ACI CommUnity Market Grand Opening

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is happy to announce the grand opening of its reimagined food pantry, the ACI CommUnity Market!

Join Edison Mayor, Sam Joshi, members of the Edison Township Council, and other supporters on Thursday, April 7th for the ribbon cutting ceremony! This in-person event will take place at 629 Amboy Ave (S & P Building) Suite 110, Edison, NJ 08837 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Since 2016, ACI’s food pantry has assisted hundreds of low-income individuals with disabilities and their families. Demand for our food pantry increased tremendously throughout the COVID-19 crisis. “During the pandemic, we shut down the office and staff worked at home, but we kept our food pantry doors open,” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI. “There was a need in the community and it was important for us to meet that need.”

The CommUnity Market concept will feature consumer choice and customer service while expanding our assistance to disabled individuals and their families facing food insecurity. Staff will also help individuals apply for SNAP and make referrals to social service organizations and other food pantries in the area. The CommUnity Market will also offer training to individuals with disabilities interested in working in the retail business.

The ACI CommUnity Market is 501(c)(3) not-for-profit serving Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties and is supported by PSE&G, Unity Bank, REPLENISH of Middlesex County, Guarantee Rate, and individual donors.

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE
Posted on April 6, 2022 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Press Release.

Job Opening at ACI: Vaccine Outreach Specialist (UPDATE: POSITION FILLED)

Job Title: Vaccine Outreach Specialist
Job Type: Full-time/35 hours per week
Starting Date: March 1, 2022
Ending Date: August 31, 2022
Pay: $20.00 per hour

General Job Description
The Alliance Center for Independence, a leading grass-roots disability organization in Central Jersey, is currently seeking a full time Vaccine Outreach Specialist who is enthusiastic, passionate and creative in recreation helping people with disabilities gain access to COVID-19 Vaccines.

Responsibilities

  • Developing COVID-19 vaccine events in Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties

Read more …
Posted on February 10, 2022 by Brian Mazzarella.

Job Opening at ACI: Information and Referral Specialist/Social Recreation (UPDATE: Position filled)

(UPDATE 3/15/22: This position has been filled)

Job Title: Information and Referral Specialist/Social Recreation
Job Type: Full-time (Health benefits offered)
Starting Date: Immediately
Salary: $35,000 annual
Pay: $19.25 per hour

General Job Description
The Alliance Center for Independence, a leading grass-roots disability organization in Central Jersey, is currently seeking an Information and Referral Specialist/Social Recreation Coordinator who is enthusiastic, passionate and creative in assisting people with disabilities reach their employment and independent living goals.

Responsibilities

  • Information & Referral: Responding to requests for information on disability related issues; assisting with application for entitlement programs, and providing referrals to other organizations

  • Social Recreation: Organizing fun and creative group activities

  • Peer Support: Facilitating monthly peer support groups

Read more …
Posted on February 10, 2022 by Brian Mazzarella.

Job Opening at ACI: Independent Living/Employment Specialist (UPDATE: Position Filled)

(UPDATE 3/14/2022: This position has been filled)

Job Title: Independent Living/Employment Specialist
Job Type: Full-time (Health benefits offered)
Starting Date: Immediately
Pay: $35,000 annual

General Job Description
The Alliance Center for Independence, a leading grass-roots disability organization in Central Jersey, is currently seeking an instructor who is enthusiastic, passionate and creative in assisting people with disabilities reach their employment and independent living goals.

Responsibilities

  • Developing group/individualized pre-employment-based lesson plans

  • Teaching individuals the skills related to employment and independent living

  • Writing reports

  • Communicating with ACI staff, local businesses, counselors and family/caregivers

Read more …
Posted on February 8, 2022 by Brian Mazzarella.

Have Questions About COVID-19? Call the ACI COVID-19 Helpline!

The Alliance Center for Independence has recently established a telephone helpline to assist disabled individuals and their families seeking answers about COVID-19, including testing sites and vaccination/booster locations. The helpline will also provide information and referrals to community resources as well as make referrals to resources and organizations in Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties. If you are having difficulty getting a vaccine, please call us at 732-738-1941. The helpline number operates Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Spanish interpreters are available. You can also email us at adacil@adacil.org

The Federal Administration on Community Living has also established the Disability and Access Line, 888-677-1199. This nationwide number operates Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM (eastern) to help answer your questions about COVID. Individuals can also get assistance through email at DIAL@usaginganddisability.org

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Health.

ACI CommUnity Market - Coming Soon!

Coming this spring!! The ACI CommUnity Market will be having its grand opening and you're invited!

The ACI CommUnity Market is our reimagined food pantry, emphasizing consumer choice and customer service while continuing to assist disabled individuals and their families facing food insecurity. The CommUnity Market will also offer training to individuals with disabilities interested in working in the retail business.

Look for more details coming soon!

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Brian Mazzarella.