Dr. Barba was recently featured on One on One with Steve Adubato!

In the interview, Dr. Barba sat down with Senior Correspondent Jacqui Tricarico to examine the barriers individuals with disabilities face in healthcare and how Matheny fills that critical gap.

Thank you to Steve Adubato and his team for this opportunity to share Matheny’s story and the great work we do here!

Watch the video now:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Masons of Somerset Hills Make Charitable Donation To Matheny School

(PEAPACK, NJ) The Somerset Hills Masonic Lodge No.163 recently presented a $7,000 check to the Matheny School to use as they see fit. The funds come from the Masons first annual golf outing they sponsored on July 13, 2026, at the prestigious New Jersey National Golf Club in Basking Ridge.

“I was speaking with a few of the members and before we knew it, we had the formation of a golf outing on paper. A month later and we had our first 20 golfers and sponsors.  We ended up with 90 golfers and a worthy donation for the Matheny School. It was a personal mission to me as family members had a role with Matheny and I couldn’t think of a better recipient of the funds we raised,” comments Masons President Rob Colatarci.

The Matheny School and Hospital’s mission is providing compassionate care, therapy, and education to individuals with special needs.

“On behalf of everyone at Matheny, we sincerely thank the members of the Bernardsville Congdon-Overlook Lodge for their generous donation. The fact that they offered to put together a charitable golf outing for the benefit of the people we serve is so telling of the kind of people they are – selfless and caring. We look forward to a lasting friendship with the good people of Lodge #163,” states Nancy Hamstra, President and CEO, Matheny.

“The people of Matheny helped and made the event exceptional.  Thanks to them, the sponsors, golfers, folk & businesses that donated prizes and the good people at NJ National!  We are already setting the date for next year’s outing,” added Al LiCata, Community Director of the Masons.

“Matheny was thrilled to be selected as the beneficiary of a new charitable golf outing sponsored by our friends at the Congdon-Overlook Masons Lodge that represents the Somerset Hills area. Our families and supporters enjoyed participating in a beautiful day of golf, fun and fellowship, which resulted in a $7,000 donation.  This contribution will go a long way toward putting smiles on the faces of the many children and adults with disabilities that we serve,” shared Aimee Hunnewell, Chief Development Officer, Matheny.

If your business would like to become a sponsor of the 2027 event or donate a prize or basket, contact Al LiCata at 908-339-5937.

Located in downtown Bernardsville, the Lodge is committed to fellowship, community service, and charitable outreach. The Lodge continues to support local causes and initiatives that strengthen and uplift their service area.

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About Matheny: Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a nonprofit special hospital and school headquartered in Somerset County. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medically complex developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND), and a wide range of rare diseases including Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Cornelia De Lange syndrome and others. To learn more about Matheny, visit matheny.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn using handle @mathenymedical.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheny Receives Congressional Tribute for 80 Years of Distinguished Service

Congressman Tom Kean Jr. honored Matheny’s eight decades of healthcare and education to people with medically complex developmental disabilities in New Jersey

PEAPACK, NJ (August 10, 2026) – Congressman Tom Kean Jr., (NJ-7), recognized Matheny’s commitment to the care of the developmentally disabled population recently during a ceremony in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ. The Congressman entered a tribute into the Congressional Record recognizing Matheny for its 80 years of distinguished service to the community.

Representative Kean presented the recognition in tribute to Matheny’s impact on the lives of thousands of patients, students, and families throughout New Jersey and beyond. Congressman Kean said, “Matheny has spent 80 remarkable years changing lives, strengthening families, and providing exceptional care to individuals with medically complex disabilities. Somerset County and all of New Jersey are stronger because of the compassion, expertise, and daily dedication of the entire Matheny community. It is an honor to recognize this extraordinary milestone, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a partner and advocate for Matheny and the families they serve. Congratulations on 80 incredible years and here’s to the next 80.”

Dr. Vincent Barba, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, opened the ceremony by giving an overview of Matheny’s history. He then thanked the Congressman for being a long-time friend and advocate to the organization and its people served. He said, “Congressman Kean has been a staunch supporter of disability rights and healthcare. He’s been incredibly gracious and he and his staff have always listened to us and helped us to advocate for the people we serve.” Dr. Barba continued, “We are truly grateful that he took the time to celebrate our 80^th anniversary in such a meaningful way. This is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of all of our employees.”

