Our Program

The Ability Foundation of New Jersey Inc. is dedicated to creating inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs in Warren Township and the surrounding communities.

Our current programming includes Buddy Baseball, Kickball, and other recreational activities designed to provide a fun, supportive environment for participants of all abilities. As our organization grows, we will continue expanding our programs to meet the needs of our community and create more opportunities for inclusive play.

Until our Field of Dreams facility is built, our programs are hosted at Warren Township athletic fields as well as the facilities of our major sponsor, Watchung Hills Elks Lodge 885. These locations allow us to begin building the community and programming that will ultimately grow into a permanent home for adaptive recreation in Warren.

Our volunteers, known as “Buddies,” play a vital role in making every game possible.

Buddies assist athletes on the field, helping them learn the sport, stay safe, and most importantly have fun. Through this partnership, volunteers and players often develop meaningful friendships built on encouragement, patience, and trust.

For volunteers, the experience is equally as powerful. Being a Buddy offers the chance to develop empathy, strengthen leadership skills, and contribute to a more inclusive community. Students can earn service hours while gaining life changing experiences, and community members can give back in a meaningful way.

The relationships formed on the field often extend far beyond the game, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

 While our programs work towards making a difference, our long term goal is to create a dedicated Field of Dreams adaptive recreation complex in Warren Township.

This facility will be designed specifically for individuals with special needs, ensuring that every participant can safely and comfortably enjoy recreational activities regardless of ability level.

The Field of Dreams complex will include:

• An accessible baseball field designed for adaptive play

• Multi purpose spaces for adaptive soccer, kickball, volleyball, and football

• Sensory friendly recreational events and programming

• Gathering areas for families and community events

• Opportunities to partner with schools, recreation departments, and organizations such as   Special Olympics

This facility will become a central hub for inclusive recreation, allowing athletes and their families to participate in year round programming designed with accessibility at its core.

The Warren Township area is home to more than 225 residents with special needs, including children in the K–12 school system as well as adults living within the community.

Currently, these individuals and their families do not have access to a fully accessible recreational facility designed to meet their physical, social, and emotional needs. While traditional athletic fields exist, they are not designed to accommodate adaptive sports or have the accessibility features many athletes require.

Creating a dedicated Field of Dreams facility would ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational programming in an environment built specifically for them. 

The Ability Foundation of NJ Proudly announces the new Logo and Mascot "Buddy" for our Buddy Baseball team the "Diamond Dogs".