In the heart of downtown Media is a lively arcade and old-time candy shop inviting any and everyone who loves a good time to play games from both past and present and indulge in confections. Game on State strives towards building inclusivity in the community for all ages and levels of abilities.
The arcade includes nostalgic games such as Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, PAC-MAN, and more.. The arcade’s website describes Game On State as a “new place for kids and anyone who wants to feel like a kid again.”
Aimee Rubin, owner of Game on State, expressed that it is important for people to know that it's more than just an arcade and candy shop. “This idea actually came out of me doing research personally for my own child,” Aimee states. Aimee’s eldest child navigates the world with a chronic illness -- Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), a disease that increases the likelihood of breathing issues and infections and impacts the ears, sinuses, and lungs with no known cure.
Aimee also mentions her son has executive function disorders and as she researched, she learned of customizing supported employment through Community Integrated Services.
In searching for assistance for her son, Aimee realized that it was very difficult to receive the support that she needed. At one point, she asked Executive Director, Susan Schonfeld of Community Integrated Services, “What happens to the people who don’t have a ‘me’? Someone is fortunate to have the time, resources and wherewithal to find the answers in another place?”
Susan replied, “They fall off a cliff.”
Aimee recalled that she and Susan spoke more on the subject, specifically the 18 to 21 age group. For Rubin, it wasn’t acceptable. At the same time, Aimee’s husband, Eric, mentioned to her that there wasn’t anything for the kids to do in Media. Eric grew up playing arcade games on the Jersey Shore and thought that Media was missing an arcade. They were initially met with disapproval from naysayers, but Aimee was determined to give it at least one try. She wanted to set the example for her children that they should never let fear be the reason they don’t pursue their dreams.
Aimee is proud of is that each employee with a disability or special need has a support person to assist them on the job. For example, Pedro, has Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheelchair. Pedro is paid by Game on State for all his Eagles shirt-making shifts while Catherine, his support person, is paid by Community Integrated Services to assist him.
Every Thursday, Game on State holds a workshop with neurodiverse employees, employees with special needs and others where they gather together for activities such as making t-shirts and candy boxes. The most important aspect of these collaborative activities is the non-tangible impact it has on everyone. They are creating opportunities for individuals to be successful, to demonstrate how important each member is for the team, and to foster a sense of community. Aimee happily states that “it is the best possible gift to give to the community and to herself.”
Coach Dick Vermeil made a special visit to surprise Pedro to thank him for being such a big fan. Aimee shared, " It was such an honor to have Coach Vermeil stop by Game on State to meet Pedro as well as all of the other excited customers. It was an afternoon the GOS team, our customers and the community members of Media will never forget. Coach Vermeil was a superstar on the field and is a champion off the field as well."
Aimee Rubin, owner, uses customized and supported employment to create jobs for individuals with special needs and disabilities. Combining Aimee's background of education and community service, she focuses on what individuals CAN do, instead of what they CAN'T.