(201) 996-9100 Bergen / (201) 533-4407 Hudson
hipcilNews Summer/Fall 2024

hipcilNews Summer/Fall 2024

hipcil Newsletter Summer/Fall 2024

INDEX

From the Desk of the President:

Whether you venture to the beaches, the mountains or a local park the summer is a time for us to take advantage of the beautiful weather in New Jersey and enjoy the scenery. It’s a prime time for celebrations like July 4th which marks 248 years of our country’s independence, celebrating the Civil Rights legislation, marking the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the growing popularity of July as Disability Pride Month.

Disability Pride Month gives us an opportunity to study the history of the Independent Living Movement and to honor pioneers like Ed Roberts, Wade Blank and Judy Heumann. Their activism and advocacy, which had roots in the earlier Civil Rights movement led to people with disabilities being viewed as empowered to make their own decisions, direct their care and lead independent lives. Congress responded in 1978 by amending the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and establishing Centers for Independent Living with the philosophy summed up in the slogan, “Nothing About Us…Without Us”.

As I prepare to celebrate my 50th year working within the programs established by the Rehab Act I am impressed by the progress that we’ve made in areas of accessibility, informed decision making and the promotion of equitable and inclusive communities. As much as things have improved, we all have work to do to eliminate barriers and recognize that we can design the environment to accommodate everyone.

Brian Fitzgibbons

Summer Calendar Raffle

(with photos of Marceline and Cole choosing raffles)

This summer’s Calendar Raffle is flying by, with 5 winners each week! Everyone has been having a great time picking winners at the Bergen office every Friday. A few of us even had our kids in the office to grab winners from the bucket!

There’ll be many more winning tickets through the end of August! Thank you to all who participated by purchasing and/or selling tickets to support hipcil’s diverse programs.

My Battle with COVID: A Tale of Advocacy
By: Marianne Valls

Marianne is a longtime member of the hipcil community and is a frequent contributor to our newsletter.

It all began on a snowy day in March, long before a vaccine was available. I was born with cerebral palsy which results in “intention tremors,” a lack of hand coordination, and I walked with a walker. But on that Wednesday morning, my whole body shook!

I live quite independently, but fortunately that day my friends from work had stopped by. Seeing the health crisis I was having, they immediately called 911. It was later confirmed that I had contracted COVID. I spent quite a few months in the hospital and more time in rehabilitation. Not able to regain my mobility, I was given the option of going into a nursing home.

I treasured my independence and decided to come home. Surely, in the relaxed atmosphere of my own home, I would walk again. But the limited home therapy I was given was not sufficient to get back on my back on my feet. It appeared no one took into consideration my underlying disability (CP).

The lack of therapy led me to do research on my own. Although I was never given a diagnosis of “Long COVID,” I suspected that is what I had. I searched the internet looking for answers. Typing in the words “cerebral palsy and Long COVID” gave me few answers. The websites I found said nothing about paralysis and only emphasized problems with breathing.

My search for answers took more than a year. It appeared to me that the websites I found dealt primarily with children. I truly wondered if the medical community thought adults with CP no longer needed treatment.

I’ll admit I did not have a neurologist. What was the point? Until recently my CP never got in my way. I accepted tremors and my lack of hand coordination that made simple tasks difficult. Even a speech impediment never stopped me; I’d simply talked until I was understood.

But COVID changed all of that! I suddenly saw my cerebral palsy as a disease which was causing havoc with my body. The tremors, that had been with me since the day I was born, now appeared to be of earthquake portions. They were beyond my control, as they always had been, but now I am enraged and frustrated by them, I am impatient with those who cannot understand me, I am angry that I cannot get out of bed myself without help.

Finally, my doctor recommended Lutheran Senior Life. It has a whole wide range of services. I go to the center two times a week and I receive physical and occupational therapy. Although I have only been going there for a few weeks, I am taking few steps, I am still impatient with myself. I remind myself of a thousand clichés such as, “a journey begins with a thousand steps,” etc. As of now, none have worked.

This is not an essay about triumph, but about problem solving. It is about taking charge. The internet is a valuable research tool. In the past, I knew little about my cerebral palsy. It was a done deal! There was no cure, so I ignored it. But COVID made me realize how fragile my nervous system was. While I did not search for a cure, I searched for a way to regain my mobility. Life is not a fairy tale and sometimes there are no happy endings. However, life is a challenge, and it is an individual’s responsibility to maintain a healthy body to the best of one’s ability.

What To Expect When You’re Expecting a New Wheelchair.
by Blagica Jankuloska

Navigating the maze of getting a wheelchair approved by insurance can be a daunting experience, fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. For many, the necessity of a wheelchair is not a matter of convenience but a critical aspect of maintaining independence and quality of life. Yet, the bureaucratic hurdles, endless paperwork, and rigid criteria set by insurance companies often create a formidable barrier.

As a 37-year-old woman who relies on her wheelchair not only for work but also for various therapies and community activities, I can attest that the last few months have been anything but fun. The first step in this arduous process is having an honest conversation with your doctor about your current wheelchair experience, explaining why you need a change and how a new wheelchair will improve your quality of life. Next, reach out to your preferred wheelchair clinic. Keep in mind that some doctors are affiliated with specific clinics, which might simplify the process for you. When you reach out, you will most likely be put on a waiting list. I suggest that after you talk with your doctor, if they have a clinic in their office, you walk down that same day and submit your insurance and ID to get on the list as soon as possible.

After months of waiting, you will finally get a call to schedule your first of four clinic appointments. During my first appointment, I spent half an hour filling out basic demographic paperwork and answering numerous questions. We arrived an hour early due to an appointment time error, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After completing the paperwork, I met with the team that would assist me throughout the entire process. This team typically includes a physical therapist, a representative from your chosen wheelchair company—Numotion, in my case—and another team member responsible for ordering. They will ask many questions about your mobility level. Be honest. If you can’t do something, make sure they know. Remember, they are not there to judge but to help. Be proud of the things you can do and don’t let the evaluation upset you. At the end of the day, you are doing your best.

The next three appointments follow much of the same format. You go into the clinic, and they take measurements for various parts of the chair, starting at your backrest and moving down to your cushion, footplates, armrest, and more. They provide options to try, and you sit and stand multiple times, testing different configurations. Word of advice: try as many options as you can at the clinic and don’t settle. Keep in mind that the chair is an extension of your body, and it needs to be comfortable.

After all the pieces are selected, you might think the process is finished, but that is not the case. Two weeks after my clinic appointments were completed, Numotion called to set up an in-home visit so a technician could evaluate my home to ensure all relevant doorways are the right size for the new chair. While the appointment itself is quick, you might spend a significant part of your day waiting for the technician due to scheduling adjustments by the wheelchair company. I was fortunate to work with Rene, who has been familiar with my needs and home setup for many years. He advised me to share this with readers: “Make sure you like every piece of your chair and don’t let people make decisions for you since you are the one sitting in the chair for long hours, not anyone else.” I agree; remember, it’s your chair, your life, and your choice. The team will do its best to get everything approved as soon as possible, but at the end of the day, it’s a waiting game. Your independence and comfort are worth the wait. Speaking from experience, you will get there; just give it time.

Did You Know? …
(Contributed by Board of Trustees Member Dana Solomon)

• Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s Disease. This number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.
(Parkinson.org)

• ~70% of people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis are women, and 55% are older than 55 years.
(who.int – World Health Organization)

• ~2.1 million people in the US are living with Limb Loss, and that number is expected to double by 2050
(Accessprosthetics.com)

• 1 in every 691 babies in the U.S. is born with Down Syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition.
(dosomething.org)

• Almost 3 million U.S. adults have Epilepsy. ~456,000 U.S. children (0-17) have epilepsy.
(cdc.gov)

The Garden Club at A. Harry Moore School in Jersey City, NJ

From growing their own vegetables to learning the basic techniques of gardening, this program was able to teach the participants the plant life cycle, along with doing hands-on gardening activities after every discussion. Throughout this program, all the students were accommodated individually so that they were able to fully participate without any barriers. At the end of the program, recipes were taught to the participants so they can learn how to consume the vegetables grown.

Cooking Corner
Greek Orzo Salad

This Greek Orzo Salad recipe is a light and flavorful pasta salad that’s delicious as a side dish or main dish. It’d be perfect with anything you’re grilling this summer!

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

  • 16 oz orzo pasta, wheat or gluten-free

  • 1/2 cup halved pitted kalamata olives, plus 2 tablespoons brine

  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced small

  • 3 cups from 1 large English cucumber, diced small

  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced

  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed

  • fresh oregano, optional garnish

Instructions:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions for al dente, adding an extra minute.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water, drain.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Add the olives, red onion and brine from the olives and mix to combine.
  • Stir in the pasta with the cucumber, tomatoes and bell pepper and toss well. Taste for salt and adjust as needed.
  • Add the cheese just before it is ready to serve.

Nutrition:

Serving: 3 /4cup, Calories: 173 kcal, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 6 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 4 mg, Sodium: 112 mg, Fiber: 1.5 g, Sugar: 2 g

Yield: 16 servings Serving Size: 3 /4 cup

(Recipe courtesy of https://www.skinnytaste.com/greek-orzo-salad/)

New Voting Machine Demo!

Sign up to watch a demonstration of the new voting machines for the upcoming November election!

The Superintendent of Elections will demonstrate the voting process including the ballot marking device’s features, including contrast, zoom and the ATI equipment for the vision impaired.

The demo will take place on August 20th at 2pm at the Bergen hipcil office in Hackensack.

Call or email Jayne at the Bergen office at 201-996-9100 ext. 21 or jjacobs@hipcil.org to reserve your spot!

Check out this helpful resource guide for all NJ hospitals!

https://nj-hospitals.com/2024/

Voting with a Disability

From Disability Rights New Jersey…

Disability Rights New Jersey receives federal funding to educate people with disabilities about the importance of voting through the Protection and Advocacy for Voter Access (PAVA) program which ensures that every qualified person with a disability can vote on Election Day.

To achieve this goal, we meet with the Board of Elections to ensure that voters with disabilities have access to the political process. We ensure that polling places are accessible, we conduct voting rights presentations and outreach events to the disability community. We participate in REV UP NJ as well as collaborate with a variety of voting rights coalitions.

In addition, we coordinate with the developmental disabilities network and produce a voting resource guide “Voting, It’s Your Right” which explains the process of voting, how to educate yourself on candidates and how to cast an independent ballot. As a non-partisan agency, we do not endorse candidates, however Disability Rights New Jersey offers a free voter hotline to answer questions leading up to and on Election Day, in the event a voter has a question about voting or encounters an issue trying to vote.

Disability Rights NJ hosts a Voting Hotline:

You can call the hotline from 8 am-4 pm Mon-Fri or from 6 am to 8 pm on Election Day

(866) 493-0023 or email at voterhotline@disabilityrightsnj.org

hipcilThanks…

hipcil receives many contributions from individuals and the community throughout the year. We thank the following for their recent exceptional generosity:

  • Bergenfield Lions,
  • D. Baumann-Dasilva,
  • Gerry Galvin,
  • Mary Culver,
  • Jay Levine,
  • James Dougherty,
  • Mary Mulvaney,
  • Margaret Papageorgiou,
  • First Presbyterian Church of Hackensack,
  • Karate Cares, Inc.,
  • Richard Ryan,
  • Larry Bauer,
  • Betty Fetzer,
  • Network for Good,
  • Alice Ross,
  • Kaplen Foundation,
  • The Gonzalez Family in memory of Jose “Papu” Gonzalez

We Welcome the Following New and Renewing Members of for hipcil 2024

You can become a member of hipcil for 2024! For a membership form visit our website at www.hipcil.org/membership or call one of our offices!

  • Judith Assisi,
  • Rezenia Enedju,
  • Patricia Marie Fantin,
  • Valerie Frink,
  • Dorothy Genoni,
  • Alan & Lynn Gold,
  • Linda Horvath,
  • Robin July-Edwards,
  • Wendy Kelly,
  • Zoraida Krell,
  • Kris Mullins, New Bridge Medical Center +,
  • Ryan Roy,
  • Stefanie Thomas,
  • Cindy Zirkin,
  • CORPORATE +

Saying Goodbye…

Our hipcil family recently lost the following:

  • Sonya Burroughs,
  • Estela Cruz,
  • Doreen Kovach,
  • Queen Esther Walker,
  • Jose “Papu: Gonzalez

hipcilGala

Visit our events page at www.hipcil.org/hipcil-gala for all the details on our upcoming gala!

