SBJC & No Barriers Honor My Father Ed Weihenmayer III

I’m proud that the life, legacy, and lessons of my amazing father, Ed Weihenmayer III, are able to live on through the wonderful work done by No Barriers every day. And now I’m excited to share that his impact extends again – this time ever-etched on the walls and in the evolving curriculum of the South Bergen Jointure Commission.

The SBJC is a beautiful school district and No Barriers partner organization in New Jersey that serves kids with cognitive challenges, reinforcing life skills that promote greater independence. Ed was so instrumental in forming this partnership with Superintendent Dr. Mike Kuchar that the district decided to name a building in his honor.

Ed and Mike were kindred spirits who just hit it off. They both wanted to change the world and they used No Barriers as their rallying cry to implement a new framework that helps students experience the world in real and profound ways – adding mindfulness activities to classrooms, a bike program, extracurricular after-school athletics, and a hiking leadership training program.

I went to the new building ribbon-cutting ceremony with my family and we were all moved to tears. The day was so full of heart and inspiration and it was incredibly special to me. The Ed Weihenmayer Center will be a vocational training space for 18-21-year-olds with cognitive challenges, designed to help equip them with critical skills to take into adulthood and thrive.

Keep Reaching,



– Erik

Ceremony Photos

Erik standing beside Ed's plaque, which features Ed's picture and the words: “Ed Weihenmayer III. The Ed Weihenmayer Center. Dedicated to a great man and true friend to the South Bergen Jointure Commission, whose No Barriers vision for special education challenged this district to be better, and whose commitment guided our mission of unlocking the potential of every student. October 23, 2023.”
Erik standing beside Ed’s plaque, which features Ed’s picture and the words: “Ed Weihenmayer III. The Ed Weihenmayer Center. Dedicated to a great man and true friend to the South Bergen Jointure Commission, whose No Barriers vision for special education challenged this district to be better, and whose commitment guided our mission of unlocking the potential of every student. October 23, 2023.”
Another view of Erik standing beside and touching Ed's plaque.
Another view of Erik standing beside and touching Ed’s plaque.
Erik (center) Dr. Mike Kuchar (right) and Dr. Rob Zywicki
Erik (center) Dr. Mike Kuchar (right) and Dr. Rob Zywicki
Erik with a group of teachers and students after having cut the ribbon.
Erik with a group of teachers and students after having cut the ribbon.

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