Alliance Center for Independence
Thank you to Saige Gomez, our intern from Rutgers University, for his 2-part workshop held on November 18th and 22nd that covered the importance of exercise, nutrition, and making healthy food choices. We appreciate Saige's passion, enthusiasm and creativity, while sharing his knowledge to our volunteers, staff, and consumers during the fall!
More than 800 people crowded downtown Trenton for the 6th Annual NJ Disability Pride Parade on Friday October 7th. The event, hosted by Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), featured a wide range of entertainers, musicians, comedians, and dancers. Among the performers were: comedian Mike Cotayo, Red Neck Women Dance Troupe, Attach Avi Bollywood Dancers, singer/songwriter Johnny Crescendo and pop singer LACHI. Millie Gonzales and Maria Bournias were the mistresses of ceremonies.
"ACI is proud to organize this awesome event for the past 6 years," says Carole Tonks, ACI Executive Director. "Every year it gets bigger and bigger!"
ACI would like to thank Jennifer Ryan and Stephanie Peluso-Riti of Saint Peter's University Hospital's Community Mobile Health Services for providing flu shots to our staff and volunteers on November 15th. In addition to receiving flu shots, participants were also given information about the importance getting vaccinated for the flu annually. This was part of ACI's continuing health and wellness activities.
ACI welcomes our latest intern, Kabeer Downey! Kabeer is a business administrator major at Fairleigh Dickinson University and will work with our volunteers to help them develop valuable business skills, such as marketing and sales. Kabeer will assist ACI volunteers with the new ACI volunteer popcorn business through May of 2017. The very first batch of popcorn was met with approval by our young visitors. The volunteers will make, market, sell and distribute the popcorn. Check back here soon for details on the official launch their new business.
On the evening of Tuesday, November 8th, ACI gathered at Van Gogh’s Ear Café in Union, NJ for a great night of food, conversation, and music! The eccentric décor of different types of tables, chairs, and couches as well as the beautiful artwork on the walls makes Van Gogh’s Ear Cafe not your average restaurant. All in attendance enjoyed the wonderfully fresh food while getting to know each other. The evening was capped off by a delightful performance by the contemporary singer/songwriter, Gina Royale. She played a mix of originals and covers that had the crowd singing and swaying along with the music. ACI would like to thank our server for the evening Anna Makarovich and the owners of Van Gogh’s Ear Café, Sarah and Rob Perara for making us feel at home!
Whoever is elected tomorrow will impact our lives for the next four years. People with disabilities account for more than 35 million voters this year, approximately one sixth of the total electorate. Let's go out and Rock the Vote!
Congratulations to all the first time voters out there. ACI would like to hear your experiences whether good or bad. Please contact us or email ctonks@adacil.org or lkoppisch@adacil.org.
ACI is kicking off a 2016 holiday fundraiser! Our goal is to raise $5,000 that will go directly towards our social recreation and health and wellness programs.
We are asking local businesses to donate a gift card/certificate to be raffled off. This is a wonderful opportunity to advertise your business while supporting people with disabilities in Middlesex county. Your business will be advertised on our website and social media sites.
We look forward to having you participate in our fundraiser! For more information, please contact Argenys Caba at acaba@adacil.org or 732-738-4388.