With Growing Demand, Yelp Adds Accessibility Details to Business Listings
by Shaun Heasley 

Yelp says it is dramatically increasing information about accessibility in listings on its site for restaurants and other locations, while also pushing businesses to become more inclusive.

The online business directory and review site said this week that it is adding eight new phrases that users can search for, all aimed at helping people with disabilities find places that meet their needs.

Yelp said it is also making updates to its website to enhance screen-reader navigation, improve color contrast and include alternative text descriptions generated by AI on photos. What’s more, the company is establishing an accessibility resource hub to help business owners learn how to better accommodate people with disabilities.

The changes being rolled out ahead of Disability Pride Month in July come as Yelp has seen a spike in demand for accessibility information. Between 2020 and 2023, searches for “wheelchair accessible” on the site grew 40%, Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh, senior vice president of product at Yelp, said in a blog post this week.

“While ‘wheelchair accessible’ is among the most popular attributes on Yelp business pages, we recognize that accessibility needs vary for the more than 42 million Americans with disabilities,” he said. “These new attributes and resources are just part of our ongoing efforts to support the disability community. We look forward to continuing to prioritize this work as we focus on improving and maintaining a platform that empowers and supports individuals of all abilities.”

Yelp worked with the disability organizations Disability:IN, the American Association of People with Disabilities, Open to All and The Arc to make the enhancements.

In addition to “wheelchair accessible,” new search attributes on the site include “accessible parking near entrance,” “ADA-compliant main entrance,” “ADA-compliant restroom” and “no steps or stairs,” which indicates that these impediments are not present at the entrance or inside a business.

Users can also search for “ASL proficient,” signifying that at least one staff member is ASL proficient, or “closed captioning on TVs,” indicating that at least one television at a restaurant, food or nightlife establishment features closed captioning. Other search options include “Braille menus available” and “QR code menus available.”

The new attributes can be seen on business pages by clicking on the “accessibility” section, Yelp said. Business owners can add these details to their listings by editing their “Business Information” section.

(Article courtesy of www.disabilityscoop.com)

NHL in ASL’ Provides Unique Viewing Experience for Deaf, Hard of Hearing Fans
By William Douglas

@WDouglasNHL NHL.com Staff Writer

Noah Blankenship sat inside a studio in the NHL offices in Manhattan before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday pumped and ready to go.

“Control, are you ready?” Blankenship said in American Sign Language.

An emphatic “yes” came from members of a production crew that was more than primed and ready to get the latest broadcast of “NHL on ASL” on the air for deaf and hard of hearing fans.

The first of its kind broadcast, available on ESPN+ in the United States and Sportsnet+ in Canada, features deaf broadcasters providing real-time play-by-play coverage and color commentary of each game of the Final. The crew will be together again for Game 6 on Friday.

It’s the latest collaboration between the NHL and P-X-P, which has provided ASL interpretation for signature evens like the Winter Classic, Heritage Classic, NHL All-Star Weekend and Stadium Series, and Commissioner Gary Bettman’s State of the League address.

But this is an entirely different undertaking that’s been an on-the-fly learning experience for the broadcast’s deaf talent, which had almost no sportscasting experience previously, and for the NHL productions crew that had little experience working with studio analysts who don’t speak.

“We’ve essentially had to reinvent the wheel of it on production in terms of workflow,” said Rachel Segal, NHL vice president, social impact and strategic integration, and an “NHL in ASL” producer. “Usually the producer is in the talent’s ear relaying facts and figures through the night, ins and outs of commercials, timing updates.”

Instead, Matt Celli, vice president and coordinating director of NHL Productions and “NHL in ASL” director, relies on P-X-P founder and CEO Brice Christianson and Megan Thorp to interpret their directions to Blankenship and broadcast partner Jason Altmann.

“We had to insert our interpreters between the control room and the talent to relay both ways,” Segal said. “They’re not only signing what the control room is providing, notes for the talents, they are also interpreting back to the control room so that the producer and director can accurately depict on screen what the talent is talking about, and vice versa.”

The directions came fast and furious during the Oilers’ 5-3 win at the Panthers on Tuesday. Like a conductor with an orchestra, Celli, through Christianson, directed Blankenship and Altmann through a fast-paced segment highlighting each Edmonton goal from its 8-1 win in Game 4 on Saturday.

Celli and Ray Jacobs, senior coordinating producer for NHL Productions, alerted the on-air talent through Christianson when to bring in NHL referee Wes McCauley, who was in the studio Tuesday, to offer his take on penalties called during the game.

“You see the officiating team, you just let the game come to you,” McCauley said in response to a question by Altmann that was interpreted for him by Christianson. “Some nights there’s [conformity], and some nights, as we’ve seen tonight, the standard calls have been there, the crosschecking, slashing, interference.”

The studio broadcasters and directors also navigated a remote interview during the first intermission with Keivonn Woodard, a deaf youth hockey player from Bowie, Maryland, who received a 2023 Emmy Award nomination for his role in the HBO hit series “The Last of Us.”

“Over the course of the games we’ve made improvements and there’s more of a synergy,” said Altmann, who is P-X-P’s chief operating officer and is the third generation of his family to be deaf. “And we also have a fantastic production team with Ray Jacobs and Matt Celli that makes our job easier. The countdown, the pacing that leads to the promos, leads to the entire production. The first game was getting our groove … and over the course of Games 2, 3, 4, and now 5, we’ve gotten incrementally better.”

To the point that Blankenship and Altmann say they’ve developed a rapport inside and outside the studio.

“We hang out outside of rehearsal, we talk about life, we talk about work,” said Blankenship, who works in the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships under the City of Denver.

The broadcast has had an impact in the deaf community. Kevin Delaney, president of the American Hearing-Impaired Hockey Association, said more than 100 people attended an “NHL in ASL” watch party for Game 3 on Thursday during the organization’s Stan Mikita Hockey School in Chicago.

“They loved it,” Delaney said. “I think it’s definitely something that should be continued. It gives access to people that are deaf to watch sports other than reading the captions. It’s meaningful.”

About 30 million Americans age 12 and up have hearing loss in both ears and about 2-3 of every 1,000 children in the U.S. are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears, according to the National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. There’s an estimated 357,000 people in Canada who are culturally deaf and 3.21 million who are hard of hearing, according to the Canadian Association for the Deaf.

Renca Dunn, a deaf influencer and content creator, said, “Seeing this being available to the deaf community is like music to my eyes.

“Often times we miss out on announcements, side comments, or do not fully understand what is going on because maybe the caption is delayed or maybe the caption did not pick up on some words or maybe some words we do not fully understand. Deaf people are usually the last to know information, so having this opportunity gives deaf people an equal platform of knowing information at the same time as other hearing and able-bodied people. I would hope to see this happen again, and it’s a milestone to celebrate.

“This does not just impact deaf hockey fans but also impacts those who are still learning or want to learn more about the sport when we all can watch the same accessible game.”

(Article courtesy of www.nhl.com)

Caregivers Support Group

Caregivers Need Care Too!

Come join the Caregiver Support Group! You not forgotten, you are not alone and we are here to support each other. Join us for a safe place to talk where we can share tips.

Our meetings will be tailored to your needs! One Thursday each month via Zoom. (dates TBD)

To join us, please reach out to Blagica at 201-996-9100 ext. 29

hipcil’s New QR Code

Scan our new QR code to learn more about our core services and programs for both the Bergen and Hudson CILs.

See below on how to scan our QR code:

1. Open your smartphone’s camera app and point your phone camera at the code. It doesn’t matter whether you’re holding your phone vertically or horizontally, and your phone can even read the code upside down if it isn’t facing you.

2. When your camera scans the QR code, you’ll see an icon or web address on your screen near the code. Tap it.

3. You’ll go to our website via your phone’s web browser, which should launch automatically.

If you do not have a smartphone or are unable to scan our QR code, please visit:

https://www.hipcil.org/core-services

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hipcilNews Summer/Fall 2024

hipcilNews Winter/Spring 2024

hipcil Newsletter Winter Spring 2024

INDEX

hipcil Holiday Party – New Location, Same Holiday Fun!

While it rained outside on the afternoon of Sunday, December 10th, the ballroom at The Elan in Lodi was warm, inviting, and festive for the hipcil holiday party. The room was beautifully decorated for the holidays and filled to the brim with over 130 hipcil consumers, staff, board members and friends.

The attendees danced, socialized, and enjoyed a delicious 4-course plated meal, complete with cake and holiday treats. Prizes from many generous donors were given to the lucky winners and the 50/50 take home was a whopping $248!

Longtime hipcil friend Christopher Gagliardi closed out the party by gracing everyone with his lovely voice, singing “Silent Night.” We hope everyone had a very happy holiday season and a wonderful start to 2024!

From the Desk of the President:e

In my job it is critical for me to remain up to date on current trends, legislative issues, member concerns and the opinions that are being voiced by our constituents. In my early years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor my interviews focused on an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to learn the most about their career ambitions, desired environment, and job goals. Together the consumer and I would develop a plan with employment as the goal based on all the collected information.

Lately I’ve been hearing the term “lived experience” which essentially gathers all the aspects of a person’s life and what they are currently presenting to the world. Decisions are made based on what has gone before and what is anticipated in the future. We are trying to build programs and develop activities based on the needs and preferences of the people we serve in the hipcil family. We want to provide meaningful experiences that will capitalize on the progress that we have made to be fully included in our community.

Let’s declare 2024 as our year to be full participants in our surroundings by attending a community event, interacting with our neighbors, and most importantly exercising our right to vote to live the Independent Living experience, “Nothing about us without us”.

Brian Fitzgibbons

Cooking Corner. Seriously, The Best Healthy Turkey Chili

Healthy turkey chili made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans and corn. This famous recipe is perfectly spiced, packed with plenty of protein and fiber, and is simply the BEST. Make it on the stovetop or in your slow cooker for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:
• 2 teaspoons olive oil,
• 1 yellow onion, chopped,
• 3 garlic cloves, minced,
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped,
• 1 pound extra lean ground turkey or chicken (99%),
• 4 tablespoons chili powder* (I used McCormick chili powder, which is very mild. Do not use spicy chili powder, and if using a different brand, start with 2 tablespoons),
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin,
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano,
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper,
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste,
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes,
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth;
• 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained;
• 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained;
• For topping: cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream;

Instructions:

Place oil in a large pot and place over medium high heat. Add in onion, garlic and red pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add in ground turkey and break up the meat; cooking until no longer pink. Next add in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and salt; stir for about 20 seconds.

Next add in tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until chili thickens and flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary.

Garnish with anything you’d like. Makes 6 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each.

Nutrition:
Serving: 1.5cups ,
Calories: 336cal,
Carbohydrates: 46.7g ,
Protein: 31.8g,
Fat: 3.7g ,
Fiber: 17.4g,
Sugar: 9.5g.

(Recipe courtesy of https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/seriously-the-best-healthy-turkey-chili/)

Thank you, Maria!

After 22 years of working at hipcil, Maria Valentin retired in January. She ran many programs at the Bergen office, including Leadership, Advocacy, Education and Determination (LEAD) years ago, the Modification Access Project (MAP), Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP), and was always the 50/50 raffle go-to at hipcil events! All of us at hipcil thank you for your hard work and send best wishes for a future filled with lots of beach time!

Did You Know? …

• 6.1% of American children are being treated for ADHD with medication.
(healthline.com)

• An estimated 25.7 million adults are limited in their usual activities because of arthritis. That number is expected to grow to 35 million by 2040.
(cdc.gov, Center for Disease Control)

• As many as 28% of children born to a parent with fibromyalgia will eventually develop the disease, according to a Centers for Disease Control in 2009 study.
(Fibromyalgia-symptoms.org)

• Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.
(nidcd.nih.gov)

• Children have a 50% chance of having dyslexia if one parent has it, and a 100% chance if both parents have it.
(Dosomething.org)

Update on the Women’s Group.

