Life Town Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

LifeTown, located in Livingston, NJ, is a state-of-the-art, inclusive facility that provides individuals with special needs a unique and immersive environment to develop essential life skills, build confidence, and foster social connections. LifeTown is designed to be a welcoming space where children, teens, and adults of all abilities can learn, grow, and experience independence in a fun and supportive setting. One of LifeTown's most innovative features is LifeTown Shoppes, a simulated town where individuals can practice real-world skills in a controlled and supportive environment. The interactive town includes a grocery store, where participants learn budgeting and shopping skills; a bank, helping individuals understand money management; a doctor's office and dentist, where they can become familiar with medical visits; a salon and spa, encouraging self-care and grooming; a movie theater, fostering social outings and community interaction; a pet shop, introducing responsibilities of animal care; and a caf and restaurant, teaching ordering, dining, and social etiquette. By role-playing and engaging in these activities, individuals gain independence and confidence in navigating everyday tasks. LifeTown offers a variety of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its participants. These programs focus on life skills, socialization, therapy, and recreation, helping individuals thrive in all aspects of life. Educational and life skills programs include life skills training, where participants learn essential skills such as money management, decision-making, and independent living. Vocational training provides teens and young adults with hands-on job experience in a real-world setting, preparing them for future employment opportunities. Schools bring students to LifeTown for interactive, experiential learning in an environment designed to reinforce life skills. Therapeutic and sensory programs include a multi-sensory room, a calming, interactive space designed for individuals with sensory processing challenges. Therapeutic art and music provide creative expression programs that support emotional well-being and communication. The facility also features aquatic therapy, with a heated, wheelchair-accessible pool that provides physical therapy and relaxation. Recreational and social programs include adapted sports leagues such as basketball, soccer, and swimming, encouraging physical activity and teamwork. Friendship Circle Clubs provide social and mentorship programs that pair volunteers with individuals with special needs to foster friendships and social engagement. Weekend and after-school activities offer a variety of fun and engaging programs that promote interaction and inclusion. LifeTown serves as a bridge between individuals with special needs and the greater community. Through partnerships with local schools, businesses, and volunteers, it creates an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued and empowered. Volunteers, including teens, families, and professionals, play a crucial role in making LifeTown a warm and welcoming environment. LifeTown is more than a facility-it's a movement toward inclusivity, acceptance, and empowerment for individuals with special needs. By providing hands-on experiences, meaningful friendships, and essential life skills, LifeTown ensures that every individual has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and independent life.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 69.3%; rating input score 69
• Program expense ratio: 87.9%; rating input score 88
• Fundraising efficiency: $27.46 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 66; 66th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 92.9%; rating input score 93; 19th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 0 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 0
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Missing
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: No; rating input score 0

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 97.1%; rating input score 97; 26th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 88
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Fail
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 24.3%; rating input score 80; 80th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 13.15; rating input score 94; 94th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.05; rating input score 51; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 7.5%; rating input score 45; 45th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 26.5% per year; rating input score 100; 88th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -5.5% per year; rating input score 0; 5th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 7.8% per year; rating input score 100; 51st percentile among comparable filings