Alliance Center for Independence
Thank you Joy Cutrone, former Mrs Petite NJ and Cheryl Brennan, Essential Bodywear, for the fun workshop on affordable fashion. Participants learned how to mix and match outfits among other fashion tips. Everyone had a great time!
Thank you to Peter Koppisch for his informative and entertaining workshop on developing solid Interview skills, which took place on February 24th. Peter is assistant vice president at William H. Connolly & Co. in Montclair, NJ.
On January 25th, ACI's Men's Peer Support Group hosted a workshop on Men's Health, presented by Amerigroup. Stephanie Paneca-Navarro, Health Educator at Amerigroup, spoke about the effects of smoking and the steps men can take to maintain a healthy life style as they age. ACI appreciates Amerigroup's support for our health and wellness programs. Thank you Stephanie!
On March 1st 2016, people across the nation gathered to remember disabled victims of filicide (disabled people murdered by their family members or caregivers). We came together for ACI's second vigil to mourn our brothers and sisters and to bring awareness to these horrible tragedies. Thank you to everyone who joined us this evening and shared your thoughts and prayers.
Recently, ACI recognized Black History Month by hosting a presentation by Ronald Copeland, a local civil rights activist who worked to end segregation and discrimination in Somerset County during the 1960's and early 70's. The 25 people who attended also heard from Eulanda Brooks, ACI Independent Living Specialist, who related her experiences as a student protester and encounters with police during the 1967 riots in Detroit. Ethan Ellis, former Executive Director of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, also spoke about the disability rights movement and the significant role he played in it. Thank you to all three speakers for their informative and inspiring presentations!
ACI was invited to participate in a round table discussion entitled Strengthening our Mental Health System Across the Full Continuum of Care. The discussion was convened by Representative Frank Pallone Jr., who represents Middlesex and Monmouth counties in the US Congress. The event, which took place on February 8th, will serve as an opportunity to discuss New Jersey’s mental health system and the reforms needed to improve services for individuals with from mental health concerns.