The Women’s Group is back! On the first Thursday of every month at the Bergen hipcil office, we host some wonderful ladies for activities that are new, fun and exciting every time! We play BINGO, paint pictures, unscramble puzzles, make crafts and more from 11am-1pm. To learn more or to sign up, please call 201-996-9100 ext. 29 for Blagica or ext. 24 for Meaghan. We look forward to having you join us!

Thank you to all who donated door prizes for our holiday party! Your donations were a huge highlight of the evening.

John’s Crazy Socks;
Stop & Shop;
Wawa;
Simon Styles;
Turning Point;
BEC;
Stickii;
Shoprite;
Cheesecake Factory;
Kendra Scott;
NY Jets;
Acme;
Eileen Fisher;
Young Living- Johanna Marto;
Marija Jankuloska;
Wyckoff Family YMCA;
Costco;
CreationByAmandaAnn;
Tonielle Luceen Michele Cardinalle

hipcil Thanks…

hipcil receives many contributions from individuals and the community throughout the year. We thank the following for their recent exceptional generosity:

Lottie Esteban and family;
Jerome Saunders in Memory of Beth Shapiro Steele;
Shapiro Family Foundation;
Karen McDowell;
Annie Been

We’ll Miss You, Trisha!

After working at hipcil for over 10 years, Trisha Ebel is moving on! She has been a valued member of both the Bergen and Hudson staff, working with Adjustment to Vision Loss consumers during peer support groups and events. We’ll miss you, Trisha! Best of luck in your future endeavors!

The Importance of our Annual Meeting.

hipcil is a non-profit organization holding a 501c3 designation and we follow specific guidelines to ensure compliance. One of our mandates is to hold an Annual Meeting 45 days after the close of the Federal Fiscal year. We have made that a tradition in our event schedule. This year we gathered our members, staff and Board of Trustee officers and met to discuss our achievements from the prior year and share our plans for the coming year. This year’s meeting was held at the Hackensack Recreation Center, where we enjoyed a light supper, ratified the Board members for the second half of their two-year term, reviewed our accomplishments and heard how our featured guest Kyle Kreske overcame significant barriers to earn his counseling degree.

Perhaps the best part of the evening was that it gave our members the chance to meet, renew old acquaintances and tell the hipcil leadership what type of programing they want to see us sponsor for the future.

As always, our consumers want to have more opportunities to meet for social events, field trips and seminars. We agree, so we are planning our 2024 to include:

• Monthly meetings of the Adjustment to Vision Loss groups in Secaucus and North Arlington
• Renewed hipcil Humpday Happenings – monthly Zoom meetings
• The Caregivers Group
• The Women’s Group
• Summer Picnic
• Fall Fun Festival
• A festive Gala in the Fall

Feel to add to this list by writing to us at hipcilnj@gmail.com

Opportunity to Share Your Experience

hipcil is pleased to be collaborating with researchers at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to understand the impact of Long COVID on employment for people with disabilities.  In the spring of 2024, the researchers at UNH will hold two virtual focus groups to allow them to speak to workers or former adult workers with disabilities who have Long COVID to understand their employment-related experiences.  The focus groups will run for one hour and will include 5-8 adults with disabilities and Long COVID from around the country. The results will help federal, state, and other partners better support employment outcomes for people with disabilities who have Long COVID. Stay tuned for more information about this opportunity to share your story this spring!

We Welcome the Following New and Renewing Members of hipcil for 2024!

You can become a member of hipcil for 2024! For a membership form visit our website at www.hipcil.org/membership or call one of our offices!

Jeanne Aimone
Roselyn Altman*
Kevin Angelini
Elaine Appellof*
Carl & Janice Arnold
Paul Aronsohn*
Deborah Baumann-DaSilva
Annie Been
Joanna Benthall
Darrell & Tamiko Bethea*
Jerry Bojko
Mario Brusco
George & Mildred Bullerdick
Brenda & Jerry Calabrese
Daniel Calabrese
Tonielle Cardinalle
Mary G. Carney
Tom & Susan Carney
Trish Carney*
Kay Chase*
Elizabeth Cohen-Hittner
Rezena Colclough
Barbara B. Comerford, Esq. *+
Michael & Marie Cook*
Sonia Cordova-Chumpitaz
Jim & Jean Csaposs*
Mary Culver
Howard Craig Cutler
Carol Dass*
Martha DeYoung
James F. Dougherty
Barbara Dublin*
Dennis Dusevic
Patricia & Dave Ebel*
Austin Epstein
Lottie Esteban*
Oria Estrada
Stella Fellinger
William Fellinger*
Betty Fetzer*
Brian Fitzgibbons*
Virginia Flynn & Warren Williams
Gerardine Galvin
Laurie C. Galvin
Marily Gonzalez*
Patricia Guy
Harries Family
Elizabeth Bojane Heap
Dana Hemmings
Rick Hodgman*
Michelle Jones
Geraldine Kearns
Timothy Kerr
Joan F. Klug*
John Koch*
Lorena & Ana Kos
Diane LaForge*
Jeanne Laraia
Virginia L. Laughlin
Louise Lee
Susan & Kin Lee
Jay Levene
Marion Levine
Chili Li*
Gloria Lieberstein*
Roy Lippin*
Margaret Lusch
Joyce & Leonard Malech*
Diukesma/Dinky Padron-Marrero
Joan Martorella
Dora Meler
Ann Melone*
Abby G. Mesce
Dr. Frances Meyer*
Latoya Miller
John Mulholland
Sonia Noel
Gloria Ortiz
Margaret Papageorgiou
Chris Paraskevacos
Naaisha Pettiford
Richard Pietrzak
Marianne Pigoncelli*
Anne Marie Prendergast
Cecelia Ragland
Carmen N. Reyes
Cruz Rodriguez
Beverly & Richard Ryan*
Stephanie Seid
Doug Simon, CEO Mobility Elevator*+
Chandravati Singh
Maria E. Smith
Michael Smith*
Dana Solomon
Jeffrey St. Germain & Family*
John Stanik*
Mary S. Thornton
Janet Tolliver & Joseph Molee
Alberto & Ivis Trejo
Danny Vaca
Carol Viceconte*
Ron Vida
Anne Burton Walsh*
Philip & Linda Webster-Cennerazzo*
Joan & Richard Wechsler
Janice Willet*
Sharon Womack
Anthony Yorio*
Maureen Zurlo

CORPORATE +
LIFE MEMBER*
DECEASED**

bergenPAC Arts Access Program

hipcil is thrilled to continue being a part of the bergenPAC Arts Access Program! This program makes tickets for specific shows at the bergenPAC in Englewood available to our members free of charge. For more information on the Arts Access Program, call or email Jayne at 201-996-9100 ext. 21 or jjacobs@hipcil.org.

We Mourn…

Our hipcil family recently lost the following:
Laurel Seidler
Lillian Oliver
Barbara Brave
Joseph Ruffalo
Jane Valenti
Phillip Gauran
William Appleman
Richard Touma
Astro (beloved Seeing Eye dog of staff member Trisha Ebel)
Noel O’Malley

Updated Calendar of Events

hipcil Calendar of Events

AVL Support Group Meetings
Secaucus 10am (Meets at Secaucus Public Library)
March 8
April 12

Jersey City 10am (Meets at 5 Corners Library)
March 28
April 25

North Arlington 11am – 1pm (Meets at 214 Ridge Road, North Arlington)
March 12
April 9

Washington Township/Fort Lee 11am
Every Wednesday via Conference Call

Women’s Support Group
March 7 April 4

Virtual Book Club Conference Call

We’d like to invite everybody to join the book club! Come and have some fun, read some good books, and meet some new people. It’s very easy, just pick up the phone dial 945-218-0051 Access 426-6427# and you are part of the group! If you have any questions, please call Marie at 973-777-2006.
Dates TBD (always once a month)
March Book – Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
April Book – Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini

Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Dates TBD (one Tuesday evening each month)

hipcil Humpday Happenings is Back!
Every other Wednesday at 6pm via Zoom – contact Meaghan at 201-996-9100 ext. 24 to sign up!

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hipcilNews Summer/Fall 2024

hipcilNews Summer 2023

hipcil Newsletter Summer 2023

 AUDIO FORMAT

From the Desk of the President:

From the Desk of the President:

In the Winter/Spring newsletter we talked about some of the changes that we anticipated for the new year and I’m happy to report that we have begun to operationalize them and expand our service delivery.

For the past two years the Independent Living Community has developed a new partnership with the NJ Department of Human Services’ Division of Disability Services. This new funding relationship joins our federal grant from the Administration of Community Living, fee for service arrangements with the Division of Developmental Disabilities and NJ Transit Access-Link as well as contracts with the Bergen and Hudson County Departments of Human and Senior Services. Our fundraising efforts yield us unrestricted funds that can be used for creative projects to aid consumers.

With our enhanced resources we have been able to automate the front door of the Bergen office, purchase a Driving Simulator to evaluate a person’s ability to drive, and upgrade the office furniture and equipment. In Hudson we were able to defray the cost of relocating by moving to the ninth floor in a larger and beautifully renovated space in the iconic building at 35 Journal Square.

Despite some staff turnover we can now boast of having 33 full and part-time employees, which signifies a significant growth in the agency and we plan to continue to expand.

Brian Fitzgibbons

Empowering Independence: The Accessible Door Button at Heightened Independence and Progress

By Blagica Jankuloska

Empowering Independence: The Accessible Door Button at Heightened Independence and Progress

By Blagica Jankuloska

At Heightened Independence and Progress, our longstanding commitment to fostering independence for individuals with disabilities is reflected in our actions both within the community and in the workplace. As an organization, we take immense pride in ensuring that people with disabilities can lead autonomous lives. Now, we have gone a step further by installing an accessible push button in our Bergen CIL – an initiative that embodies our dedication to empowering individuals and breaking down barriers.

This accessible door button serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. We recognize that accessibility is not limited to physical spaces, but extends to every aspect of life, including the workplace. By implementing this simple yet transformative device, we have eliminated a common obstacle that could hinder the mobility and independence of employees with disabilities. With the push of a button, individuals using mobility aids can effortlessly navigate through our office, reducing their reliance on others for assistance and promoting self-sufficiency for both our consumers and employees.

 

The hipcil Gala Event

After a short two months of planning, hipcil ventured into some new territory and held a small Gala meant to raise funds to cover activities that have no other financial support. This was a departure because the annual dinner dances had been basically designed as social events for hipcil members. This time the concentration focused more on vendors and colleagues and borrowed from the Russ Berrie Foundation by creating the “hipcil Making a Difference Award”.

The guest of honor and first award recipient of the evening was Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli, who has been a longtime benefactor through his program to donate clothing from the town’s outlets to benefit our consumers in Hudson County. He brought members of his staff and after a great introduction by Trisha Ebel he spoke about his commitment to the residents of his town.

The next three awards went to three longtime members of hipcil’s Board of Trustees, each of whom have served well over 25 years. They are:

· Anna Navatta – Board chairperson who sits on multiple Boards and committees in her three-county jurisdiction.

· Rick Hodgman – hipcil’s longest serving treasurer who has had a long career as a CPA. He is actively involved in the Special Olympics and the Knights of Columbus.

· Betty Fetzer – Board Vice-Chair who enjoyed a long career as a Nurse and who has been involved as her town historian, a longtime supporter of the Girl Scouts and a world traveler.

 

The evening was quite festive with a lovely buffet, a lively DJ and the opportunity for hipcil to make new friends and forge new alliances. The silent auction included many interesting items that caused some excited bidding. All of us at hipcil hope to continue this success by planning our next even bigger and better gala for the fall of 2024.

 

2023 Bergen Bassmasters Fishing

hipcil had much to celebrate at this year’s annual Bergen Bassmasters fishing outing, held Saturday, June 3rd at Darlington County Park in Mahwah, NJ. hipcil friends Chris Gagliardi, Kathy Moore, Rich Pietrzak, and Gian Pagliaro all took home prizes!

This wonderful event is something that hipcil looks forward to every year, and we thank all involved in the planning process and for continuing to make this happen!

 

Welcome to hipcil!

Joanna Olmedo joined the Bergen hipcil staff in March 2023. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health, Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which serves as a solid foundation for her work.

At hipcil, Joanna serves as a dedicated team member for case management. Her goal is to provide comprehensive support and resources to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive the assistance they need to thrive.

