Alliance Center for Independence
Beverly Burns, Director of Prevention Education at Advancing Opportunities/CP of NJ presented a workshop on Drug and Alcohol prevention. After the class, Beverly led the group in a unique exercise routine called Laughter Yoga. Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing (Pranayama) which brings in more oxygen to the body and brain making one feel more energetic and healthy. Thanks Beverly for the laughs!
On May 28th, ACI held a drum circle activity for members of Miss Joy's Exceptional Dancers dance troupe. The children learned about ways to express themselves through music and drumming!
Representatives from the human resources department at Pfizer gave an informative workshop on resume writing and job search tips to a group of job seekers at ACI. Thank you to Janice Burke and Joel Knippel of Pfizer and to everyone who attended.
On June 5th, students and teachers from Colonia High School attended a workshop on developing advocacy skills, presented by ACI and People First New Jersey. People First is an effort by the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) to engage people with disabilities throughout the state on advocating on issues important to them. ACI is working with advocates to establish a People First New Jersey chapter in Middlesex County.
On Wednesday June 10th, 2015, ACI's Social Recreation Program held a Basil Bowl Potting Class, facilitated by Jean Gall of the Woodbridge Garden Club. Participants had a very hands-on approach to growing basil and learned some interesting basil facts, such as their ability to grow up to 51 inches in height. They also learned the many different varieties, using red worms to improve soil quality and kitchen composting. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
ACI would like to take a moment to thank our interns from Rutgers University who put together several workshops for people with disabilities.
Interns Jinal Patel and Kassandra Soldevilla conducted a series of Zumba and Tai Chi classes during April and May. The classes were provided free of charge to our members as part of ACI's health and wellness program.
We would also like to thank intern Domanique Davison, who presented a workshop on positive thinking and stress management. Participants at her class learned about methods on reducing stress at work and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
