WHO WE ARE
Heightened Independence and Progress, Center for Independent Living (hipcil).
Supporting independent living for people with disabilities, hipcil is a nonprofit agency run by and for people with disabilities.
Its purpose is to promote full inclusion and full accessibility for all people, and to enhance the ability of every individual to live and work with maximum independence.
Dear Friends, Community Members, and Supporters,
As we come to the close of another year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you. This year has been one of growth, resilience, and meaningful progress, and none of it would have been possible without your continued support and partnership.
At Heightened Independence and Progress (HIPCIL), our mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live independent, self-directed lives remains at the heart of everything we do. Serving the communities of Bergen and Hudson Counties, we are proud of the impact we have made together—advocating for accessibility, providing vital services, and supporting individuals in achieving their personal goals.
This year’s successes are a direct result of the dedication of our staff, the trust of the individuals we serve, the commitment of our partners, and the generosity of our supporters. Your belief in our mission strengthens our work and inspires us to continue advancing independence, dignity, and inclusion for all.
As we look ahead to the New Year, we remain energized and hopeful. Together, we will continue building stronger communities where people with disabilities are empowered to thrive and lead the lives they choose.
On behalf of everyone at HIPCIL, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with peace, health, and happiness, and a New Year full of opportunity and continued progress.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.
With warm regards and gratitude,
Marily Gonzalez, CEO
Heightened Independence and Progress (HIP)
ONGOING & UPCOMING EVENTS
Book Club
Join hipcil’s monthly Book Club, an inclusive phone‑in reading group where participants discuss a selected book in a welcoming and accessible environment.
Caregivers Support Group
Join hipcil’s Caregivers Support Group, a monthly Zoom meeting offering resources, guidance, and a supportive space for individuals caring for loved ones or community members.
Evening Zoom Book Club
Join hipcil’s Evening Zoom Book Club, a monthly virtual gathering where readers come together to discuss a selected book in a friendly, inclusive environment. Meetings are held on the last Friday of each month and offer a relaxed space to share ideas and connect with fellow book lovers.
AVL Group
hipcil’s AVL Group offers monthly in‑person support and activities for individuals adjusting to vision loss, providing community connection, skill‑building, and resources.
FUNDING ASSISTANCE
INFO & NEWS
URGENT: NJ State budget cuts for CILs
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Letter September 2024
To my colleagues and friends: As I approach my 50th year working under the recommendations and mandates...
hipcilNews Summer/Fall 2024
hipcil Newsletter Summer/Fall 2024 AUDIO FORMAT INDEXhipcil Holiday Party – New Location, Same Holiday...
hipcil continues to grow!
hipcil continues to grow!
Our donation program has become so successful that we’ve had to upgrade to a full-sized storage unit!.
Thank you to everyone who has donated, and we’re looking forward to continuing to distribute these needed items to those in our community.
See the images.
Access Not Always Equal
Stanley Soden of Long Branch was heading down Lowden Court to pick up groceries for himself and two neighbors in his apartment building. Despite the sidewalks that line Monmouth Medical Center on his right, Soden, who uses a motorized wheelchair, was riding on the street next to cars and trucks.
The reason? For Soden, sidewalks can be less safe than streets. At a few curb cuts leading down the sidewalk along Lowden Court, puddles and potholes have the ability to tip his wheelchair.
Hearing Aids without prescription
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New Jersey
Bergen County
Hudson County
We serve people with disabilities in the New Jersey counties of Bergen and Hudson.
TESTIMONIALS
“I was so grateful for hip during the pandemic. They checked in on me and made sure I had groceries and was safe. Everyone at hip made me feel like I wasn’t alone – they are truly my guardian angels.”
“I like the work you do. Everyone is nice and talks to me. You help me with a lot of my things and the other girls help too. I give the office 100 out of 10 stars. Thank you for everything.”
“If hip hadn’t helped me with a new air conditioner this summer, I wouldn’t have been able to function independently and maintain my quality of life. Thanks again for all your help!”
REVIEWS
Braille by Multimedia Transcription Service (MTS)
IS A PROJECT OF hipcil
Source for state-of-the-Art braille transcription.
SOME OF OUR GREAT PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
NJ SILC
NJ DDS
ADAM KRASS
Access Link
Heightened Independence & Progress, Inc. is not in any way affiliated with the Health Insurance Plan of New York, hipcil of New Jersey, Inc. or their affiliates. Site Content: Copyright © 2004-2021 Heightened Independence & Progress, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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