Our Journey — And What’s Ahead
A timeline of growth, impact, and the people who have shaped our journey
New Concepts for Living began with a simple but powerful idea—that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
Over the years, that idea has grown into a community of care, connection, and possibility. From our first home to the programs and services we offer today, every step forward has been driven by the people we serve and the belief that everyone can thrive.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same: creating meaningful opportunities, strengthening communities, and building a future filled with possibility.
FOUNDED
1981 – 1985
New Concepts for Living was founded in 1981 by a group of parents who have children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At that time, there was little support for families in this situation. NCFL was formed to care for and empower the individual while providing much needed relief for families.
In 1985, New Concepts for Living opened its first group home in Hillsdale, NJ (pictured here circa 1985). This residence was the first of many to open and remains open today.
EXPANSION BEGINS
1992 – 1996
New Concepts for Living began expansion with the opening of new homes in Teaneck, Park Ridge, River Vale and River Edge. The addition of these four homes is a testament to our commitment to serving the intellectually and developmentally disabled population and our desire to better the lives of as many people as possible.
GROWTH CONTINUES
1999 – 2012
Our Achievement Center Day Program was expanded in 1999 to accommodate our continued growth. Centrally located in Rochelle Park, NJ, we serve a growing number of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Activities and skills training are provided to individuals that reside in our community residences, men and women from other agencies’ group homes, and those who reside with their families.
CONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS
2016 – 2020
NCFL opened four state-of-the-art community residences (group homes) in the interest of continuing our expansion into more communities. These homes are located in Haledon, Northvale, and two in Mahwah, NJ.
NEW HOMES FOR
MEDICALLY FRAGILE
2021 – 2023
Recognizing a desperate need for residential housing for individuals with IDD who require 24/7 medical care, NCFL custom-built Medically Supportive Community Residences in River Vale and two in Old Tappan. Construction also began on two more of these impressive homes.
FURTHER GROWTH
2024 and Beyond
NCFL began 2024 with 17 Community Residences in operation, setting the stage for continued growth. Construction was also completed on our new state-of-the-art 81,500 sq. ft. Achievement Center, located at the former Barnes & Noble building on Route 17 in Paramus, and celebrated with a grand opening in June 2024. Since then, NCFL has opened an additional seven Community Residences to support more individuals in our programs. Looking ahead to 2026, NCFL plans to open three new homes, along with 15 apartments in Saddle Brook. As we continue expanding our services, our goal remains to open 10 new homes each year and create even more opportunities for the deserving individuals on our waiting list.