As a single mom of three boys, Joanna understands the value of empathy and compassion. Her personal experiences have deepened her commitment to helping people with disabilities. She firmly believes in the potential of every individual and strives to empower them to live fulfilling lives.

Outside of work, Joanna finds solace and rejuvenation in nature. She enjoys going on hikes, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the beauty of her surroundings. Joanna is deeply connected to her community and actively participates in various community initiatives. Her strong ties to her faith provide her with a sense of purpose and guide her in making a difference in the lives of others.

 

The 2023 Membership of hipcil Continues to Grow! We Welcome the Following New and Renewing Members!

Peter E. Ambrose

Deborah Azzarone

Larry Bauer

Bergen New Bridge Medical Ctr., LTC+

Alice Bogoshian

Karen Browne

Jeanne Carney

Nancy DeSiervo-Ability Beyond Sight+

Alan & Lynn Gold

Alice Hamburg

Michelle Keller & Family

Nagui Khouzam

George Kidney

Patricia Martin-Barksdale

Joan Masella

Joseph Masella

Danielle Pettineo

Danny Vaca

Cindy Zirkin

 

 

 

Corporate +

 

You can still become a member of hipcil for 2023! For a membership form visit our website at www.hipcil.org/membership or call one of our offices!

 

hipcil Thanks…

hipcil receives many contributions from individuals and the community throughout the year. We thank the following for their recent exceptional generosity:

First Presbyterian Church of Hackensack

William Fellinger

Adele D. Cannie

Evie Levinson

Joseph Masella

Hon. Lisa Firko

Hudson Picnic

The Hudson picnic took place on May 19th in the picnic area of Liberty State Park. Spending a sunny day outdoors together was exactly what everyone needed after years of COVID regulations. The Hudson picnic was full of laughs, delicious food (including lunch, snacks and dessert), and fun games. There was a kiosk offering shade that allowed everyone to relax while enjoying the warm breeze.

During the picnic, the hipcil consumers had a great time participating in the different activities. Some consumers enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, skeeball, and board games while others listened to music and danced. The day was a joyful success with so many wonderful moments.

Transition Fair in Paramus

Photo: Blagica Jankuloska, Joanna Olmedo and Jesse Schwartzman represented hipcil at the Transition Fair in Paramus on May 11th.

The 2023 Calendar Raffle is Underway

The Bergen CIL staff has been having a great time picking calendar raffle winners and mailing out prizes, including a big win of $100 on July 4th! Looking forward to a fun summer of winners!

Thank you to all who donated auction items and sponsorships for our Gala! Your donations were a huge highlight of the evening.

Comcast

Let’s Roam! 5 Wits

Total Wine & More Elite Island Resorts

New York Giants

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Kendra Scott Jewelry Urban Air

Betty Fetzer (Silver Level Sponsorship)

Mary Mulvaney (Silver Level Sponsorship)

Judith Liebman (Silver Level Sponsorship) Wegmans

Friendship House (Platinum Level Sponsorship) Adventure Aquarium Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill Philadelphia Flyers

SoJo Spa Club

Matisse

Kyle’s Pottery Place

Brian Fitzgibbons (Platinum Level Sponsorship)

Marily Gonzalez (Platinum Level Sponsorship)

Morey’s Pier

Charity Works

Ralph Terminiello (Silver Level Sponsorship)

 

The hipcil Fall Fun Festival!

Join us at the hipcil Fall Fun Festival!

We have missed having our summer picnic the last few years. We’re looking forward to an event full of food, fun and fall celebration!

Save the Date

October 7th

Hackensack Recreation Center

More info to follow!

We Mourn…

Our hipcil family lost the following people in recent months:

Bernice Baron

Marcia Goulding

 

Back to the Homepage

Go back to the Home Page

hipcilNews Summer/Fall 2024

hipcilNews Winter Spring 2023

hipcil Newsletter Winter Spring 2023

INDEX

From the Desk of the President

Welcome to the first hip newsletter of 2023.

Time has been going very fast since we finally had the opportunity to meet in person for our Annual Meeting. We progressed to our very successful and enjoyable Holiday Party where we got the chance to celebrate the holidays while getting together with old friends. Our partnerships with Bergen Volunteers and St. Peter the Apostle Church brought holiday cheer to many and we greeted the New Year with plans for the Bergen and Hudson office staffs to work together to provide a more comprehensive service delivery to all of the people that we serve.

In 2023 we will expand our DDD Support Coordinator program, we’ll continue to meet with our local college programs and work closely with our Age Friendly partners. I’m excited to report that we have welcomed four new members to the Board and we are exploring new ways to serve people with disabilities in our community.

Please reach out to us to share your ideas on www.hipcil.org , follow us on Facebook or just give us a call.

Sincerely,

Brian

2022 Annual Meeting

hip’s Annual Meeting was held the evening of Wednesday, November 16th at a new location, the Hackensack Recreation Center. It was the first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019 and it was wonderful to see everyone again.

Larry Barr of Barr Karate was the keynote speaker and spoke about his experiences teaching karate to people with disabilities. “Possibilities not disabilities” was the theme of his presentation, which was quite inspiring. After he spoke, several of his students showed off some of the skills they had learned through his teachings.

Brian Fitzgibbons and Marily Gonzalez introduced the staff of both hip offices and reviewed hip’s many accomplishments for 2022.

Some highlights this past year included:

    • Continuing to make sure consumers know their rights regarding COVID vaccines and boosters

    • Support coordination has expanded in both offices

    • Several home modifications and many assistive technology purchases occurred

    • MTS had new projects with Lincoln Center, including programs for Juilliard and the opera

    • The Calendar Raffle that took place over the summer was the most successful ever

Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual Meeting! All of us at hip are looking forward to a fantastic year.

AVL Update

The Adjustment to Vision Loss program really took off strong by August. Consumers from Bergen and Hudson Counties enjoyed many in-person activities and peer meetings. 

The end of year celebration took place on December 16th at the Secaucus Public Library. The Mayor of Secaucus had previously invited Trisha and Barbara to go to a warehouse where they were able to pick up brand-new items from different stores. These items were put into gift bags for all participants and given out at the party. There was even a special visit from Santa Claus and a fantastic time was had by all.

Looking forward to a fun and information-filled 2023!

Welcome to hip!

Roseli Souza joined hip in August 2022 and is excited to assist in enhancing the lives of our consumers. Roseli is a case manager in the Bergen office and has a background in human services. She has always had a desire to help people and contribute to the positive progress of the community. Roseli graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in public health and is currently in graduate school. She has worked with her Ramapo College colleagues to provide information to students about self-advocacy, in addition, she has co-hosted community group discussions on COVID-19’s physical and mental effects. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, arts and crafts, and baking.

Crystal Canas joined hip in November 2022 as the front desk receptionist in the Hudson office. She is a Hudson County resident, born and raised in Jersey City. Crystal is a full-time mom to her 1-year son. Since she was a teenager, she has been helping her family members who have been diagnosed with autism and mental illnesses, which has given her a passion to help others in need. Through her own experiences with her family, it has opened her heart to help as many individuals as she can who are dealing with the same illnesses.

Hiroshi Fuentes joined hip in August of 2022 as a Support Coordinator in the Hudson office. She is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Hudson County Community College and Rutgers University of Newark, New Jersey. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English literature with a minor in Urban Education. Hiroshi is originally from Guatemala and she considers herself a joyful and caring person. Back in Guatemala, Hiroshi volunteered with a program for people with disabilities. Hiroshi also worked as a teacher assistant in Jersey City with students with disabilities. Since then, she has always wanted to continue working in that field. When she heard about hip and their services, she was interested and delighted to join hip. Hiroshi is excited to learn many skills to help and serve the disability community. In the future, she would like to study speech pathology and help her community with her skills. She loves to travel, learn about other cultures, and live life to the fullest. Hiroshi also enjoys fashion, writing, reading, and painting.

Tennel Watson joined hip in August of 2022 as a Support Coordinator in both the Bergen and Hudson offices. He earned a degree in Accounting from Benedict College Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Columbia, South Carolina. Tennel has long been interested in helping people and has over 10 years of social work experience. While in college, he helped to rebuild homes when Hurricane Ida affected the area. Tennel is originally from Harlem, New York, and while he’s now a resident of New Jersey, he remains passionate about his community in New York. In the summer, he helps coach youth basketball there.

The Friendship House

The Friendship House is introducing a no-cost Dimensions of Wellness Program aimed to help individuals with disabilities to be active in their community post COVID-19. The program will focus on wellness as a whole, including meal planning, group therapy, community outings and more. It will be held Monday-Thursday from 4-7PM starting February 21st. Call Karen Reyes, Program Coordinator at 201-488-2121 ext. 328 or visit https://njfriendshiphouse.org/programs-services/dimensions-of-wellness/

Check out the updated hip website!

The website is now easier to navigate and includes testimonials from many hip consumers. Check it out at www.hipcil.org and let us know what you think!

Heightened Independence and Progress

hip is partially funded through grants from foundations, as well as the Bergen County Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Services, Hudson County Department of Health & Human Services, NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, NJ Dept of Human Services Division of Disability Services and the US Dept of Health and Human Services – Administration for Community Living.

hipNews is available as a digital audio file.

The hip Holiday Party Returns!

The afternoon of Sunday, December 11th was alive with holiday cheer at the first in-person hip Holiday Party in 3 years! Everyone was excited to be back in the ballroom at the DoubleTree Hilton in Fort Lee and celebrate the holidays together.

With snowy weather happening outside, this year’s party began in the festive ballroom with delicious food and even better company. DJ Silvie kept everyone on the dance floor with a mix of Christmas favorites and current dance music. The many gifts donated by multiple area organizations were happily taken home by the winners. Thank you to hip staff member Blajica for spending months collecting these fantastic gifts for our consumers to enjoy.

Lottie Esteban recently retired from the Board of Trustees at hip and was given a bouquet of flowers and a gift for all her hard work over many years of service. Thank you, Lottie!

The 50/50 raffle was one of hip’s biggest ever with 2 winners going home with a 1st prize of $150 and a 2nd prize of $100. Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket in support of hip!

In a favorite hip tradition, the party concluded with Christopher Gagliardi singing “White Christmas” and all left the party full of holiday joy.

Ride Connect Program

The “Ride Connect” program is designed to simplify the process by which seniors request transportation when calling Bergen County Community Transportation.

 

Ride Connect provides Bergen County residents, aged 60 and over, a one-stop travel information and trip planning service, provided by a Mobility Manager, to help seniors find information on available transportation options to senior centers, medical appointments, shopping, etc.

 

The process is simple. The Community Transportation operator works with the Mobility Manager to help seniors connect with the most accessible, reliable, and affordable option for their transportation needs. Options include County shuttles, EZ Ride, NJ Transit, Access Link (if eligible) and more.

 

To request this service, call Bergen County Division of Community Transportation, Monday-Friday from 10:30am to 2:00pm at 201-368-5955.

HumpDay Happenings!

Join us for Bingo, Trivia, Crafts and more!

Hosted by hip via Zoom

Contact Meaghan via phone @ Ext 26 Bergen Office to sign up by 4/1/23

Congratulations!

hip’s Financial Director, Natalie Alave, married Domingo Larino on January 13th. Congratulations and lots of love and happiness to the newlyweds!

hip Thanks…

hip receives many contributions from individuals and the community throughout the year. We thank the following for their recent exceptional generosity:

Bergenfield Lions Club

Caldwell Floral Elegance

Kaplan Foundation

Lottie Esteban and family

Modivcare

Rick Hodgman

River Edge Lions Club

Shapiro Family Foundation

 

Special Thanks to the parishioners of St. Peter the Apostle Church in River Edge and participants of the Bergen Volunteers All Wrapped Up program for their amazing gift-giving generosity to many of our consumers this past holiday season.

Thank you to all who donated…

Thank you to all who donated door prize gifts for the Holiday Party! Your donations were the highlight of the evening and brought joy to so many.

