Fanwood resident and lifelong “Jersey Girl” Michele DelCorsano is a natural giver. As a graduate of Union Catholic Highschool in Scotch Plains she learned from an early age how to turn compassion into purpose. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Susquehanna University and a master’s degree in organizational psychology from Kean University, she now uses her own purpose to give the very same back to others. As President and CEO of Our House, Inc, a New Jersey–based nonprofit whose mission is to provide “healthy, stimulating, and inclusive environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities” Michele shares a gift many families thought their loved one might never receive: the opportunity to live a meaningful and productive life.
Through community residences, employment services, innovative day programs, social opportunities and related support services, Our House helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) achieve their full potential. This is a community of people with significant cognitive delays that can’t live independently but CAN find independent activity through job skills, social interactions and resident-living outside of their family’s home.
In March, Michele celebrated over 20 years at Our House, Inc., a milestone she describes as one of the greatest gifts of her life. After being appointed President & CEO in 2015 she has guided the nonprofit with clarity, compassion and conviction. She believes deeply that, with the right support system, anything is possible, and that disability reveals nothing about a person’s true potential. To that end, she has positioned Our House not just as a service provider, but as a community builder. She has emphasized inclusive practice and community integration, ensuring that people supported by Our House are not isolated but full participants in neighborhood life. During her tenure, the agency’s services have grown — new programs added like Skills Up, expanded residential options including new homes in Watchung and Westfield, and deeper social and employment support like their partnership with Prudential.
And while Michele is the face of Our House, she credits her 350 team members as being the heart and soul of their collective mission. Employees are largely from the healthcare sector, all are compassionate and caring people that love the work they do.
Our House proudly celebrates their 45th Anniversary this year - with a vision for continued growth and opportunity for the IDD community. And in a full-circle moment, Michelle was inducted into the Union Catholic Hall of Fame and received The Hero Award for the resounding impact she has made on countless lives. To receive this recognition is also a gift as she sets a shining example for her two daughters Sienna and Aubrey, both also students at Union Catholic (Class of 2026 and 2029 respectively).
Anything is possible. Disability reveals nothing about a person’s true potential.