It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Camden & Amboy Railroad Memorial gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Spotswood, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
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“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mundy Avenue Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Kabaret Restaurant, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Spotswood, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Spotswood, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Spotswood, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
SPOTSWOOD – Borough taxpayers are expected to see an increase in the municipal portion of their 2025 tax bill under the proposed budget.Under the proposed plan introduced May 28, a home assessed at the borough average of $259,164 can expect to see a $249.40 annual increase.It does not include the county, school or library taxes, said Mayor Rich O'Brien, who took office in JanuaryA public hearing and final vote is scheduled for the July 14 borough council meeting.The proposed total municipal budget is $14,705...
SPOTSWOOD – Borough taxpayers are expected to see an increase in the municipal portion of their 2025 tax bill under the proposed budget.
Under the proposed plan introduced May 28, a home assessed at the borough average of $259,164 can expect to see a $249.40 annual increase.
It does not include the county, school or library taxes, said Mayor Rich O'Brien, who took office in January
A public hearing and final vote is scheduled for the July 14 borough council meeting.
The proposed total municipal budget is $14,705,790, an increase of $1,111,795 over last year's budget, O'Brien said.
The proposed budget has an estimated 1.113% tax rate per $100 of assessed value.
The local tax rate was flat for three years in a row, but health insurance costs, salaries, legal expenses and the costs of goods and services skyrocketed, O'Brien said.
Under the former Mayor Jackie Palmer’s administration, non-recurring revenues were used to hold taxes flat and now that money is gone, O'Brien said.
There's been an incredible turnover in the borough’s business and financial staff, which caused a loss of tight control over finances, O'Brien said, adding the borough has had five different business administrators and eight different chief financial officers in the four years under Palmer.
In addition, too much time and money were spent on lawsuits, he said.
Bills went unpaid for months and the borough did not have an auditor examining operations in 2024, the mayor added. Insufficient funding of capital projects resulted in the borrowing of funds from the operating budget, he said.
"Our focus in 2025 is to "Rebuild Our House," O'Brien said.
The plan includes stabilizing workforce and reducing employee turnover, resolving open litigation and completing an economic development strategic plan among items.
"I put a line in the budget for $35,000 for economic development," he said. "If the budget passes, I would like to go out and get some help from consultants in order to come up an economic development strategic plan. We have commercial spaces throughout the borough that are vacant, with the most prominent being the warehouse on Main Street. I would like to come up with a plan to address the vacant space in the borough."
In addition, the plan includes enhancing recreation offerings, as well as rebuilding relationships with neighboring towns.
But the mayor says the borough has made some progress.
It welcomed a new QPA, Cassie Capparelli, in an effort to ensure sound fiscal practices are followed.The borough also hired a new, experienced full-time business administrator, Fred Carr, and welcomed Melissa Hallerman as the new part-time clerk, O'Brien said.
In addition, the mayor’s office has been open to employees and the public and mayor's hours are available by appointment.
The borough also has a list of 2025 Capital Budget Requests that includes various road improvements such as Gover Court, Vaughn Avenue, Daniel Road, and Victoria Avenue; improvements to East Spotswood Park; IT upgrades, which includes new servers; new courtroom microphone and speaker system, and the purchase of a new ambulance, as well as OEM and DPW vehicles. A request for a new sanitation truck has been deferred to 2026, O'Brien said.
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Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
EAST BRUNSWICK — Monroe pitcher Monica Bukowczyk was perfect through three innings of Saturday’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament quarterfinal against Spotswood.Her teammates were perfect for all seven as the Falcons’ flawless defensive play was a key component in the team’s 8-1 victory that earned them their first trip to the GMCT semifinals since 2016 against top-seeded St. Thomas Aquinas on Tuesday at Mannino Park in Old Bridge.Shoddy defense by Spotswood gifted Monroe four runs in the first in...
EAST BRUNSWICK — Monroe pitcher Monica Bukowczyk was perfect through three innings of Saturday’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament quarterfinal against Spotswood.
Her teammates were perfect for all seven as the Falcons’ flawless defensive play was a key component in the team’s 8-1 victory that earned them their first trip to the GMCT semifinals since 2016 against top-seeded St. Thomas Aquinas on Tuesday at Mannino Park in Old Bridge.
Shoddy defense by Spotswood gifted Monroe four runs in the first inning and the Falcons’ refusal to cede a single extra base via error, wild pitch or passed ball enabled them to stay in control throughout as Bukowczyk hurled a three-hitter with four strikeouts and a pair of six-inning walks.
“Our defense has been huge. I knew from the very beginning that we had a good team, but the thing that plagued us last year was errors,” Monroe coach Marissa Vogtman said. “When we play well defensively we win big, and the last four games that we’ve played we’ve had zero errors and we’ve won four games. And they know that.”
Fourth-seeded Monroe (11-8) and Bukowczyk (8-6) defeated the fifth-seeded Chargers (11-11) in both of their divisional matches as the senior ace failed to yield a run over 13 innings, giving her a certain level of confidence going in.
