limited to, information and assistance, options counseling, and care management.
  • Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)
    Provides personal assistants to individuals ages 18–65 with a physical disability who can self-direct and are working, attending school, or volunteering in the community. (DAWN serves Warren County.)
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program
    In collaboration with the Division of Disability Services, individuals are assisted with creating a support plan for financial assistance through the TBI Fund.
  • Living Well with a Disability
    8-week health and wellness workshop series for adults with any kind of disability that introduces a process for setting and achieving goals for healthy living.
  • DAWN Employment Network Services (DENS)
    Consumer-directed services for people with disabilities who are actively seeking or just considering employment advance steps and actions necessary to achieve their goals.
  • Working Well with a Disability
    6-week wellness workshop series for adults with any kind of disability that considers strategies for maintaining optimal health while navigating the demands of employment.
  • DDD Support Coordination Services
    Links eligible adults with developmental disabilities to an array of life-enriching supports and services through a person-centered planning and collaborative process emphasizing consumer choice.
  • Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
    Provides one-stop access to long-term support for persons with disabilities and seniors that enable them to live in the community. DAWNcil’s role varies by county.
  • Skills for Independent Living (skIL)
    A comprehensive, dynamic 72-hour curriculum-based life skills program for teens and young adults to expand critical skills for a rewarding, independent life in the community.
  • Enhanced Life Skills Classes
    These classes were developed out of demand from our consumers who did not want their life skills class cycle to end. To extend long-term class services we have put together a once-per-month class that covers a variety of topics.  
  • Franki’s Fund
    Offers young adults with special needs ages 14 to 25 an opportunity to explore artistic and vocational pursuits that will enrich their lives and expand their horizons.
  • It’s All About Work
    School-based courses for teens/young adults, and an adult course and targeted adult services, providing skills and knowledge to people with disabilities to expand their employment opportunities.
  • Membership Meetings
    The membership meets to listen to a guest speaker, learn a new skill, conduct business, or socialize.
  • AKTION Club
    A partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Morris County, DAWN serves as the host for this club which provides an opportunity for youth 18 and over to develop leadership skills, provide community service to others, and engage in social activities.
  • Next Chapter Book Club
    Weekly social gatherings for youth to enhance their reading skills, social skills, and money management skills in a social setting.
Eligibility Serves individuals with all disabilities in Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties.
Age Groups
  • Children
  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Seniors
Community Services
Arts & Recreation
Basic Needs / Assistance
Community
Education
Employment / Training
Family & Support Services
Legal / Advocacy
Health Services
Behavioral / Mental Health
Intellectual and Developmental Needs
Medical
Treatment Services
In-Community Services
Outpatient Services
Payment Options
  • Free
  • Low Cost / Donation
Language Spoken
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
Areas Served
  • Morris County
  • Sussex County
  • Warren County

Last Updated: 04/13/23