Acme, Saddle Brook

Al Richard’s Chocolates, Bayonne

Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Hackensack

Art Nails, Saddle Brook

BJ’s Wholesale Club, North Bergen

Bonefish Grill, Paramus

Cornerstone Montclair, Montclair

CVS, Hackensack

Dairy Queen, Saddle Brook

Double Batch Bakery, Bayonne

Eileen Fisher, Secaucus

Genevieve’s Home Made Chocolates, Garfield

Giovanni’s, Bayonne

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Hackensack

J. Crew, Hackensack

Kendra Scott, Short Hills

McCrum’s Bakery, Elmwood Park

Michael Kors, Paramus

Monica’s Restaurant, Pompton Lakes

Pinot’s Palette, Ridgewood

Robert’s Roastery, Bayonne

Simon Styles, Pompton Lakes

Starbucks, Hackensack

Stop & Shop, Hackensack

Trader Joe’s, Paramus

Wawa, Hackensack

Wyckoff Family YMCA, Wyckoff

 

Heightened Independence & Progress COVID-19 Response Team

Need help applying for services related to COVID-19? We are here to help!

Our Core Services

Information and Referral

Advocacy

Peer Support

Transition

Technology Training

Contact:

Roseli Souza at our Bergen County Branch 201-996-9100 ext. 23 rsouza@hipcil.org

Alex Paredes at our Hudson County Branch 201-533-4407 aparedes@hipcil.org

Workshops at hip

Coming in March

Uber Lessons, Getting Rides, UberEats, Lyft

Creating Emails, Learn BillPay, Social Accounts, FaceTime

Online Shopping, Navigating Websites, Amazon

Caregivers Support Group

Caregivers Need Care Too!

Starting in March, Jesse Schwartzman and Tom Browne will be leading a group to support You!

Call the Bergen Office at 201-996-9100 to learn more!

Check Out Our Facebook Page!

hip’s Facebook page has been very active lately with all kinds of posts including news from the disability community, hip staff and area events! Follow us to stay in the loop!

Credit Freeze

Placing a credit freeze allows you to restrict access to your credit report. This is important after a data breach or identity theft when someone could use your personal information to apply for new credit accounts. Most creditors look at your credit report before opening a new account. But if you’ve frozen your credit report, creditors can’t access it, and probably won’t approve fraudulent applications.

You have the right to place or lift a credit freeze for free. You can place a freeze on your own credit files and on those of your children aged 16 or younger.

Place a Credit Freeze

Contact each credit reporting agency to place a freeze on your credit report. Each agency accepts freeze requests online, by phone, or by postal mail. 

Experian
Online: Experian Freeze Center
Phone: 1-888-397-3742
By mail, write to:
Experian Security Freeze
PO Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

Equifax
Online: Equifax Credit Report Services
Phone: 1-800-685-1111
By mail, write to:
Equifax Information Services LLC
PO Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

TransUnion
Online: 
TransUnion Credit Freezes
Phone: 1-888-909-8872
By mail, write to:
TransUnion LLC
PO Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

Innovis
Online
: Innovis Freeze Options
Phone: 1-866-712-4546
By mail, write to:
Innovis Consumer Assistance
PO Box 530086
Atlanta, GA 30353-0086

Your credit freeze will go into effect the next business day if you place it online or by phone. If you place the freeze by postal mail, it will be in effect three business days after the credit agency receives your request. A credit freeze does not expire. Unless you lift the credit freeze, it stays in effect.

Lift a Credit Freeze

If you want lenders and other companies to be able to access your credit files again, you will need to lift your credit freeze permanently or temporarily. Contact each credit reporting agency. You’ll use a PIN or password to lift your credit freeze. You can lift your credit freeze as often as you need to, without penalties.

It takes one hour for a lift request to take effect if you place it online or by phone. It can take three business days if you request the lift by mail.

Upcoming Gala!

hip is in the process of planning the Anniversary Gala that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay tuned for more information soon and looking forward to seeing everyone there to celebrate over 40 years of hip!

Housing Authority of Bergen County Tenant/Participant “Coffee Breaks”

The Housing Authority of Bergen County will be hosting Coffee Breaks throughout 2023 for Program Tenants/Participants who would like to stop in with questions regarding the Housing Choice Voucher Program process.

Feel free to stop in on any of the dates below with questions you’ve been wanting to ask and haven’t had the opportunity to.

May 22

August 28

November 20

The purpose of these sessions is so that HCV Section 8, current and future, participants can ask questions and gain a better understanding of how their voucher and the HCV Section 8 program works.

Join us on any of these dates at 12:30pm-1:30pm. All sessions will be via Zoom.

Meeting ID: 879 4036 5840

Passcode: 820908

Dial In: 929-436-2866 (New York)

 

Questions? Comments? Contact: info@hacbcnj.org

Writeable Membership Form

Membership Form here

We Welcome the Following New and Renewing Members of hip for 2023!

Karen Acker

Jeanne Aimone

Carol Akridge

Natalie Alave

Roselyn Altman*

Cecelia Aluotto

Ivis Alvarez

Peter Ambrose

Kevin Angelini

Elaine Appellof*

James Arkills

Paul Aronsohn*

Barbara Banta

Deborah Baumann-Dasilva

Annie G. Been*

Gilbert Benson*

Joanna Benthall

Darrell & Tamiko Bethea*

Christine Black

Paula Bloom

Jerry Bojko

Grace Braeske

Gail Braun

Joan & Mike Braun

Kerry Brennan

Mario Brusco

Anna Bures

George & Mildred Bullerdick

Jonathan Burack

Peter Cafone

Daniel Calabrese

Jerry & Brenda Calabrese

Regina Calamanco

Marcelo Carat

Tonielle Cardinalle

Mary Carney

Tom & Susan Carney

Trish Carney*

Peter Cavaliere

Kay Chase*

Celia Chave

Maureen Chatterton

Sonia Cordova-Chumpitaz

Ciccone Family

Lillian Ciufo*

Barbara B. Comerford, Esq.*

Elizabeth Cohen-Hittner

Michael & Marie Cook*

Jim & Jean Csaposs*

Mary Culver

Howard Craig Cutler

Carol Dass*

Joan D’Angelo

Jarrett Dean

Philip Delaney

Michael Delgado

Margaret DeYoung

Anthony Dinaro

James F. Dougherty

Dennis Dusevic

Barbara Dublin*

J. Robert Duffy*

Patricia & Dave Ebel*

Austin Epstein

Lottie Esteban*

Oria Estrada

Barbara Farrell

Francesca Farrell

Genevieve Farrell

William Fellinger and Stella Fellinger*

Reina Fernandez

Karen-Mae Ferolino

Betty Fetzer*

Brian Fitzgibbons*

Virgina Flynn & Warren Williams

Michael Fondacaro

Francine Ford-Smith

Valerie Frink

Katherine Gabry & Family

Geri Galvin

Laurie Galvin

Dorothy Genoni

Eilleen Goff*

Alan Gold

Marily Gonzalez*

Patricia Guy

Mary Jo Hackett

Jeffrey Hamalian

Alice Hamburg

Harries Family

Alfred Harvey

Elizabeth (Bojane) Heap

Eusebia E. Heckel

Susan Hepner

Rhea Hess

Susan Hepner

Richard Hodgman*

Henry Hoff, III

Linda Horvath

Kenel Hyppolite**

Janet Jones

Michelle Jones

Timothy Kerr

Naqui Khouzam

Edwin Kindermann

Clark King

Joan F. Klug*

John Koch*

Lorena & Ana Kos

Adam Krass+

Zoraida Krell

Diana LaForge*

Tammy Lane

Jeanne Laraia

Virginia L. Laughlin

Louise Lee

Sussan Lee

Diane Lennon

Marion Levine

Chili Li*

Gloria Lieberstein*

Judith Liebman

Roy Lippin*

Anita Lisica

Diane Love

Lisa & Jorge Loza

Margaret Lusch

Joyce & Leonard Malech*

Mariana Martinez

Joan Martorella

Gracie & Sophie McCain

Gary McConnell

Gail Frazier McFadden

Joseph D. McGovern

Brian McGrath

McMahon Family

Dora Meler

Ann Melone*

Abby G. Mesce

Dr. Frances Meyer*

Joseph Molee

John J. Mulholland

John Mulholland

Bob & Martha Mulligan

Madeline Murray

Anna P. Navatta+

Morgan Neumann

Yin Ni

Leonard J. Nicolosi, CEO,+

No. Jersey Friendship House, Inc.

Hyacinthe Nkuunziza

Mario & Jorge Olivares

Beatrice Olivetti

Gloria Ortiz

Sonja Noel

Jennyfer Paniagua

Margaret Papageorgioiu

Chris Paraskevacos

Alejandro Paredes

Richard Pietrzak

Marianne Pigoncelli*

Dr. Sandra Pinkerton

Nhevys Pinto

David Popiel

Jennifer Preciado

Mayra Preciado

Anne Marie Predergast

Noel Prussack

Cecelia Ragland

Joseph Revello

Carmen Reyes

Cruz Rodriguez

Richard Rosencrans

Ryan Roy

Beverly & Richard Ryan*

Lucio Sanchez

Mary Sanfilippo

Marie Sawyer

Jesse Schwartzman

Stephanie Seid

Doug Simon

Chandravati Singh

Donn Slonim*

Lynn Smith

Maria Smith

Michael Smith*

Dana Solomon

Jeffrey St. Germain & Family*

John Stanik*

Debra Tester

Mary Thornton

Janet Tolliver

Amanda Trott

Thomas Tuzzio

Angela Tzakis

Danny Vaca

Jane & Joseph Valenti

Marianne Valls

Angelissa Vazquez

Carol Viceconte*

Ron Vida

Anne Burton Walsh*

Paula Webber

Philip & Linda Webster-Cennerazzo*

Jean & Richard Wechsler

Janice Willett*

Sharon Womack

Carolyn Woodward*

Anthony Yorio*

Anthony & Mary Yorio*

Allen & Barbara Young

Alan Zimmerman

Cindy Zirkin

Maureen Zurlo

 

Corporate +

Life Member *

Deceased **

 

 

You can become a member of hip! For a membership form visit our website at www.hipcil.org/membership or call one of our offices!

 

We Mourn…

Our hip family lost the following people in recent months:

Kennel Hyppolite

Anne Ciavaglia McMahon

The hip family and the community of people with disabilities lost a true champion of the Independent Living movement with the passing of Anne. She built a phenomenal career in public service with the State and Bergen County as well as working in the private non-profit sector.

When she retired, she founded Our New Journey, which established a foundation within hip to offer support for people with disabilities and their families Anne will be remembered as an activist, innovative administrator and mentor to many people throughout New Jersey.

For Anne’s full obituary, visit www.northjersey.com/obituaries/ber113514

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hipcilNews Summer/Fall 2024

hipcilNews Summer 2022

hipcil Newsletter Summer 2022

 AUDIO FORMAT

INDEX.

From the Desk of the President:

As many of you know, Centers for Independent Living (CILs) came about as the result of federal legislation designed to offer people with disabilities a wider selection of lifestyle choices beyond a job. In 1980 hip was one of the first two centers to offer multiple options to people seeking full inclusion into their communities. Funding from the federal government was not always enough to meet the demands for services so each CIL became creative in pursuing government and foundation grants to expand services.

This past year as a result of a statewide campaign to raise awareness of the importance of these services the NJ Department Of Human Services through the Division of Disability Services was able to include the network of centers $1M in the state budget. The 2022/2023 state budget included $2.5M to be distributed throughout the state. The purpose of these funds is to enhance the core services of the Centers for Independent living and to expand access to programs that had not been available.

We have been able to create some necessary programs in both hip locations but one of our proudest achievements is our Durable Medical Equipment Donation Program. We blended the funds to rent two storage units and purchased a cargo van to pick up gently used equipment and supplies and deliver them to people in need.

Jersey City, NJ 07306 201-533-4407

Fax 201-533-4421

Please contact your local hip office to inquire about these programs.

Sincerely,

Brian

The Brain Health & Community Resource Fair.

The Brain Health & Community Resource Fair was hosted by the Hudson County Department of Health & Human Services and the Act Now Foundation to provide workshops, free health screenings, free covid vaccines, and many more activities to the public. hip staff attended on Saturday, June 11, 2022, to provide over 500 Hudson County residents with information on hip’s mission statements, services, and contact information.

Heightened Independence and Progress staff assisted with questions and concerns from individuals with disabilities, family members, as well as networking with other community organizations and vendors to improve the assistance we provide to our community.

Hip staff attended in photo: (on the flyer)
Top Row Left to right: Jamie Rodriguez, Mariana Martinez, Marcelo Cazar.
Bottom row left to right: Jennifer Preciado, Alejandro Paredes Not seen: Marily Gonzalez.

