On Friday, January 30, the Town Square at the New Concepts for Living Paramus Day Program was transformed into something truly special — a lively runway filled with music, color, creativity, and confidence. The Day Program proudly hosted its first-ever Fashion Show, giving participants the chance to step into the spotlight and show off their personal style as peers and staff cheered them on.
The idea for the event came from DSPs Monika Krutka and Jayslin Marte, who wanted to create something exciting for participants to look forward to during the quieter winter months after the holidays.
“January and February are a little bit slower after the holidays,” Monika shared. “We wanted to do something they could look forward to, participate in, and really engage in.”
What started as a conversation about ways to boost wintertime energy quickly turned into a full-scale fashion show — powered by teamwork, creativity, and a shared vision. Each workroom selected its own theme, resulting in a vibrant mix of looks inspired by Disney movies, the ’80s, denim, Hawaii, night-to-day styles, ripped and torn designs, plaid, classy gentlemen, Pretty in Pink, and more.
Day Program staff worked closely with participants to bring each look to life, organizing thrift store outings, creating props, customizing outfits, and practicing runway walks. The result was a joyful celebration of self-expression and collaboration.
“The creativity and hard work that each room put behind it was amazing,” Jayslin said. “Everyone worked together — from ripping clothes and making outfits to staff bringing items from home to make sure clients had everything they needed. It was really great.”
With upbeat music setting the tone, participants confidently walked the runway alongside staff, smiling, posing, and soaking in the excitement as the crowd applauded.
The event came together seamlessly thanks to teamwork across departments, including support from the administrative and maintenance teams.
“Everything was just so coherent,” Monika noted. “It worked out really, really well.”
For Monika and Jayslin, seeing the idea come to life — and witnessing the joy it brought — was incredibly meaningful.
“When I look at New Concepts for Living, I think about the mission,” Jayslin shared. “Seeing the smiles on their faces, seeing them express themselves — it makes it worth it to be a part of their lives every day.”
Assistant Day Program Director Lisa Callahan echoed that pride, emphasizing how special it was to see staff take initiative and lead with passion.
“What I’m most proud of is that this idea was brought to us by two DSPs who wanted to take charge of something,” Lisa said. “Not only did they do a great job, but they feel so good about the work they did — and they should.”
By the end of the show, one thing was clear: this was more than a fashion event. It was a celebration of confidence, creativity, and community — and a reminder of what’s possible when participants and staff come together.
“Seeing everybody walk down the runway with smiles — it was beautiful,” Monika said. “Definitely part two next year.”
And if the excitement in the room was any indication, the NCFL Fashion Show may soon become a beloved annual tradition.
