ob programs for people with disabilities are being bolstered with a $5 million dollar increase in New Jersey’s State Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 (7/1/14 to 6/30/15).
ACCSES New Jersey had made the additional funding one of its top priorities this year, based on the critical need for more job opportunities for these individuals, who are among the state’s most disadvantaged populations.
The Association advanced substantial arguments to support its quest, most notably the strong link between New Jersey’s commitment to these programs and the state’s economy. The jobs provide significant economic impact for New Jersey, which gains $4,745 in entitlements reduced and taxes paid for each person with a disability who is put to work, resulting in some $100 million in yearly economic activity.
ACCSES NJ President/CEO Nils Richardson said “These funds not only will continue to enable the availability of long-term supports for consumers working in the community and in our member-organizations’ work centers, but also will enable providers to improve services. Neither of
these critical objectives would have been assured without the additional funds.”
A majority of the new money will be used to support Extended Employment (work center) jobs, with the remainder going to Long-Term Follow-Along Services for workers with disabilities who hold community jobs.
State Senate President Steven Sweeney led the passage effort in the Legislature. Other members of the legislative leadership and the Chairmen and members of the respective budget committees played substantial roles and worked with the Governor and his staff to secure the funds.
ACCSES NJ Chairperson Mark Boyd expressed gratitude to the Legislature and the Governor’s office and to the Association’s members who worked with their local legislators to achieve the funding increase: “Our organization has been a strong partner with the State in job creation and workforce development, providing customized training, job placement, and retention services, backed by a successful record with clients throughout the state,” he said.
IN THIS ISSUE
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2
Chairperson’s MessageP
3
President signs WIOAP
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Annual Meeting & CNA ExpoP
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Member Roster
UPCOMING
MEETINGS
Job Resources Expanded
continued on page 3 General Membership September 18, 2014 Executive & DVRS Liaison Committees September 4, 2014 Business Development Commission/CNA Committee October 2, 2014
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key part of CNA Services’ mission is to expand employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. With year-to-date sales running ahead of last year’s pace, the program appears to be well positioned to add to last year’s record-breaking job total. CNA sales through May were 10 percent higher than the same period in 2013, which ended with 6,577 jobs credited to the program.
CNA Services, a division of ACCSES NJ, markets a wide variety of products and services to state, county and municipal governments; government units such as authorities and commissions; colleges and public school systems; and other public entities. The products and services are provided by workers with disabilities who are trained by CNA-certified, non-profit agencies throughout the state.
This year’s sales increase is attributable to new contracts and expanded business in a number of categories.
Janitorial Services has maintained its position as CNA’s leading sector. The program started work on a new contract with the Monmouth County Parks Department in June, adding to earlier contracts with Princeton Township, Mercer County (for the Mercer Airport and the Fire Training Center), and Lawrence Township. Additionally, CNA is receiving a good flow of janitorial work inquiries from participants in New Jersey’s cooperative purchasing program.
Call Center Services to the Division of Consumer Affairs continues to grow, up 27 percent thus far in 2014, on top of last year’s 29 percent increase.
CNA Progress Adds to Job Potential
continued on page 4
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J U LY 2014 Unlocking Opportunities in New Jersey
t is a pleasure for me to note that our Association’s enduring quest to expand job opportunities for people with disabilities has been given a positive boost. As outlined in the page 1, lead article, a $5 million dollar increase for job programs we support is included in the New Jersey State Budget for the current fiscal year. We are grateful to the Christie Administration and the Legislature for approving this funding. I also extend a special note of thanks to our members who participated in the effort to obtain the additional funds.
While passage of the state budget winds down a significant segment of our work for the year, the higher funding level presents a challenge for our member organizations to
continue—and even to enhance—the outstanding work you do in providing training, jobs and other supports to those you serve. As always, the Association stands ready to assist in every way possible.
The disability community also faces ongoing challenges on the national level. One of these has been met quite favorably with enactment of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (article on facing page). National ACCSES was a major force in working for this legislation, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them on the issues that lie ahead, such as assuring the continued availability of a full array of employment options for people with disabilities, as well as education and funding. ACCSES New Jersey President/CEO Nils Richardson, who has taken a leading role on all these issues, recently spent two days in Washington, D.C. visiting members of Congress and their staffs. I deeply appreciate his efforts and those of the national ACCSES staff.
Our CNA Services state set-aside program is adding to its sterling record of recent years by increasing jobs for people with disabilities, expanding programs and adding new products. Details are covered in the lower page 1 article. Full involvement with the CNA program should be a priority for all of our member organizations.
