Meet Deena King: Helping Families Navigate the Journey to NCFL
At New Concepts for Living (NCFL), families looking for residential placement or a quality day program for their loved ones often feel overwhelmed. The process can be daunting, with long waitlists, complex requirements, and an urgent need to find the right fit. That’s where Deena King, NCFL’s Intake Manager, comes in. With a passion for helping families and a deep understanding of the system, Deena plays a crucial role in guiding individuals through this journey.
Deena, along with her colleague Lisa, meets with families, guardians, and support coordinators to introduce them to NCFL’s programs. Whether it’s scheduling a tour, coordinating a trial, or working through eligibility requirements, she is dedicated to ensuring each person finds the best possible placement—whether at NCFL or elsewhere.
Her approach is personal and compassionate. She understands the fears and uncertainties that come with placing a loved one in a new environment, especially for parents and guardians who have spent years providing direct care. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is giving peace of mind to parents who worry about what will happen to their loved one when they are no longer able to provide care,” she says. “The other is seeing an individual thrive here, watching them grow, smile, and gain confidence—that’s the reason I love what I do.”
A Journey Rooted in Compassion
Deena’s passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) wasn’t sparked by one singular event, but rather by an accumulation of moments that reinforced the importance of dignity and kindness. One experience that stands out to her was seeing a group of individuals at a local ice cream stand. They were out in the community, but there was no joy on their faces, no interaction between them and their caregivers. The staff seemed disengaged, and the moment left an impression.
“I remember thinking, ‘Why aren’t they smiling? Why aren’t the people with them being kind? They deserve that,’” she recalls. Today, she takes pride in working at NCFL, where individuals are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Navigating the Intake Process
For families just beginning their search for services, the process can feel overwhelming. Deena’s advice is to start by talking to a Support Coordinator and touring as many programs as possible. She also encourages families to join waitlists early, especially for high-quality programs like NCFL’s Day Program. For residential services, she stresses the importance of getting on DDD’s Community Care Program (CCP) waitlist, which determines funding for that service or for living in a group home.
A common misconception she encounters is the assumption that services will be readily available. “Many families don’t realize the lack of available, high-quality programs and how long the waitlists can be,” she explains. That’s why NCFL prioritizes direct, responsive communication. Unlike many other agencies, where intake is handled by staff with multiple responsibilities, NCFL has a dedicated team to ensure that every inquiry is addressed quickly and thoroughly. Even when NCFL isn’t the right fit, Deena and Lisa take the time to provide referrals and guidance to help families explore other options.
Her best advice for families who feel overwhelmed? “Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. Finding the right services takes time, but the right fit is worth it. Talk to other parents, attend webinars, join support groups, and rely on your Support Coordinator. There are resources out there, and we’re always happy to help.”
The Importance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of inclusion and opportunity for individuals with I/DD. For Deena, the message is clear: every individual deserves to be seen for who they are, not just their diagnosis.
“Every person is unique. No two individuals are exactly the same, even if they share similar diagnoses. It’s so important for the world to see them as people first—people who have talents, strengths, and so much to offer,” she says.
Her role at NCFL helps promote dignity and inclusion by ensuring individuals are placed in an environment where they can thrive. She makes a conscious effort to speak directly to individuals during the intake process, acknowledging their voices and their presence. “Everyone deserves to be in a program like ours and to live a fulfilling life,” she says. “When we accept someone into NCFL, they become part of an agency that truly values inclusion and opportunity and part of an extended family!”
A Career Built on Meaningful Moments
Since joining NCFL, Deena has had countless memorable experiences, but one moment stands out. Early on, she was speaking with a participant named Josh, who was wearing a Yankees jacket. She told him, “I like your Mets jacket.” Josh immediately corrected her, and she apologized, saying she had made a mistake. His response stayed with her: “You didn’t make a mistake, your brain just forgot.”
That small interaction reinforced why she loves working at NCFL. “ she says.
More Than Just a Job
Outside of work, Deena values time with her young adult children, taking every opportunity to spend time together before they get too busy with their own lives. She also enjoys taking walks and mini hikes with her two dogs and unwinds by visiting the beach, which she calls her “happy place.” Recently, she has rediscovered her love for reading fiction, a hobby she had put aside for a while.
For families considering NCFL, Deena wants them to know one thing: their loved one is in good hands.
“As a mom, I understand that no one will ever care for our kids the way we do, but NCFL comes as close as possible. The individuals here are truly part of our family, and while things may not always be perfect, we always strive to make them as close to perfect as we can.”
Deena’s dedication, warmth, and expertise have made her an invaluable part of NCFL, and families can feel confident knowing that she is there to support them every step of the way.
For more information about NCFL’s Day Program and residential services, visit our website or contact our Intake Team today or send a “Request for Placement iInformation”.