“It helped me just because I kind of knew their strengths and weaknesses already,” Bukowczyk explained. “It gave me a little confidence knowing that I haven’t given up any runs to them in either of those two games. It kind of gave me a leg up for this game.”
Bukowczyk’s younger sister, Brianna, went 3-for-3 with a walk and three stolen bases, including an infield single to lead off the game. She stole second, took third on an error and scored on a passed ball. Isabella Rubino reached first on an error on a bunt and scored on a single by Monica Bukowczyk, who went 3-for-3 with a double, a sacrifice fly and two RBIs.
Brielle Zarsky reached first on a passed ball after striking out and scored on a sacrifice fly by Brianna Lavan, before Ava Lucadamo singled home Monica for the 4-0 cushion.
“That definitely boasted my confidence even more because I knew that even if I did give up a run or two, I knew that my team had my back and my team would score even more runs after that first inning,” Monica Bukowczyk offered.
Vogtman has stressed the need for her team to get out of the gate quickly.
“It’s something we talk about before every single game,” Vogtman noted. “We want to get on top of teams right away. It’s just attacking the ball and getting on top and, hopefully, staying on top.”
That lead held until the fifth, when Monica Bukowczyk led off with a double and scored on Lavan’s single up the middle.
Spotswood scratched out a run in the top of the sixth as Reese Cunningham took first on Bukowyczyk’s first walk and Gabriellle Hill doubled her home.
The top of the Monroe order answered with three more runs in the bottom of the sixth as Brianna Bukowczyk singled, stole second and scored on Rubino’s single. Rubino scored on Monica’s sacrifice fly and Zarsky, who walked, scored by beating a throw to the plate on Kaitlyn Ventura’s grounder.
Spotswood ace Ava Mormile (9-8), forced to pitch from behind all afternoon, struck out seven and walked three.
St. Thomas defeated Monroe by scores of 7-0 and 10-1, but the Falcons enter this time riding a season-long, four-game winning streak and victories in 11 of 16 outings since an 0-3 start. The way the bats have been hitting and the defense has been playing behind their right-handed ace, anything is possible.
“Monica’s been incredible the last seven games,” said Vogtman. “She has been the anchor. She’s been keeping her composure, she’s been hitting the strike zone. We feel confident with her in the circle.”
MyCentralJersey.comSPOTSWOOD – Immaculate Conception School (ICS) may be closing at the end of the school year due to low enrollment.Parents were delivered the news Tuesday night in an emergency meeting at the Manalapan Road school.The meeting was a follow-up to a similar gathering in December, according to Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the Diocese of Metuchen which oversees the school, that aimed to address “the extremely low enrollment in the school and to develop marketing and other st...
MyCentralJersey.com
SPOTSWOOD – Immaculate Conception School (ICS) may be closing at the end of the school year due to low enrollment.
Parents were delivered the news Tuesday night in an emergency meeting at the Manalapan Road school.
The meeting was a follow-up to a similar gathering in December, according to Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the Diocese of Metuchen which oversees the school, that aimed to address “the extremely low enrollment in the school and to develop marketing and other strategies to boost enrollment."
ICS currently serves 89 students in grades pre-K-8. Enrollment has been on a steady decline over the past five years, according to the diocese. The school served 194 students in the 2021-22 school year. Only 38 students are registered for the next school year.
Kearns said that a final decision on the school’s fate hasn’t been made but will be decided “relatively soon.”
An online petition to save the school asks the diocese to revaluate its decision to potentially close.
"Immaculate Conception School, Spotswood has fostered over 60 years of excellence in outstanding academics," wrote Kimberly Tinger-Jaeger. "The devoted teachers and staff are committed to the growth and development of each and every student while promoting a value-oriented learning environment. This petition calls for the Diocese of Metuchen Office of Schools and Bishop James F. Checchio to allow ICS to remain the center of the local community."
Kearns said Checchio, bishop of Metuchen since 2016, has made Catholic education a priority and has been loath to close any diocesan schools.
"Unfortunately, despite sincere efforts by the Bishop, the Diocesan Schools office, Pastor and school administration, only 38 students are enrolled to attend the school next year. With such low numbers it begs the question if Immaculate Conception could even continue to operate as a school. Would the same be beneficial to the remaining students?" Kearns said.
Our Lady of Victories School in Sayreville in 2022 was the last diocesan school to shutter.
ICS opened in September 1960 with an enrollment of 198 students in grades 1-3. The founding principal, Sister Mary Scholastica Odachowski, led a faculty of two Felician nuns and two lay teachers.
The school expanded to full elementary size in 1961 with an enrollment of 539 In grades K-8. A two-story annex comprised of 12 more classrooms was added in 1965. A pre-K? program for 3- and 4-year-old children opened in 1994, and for 2-year-olds in 1995.
The petition asks the ICS community be given "ample time to lobby for Immaculate Conception School’s growth and rebuild by encouraging increase in admissions and fundraising for the school."
