Teen with autism is cut above

James Rosa has always been attuned to the needs of others. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism with Asperger’s at age 7, Rosa, now 15, has been studying cosmetology since sixth grade at a local therapeutic behavioral school.

His mother, Amanda Rosa, said he has always put others' needs before his own. For his 13th birthday, Rosa and his family took a trip to New York, where as part of the trip, he made and distributed lunches to homeless men and women.

So after Rosa had completed four years of study at CPC Behavioral Health Care Adolescent School in Morganville, he was ready to implement his cosmetology skills. It was no surprise that he chose to do so at the Catholic Charities’ Ozanam Inn, a shelter for homeless men in New Brunswick. 

Rosa gave haircuts to the men who live there. Eight residents signed up to get a haircut during his first visit on July 10 — one had even waited seven months to get a haircut before Rosa's visit.

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The Ozanam Inn Men’s Shelter provides temporary and emergency lodging, meals, physical and mental health assessments, crisis counseling, assistance with housing and employment, case management and referrals to homeless men.

Rosa's school offers students access to counselors, group sessions, medication and many other special services geared to those with diagnoses like his. Special offerings of the school include culinary classes, woodworking, photography and cosmetology.

Catholic Charities Resident Attendant Supervisor Cynthia Bagner, a friend of Rosa's mother, told them of the need for the service that he provided.

“I was very happy to have this opportunity brought to my attention by my mother’s friend, Cynthia," Rosa said. "It made me feel great about myself knowing I am able to provide my services to the people who need it the most. It was amazing to be able to do it.”

James and the shelter hope to make this a monthly event for the residents.

Rosa will attend a vocational school part time during his junior and senior years and will earn his cosmetology license in addition to his diploma. He will have a chair waiting for him at his local barber and will continue to advocate for the homeless and raise awareness about autism.

For more information about Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen and how you can help those in need, go to www.ccdom.org.

Staff Writer Cheryl Makin: 732-565-7256; cmakin@gannettnj.com