De-stress and Have Fun with Coloring for Adults!

One of ACI's most popular new groups is Coloring for Adults! Established back in August, adult coloring has proven to be a great way to meet new friends and to de-stress. Experts say that coloring can lower anxiety, stabilize mood, increase attention span and serve as a sleep aid. Coloring has become the latest trend among adults and has many health benefits, but the best reason to join this group is to just have fun!

Integrated Belly Dance Classes

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Over the summer, ACI offered a 5-week series of integrated belly dance classes. These beginner classes were taught under the guidance of performer, teacher and choreographer, Farasha. The classes Influenced by the Middle Eastern form of the dance, focused primarily on seated moves that incorporated upper-body and arm movements accented by articulations of the hips and waist. We hope to offer the classes again in the future!

New Job Opportunity at ACI: Information and Referral Coordinator

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), a community-based grass-roots non-profit 501 (c)(3) disability organization located in Edison, NJ, is seeking a full-time (35 hour per week) Information and Referral Coordinator/Social Recreation Event Planner.

Job Description: Responds to requests for information on disability related issues; provides referrals to other organizations and services, organize social and recreation activities, conduct presentations and manning exhibit table at events, and other duties assigned by supervisor.

This position also involves facilitating monthly advocacy and peer groups for adults.

ACI is one of 11 Centers for Independent Living in New Jersey that supports and promotes independent living for people with disabilities in Middlesex, Union and Somerset counties in New Jersey.

Requirements:

• Have at least one to two years paid work experience in the disability field.
• Possess solid writing and verbal communication skills.
• Have valid driver's license. Travel to Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties required.
• Be able to work some weekends and nights.
• Proficient with computers.
• Ability to define problems, and collect and interpret complex information.
• Other helpful qualities: the ability to multitask, work as a team, take initiative and think under pressure.

Salary: $25,000 to $30,000.

ACI is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring staff which reflects the diversity of our community. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Strong candidates please submit a resume, including three references, to:

Luke Koppisch, Deputy Director
Alliance Center for Independence
629 Amboy Ave. Edison, NJ 088837
lkoppisch@adacil.org
No phone calls please.

NJ Self-Advocacy Project Completes ACI's Adaptive Yoga Class

Last month, ACI presented a class on adaptive yoga to 25 members of the NJ Self-Advocacy Project at the municipal building in North Brunswick. Adaptive yoga has all the benefits of traditional yoga, but is adapted and modified to accommodate various disabilities and experience levels. Interested in adaptive yoga for your group or organization? Let us know!

Laughter Yoga Certification Training

Congratulation to ACI staff member Nybil Ghanem, who recently completed a certification course on Laughter Yoga taught by laughter therapy teacher, Beverly Burns. Laughter Yoga is a recognized form of Hasya Yoga under The American Yoga Association. Laughing can actually boost positive levels of "feel good" hormones within one's body, through "playful laughter" not only through joke. The class also focused on deep breathing of inhaling and exhaling while engaging in this fun activity!