"ICS has not only given my granddaughter a wonderful place to learn and grow in her academic career, but it has guided our whole family to renew and return to our faith," wrote Theresa Santiago.
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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
A Catholic elementary school in Middlesex County will permanently close following the last day of classes Friday despite an ongoing fundraising campaign to save it, church officials said.Supporters of Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood launched a last-ditch effort aimed at raising $500,000 after the loc...
A Catholic elementary school in Middlesex County will permanently close following the last day of classes Friday despite an ongoing fundraising campaign to save it, church officials said.
Supporters of Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood launched a last-ditch effort aimed at raising $500,000 after the local parish’s pastor said the 65-year-old school would close at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
The school enrolls students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The pastor cited declining enrollment as one of the reasons for the closure.
A parent organizer said Thursday morning the fundraising effort to save the school remains underway. But Diocese of Metuchen Chancellor Anthony P. Kearns said the school is still closing.
“It is a settled matter,” Kearns told NJ Advance Media Thursday.
Kearns said the decision was made after several meetings with the diocesan schools department and the pastor of the school.
“The Diocese is saddened by the closure of Immaculate Conception School, Spotswood. We are all uplifted by the tremendous spirit at ICS particularly by those who have worked so hard and with great determination in attempting to keep the school open,” Kearns said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, as reported, only 39 students were enrolled to attend next year. The pastor made the decision that the same was not sustainable and all questioned whether such limited enrollment would even be good for the remaining students,” Kearns said.
Supporters of the school launched the Save ICS — Together Foundation after Rev. John J. O’Kane, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood, announced April 4 that the school would be closing.
The group has not disclosed how much it has raised, but said on its website all donations will be returned if the school does not continue.
A parent organizer did not immediately respond to a request to comment on Kearns’ statement.
More than 30 Catholic schools in New Jersey have closed in the past five years, with church officials typically citing declining enrollment and financial pressures as factors in deciding to shut down the sites.
At least three other Catholic schools in New Jersey are scheduled to permanently close in June.
In April, days after the announcement was made about the Spotswood school, the Archdiocese of Newark said two Catholic elementary schools in Essex and Bergen counties — Aquinas Academy in Livingston and Visitation Academy in Paramus — will close at the end of the school year.
Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair is also closing after 100 years in operation, the Archdiocese of Newark announced in February.
Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood opened in September 1960 with 198 students in first through third grades, according to the school’s website.
By the following year, it had expanded to grades K-8 with 539 students. In 1965, the school constructed a two-story annex with 12 additional classrooms. Pre-kindergarten programs for children ages 2 to 4 were added in the 1990s.
Kearns said many of the remaining Immaculate Conception School students are enrolling at other Catholic schools in the area.
“We are all feeling the loss of the school, particularly because of its rich history and tradition in forming so many in their Catholic faith. There are and have been a number of internal activities both spiritual and social to mark the closing of this wonderful institution of Catholic learning,” Kearns said.
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MyCentralJersey.comSPOTSWOOD – Parents are putting forth a last-ditch effort to save Immaculate Conception School (ICS) from closing permanently at the end of the school year.The Save ICS – Together Foundation aims to raise $500,000 in a short period to balance the school’s deficit and “rebuild,” said Kimberly Tinger, a parent and Home School Association member.Tinger said the Diocese of Metuchen ...
MyCentralJersey.com
SPOTSWOOD – Parents are putting forth a last-ditch effort to save Immaculate Conception School (ICS) from closing permanently at the end of the school year.
The Save ICS – Together Foundation aims to raise $500,000 in a short period to balance the school’s deficit and “rebuild,” said Kimberly Tinger, a parent and Home School Association member.
Tinger said the Diocese of Metuchen which oversees the school “did not close the door on us” and has given supporters a chance to save it.
"We have a chance now, a very small window of time to create a new business model for ICS," she said. "It would have to be accompanied by a significant fundraising effort to close the financial gap in the short term as our school rebuilds.”
ICS, which opened for the 1960-61 school year, currently serves 89 students in grades pre-K-8. The diocese announced in April it would be closing to due low enrollment.
Tinger said it will take an “heroic effort” to raise the funding.
"We have launched multiple outlets for support," she said. "The key to this foundation is our commitment to keep our Immaculate Conception School open and sustainable for the benefit of our children and families, as well as the community. We don’t want to see another Catholic school be cast into oblivion and its students, faculty, and families left in devastation."
The group has launched the Save ICS - Together Pledge Drive, a one-year financial commitment to support the 2025–2026 school year. Tinger said 100% of all donations and pledges will go to ICS upon reopening for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. Should efforts fall short, all donations and pledges will be nullified, she said.
Enrollment at the school has been on a steady decline over the past five years. ICS served 194 students in the 2021-22 school year, and only 38 students were registered for the next school year earlier this spring, Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the diocese, said previously.
Kearns previously said Bishop James F. Checchio, bishop of Metuchen since 2016, has made Catholic education a priority and has been loath to close any diocesan schools.
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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
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