We are fast approaching our ACCSES NJ Annual Membership Meeting and CNA Products & Services Expo, which will feature a strong lineup of speakers, presenters, workshops and exhibits. You can learn more about it on page 4. The date is September 23, 2014 and I hope to be able to greet all of you at that time. In the interim, enjoy the rest of the summer.
M E S S A G E
FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
By Mark Boyd
CAPITAL VIEW
is a publication ofACCSES New Jersey EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS STAFF Peggy Englebert Past Chairperson Nils Richardson President/CEO
150 West State Street Suite 120 Trenton, NJ 08608 Tel 609-392-1255 Fax 609-392-3236 www.accsesnj.org www.cnaservices.org
ACCSES New Jersey
Please direct comments and inquiries to: Nils Richardson, Publisher
Walt Sodie, Editor
Caryn Gaetano
Floyd Nesse
Vice President ACCSES NJ-CNA Services
Mark Boyd
Chairperson
(Association for Choices in Community Supports and
Employment Services) Customer Service Representative Shannon Monsees Kevin Regan Lori Natoli Jim Yuill John Ganley John Faranda James Manton Garth Hutchinson Office/Accounting Manager Donna Leyva Samantha Steepy Jack Doyle Treasurer Kathy Walsh Secretary Accounting Dept. Account Executives
Building Services Managers
Joanne McKinley Georgette Januse
Chuck Kingsland David Czerniakowski Kim Coligan Irina Zaitseva
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Mark BoydUnlocking Opportunities in New Jersey
Continued from page 7
Member News Briefs
professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment, and achievement in the field of special education.
Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ Diagnostic Vocational Evaluator Yvette Granger was named the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project’s 2014 Advisor of the Year. An 11-year veteran Goodwill employee, she leads the South Jersey Gladiators Self-Advocacy Group for People First. The award recognized Granger for demonstrating exemplary leadership qualities and steadfast commitment to the self-advocacy movement.
Yvette Granger with Self-Advocacy Group Award
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Workforce Bill Becomes Law
n July 22, President Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), reauthorizing and modernizing both the Workforce Investment Act and the Rehabilitation Act, two of the disability community’s long-standing goals. Strong advocacy by ACCSES New Jersey and national ACCSES helped win passage of the legislation in both houses of Congress.WIOA reauthorizes and reforms core workforce development programs administered by the Departments of Education (ED) and Labor, and transfers certain disability and independent living program functions from ED to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Individuals with disabilities have the highest rate of unemployment of any group, and more than two-thirds do not participate in the workforce at all.
The new law represents a renewed commitment to workforce development with an eye to the future through innovation and support for individual and national economic growth. It is aimed at increasing opportunities, particularly for those facing barriers to employment, and invests in the important connection between education and career preparation.
One of the law’s key provisions maintains a full array of employment options for people with disabilities. It defines “supported employment” as competitive integrated employment, including customized employment, or employment in an integrated work setting in which individuals are working on a short-term basis toward competitive integrated employment that is individualized and customized consistent with the strengths, abilities, interests, and informed choice of individuals with the most significant disabilities. The time frame for supported employment was expanded from 18 to 24 months. National ACCSES praised Congress for these provisions, which recognize that people with disabilities, like any other individuals, are capable of choosing their own jobs in the settings they prefer.
The law also calls for more focus on youth and transition services and partnerships with business, with the aim of increasing employment for people with disabilities.
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In his remarks at the White House signing ceremony, PresidentObama said, “The bill I’m about to sign will give communities more certainty to invest in job-training programs for the long run. It will help us bring those programs into the 21st century by building on what we know works, based on evidence and based on tracking what actually delivers on behalf of folks who enroll in these programs: more partnerships with employers, more tools to measure performance, more flexibilities for states and cities to innovate and to run their workforce programs in ways that are best suited for their particular demographics and their particular industries. And as we approach the 24th anniversary of the ADA, this bill takes new steps to support Americans with disabilities who want to live and work independently.”
Some of the bill’s other highlights:
• Congress listened to parents and people with significant disabilities and strengthened the bill to include Section 511 which ensures that young people with disabilities try competitive integrated employment first before other employment options are on the table.
• The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) stays in the Department of Education.
• Both the independent living programs and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) will be moved to the Administration for Community Living at HHS. NIDRR will be renamed The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.
The new law states that the amendments it makes to the Rehabilitation Act, as well as the transfer of certain programs from ED to HHS, took effect when President Obama signed the bill. However, WIOA also gives the Secretaries of ED and HHS authority to ensure an orderly transition as they implement these changes so they are carried out in a manner that minimizes disruption. ED and HHS, after working with the Office of Management and Budget, have determined that ED will continue to administer the affected programs until the orderly transfer can be completed as soon as reasonably possible.
