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.
URGENT:
NJ STATE BUDGET CUTS FOR CILs
Dear hipcil Friends,
The 12 New Jersey Centers for Independent Living (CILs), have lost their line-item funding from the state budget. This decision represents a devastating setback to the disability community. The centers provide essential, life-changing services that enable individuals with disabilities to live independently, confidently, and with dignity. Serving all 21 New Jersey counties, the CILs provided over 102,000 consumer services last year alone, demonstrating their far-reaching impact. For decades, CILs have been a cornerstone of support, offering programs and resources that improve quality of life, foster self-sufficiency, and nurture inclusivity.
While it is understandable that the state is facing financial pressures and preparing for potential federal funding cuts, it is profoundly disheartening and unacceptable that these budgetary constraints have come at the expense of some of our most vulnerable community members. Disabled individuals often encounter countless barriers in their day-to-day lives, and CILs have been a critical force in breaking down those barriers and championing their rights.
Moreover, eliminating funding for CILs is not a cost-effective decision for the state of New Jersey, especially in light of the potential federal funding cuts.
The services provided by CILs not only empower individuals with disabilities but also generate significant cost savings for the state. By enabling individuals to live independently and reducing their reliance on institutional care or other more expensive state-funded programs, CILs help alleviate financial burdens on the state budget. Cutting this funding will ultimately lead to higher long-term costs for New Jersey, making it a shortsighted decision.
The impact of this funding loss extends far beyond the centers themselves.
It directly affects disabled CIL employees, thousands of individuals and families who depend on these services for their independence and well-being. Many of these individuals face unique challenges that cannot be adequately addressed without the comprehensive support and advocacy that CILs provide. From accessible housing, assistive technology and employment assistance to education, case management and community integration, the services offered by CILs are irreplaceable.
Despite this setback, we remain hopeful and determined. Solutions must be found to restore this critical funding and ensure the survival of our centers. The centers are more than just service providers; they are lifelines, safe spaces, and sources of empowerment. They play a vital role in creating a more inclusive society where individuals can thrive.
We urge community members and consumer advocates to come together and fight for the reinstatement of this funding. Please contact your local NJ legislative offices and voice your concerns, “Restore State funding for the Centers for Independent Living”. The future of thousands depends on it. The work we do at the 12 New Jersey Centers for Independent Living is too important to abandon, and we are committed to the empowerment for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Sincerely,
Marily Gonzalez-Escobar
ONGOING & UPCOMING EVENTS
Summer Calendar Raffle!
Certainly! The “In It to Win It” Summer Calendar Raffle hosted by hipcil is better than ever in 2024! Here are the key details:
You can win money and support hipcil at the same time.
One ticket buys you 66 chances to win a prize.
The more tickets you buy, the more chances you have to win!
There is a drawing every Friday starting May 31st and continuing in June, July & August.
Winners are drawn 66 times during the summer.
Each day marked on the calendar lists a different cash prize.
If you win one day, your ticket is re-entered into the raffle for more chances to win again!
It’s not unusual to win more than once!
The proceeds of the “In It to Win It” Summer Calendar Raffle will support the Independent Living programs and advocacy efforts that hipcil provides to the community. Don’t wait – buy your tickets now! Tickets and payments must be received at hipcil by Wednesday, May 29th. Names of winning ticket holders will be posted every Friday on their website by 3 p.m. Winners will also be notified by mail.
Need more tickets for yourself, family members, and friends? They make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, and other celebratory occasions. You can contact Jayne Jacobs at 201-996-9100 ext. 21 or jjacobs@hipcil.org with the subject line “Calendar Raffle,” and they will be delighted to send them right out to you! 🎉
LOTS OF LUCK!
Caregivers Support Group
Calendar of Events hipcil- Marily Gonzalez-Escobar, CEO/Presidentis inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Caregivers...
Book Club
Calendar of Events, Winter / Spring 2024
Dates TBD (always once a month)
March Book – Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
April Book – Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini
AVL Group
Calendar of Events, Winter / Spring 2024
Secaucus 10 am (Meets at Secaucus Public Library)
March 8 / April 12
Jersey City 10 am (Meets at 5 Corners Library)
March 28 / April 25
North Arlington 11 am – 1 pm (Meets at 214 Ridge Road, North Arlington)
March 12 / April 9
Washington Township/Fort Lee 11 am
Every Wednesday via Conference Call
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
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.