“On behalf of everyone at Matheny, we are deeply honored that Congressman Kean chose to recognize our 80th anniversary in the Congressional Record. For eight decades, our mission has stayed the same — to give every person we serve the chance to live with dignity, opportunity, and joy. This recognition belongs to every resident, student, patient, staff member, family, and volunteer who has been part of that mission,” said Nancy Hamstra, FACHE, President and CEO of Matheny.

Since 1946, Matheny has offered a full range of healthcare services and educational opportunities to children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities in New Jersey. The Congressional Record entry celebrates Matheny’s eight decades of providing medical care, education, therapeutic services, recreational programs, independent living opportunities and a fine arts program to individuals with some of the most complex disabilities in the region. Today, Matheny is a nationally recognized special hospital and nonprofit private school based in Peapack, New Jersey.

Matheny will mark the culmination of its 80th anniversary in March 2027 with a two-day conference for professionals, families, caregivers, and advocates on its Peapack campus. More information will be released soon on Matheny’s website: matheny.org and on its social media channels. The full congressional record can be found here.

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About Matheny: Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a nonprofit special hospital and private school headquartered in Peapack and Gladstone, NJ and has five community residences in Somerset and Warren counties as well as an adult day center in Hillsborough, NJ. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medically complex developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND), and a wide range of rare diseases including Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Cornelia De Lange syndrome and others. To learn more about Matheny, visit matheny.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn using handle @mathenymedical.

During their annual public meeting on July 22, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts marked six decades of service to artists, arts organizations, and communities across the state. The Council also announced roughly $30 million in grants and debuted three videos – part of a series to recognize impactful art organizations in the state. Included among the grants was generous funding for the Matheny Arts Access Program.

We are so grateful to the Arts Council for their support of the Matheny clients and the Matheny Arts Access Program’s mission to provide individuals with disabilities the freedom to create in the visual, literary, and performing arts.

Read the full press release from NJSCA below.

New Jersey State Council on the Arts Celebrates Six Decades of Service to the Garden State

$30 Million to Organizations and Artists Support Thriving Communities in All 21 Counties 

TRENTON, NJ – Today, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts celebrated six decades of service to artists, arts organizations, and communities across the state at its Annual Meeting, held at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton. The event featured special performances by Deborah Mitchell and Omar Edwards, 2026 Arts Council Heritage Fellows.

“For sixty years, the Arts Council has strengthened communities, supported creativity, and helped make our state a vibrant place to live, work and visit,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I am proud to issue a gubernatorial proclamationrecognizing this milestone anniversary and the lasting contributions the arts make to New Jersey’s economy, culture, and quality of life.”

The Arts Council also released its FY26 Year in Review, highlighting the agency’s work for the past fiscal year and its growing network of partnerships and initiatives across the state. “The Council continues to demonstrate how our strategic work brings together partners from every sector, extending state resources and serving New Jerseyans better than anyone could alone,” said Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell, who oversees the agency in his role as Secretary of State. “The collaborations uplifted in this year’s review show how partnerships through the arts continue to make a real positive difference in all 21 counties.”

In recognition of the Arts Council’s 60th anniversary, the Council debuted three videos — part of a ten-part series — to recognize the innovative and impactful work arts organizations are doing in their communities. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are also celebrating the many ways the Council has been meeting people where they are and the power that art has to touch the lives of everyone around us,” said Council Chair Felicia Grant. “It’s an honor to be part of the Jersey arts story. We are extremely grateful to the Sherrill-Caldwell Administration and the full legislature for their support through the Council as we continue our important work together this next fiscal year.”

The Council announced roughly $30 million in grants to support hundreds of arts organizations, projects, and artists in all corners of the state, with the largest portion of funds going towards operating support for nonprofit organizations. “We know that reliable, flexible support is the most needed right now and the hardest for nonprofits to find,” said Council Executive Director Allison Tratner. “The operating grants approved by the Council today will help arts organizations focus on their missions and effectively deliver on the promises they’ve made to the individuals, families, and communities they serve.”