Continued from page 1
Funding
Inter-Departmental Transfers
Part of this year’s funding need was driven by the transfer of some 700 program participants from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the State Department of Human Services to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) in the Department
of Labor and Workforce Development. ACCSES NJ worked with officials in both divisions to make the process as smooth as possible and to assure the best interests of the affected workers. Mr. Richardson said details remain that will be worked out over the course of the year.
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Unlocking Opportunities in New JerseyContinued from page 1
CNA Services
CNA is also expanding its Building Trades Services portfolio, with the New Jersey Division of Military and Veterans Affairs and Kean University as the primary customers. The service was up over 24 percent in the first third of 2014.
Unarmed Security Services is another growth area, up 40 percent in 2013 and an additional five percent this year.
CNA is striving to expand its Total Facilities Management services, which are currently provided to the State of New Jersey’s Trenton Office Complex and the Bank Street Garage. Proposals have been submitted or
are in progress for other state facilities.
On the commodities side, CNA is enjoying continued growth in Drug Test Kits and HVAC filters and is currently working on submissions for Quick Copy Services, Media Destruction, various Food Products and Hydroponically Grown Vegetables.
By assuring a continuous market for its products and services, CNA generates productive employment for adults with disabilities, empowering them to achieve maximum personal independence and enhance their dignity and capacity for self-support.
Annual Meeting/Expo Upcoming
Garth Hutchinson (left), new Regional Manager with CNA Services, attends the New Jersey Solutions Service Association (NJSSA) Conference and Show in Atlantic City NJ. The NJSSA was held from April 30th thru June 2nd and was
attended by many members of ACCSES NJ and CNA Services to learn about new equipment and training methods in the janitorial field. he ACCSES New Jersey Annual Membership Meeting and CNA
Services 4th Annual Products and Services Expo will be help on September 23rd, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza, Exit 8-A of the New Jersey Turnpike in Monroe Township.
In addition to the usual, extensive lineup of workshops and educational sessions, this year, for the first time ever, purchasing professionals have the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) toward a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) certification. The event also gives organizations and companies the opportunity to exhibit their products and services and provides valuable networking time.
The Expo’s underlying purpose is to showcase the remarkable achievements of New Jerseyans with disabilities and those who serve them. A continental breakfast and a full lunch will be provided for all registered attendees.
Bobby Silverstein, national ACCSES Policy Counsel for federal-level
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vocational issues, will be the keynote speaker at the annual luncheon. Along-time Capitol Hill veteran and a major force in helping to win Congressional passage of critical legislation to improve job programs and other supports for people with disabilities, he will update our members on national legislative and regulatory issues confronting the disability community.
Here are some of the breakout sessions planned for the event: • Local Public Contracts Law Review
• Public School Contracts Law Review
• Cooperative Purchasing (Presented by Brian Gallagher of the New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property)
• Printing and I T Systems Solutions • Janitorial Best Practices program • Social Enterprise
• Product samples and Service demonstrations • SourceAmerica participation and workshops
bilities of Northwest Jersey has launched the first initiatives in its SustainABILITIES™ program: electronic recycling and hydroponic skill training. The programs provide meaningful "green" job skill training as well as “green” solutions to the local community.
SustainAbilities electronic recycling services offers training and employment opportunities to differently-abled persons and persons with significant barriers to employment. Abilities is currently offering recycling services to the community for computers/electronics, printers, circuit boards, backup systems, and many other unwanted electronics. Each device is dismantled and sorted, teaching the trainees skills ranging from tool recognition, problem solving and enhancing fine motor skills.
Abilities also has developed a partnership with Edible Garden/Naturally Beautiful in Belvidere to provide hydroponic skill training. Edible Garden operates a five acre state of the art hydroponic system and has partnered with Abilities to train individuals to produce locally grown, fresh produce while teaching skills that will be transferable to employment and community integration activities.
magine job hunting made easy and a career conceivable for people who face barriers to employment because of a disability. For clients at the St. John of God Community Services Skills Development Center, these notions are dreams come true.
Person-centered and focused on possibilities, professional staff members at the Skills Development Center help clients search, train, and keep jobs, all with the goal of becoming a productive employee in the community and as independent as possible. The Center's program, guided by St. John of God values and born out a heart-felt connection to serve, creates a unique experience for clients.