Elder Abuse Walk.

Some warning signs of elder abuse, per the elder abuse walk attended by our staff Pedro, Andrew and Jesse.

  • The Department of Justice estimates only 1 in 24 Cases of Elder Abuse in the US are ever reported.
  • Physical Elder Abuse: Can Include Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, restraining, over or under medicating.
  • Emotional/Psychological Elder Abuse: Includes name calling, humiliating, threatening or intimidating.

College Initiative.

At the Bergen hip office we are working with local colleges to help students with disabilities transition to college life. At Ramapo College of New Jersey three of our members will be visiting the incoming freshman class with explanations of rights and resources, ideas for success with schoolwork and socializing, and generally useful information to set them up for a good semester.

Bergen County Caregiver Conference.

Our very own Support Coordinator/ Care Manager Andrew explains our services and supports to the attendees of the Bergen County Caregiver Conference. We had over 30 people visit our table to ask us about our SCAP (Senior Caregiver Assistance Program), MAP (Modification Access Project) & SNAP (Special Needs Assistance Program) opportunities.

Food Collection,

A complete food pantry list is available on the hip website, at hipcil.org/resources/

Upcoming Events.

The Annual Meeting is on
November 16th, 2022.

The Holiday Party will be on
December 11th.

Recipe Corner!

Want a fun, delicious and easy summer dessert? No bake cheesecakes!

• Graham Cracker Pie Crusts.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar.
• 3/4 cup heavy cream.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• A squeeze of lemon juice.

Beat cream cheese, cream, sugar, vanilla and lemon juice for 3 or so minutes; spoon into pie crusts. Serve with berries, chocolate sauce or by itself!

Delivery Time!

Our delivery van, taking donated goods to help those in need of them.

Our New hip Friends.

hip recently welcomed a new staff member! Blagica Jankuloska joined the Bergen office in March and is looking to make a positive impact with our consumers. Blagica started at hip as a DDD consumer and is now looking forward to assisting consumers anyway she can. She has a very good understanding of disabilities since she was born with Cerebral Palsy and spends her time reading about other disabilities. She graduated from Bergen Community College before graduating from Ramapo College in 2012 with a degree in Psychology. She is passionate about mental health and has assisted in coworker Jesse’s journey with making connections with colleges within the Bergen and Hudson counties and is truly interested in helping people with disabilities be strong self-advocates. Her goal is to share her knowledge of the struggles she has encountered so that our consumers have an easier path to independence. In her free time Blagica is a freelance book reviewer and works out four days a week at Push to Walk and the Wyckoff family YMCA, both of which have programs willing to work for people with disabilities. We can’t wait to see the positive impact she continues to bring into our office and to our consumers.

 

The hip Bergen office welcomes MJ Velten to the team! A graduate of Bergen Community College and of Ramapo College of New Jersey, MJ studied philosophy and political science, and began working with us in May of this year. She learned of the opportunity to work with hip through the Ramapo Office of Specialized Services, which brought her to the full circle of working with the office through hip to help incoming students with disabilities learn to transition to college life. MJ wants to apply creative thinking to problems that can be solved for the betterment of the hip community, and is happy to be learning in real time a variety of skills that can be applied to help serve the disability community. So far joining the Adjustment to Vision Loss group’s drumming circle has been a highlight, and she is looking forward to more events and opportunities to help. Outside of hip MJ enjoys writing, fashion and clothes making, and baking.

 

Andrew Mboya joined hip in March of 2022 as a Support Coordinator. He has over 7 years experience in the area of Human Services delivery. Prior to joining hip, Andrew worked for Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens as a Case Manager. He has a B.S. degree in Diplomacy and International Relations and a Minor in Asian Area Studies, Chinese, from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Andrew studied Advanced Chinese Reading at the University of International Business and Economic, Beijing, China. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Norwich University, Vermont. In his spare time, Andrew likes to Volunteer in his community. He is an Alumnus of AmeriCorps and was awarded The President’s Volunteer Service Award by President Barack Obama, 2008.

 

The hip Hudson office welcomes Marcelo Cazar. Marcelo is originally from Ecuador and has his bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He identifies as a joyful person who loves to travel and enjoy life to its fullest with the people surrounding him because the present for him is the best moment. He’s had many challenges and difficulties, but that taught him to be resilient and empathic. He believes that helping others is important to feel the way they do so then you can know what they are going through. He has volunteered with elderly people, listened to them, and made them feel loved. It is important to continue learning and growing professionally to better serve the community and meet their needs in the best way possible. For that reason, he is willing to continue studying to get his master’s degree in HR Management, and strive for success.

 

Sioban Leahy, has joined the hip case management team as of July 2022. Sioban received her Master’s degree in Social Work from NYU in 2009. Her career as a social worker has involved education, advocacy, employment coaching, as well as resource and information sharing within NJ’s disability community. She believes that every person experiences struggles throughout life but assisting individuals about self- love, self-confidence and their abilities, goes a long way towards helping them to succeed. When Sioban is not working, she enjoys spending time with her six- year-old son James and the rest of her family. She loves to laugh and believes that humor is one of the best forms of medicine, along with chocolate of course! She also enjoys the companionship of many animals. She works with a four-year-old black lab “Seeing Eye dog” named Presley, and her house is home to her husband’s guide dog, a retired guide, and a rabbit.

Need Guidance? Help is Here.

Starting July 16, you can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. 988 will connect you to compassionate, confidential support for free.

Check out the updated hip website!

Thanks to our new website developer, Pedro Martin, the hip website is now available in 20 languages!

In addition to that, there are also plenty of great updates!

The website is now easier to navigate and includes testimonials from many hip consumers.

Check it out at www.hipcil.org and let us know what you think?

New Arts Projects for MTS.

By Kathy Rohr.

Braille by Multimedia Transcription Services (MTS) has traditionally transcribed school texts into braille for students throughout the country. These have included everything from 1st grade learn-to-read books to high school physics textbooks. MTS has transcribers who specialize in math, science, and technology as well as in foreign languages. These braille books continue to be a very important aspect of MTS’s services.

However, since the onset of the Covid pandemic, the arts have had to be more creative about their offerings, and this has included providing braille transcriptions of many kinds of texts. Lincoln Center in New York City has become one of MTS’s new customers, and it has been very gratifying to have the opportunity to assist in the expansion of access to braille- readers. Lincoln Center includes under its umbrella the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York State Theater, and the Juilliard School. We have transcribed major cultural event programs, Juilliard student recital programs, opera summaries, and descriptions of the artists. This relationship has grown substantially over the past year, and MTS hopes to provide more of these braille transcriptions.

MTS also continues to transcribe programs for the Paper Mill Playhouse, one of our longstanding customers. But we have also created braille signage for outdoor museum and library exhibits as well as programs for professional conferences such as this year’s New Jersey Bar Association conference.

Although the pandemic has made access more difficult for most of us, and especially so for the blind and visually impaired, it has also opened new areas of opportunity for the provision of braille texts to accompany programs for adults. MTS looks forward to continuing to work in these areas and hopefully to expand to new venues.

Special Events at Center of Modern Dance.

Pictured here is the drumming circle put on by the NJ Fund for the Blind so that people who are blind and visually impaired have available to them different, fun activities. Drum circles, which are both fun and soothing, and have been offered to and attended by many participants, who also brushed up on their public transport skills. Other fun happenings have included murder mystery Zoom events, where roles are given out to participants who have to work together to solve the murder. People dressed to the theme of a Masquerade Ball and had a blast at these ghoulish meetings. Some consumers got moving at any of six Zoom dance lessons that offered an hour of grooving a piece, put on by the Center of Modern Dance. It was so much fun to learn, and at the end, a finished dance was put on to perform in front of a group. How fun! Self defense classes were also taught by the wonderful people at Barr karate, and the participants from Adjustment to Vision Loss learned a lot. An open-air luncheon also happened and was attended by 33 sociable people who enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and their friends.

If you have an interest in participating or just learning more, please contact Trisha Ebel at tebel@hipcil.org or 201-996-9100 Ext. 16 and she will be able to help you.

OUTREACH.

We provide a wide range of services but they won’t be effective unless we make people aware of how they can be of benefit to them. It’s for this reason that we dedicate times during the year to remind our public about our resources.

  • Colleges – We’ve contacted the colleges located in both counties and held informative Zoom calls to establish relationships with the Offices of Special Services of each institution. Our goal is to offer information sessions to groups of students with disabilities. Since the Independent Living movement started on college campuses, we thought that it would be a great opportunity for hip.
  • Legislative Districts – Each State Senator and Assemblyperson maintains constituent relations offices within their district. hip staff sent literature to the offices and reached out to the Chief of Staff to establish a relationship to help solve problems as they are brought to the elected officials.
  • Libraries and Senior Centers – Over the past two months we have contacted over 74 libraries and 58 senior centers providing them with program information. We are planning a telephone campaign later in the year.
  • Outreach Month – As we roll into September the Hudson office will be conducting their annual outreach month. Each staff member is assigned an agency and/or resource to develop. They have done this for the past several years and find it to be an effective way to keep the county current on hip news.

Summer Word Scramble.

GIMINIWMS.

ACEBH LBAL.

SNNCUREES.

VWSAE.

OAVTNCAI.

NOCAE.

LFPI POSLF.

TELAISOF.

LPECPSIO.

MISSUTWI.

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We Mourn . . .

Our hip family lost the following people in recent months:
Jose Angel Sanabria & Paul Gaughran.

Library Services for You.

Liraries, Enjoy, engage, Empower.

When was the last time you went to your local library? You may be surprised by what they have! Depending on your town, you could have free tickets to museums and shows, groups to join like book clubs, art clubs, and gaming clubs (mahjong, anyone?). There could be upcoming classes on painting or self defense, programs for all ages. The staff there could help you if assistance with computers, copying, printing, scanning or faxing is needed; they would also be happy to help you find materials like books and magazines. All BCCLS (Bergen County Cooperative Library System) library cards work at all 77 BCCLS libraries, in Bergen,
Hudson and Essex counties, and you can request materials from other libraries that will be sent straight to you! Libraries are a great tool for all of us.

hip Offers Innovative Programs to Meet the Independent Living Needs of People with Disabilities in Bergen and Hudson Counties and Beyond

Founded in 1980, Heightened Independence & Progress (hip) is observing 41 years of service. hip not only continues to provide vital assistance through information, referral, advocacy, and peer support, but also offers a wide variety of programs to people with all types of disabilities in Bergen and Hudson Counties. Some programs have statewide, even national impact. The following is a summary of hip programs.

Adjustment to Vision Loss coordinates peer support groups. Contact: Trisha Ebel (Bergen)

Braille by Multimedia Transcription Service (MTS) transcribes textbooks and other materials into Braille. Contact: Jayne Jacobs (Bergen)

Community Advocacy and Outreach Program seeks to promote full inclusion through advocacy, education and legislation. Contact: Hudson Staff or Bergen Staff

Comprehensive Independent Living Support (CILS) provides care management assistance to residents of Hudson County to remain in the community. Contact: Hudson Staff

Division of Developmental Disabilities Support Coordination Program assists individuals from Bergen and Hudson Counties to discover their full potential. Contact: Brian Fitzgibbons (Bergen), Natalie Alave (Hudson)

Empowering Women Support Group. Contact: Nicole Clark (Bergen)

Hispanic Outreach Program directs Independent Living services to individuals of Hispanic origin, in English and Spanish. Contact: Maria Valentin (Bergen) or Hudson Staff (Hudson)

Youth Transition Case Management assists high school students to plan for their future and for employment. Contact: Jenny Paniagua (Hudson)

Modification Access Project (MAP) assists with funding for barrier-free home renovation projects from concept to completion. Contact: Maria Valentin (Bergen)

Our New Journey provides financial and practical help to families newly impacted by the onset of illness or disability. Contact: Anne Ciavaglia McMahon (201-288-2867)

Polio Network of New Jersey – The Ruprecht Fund. hip administers this fund for PNNJ to help polio survivors in New Jersey finance necessary products and services. Contact: Maria Valentin (Bergen)

Senior and Caregiver Assistance Program provides care management to individuals over the age of 60 and/or adult family caregivers. Contact: Care Management Staff (Bergen)

Special Assistance for Independent Living (SAIL) provides funding to Hudson County residents for assistive devices or barrierfree home renovation projects. Contact: Natalie Alave (Hudson)

Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) provides funding and facilitates acquisition of services and adaptive devices such as wheelchairs, bathroom safety equipment, hearing aids and more. Contact: Maria Valentin (Bergen)

Support for Independent Living (SIL) provides ongoing care management services through assessment, linkage, and coordination for people with disabilities (18-59). Contact: Tamara Clark (Bergen)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a state-funded case management program for New Jersey residents who have survived an acquired brain injury, for services and supports they need to live in the community.


