(201) Special Parent 2016 Edition | Page 34

AT HOME Stolfo lives independently, but also has the support of her family, like her mom, Joanne (inset). “I love my siblings and munity. And, when we “Even my whole family, my grandhave a great recipe to though I am parents, aunts and uncles, share, we invite the town and my boyfriend’s family,” differently-abled, mayor over for dinner.” she says. “They are all Stolfo works for the nothing has supportive.” Gap, Our Lady of Mount ever held Stolfo lives independently Carmel Church Rectory, me back at Orchard Commons in and ECLC of New Jersey, Allendale, and her a school for students with from making boyfriend, Matthew Arnold, special needs. She first my dreams resides in the same complex. got the job at the Gap come true.” During one her speeches, through a transition Diana Stolfo Stolfo emphasized, “Orchard program at Ridgewood Commons is NOT a group High School and has home; it is a GROUP of homes. worked there for the last 14 years. We have become a community as well Attached to Stolfo’s LinkedIn profile as a part of the Allendale community. is a list containing examples of her We have formed a Tenant’s Associamany speaking engagements over the tion. Twice a week some of us exercise past few years. Probably the speech with the Allendale Women’s Club. that got the most attention was the We’ve made it a point to shop at local one she gave at the United Nations in stores and support the business com2012 to commemorate World Down 32 S P E C I A L PA R E N T | 2 0 1 6 E D I T I O N 201magazine.com/family