“A client's ultimate comfort, security and happiness are key to achieving the goal of preparing them for inclusion in the community,
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Skills Center Delivers Results
Participants at work in Skills Development Center
From left, MIDJersey Chamber CEO, Robert Prunetti; YPC’s 2014 co-chairs Dolores Kelly and Christina Spinelli; Allies CEO
Elise Tretola; Vice President, Public Affairs and Program Development, Don Tretola; and YPC co-chair, Kacie Maslowski
SustainAbilities Provides “Green” Job Training
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Allies Chosen for Partnership
rom a group of more than a dozen applicants, The MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Connective (YPC) has selected Allies, Inc. as its non-profit partner for this year.YPC, a group of young professionals dedicated to giving back to the community through an annual non-profit partnership, provides an additional resource for support and fundraising. The organization is hoping to increase the number of Allies sponsorships, silent auction donations and attendance for its Taste of America event, and grow what is already a thriving event into an even bigger, more successful venture for Allies.
Based in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, Allies’ mission is to provide housing, healthcare, meaningful employment, and recreational opportunities to people with special needs.
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not only as successful employees, but alsoas good citizens,” says Dr. Jerry Knast, the agency’s Program Administrator of Vocational Rehabilitation/Adult Services.
Dreams come true for clients as well as employers who participate in the Skills Development Center program. Employers take on capable, willing employees and at the same time solve some of their staffing challenges, from hiring to on-the-job training. Some of the participating community-based employers include Wawa, McDonalds, Wendy's, Walmart, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Kohl's and several hotels. Wawa offers job-sampling opportunities where clients spend a couple hours per day, per week in the work environment to see if they are able to easily transfer skills learned in the Center to outside life.
The opportunity to hold a real job and earn competitive wages, have a professional job coach and an employment training specialist, make new friends and develop the self-esteem and independence that comes from holding a job: these are the things that dreams are made of at St. John of God Community Services Skills Development Center.
Abilities Electronic recycling trainee dismantling e-waste
isa Goldman and Rita Yohalem, founders of the Opportunity Project Clubhouse Program for adults with brain injuries, have received the Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference, which celebrates the public recognition of uncommon acts on behalf of the common good.
Opportunity Project helps brain injury survivors realize their potential. The two founders shared a common bond: Goldman’s son had sustained serious brain injury from a brain tumor at 13 and Yohalem’s son sustained brain injuries from an auto crash at 19. After their sons’ lengthy medical and rehabilitation treatment, they soon realized that many challenges remained. Goldman created a blueprint of what a program could look like that would meet her son’s needs. She and Yohalem toured Clubhouse programs throughout the country. Opportunity Project began with one-day-a week services in a library in 1994. Today the program provides services five-days-a-week and both women remain active and on the Board.
Opportunity Project is a national model for Clubhouses and other community-based service programs for people with brain injury throughout the country.
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Opportunity Project Founders Honored
Unlocking Opportunities in New Jersey
Spring Run Extends School Year
Grant to Arc Produces New Jobs
he Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties was awarded an Employment First 4 Jersey Training Grant through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development entitled: Warehouse Training and Employment Program. The program concept involves training approved DVRS individuals to secure work in warehouses in the local community. The six week intensive training program is divided into two parts, one taught in The Arc warehouse facility and the other conducted at a local partner's warehouse. As of this writing, the partner company has hired eight individuals.
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New warehouse employees on the job in their community
pring Run School has become New Jersey’s first year-round program by offering an extended session this summer that began on July 1 and runs through August 29. The program provides additional time to help students with disabilities develop their academic and social skills. During school breaks many students do not retain skills learned and then must be re-taught those skills when back in school. The continuation of a school program into the summer months has been shown to provide the structure and routine some children with disabilities need to avoid regression.
The summer program includes full-scale, individualized academic instruction, physical education, art/ceramics, life skills, financial literacy, vocational instruction with job coaching and weekly extended classroom experiences.
Spring Run School, operated by the Center for Educational Advancement in Hunterdon County, is a certified private secondary school serving students with autism and multiple disabilities.
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Academy Affiliates with Goodwill North
Dr. Peter Mercer (far left) and Angela Berrie (far right) present
the award to Lisa Goldman and Rita Yohalem.
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Spring Run student Sarah Poliacik working on an art project
n order to better prepare students with behavioral and emotional disabilities for life after high school, the Palisades Regional Academy, a state approved day school for children with special needs, has relocated to the NY-NJ Goodwill headquarters in Harrison, New Jersey.