View the FY27 grants by county.

View the FY27 grants by discipline.

View the Gubernatorial Proclamation.

View the Joint Legislative Resolution.

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About the New Jersey State Council on the Arts

The New Jersey State Council on Arts, created in 1966, is a division of the NJ Department of State and a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Council was established to encourage and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey. The Council believes the arts are central to every element we value most in a modern society, including: human understanding; cultural and civic pride; strong communities; excellent schools; lifelong learning; creative expression; and economic opportunity. To learn more about the Council, please visit artscouncil.nj.gov.

Thank you to everyone who supported Miles for Matheny 2026!

We are so grateful for everyone who joined us on Saturday, May 30th for our annual Miles for Matheny event! And an extra special thanks to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, staff, and everyone else who helped make this event possible. It was a beautiful day on the hilltop in Peapack, and it was such a pleasure to see so many people gathered to celebrate the magic of Matheny!

Miles for Matheny 2026 was truly a spectacular success! We had record attendance and have raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars! We could not have done this without you!

Please enjoy the Miles for Matheny 2026 photo album below. And thank you to our talented photographers Tizazu Alamrew and Nicole Miranda for capturing all the fun memories from the day!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Distinguished Service Award Goes to Dr. Vincent Barba of Roseland

Longtime advocate for people with developmental disabilities to be honored by NJHA

PEAPACK, NJ (July 7, 2026) – The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) will present the Distinguished Service Award to Vincent Barba, MD, FACHE, FACP, FHM. Dr. Barba serves as chief medical officer and vice president of patient care and safety at Matheny Medical and Educational Center. He is being recognized for his dedicated service to children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities.

In addition to his work as chief medical officer, Dr. Barba leads advocacy efforts at Matheny to inform and educate local and federal elected officials on the importance of quality healthcare for people with disabilities. Dr. Barba and his team have met directly with local leaders to advocate for people with disabilities. Dr. Barba said, “Far too often, people with developmental disabilities are deemed invisible by those in power. It is up to us to ensure their voices are heard. We need to advocate for our patients to ensure their interests are accounted for.”  He continued, “Our intention is to help not only people at Matheny but also others in the community that could benefit from positive change.”

Dr. Barba is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and currently serves on the board of NJHA’s Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey (HRET), the Continuing Medical Education Committee, the Chief Medical Officers and Government Relations Officers constituency groups, and the Policy Development Committee. He also was appointed to NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill’s transition committee.

Under Dr. Barba’s leadership and in collaboration with a team of physicians, nurses, direct support professionals and others, Matheny’s patient care and safety program consistently performs in the top decile of patient safety standards in healthcare. Dr. Barba said, “The people who receive care at Matheny are among the most vulnerable patients. Despite this and to the credit of the staff, everyone lives a full and active life at Matheny.” Dr. Barba also led Matheny through a successful triennial Joint Commission survey in 2025. Matheny has been a fully-accredited special hospital for more than 30 years.

Nancy Hamstra, President and CEO of Matheny, said, “Dr. Barba is a true believer in servant leadership. I am so grateful to him not only because of everything he does for our patients and employees, but also because his advocacy work has helped so many people with disabilities in the community. I am thrilled that the NJHA has chosen Dr. Barba for this well-deserved honor.”

NJHA’s annual event will take place on Thursday, July 9^th at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch, NJ. Event details, registration, and the full roster of individuals and programs being honored at NJHA’s Best at the Beach are available at njha.com/BestAtTheBeach.

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About Matheny: Matheny’s mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny is a nonprofit special hospital and school headquartered in Somerset County. It was founded in 1946 after Walter and Marguerite Matheny’s son, Chuck, was born with cerebral palsy (CP) into a world ill-equipped to care for children with special needs. Matheny patients have a diverse range of medically complex developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Lesch-Nyhan Disease (LND), and a wide range of rare diseases including Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Cornelia De Lange syndrome and others. To learn more about Matheny, visit matheny.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn using handle @mathenymedical.

About NJHA: NJHA is a nonprofit trade association with a membership of 400 hospitals, health systems and post-acute care providers across the state. NJHA partners with its members to provide quality, affordable, accessible healthcare to their communities.