Metuchen Friends and Neighbors (MFAN) was started by local families, professionals, and neighbors of young adults with developmental disabilities.We share a common vision: to create a supportive community for all abilities.Located in Metuchen, New Jersey, our group works to secure positive, safe, and nurturing support systems for adults with special needs so they can live life to the fullest, while building friendships, independence, and a sense of belonging. To meet the mental, physical, and social needs of individuals throughout their lifespan, MFAN bridges the divide between local families, service providers, developers, and community leaders.

© Metuchen Friends and Neighbors, a 501(c)(3) organization. All rights reserved.

Barbara Crafton

President

The Rev. Barbara Crafton is a retired Episcopal priest. She currently serves on the clergy staff of St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Oak Avenue in Metuchen. Her career has included leadership of several churches in Manhattan, where she had extensive interaction with the homeless and other people in need. She is the author of many books. She teaches and leads retreats and conferences throughout the United States. She has lived in Metuchen for more than forty years.

Karen Stubaus, Ph.D.

Vice President & Mother

Karen Stubaus and her husband Stephen Goldfarb have been residents of Metuchen for nearly 40 years, since their oldest child Sarah was one year old. Sarah was joined 3 years later by twins Adam Goldfarb and Rachel Goldfarb. Rachel has suffered intellectual impairment and developmental delays since birth and lives at home with her parents, attending Promise Day Habilitation Program in North Brunswick five days a week. It is the fervent hope of Rachel’s parents that a shared residence can be created in the wonderful town of Metuchen, the place that has been home to them for so many years, so that Rachel can continue to enjoy Sundays at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church as well as trips to Boyt Drugs, Sylvia’s Tailoring, Whole Foods, and Metuchen Convenience Store, where she is always greeted warmly and personally.Karen recently retired from Rutgers University in New Brunswick from her position as Vice President for Academic Affairs, after 40 years in administrative positions dealing primarily with academic labor relations, faculty advancement, women’s leadership development, and sexual harassment and Title IX issues. She holds the Ph.D. in 17th Century American History, and teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Karen will be continuing her professional activities as an Affiliated Researcher at the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions at Hunter College in New York City.

Meredith Reatz

Executive Director & Proud Sibling

Meredith Reatz is the Executive Director of Metuchen Friends and Neighbors and advocates for the I/DD and rare disease communities. Recognizing critical infrastructure needs, she is committed to promoting neuro-inclusive residential options and community integration in New Jersey. She is inspired by her younger brother with profound autism, who is the guiding light throughout her work.

Sue Schwefringhaus

Trustee & Mother

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Susan has resided in New Jersey since 1986. She’s a retired educator, spending most of her career working for the Elizabeth Board of Education. She’s been married to her husband Mark for 38 years and has two beautiful children, Scott and Kathleen.Kathleen is a developmentally disabled adult who resides at home. She’s a very sweet girl with a lot of spunk and has taught her family patience and acceptance of others. She inspires those around her to be better people and has influenced Susan’s commitment to inclusivity and understanding.Susan’s family has been attending Saint Luke’s Metuchen for more than 35 years. Both of her children were baptized at Saint Luke’s, and following retirement she has become more engaged in the church’s activities and mission. Susan thoroughly enjoys being involved in the many community outreach programs the church participates in and looks forward to serving the community for years to come.

Melinda Bosworth

Treasurer & Mother

Melinda has dedicated over 35 years to her career as a bank regulator with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), earning accreditations as a National Bank Examiner and Federal Thrift Regulator. Melinda became a resident of Metuchen in 2017 when she accepted a new position with her agency in the Edison Office. She and her husband, Steve, immediately fell in love with the Brainy Borough and all it has to offer. Prior to moving to Metuchen, Melinda worked in the St. Louis and Boston Offices, and she has held positions as a Field Examiner/Community Bank Portfolio Manager, Team Leader, and Assistant Deputy Comptroller.Outside of work, Melinda enjoys spending time with her family, reading, exercising at the Metuchen YMCA, and walking her dog, Charlie. Melinda has been married to Steve since 1995 and they have two adult children, Julie and Ryan. Ryan has special needs and lives with Melinda and Steve in Metuchen. He attended Metuchen High School and is now participating in a Day Habilitation Program in North Brunswick.

Grace Shackney

Trustee & Metuchen Community Leader

Grace retired as Aide to the Chairman of The Citizens Campaign, a statewide non-profit organization that promotes participation in all levels of government. Previously she was Director of Artistic Administration at the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ.  Grace was assistant to the Broadway producer Richard Frankel at Richard Frankel Productions in New York City.   She also served as Producing Associate for the Twilight Performing Arts Festival on the campus of the Bucks County Community College in Bucks County, PA.  In the late 1960’s, she was a founding member of Theatre Six, a professional theater company in Metuchen, NJ.  In addition to her theater work, Grace served on the boards of several local chapters of the League of Women Voters in Rockland County, NY, Bucks County, PA, and in Metuchen, NJ.  She was a founding member of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance.  Grace is past chair of the Metuchen Arts Council and currently serves as a member of that Council.  Grace received her B.A. degree in Theater Administration from Rutgers University.

Marty Indik

Attorney, Advisor, & Father

Marty Indik is a practicing trial attorney with over 40 years of experience. He is a Metuchen resident of 25 years with his wife, Geralyn, and their special needs son, Barry Indik. He has prior experience representing South Brunswick Citizens for Independent Living and CIL Woods, nonprofit organizations that have provided housing and services to developmentally disabled adults in South Brunswick. A graduate of Rutgers University Law School, Marty now has an office at 10 Station Place in Metuchen (previously South Brunswick). He is an avid Eagles fan.

Geralyn Indik

Secretary & Mother

Geralyn received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University in Manhattan and has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. She began her career in public accounting at the international public accounting firm Grant Thorton and moved onto investment banking for Dean Witter and Bear Sterns in the Controller's group. She continued her career at PSEG working in planning and budgeting.  She raised her children in the Metuchen Public School system and has lived in Metuchen for 25 years. Her son has special needs and is a beloved musician in town. Geralyn's hobbies are cooking and photography.

About

Metuchen Friends and Neighbors (MFAN) was started by local families, professionals, and neighbors of young adults with developmental disabilities.We share a common vision: to create a supportive community for all abilities.Located in Metuchen, New Jersey, our group works to secure positive, safe, and nurturing support systems for adults with special needs so they can live life to the fullest, while building friendships, independence, and a sense of belonging. To meet the mental, physical, and social needs of individuals throughout their lifespan, MFAN bridges the divide between local families, service providers, developers, and community leaders.