About Us
Learn More about the story and mission of Colorful Dreams, Inc.
Colorful Dreams, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in the state of New Jersey. Our mission is to provide properties in New Jersey for use as community-based supportive housing. We are committed to providing living environments that promote self-respect, independence, and improve residents' quality of life. The need for an organization such as Colorful Dreams is readily apparent when one considers the thousands of disabled individuals waiting for community-based supportive housing. Many do not receive placement within their lifetimes, and those who are lucky enough to receive placement, often are located in townships and counties far away from their families and communities. This housing shortage is a crisis in the State of New Jersey afflicting the most vulnerable among us. Colorful Dreams is committed to tackling this crisis one home at a time.
Our Story
Eddie Monahan, Founder Colorful Dreams
The idea for Colorful Dreams began in 2016 when my grandmother, Mama, and my Aunt Kim faced challenges in finding adequate housing and additional care for their disabilities, which exceeded what our family could provide alone. For Kim, Mama, and many others, a community-based setting offers a more appropriate and nurturing alternative to institutionalized facilities or nursing homes. Unfortunately, New Jersey faces a severe shortage of group homes, with waiting lists reaching into the thousands.
In response, our family came together to purchase a home in Central NJ. Though the house required significant repairs and modifications to ensure safety and accessibility, we were, by God’s grace, able to create a loving and personalized environment for Kim and Mama that truly feels like home. Recognizing that many other families face similar challenges, those who love and care for Kim and Mama founded Colorful Dreams.
Our mission is to provide individuals like Kim and Mama with comfortable homes and compassionate care, ensuring they feel valued and supported. New Jersey ranks thirty-eighth in serving those with disabilities, forty-second in promoting independence, and forty-third in fostering productivity within the disabled community*.
Join us as we work to create positive change and improve the lives of disabled individuals in our community. Together, we can make a difference.
*New Jersey ranks poorly in several critical areas for serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). According to the Case for Inclusion report (2019), the state ranks 42nd in promoting independence and 43rd in promoting productivity among individuals with I/DD. These rankings highlight challenges in supporting residents in living independently and accessing competitive employment opportunities. Only 11% of working-age individuals with I/DD in New Jersey are employed in competitive jobs, compared to a national average of 19%New Jersey Employment Lawyers Blog, Case for Inclusion .
This data underscores the need for improved policies and investments in community-based supports, employment opportunities, and services to enhance the quality of life and inclusion for individuals with disabilities
Eddie Monahan
Founder