Answers for Summer Word Scramble 

GIMINIWMS.
SWIMMING.

ACEBH LBAL.
BEACH BALL.

SNNCUREES.
SUNSCREEN.

VWSAE.
WAVES.

OAVTNCAI.
VACATION.

NOCAE.
OCEAN.

LFPI POSLF.
FLIP FLOPS.

TELAISOF.
FLOATIES.

LPECPSIO.
POPSICLE.

MISSUTWI.
SWIMSUIT

.

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hipcilNews Summer/Fall 2024

hipcilNews Winter Spring 2022

hipcil Newsletter Winter Spring 2022

 AUDIO FORMAT

INDEX

From the Desk of the President:

As I write this, I’m reluctant to be overly optimistic but it seems like some of the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted in time for Spring and I for one am ready to greet the world and open the hip offices to the public. While I have been on no less than 100 Zoom meetings, I am ready to see my colleagues in person even if the lighting is not as good as in my breakfast nook.

One of the things that I have heard in many circles is that the ability to attend a virtual meeting eliminated the problems with arranging transportation and made access much more friendly. The same thing can be said for the many accommodations we have made in the workplace; things became easier for people with disabilities to participate.

As things ease up it is my hope that the lessons learned from the use of technology will carry forward to make access to services and employment more suitable and equitable for people with differing abilities and the workforce can benefit from this talent pool.

And speaking of talent, I hope that you enjoy our featured articles that have been written by our consumers. We want every voice to be heard.

Sincerely,

Brian

The Calendar Raffle is Back – and Better Than Ever!

The Calendar Raffle is back for the summer at hip! It’s time to take a chance to win money and support our agency at the same time. The “In It to Win It” Calendar Raffle is coming up and the fun will start before you know it – and all for $25 a ticket!

During June, July and August, five winning tickets will be selected at random each week. You will have 66 different chances to win a cash prize – with just one $25 ticket! Best of all, the more tickets you buy the more chances you have to win!

A specific cash prize is designated for each day marked on the calendar. And here’s the best part: if you win, your ticket is re-entered into the raffle for more chances to win again! Several people can share a $25 ticket as long as all their names are included on the reply form. After

the winners receive their prizes, the remaining proceeds of the Calendar Raffle will support the Independent Living services and advocacy efforts hip provides to the community.

How to get into the game? You may have received a calendar raffle ticket in the mail. If not, or to obtain more, call or email Maria Valentin at 201-996-9100 ext. 18 or mvalentin@hipcil.org with the subject line Calendar Raffle. We will be very happy to send as many tickets as you’d like right out to you. The grand prize is $250!

Don’t wait – buy your ticket(s) now! The reply portion of your ticket must be received by hip by Tuesday, May 31st. Names of winning ticket holders will be posted every Thursday on our website, www.hipcil.org, by 10 a.m. Winners will also be notified by mail.

Lots of luck! We hope you have a winning ticket and a fun and safe summer!

Sharing Life Experiences from Our hip Friends

We’re excited to share the viewpoints of several of our friends in this issue of hipNews! It’s so important to learn from each other’s experiences and how we can work together to thrive in our community.

Read all 5 informative and enlightening essays on pages 2-4 of this issue of hipNews.

 

  1. Learn New Skills – Gain A New View of the World – By Morgan Neumann
  2. Disability Etiquette – By Hanneh J. Kalyoussef, MA
  3. What is it Like Living with Autism? – By Christopher C. Gagliardi
  4. Masks and Communication – By Austin Epstein
  5. Loss of Identity – By Marianne Valls

Learn New Skills – Gain A New View of the World

By Morgan Neumann

As someone who was born with Cerebral Palsy, I have been both the recipient of services and a friend, peer, supporter, and advocate to individuals with a wide range of physical and cognitive challenges. Each one of us has unique circumstances but face many mutual barriers of exclusion and lack of access in a variety of forms. Disability is part of the human condition and affects everyone differently. Sometimes, our disabilities hide our abilities, even to ourselves.

Personally, my Cerebral Palsy is often the first thing a stranger will notice when they meet me. Unfortunately, this prejudgment is not something that is unique to my situation. Many others face judgements or are denied support because of invisible disabilities that are misunderstood. While equipping ourselves with education won’t solve all our problems, it can help in many

ways. For me, I hope to use my graduate degree to become a professional disability advocate and improve accessibility, equality, opportunity, and dignity of persons with disabilities. I know disabled people can enrich society with limitless contributions.

I am about to start my second semester in the MA Disability Studies program at CUNY. The rigor of the program has challenged me much more than I had expected. Remote learning is hard for many, but without technological support and academic support many get while in the K-12 system, it can be almost impossible for people with disabilities. On the other hand, I love online classes for the doors they open for me. Commuting to NYC for class everyday would never be possible logistically nor would my chronic pain and compromised immune system be able to handle it. Regardless of these struggles, I believe the best outcomes for those of us with disabilities come from an interdisciplinary support system constructed with effective communication interactions in barrier free environments.

Online learning also allows talented professors who are literally anywhere to share their knowledge with us. Last semester my favorite professor was in Tennessee and this semester I have an amazing professor who lives in Northern California. They are experts in the disability field and have experiences that so many of us beyond their geographic reach are benefiting from. Even more surprising to me are my fellow students. I am just 24 and just recently graduated, but many of my classmates are professional teachers, therapists, social workers, and administrators. Many of them also have disabilities or have children with disabilities. This provides perspective and inspiration for me. I realize so much more now that if I can better understand those with different disabilities, those without disabilities and especially those who dedicate their lives to people with disabilities, I can improve my interactions with all people.

As an undergraduate Communications major, I learned written words often interfere with communication just as the label of disabled fails to describe capabilities or potential of a person. The strength of my new academic adventure gives me hope. Knowing that the program keeps growing because the demand to study disabilities is strong, makes me confident our society will benefit. Inclusive environments supplemented by virtual communication technology and assistive technology tools are empowering.

Disability Etiquette

By Hanneh J. Kalyoussef, MA

For over 30 years, I have been legally blind. I learned to “survive” as a disabled person through high school, college work and even through obtaining a Masters degree. A reoccurring observation that I have ‘seen’ in my 30 years as a disabled person is the lack of education on disability. More specifically a lack of communications in educating everyone about disabilities.

We are a society of, out of sight, out of mind thinking. Why should I know about disabilities how to help those who have them if I, or a family member, is not directly affected? I have had

people call my cane a stick. I have had people pull me across the street in an effort to help me cross. I have had cars cross the street in front of me within a foot of the tip of my cane because they didn’t want to miss the light. I have had workplaces who fired me when finding out I am visually impaired.

These experiences were very frustrating and unfortunately will continue to happen because people are not educated in simple disability etiquette. For example, not speaking loudly to a visually impaired person. These things may be more common sense for those who are, work and support the disabled community but what about the rest? How can educate others on how to communicate respectfully? How do we even get them to care?

At the age of 13, I left the world I knew, the world of reading, the world of seeing everything clearly, the world of being “normal.” I have faced many prejudices and hardships primarily because the people I dealt with did not understand what being visually impaired meant. No, I was doing the job just fine – they assumed with the new knowledge I could not do the job I have been doing. Sounds stupid, right?

We need to teach people that it is not just sighted or not sighted: the visual spectrum is so large! My high school guidance counselor was shocked when I asked him about colleges. That’s an example of not being educated. I used to call it ignorance, but when you’ve never been taught how to communicate with a person who is different, it’s not ignorance, it’s just a lack of education.

This goes for all disabilities, but I can only speak about my personal experiences. I believe that if the others are made aware, people will behave differently, think differently. I suggest companies have a disability education training. More effectively, we must start educating children in schools. We need to begin with younger children who may encounter in their years of schooling disabled classmates. A simple lesson can go a long way.

I realize it is easier said than done. I know we can make a difference if everyone makes a small effort. I am always willing to speak in order to spread the awareness. A little effort can go a long way.

What is it Like Living with Autism?

By Christopher C. Gagliardi

What is it like to be born with Autism or even LIVING with it?

To me that’s a very hard question to answer. I had been trying for weeks and weeks to answer it. I guess when you think about it, there are many things that come to my mind that I can feel about living with Autism. For starters, being born with it is like having no sense of time and also trying to understand what was going on in the world around me. As a person with it, you seem like you do not know people and you cannot tell who is a person, an animal or even a piece of furniture. When you want to say something, it is hard to find the exact words or feelings to describe, even when you are sad or angry or hurt. You have no sense of feeling pain of any kind. That is what I felt like, having the frustration of not being able to express myself, connecting with anything or anyone.

The mere fact that there were people in my life who knew that I had the potential of anything let alone a future that helped me connect with stuff, people and things WAS and still is in fact a living testament to their courage and determination to see me thrive. The tears, sweat, and toil by teachers who refuse to hear the word “surrender” and my mother who wouldn’t let them anyway. The community that I grew up in, once I started to connect with the outside real world,

embraced me like their son or grandson, etc. My fortune is that by them doing that, I haven’t given up on myself yet. So that what it is living and being Autistic.

Without the organization of Heightened Independence and Progress (hip) and the adventures that they have blessed me with, I would never have known the most adventurous part of the word from fishing, to singing, to going to a baseball game, karate, etc. and the wonderful people who always shared their love with me.

What are my dreams for the future? Well, that is the next chapter. Someone once asked a famous explorer this question: “Why do you climb the mountain?” His answer was: “Because it’s there!” The greatest mountain that has yet to be conquered for people with special needs…is space! I would like to, if only briefly, “slip the surely bonds of earth and touch the sky on laughter’s silver wings” by going in the Blue Origin rocket and being able to say that I have conquered the greatest mountain of them all…being the first person with special needs, especially with Autism…to go into space! That is something that I would like to do and set the stage for others to be inspired!

Masks and Communication

By Austin Epstein

Anyone who knows me knows I am a coffee drinker, both hot and iced coffee. There is a Dunkin Donuts within walking distance of my apartment building. I frequent it often and I like the menu and the staff, as they are typically young adults trying to work and make some money.

 

Dunkin Donuts is known for self-service. There are a few tables you can sit and eat, or like many people, take your order with you. I have speech difficulty at times which makes it hard to

understand. I use a motorized wheelchair and use my left hand to drive it. I need some assistance getting my order to the table or opening the door when I take my order to go.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic began, everything changed, and the everyone had to wear masks to protect themselves and others. Now I had to figure out how to communicate with a mask on, as my speech difficulties are not going away.

My solution was to use Google. One of Google’s add on’s is Google Keep, which is a note-taking app where I can store my coffee order, letting the staff know anything I’ll need assistance with, etc. The notes I create are easy to find on my cell with the needed information for that transaction.

I use Google Keep for two places, Dunkin Donuts and Walgreens. I plan in advance and write everything down in the app – for example, I use a straw to drink and make sure to include that in my order. I usually think of it at the last minute before walking out so now I don’t have to worry that I’ll forget.

Sometimes you just have to think outside of the box and make adjustments that work for you.

hip Thanks…

hip receives many contributions from the individuals and the community throughout the year. We thank the following for their recent exceptional generosity:

River Edge Lions

Bergenfield Lions

Mike and Marie Cook

The Kaplan Foundation

Lottie Esteban

First Presbyterian Church of Hackensack

 

Special Thanks to the parishioners of St. Peter the Apostle Church in River Edge and participants of the Bergen Volunteers All Wrapped Up program for their amazing gift-giving generosity to many of our consumers this past holiday season.

Do you need a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?

We’re happy to help you schedule an appointment and arrange transportation if needed. Please call the Bergen or Hudson office for more information.

