2011 marks the 25th year of Alliance supporting people with disabilities in Union, Middlesex and Somerset counties. We have seen many changes in those 25 years. The most recent and far reaching change is the name of our agency.

In Sept 2010 the Alliance Board of Trustees approved our name change.  We are now known as The Alliance Center for Independence.  This name change reflects our continued commitment to ensure that people with disabilities are given opportunities for an independent life.

Other recent changes include:  new programs such as our theatre group, “the Self Project” which teaches independent living skills to people with visual impairments, and our expanded volunteer program.

We are now offering a variety of classes including; nutrition, job readiness, dating and relationships, crocheting and disability awareness and sensitivity.  The Alliance is working with UMDNJ –RWJ medical school to train first year medical students on health care disability etiquette. And the young adult group continues to provide social opportunities for young people.

While our programs have grown, so has our office. The Alliance has expanded to now include a larger office space and a conference room.

The newly-formed youth advocacy group has recently applied to represent New Jersey as a partner organization of the National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN).

As part of their efforts, the youth advocacy group has been the impetus behind the Alliance-sponsored Disabilities Pride Parade. This state-wide Disability Pride Parade, the first ever on the east coast, will take place in Trenton on October 6. The Parade will celebrate our diversity, unity and accomplishments, as well as to generate visibility of the disability community. www.NJDisabilityPrideParade.com

The Alliance continues to make contributions to its community, while promoting the spirit of volunteerism.  A fund raising event for Haiti, a walkathon for Pakistan flood victims, planting 25 trees on Arbor Day at a (read more of this article)