Goodwill staff will provide transition services for the students, which will address post-high school goals, including vocational evaluation, job
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sampling, work readiness classes, internships and more.For over three decades, the Palisades Regional Academy has been successfully graduating students with behavioral and emotional disabilities from high school. By collaborating with Goodwill, a recognized leader in workforce development, the Academy will seamlessly integrate the best practices of education and workforce development.
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JVS Director Receives
Award
Interns Learn in JVS
Program
eggy Himsl was the recipient of The Claudia Fogel Memorial Award, which recognizes excellence in leadership skills and a commitment to Jewish communal service.
Ms. Himsl has spent her entire 40 year career at JVS of Metro West, beginning as an intern while studying for her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and serving as Director of Rehabilitation Services since 2011. She is Past President of the New Jersey Rehabilitation Association and the Northeast Rehabilitation Association. The Fogel award is named for the original project director of the JVS Work Center on Aging.
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Member News Briefs
oodwill Returns to Bergen County: A new Goodwill Store opened in Elmwood Park on March 27. The 15,000 square-foot store, located at 30 Broadway in Elmwood Park, NJ, is open to the public Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Spring Run School has been selected as a 2014-2015 School of Excellence by the National Association of Special Education Teachers. This distinction has been bestowed upon only a few, select private special education schools in the State of New Jersey. The honor is presented to private special education schools that meet rigorous
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Noted Psychologist Headlines Meeting
he North Jersey Friendship House Family Auxiliary hosted a lecture at its Junemeeting, featuring psychologist and author, Dr. Samuel Shein.
With a strong focus on family management, Dr. Shein stressed the importance of teaching balance between feelings, thoughts, and behavior/reactions. He emphasized the need to focus on putting proper perspective on life events and the power of teaching by example. Dr. Shein also spoke individually with family members, providing further insight and coping mechanisms.
The mission of the Family Auxiliary is to improve the quality of each member’s experience at Friendship House through various fundraising initiatives.
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JVS of MetroWest has an ongoing tradition of providing internship opportunities to graduate students in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, School of Health Related Professions at Rutgers University. Pictured are interns Krystle Leonard, Lisa Simmons,
and Ellen Blake (each has since received Masters Degrees), working in the JVS Career Center for individuals diagnosed with an autism disorder. The program has placed 21 individuals
with autism into competitive employment in the past year. Peggy Himsl accepts the Claudia Fogel
Memorial Award from IAJVS Director Genie Cohen and JVS Interim Co-Executive Directors Caren Ford and Nancy Fisher.
Dr. Samuel Shein, addressing the Friendship House Family Auxiliary
continued on page 2
North Jersey Friendship House held its annual Wellness Walk for Mental Health and Autism on June 1. Pictured at the event,
from left, are Paul Muller, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Jeffrey Gurmankin, and Chief Executive Officer Jack Doyle.
Abilities NW Washington Abilities Solutions Westville Allies, Inc. Hamilton Township Axxon Connection Verona Bestwork Industries Cherry Hill
Bright Star Scanning Services
Hoboken
Career Opportunity Development
Egg Harbor
Care Plus NJ
Paramus
Catholic Community Services Boland Rehab Center
Newark
Center for Educational Advancement
Flemington Center for Vocational Rehabilitation Eatontown Community Quest Egg Harbor Twp. Easter Seals NJ East Brunswick
Edison Sheltered Workshop
Edison
Elwyn NJ
Vineland
Employment Horizons, Inc
Cedar Knolls
Family Guidance Center
Washington
FEDCAP Rehabilitation Services
South River
Goodwill Industries (North Jersey)
Harrison
Goodwill Industries (South Jersey)
Maple Shade
Hudson Community Enterprises
Jersey City
Hydro Sun Farm
Atlantic Highlands
InspiriTec, Inc.
Philadelphia
Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training & Opportunity Center
Cape May Court House
Jewish Vocational Service
East Orange
NISH
Vienna, VA
North Jersey Friendship House
Hackensack
Northwest Essex Community Healthcare Network
Montclair
Occupational Center of Union County
Roselle
Opportunity Project, Inc.
Milburn OTC-Burlington County Burlington Twp. PAFACOM, INC. Vineland Pathways to Independence Kearny Spectrum Works Secaucus
St. John of God Community Services
Westville Grove
The Arc of Bergen & Passaic Counties
Hackensack
The Arc of Camden County
Berlin
The Arc of Mercer County
Ewing
The Arc of Monmouth County
Tinton Falls
The Arc of Ocean County
Lakewood
The Arc of Salem County
Salem
The Arc of Somerset County
Manville
The Arc of Sussex County
Augusta
The Arc of Union County
Springfield
Twin Oaks Community Services
Mt. Holly
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