Loss of Identity

By Marianne Valls

As my aide, Rosa, fed me lunch, I made a startling discovery about myself. The realization hit me that I am out of control. Throughout my life, gaining control was always something I worked hard to attain. However, because of my cerebral palsy, my body did not cooperate in achieving this goal. Despite my limitations, I reached the point in my life where I gained control. I was finally free!

Then unfortunately, I contracted COVID-19. Combined with my cerebral palsy, my limitations have increased. I can no longer walk, my speech is labored and, at times, quite unintelligible. My hard-earned freedom appeared to be lost!

The system of “hurt and peck” of typing that I used all my life, has become more difficult and frustrating. Typing is a necessary to a writer. I wondered if this end of my short- lived career. I feel I have lost all control. Will I even get it back?

In the late eighties, my life was a mess. According to my beloved counselor, I was a late bloomer. Unfortunately, she died before I came into my own.

As the eighties ended, my life appeared to be on the uptake. I wanted out of an unhappy marriage. But I had no money and no work experience. All I had was a college degree. Unfortunately, the degree combined with my disability didn’t help to get me anywhere.

I decided to volunteer in an effort to gain some work experience. My first job was at my local cerebral palsy center. It worked! I became volunteer coordinator. I’ll admit I wasn’t very good at my job.

But it was a new decade, and the American with Disabilities Act had yet to be passed. So my work had gradually turned into advocacy. Here, I was truly in my element. As a writer, I like to express my opinion. I wrote to Congress promoting the civil law that would give people with disabilities a barrier-free society.

My next job was for an organization called hip. hip is an Independent Living Center for people with disabilities. It was my final search for independence. Eventually at hip, I had a chance to develop my writing skills. I was surrounded by people with disabilities. I thought I had reached the point of accepting my disability.

Now, after COVID-19, I wonder if l am back to square one. Will I ever walk again? I don’t know why that upsets me. I have friends who have use wheelchairs. Indeed, the love of my life used a scooter. However, he died a long time ago, and to tell the truth I feel sorry for myself.

I’m wondering, did I always feel self-pity or is a new phenomenon? There’s no doubt about it, I am lost. However, I sure I am not alone. We are a lost nation. COVID-19 has done this to us. We are like children, unsure of the changes that lie ahead. Many of us are stripped of our identity and wonder if we’ll ever get ourselves back. One thing that I do know is that things will be different, but we will find new ways to communicate.

Spring Word Scramble Answers

  1. UMBRELLA
  2. BUTTERFLIES
  3. FLOWERS
  4. SUNNY
  5. TULIPS
  6. SUNSHINE
  7. BLOSSOM
  8. RAINBOW
  9. PICNIC
  10.  GARDEN

Welcome to hip, Jesse!

hip recently welcomed a new staff member! Read further to get to know Jesse and how he is helping make hip an even greater asset for our consumers.

Jesse Schwartzman joined the Bergen hip staff in January as a Community Advocate. He is a Bergen County resident, former legal assistant and former community organizer. He earned a BA in Political Science with Double Minors in Psychology & Public Administration from Montclair State University.

Jesse is looking forward to making connections with elected officials and individuals with disabilities. He has a goal to serve as a peer mentor for college students in Bergen and Hudson counties who are transitioning from school into the “real world.” Jesse will be putting his organizing skills to good use by working with advocates in the disability community so all can live their best lives independently. Jesse works three jobs so in his somewhat free time he likes to catch up on his favorite Netflix shows, read books about disability advocates and see friends and family.

We Welcome the Following New and Renewing Members of hip for 2022!

Karen Acker

Natalie Alave

Cecelia Aluotto

Peter Ambrose

Deborah Baumann-Dasilva

Annie Been*

Joanna Benthall

Darrell & Tamiko Bethea*

Christine Black

Paula Bloom

Jerry Bojko

Gail Braun

Kerry Brennan

Mario Brusco

George & Mildred Bullerdick

Jonathan Burack

Peter Cafone

Brenda, Jerry & Daniel Calabrese

Mary Carney

Tom & Susan Carney

Trish Carney*

Kay Chase*

Celia Chave

Ciccone Family

Lillian Ciufo**

Barbara B. Comerford*

Elizabeth Cohen

Michael & Marie Cook*

Sonia Cordova-Chumpitaz

Jim & Jean Csaposs*

Mary Culver

Howard Cutler

Joan D’Angelo

Carol Dass*

Jarrett Dean

J. Robert Duffy*

Michael Delgado

Martha DeYoung

Anthony Dinaro

James F. Dougherty

Barbara Dublin*

Dennis Dusevic

Patricia & Dave Ebel*

Austin Epstei

Lottie Esteban*

Oria Estrada

Barbara Farrell

Francesca Farrell

William & Stella Fellinger*

Karen-Mae Ferolino

Betty Fetzer*

Brian Fitzgibbons*

Michael Fondacaro

Gerry Galvin

Laurie C. Galvin

Dorothy Genoni

Andy & Linda Goff

Alan Gold

Marily Gonzalez

Patricia Guy

Mary Jo Hackett

Alice Hamburg

Harries Family

Alfred Harvey

Elizabeth (Bojane) Heap

Eusebia E. Heckel

Rhea Hess

Henry Hof, III

Rick Hodgman*

Linda Horvath

Kennel Hyppolite

Timothy Kerr

Joan F. Klug*

John Koch*

Lorena & Ana Kos

Zoraida Krell

Diana LaForge*

Jean Laraia

Virginia L. Laughlin

Louise Lee

Susan Lee

Marion Levine

Chili Li*

Gloria Lieberstein*

Judith Liebman

Roy Lippin*

Lisa & Jorge Loza

Margaret Lusch

Joyce & Leonard Malech*

Mariana Martinez

Joan Martorella

Gracie & Sophie McCain

Gail Frazier McFadden

Joseph D. McGovern

Brian McGrath

McMahon Family

Ann Melone*

Dr. Frances Meyer*

Joseph Molee

John Mulholland

Bob & Martha Mulligan

Madeline Murray

Morgan Neumann

Yin Ni

Hyacinthe Nkurunziza

Mario & Jorge Olivares

Gloria Ortiz

Jennyfer Paniagua

Chris Paraskevacos

Alejandro Paredes

Richard Pietrzak

Marianne Pigocelli*

David Popiel

Jennifer Preciado

Mayra Preciado

Anne Marie Predergast

Noel Prussack

Joe Revello

Cruz Rodriguez

Richard Rosencrans

Ryan Roy

Richard & Beverly Ryan*

Mary Sanfilippo

Marie Sawyer

Jesse Schwartzman

Stefanie Seid

Doug Simon

Lynn Smith

Michael Smith*

Donn Slonim**

Dana Solomon

Jeffrey St. Germain & Family*

John Stanik*

Debra Tester

Mary Thornton

Janet Tolliver

Thomas Tuzzio

Angela Tzakis

Danny Vaca

Angelissa Vazquez

Carol Viceconte*

Ron Vida

Ann Burton Walsh*

Webster-Cennarazzo, Philip & Linda*

Jean & Richard Wechsler

Willet, Janice*

Virginia Flynn-Williams

Warren Williams

Sharon Womack

Allen & Barbara Young

Anthony & Mary Yorio*

Alan Zimmerman

Maureen Zurlo

 

*Life Member

** Deceased

You can become a member of hip! For a membership form visit our website at www.hipcil.org/membership or call one of our offices!

Thank You All

for your phone calls, emails, and cards filled with heartwarming messages, notes of appreciation and good luck wishes as well as your gifts and contributions to hip in my honor as I retired. I have enjoyed my association with you over the years and will always remember you fondly as I reflect on my career at hip. I wish all the best to all of you!

Trish Carney

We Mourn…

Our hip family lost the following people in recent months:

Don Perlman, longtime hip member, friend and volunteer. Don was a familiar, friendly face in the Bergen hip office as he helped out with everyone’s computers and worked to keep the braille embosser in good working order. A good friend of Eileen Goff’s, Don was part of hip longer than most of us can remember.

Lillian Ciufo, longtime hip Board member and friend. Lillian was a dedicated member of the hip Board of Trustees for more than a quarter of a century, from 1991 to 2017. As our Fundraiser Extraordinaire, Lillian aligned hip with numerous new and unique sources of income which enabled our Center for Independent Living to become a vibrant organization for people with all disabilities. Following the untimely death of her only daughter in 2000, she directed that all memorial contributions be sent to hip, which resulted in the establishment of Laura’s

Legacy. This fund, which is administered by hip, provides financial assistance to individuals and families when one-time support can make a difference in their lives and no other funding is available.

Both Don and Lillian will be very missed.

Calendar of Events

BOOK CLUB

Virtual Book Club Conference Call – April 22, May 20, June 17

 

AVL SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

Secaucus – 10am -12pm
April 14, 21, 28 (self-defense classes and peer meetings)
May 5, June 2
North Arlington – 12 – 2pm
May 10 (self-defense class), June 14
Jersey City
April 28 12-1pm via Zoom, May 26 12pm – TBA, June 23 12pm – TBA
Washington Township/Fort Lee – 10am
Every Wednesday Via Conference Call

 

TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUPS

Young Adult Peer Group Conference Call – 2pm
Ages 18 – 30
April 15 via Zoom, May 20, June 17
Older Adult Peer Group Conference Call – 7pm Via Zoom
Ages 31 – 50
April 14, May 18, June 16
Please call the hip Office to confirm that the meetings will take place

Holiday Party Zoom – December 10 at 7pm
Virtual Book Club Conference Call – December 17

 

hip Offers Innovative Programs to Meet the Independent Living Needs of People with Disabilities in Bergen and Hudson Counties and Beyond”>hip Offers Innovative Programs to Meet the Independent Living Needs of People with Disabilities in Bergen and Hudson Counties and Beyond

Founded in 1980, Heightened Independence & Progress (hip) is observing 41 years of service. hip not only continues to provide vital assistance through information, referral, advocacy, and peer support, but also offers a wide variety of programs to people with all types of disabilities in Bergen and Hudson Counties. Some programs have statewide, even national impact. The following is a summary of hip programs.

Adjustment to Vision Loss coordinates peer support groups. Contact: Trisha Ebel (Bergen)

Braille by Multimedia Transcription Service (MTS) transcribes textbooks and other materials into Braille. Contact: Jayne Jacobs (Bergen)

Community Advocacy and Outreach Program seeks to promote full inclusion through advocacy, education and legislation. Contact: Hudson Staff or Bergen Staff

Comprehensive Independent Living Support (CILS) provides care management assistance to residents of Hudson County to remain in the community. Contact: Hudson Staff

Division of Developmental Disabilities Support Coordination Program assists individuals from Bergen and Hudson Counties to discover their full potential. Contact: Brian Fitzgibbons (Bergen), Natalie Alave (Hudson)

Empowering Women Support Group. Contact: Nicole Clark (Bergen)

Hispanic Outreach Program directs Independent Living services to individuals of Hispanic origin, in English and Spanish. Contact: Maria Valentin (Bergen) or Hudson Staff (Hudson)

Youth Transition Case Management assists high school students to plan for their future and for employment. Contact: Jenny Paniagua (Hudson)

Modification Access Project (MAP) assists with funding for barrier-free home renovation projects from concept to completion. Contact: Maria Valentin (Bergen)

Our New Journey provides financial and practical help to families newly impacted by the onset of illness or disability. Contact: Anne Ciavaglia McMahon (201-288-2867)

Polio Network of New Jersey – The Ruprecht Fund. hip administers this fund for PNNJ to help polio survivors in New Jersey finance necessary products and services. Contact: Maria Valentin (Bergen)

Senior and Caregiver Assistance Program provides care management to individuals over the age of 60 and/or adult family caregivers. Contact: Care Management Staff (Bergen)

Special Assistance for Independent Living (SAIL) provides funding to Hudson County residents for assistive devices or barrierfree home renovation projects. Contact: Natalie Alave (Hudson)

Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) provides funding and facilitates acquisition of services and adaptive devices such as wheelchairs, bathroom safety equipment, hearing aids and more. Contact: Maria Valentin (Bergen)

Support for Independent Living (SIL) provides ongoing care management services through assessment, linkage, and coordination for people with disabilities (18-59). Contact: Tamara Clark (Bergen)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a state-funded case management program for New Jersey residents who have survived an acquired brain injury, for services and supports they need to live in the community. Contact: Shoshana Stubin (Bergen)

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