Celebrate the holiday season with ACI! 

Join us for a joyful afternoon of creativity as we welcome artist, Cristina Hoyos-Hunez, to lead a hands-on workshop in making holiday tree decorations and ornaments.

Enjoy hot chocolate, holiday music, and warm companionship!

Materials will be provided. Limited to 10 participants. Registration is required.

In the event of inclement weather, you will be notified.

Register by December 1st.

This workshop is made possible by the Arts Institute of Middlesex County.

NOTE: This event is currently full and registration is closed. Fill out the form below to be added to the wait list.

💵 $5.00 per person

Presented by Designs By Daniela

Choose from dozens of holiday style beads and charms and design your own bracelet!

One bracelet per person.

Space is limited. Registration is required. Light snacks provided.

In the event of inclement weather, you will be notified.

Presented by Douglas T. Aumack, Resource Interpretive Specialist for the Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation

Join ACI in honoring the Lenape Tribe during Native American Heritage Month!

We invite you to a powerful cultural experience celebrating the Lenape people, whose ancestral lands span present-day New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Immerse yourself in Lenape oral histories, creation myths, and traditional lore. Handle authentic reproduction artifacts like deer hide hunting bags and seed bags. Explore questions like:

• Why did the Lenape leave New Jersey?

• What changed when western Europeans arrived in the Mid-Atlantic colonies?

This program offers a rare opportunity to see life through the Lenape’s eyes, guided by historical interpretation and hands-on engagement. Let’s celebrate heritage, honor resilience, and deepen our understanding of the Lenape legacy.

NOTE: Due to the work being done on our building, this event will be held in the Community Room at Heritage at Clara Barton located at 1015 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ. You can enter the Community Room from the Independent Living side of the building. The parking lot is in the back to the side of the building.

Please join Trisha Ebel, Outreach Specialist with Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, for a presentation on Vision Loss Alliance’s programs including their VLA@Home program and all their virtual offerings. You don’t want to miss this!

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey empowers people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in assistive technology and independent livings skills.

Please contact Trisha at 973-627-0055 ext. 9 or tebel@vlanj.org for more information.

NOTE: Due to the work being done on our building, we will hold this event in the Community Room at St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residences at 635 Amboy Ave (next door to ACI). You can enter the Community Room from the parking lot in back of the building.

NOTE: This event has been postponed. A new date/times will be announced soon!

Come join ACI and a detective from the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, a division of the New Jersey State Police, for a presentation on staying safe while browsing the internet.

Light refreshments will be served.

NOTE: Due to the work being done on our building, we will hold this event in the Community Room at St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residences at 635 Amboy Ave (next door to ACI). You can enter the Community Room from the parking lot in back of the building.

NOTE: This event has been postponed. A new date/times will be announced soon!

October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to honor the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusive hiring practices. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” highlights the importance of recognizing the skills and potential of every individual.

To commemorate NDEAM, ACI is teaming up with WellPoint to host a dynamic and empowering event on job interview skills.

What you’ll learn:

• How to dress professionally and appropriately for interviews

• Resume tips that make your experience shine

• Body language and confidence techniques to ace your interview

Snacks will be served.

Limited to 15 participants.

NOTE: Due to the work being done on our building, we will hold this event in the Community Room at St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residences at 635 Amboy Ave (next door to ACI). You can enter the Community Room from the parking lot in back of the building.

NOTE: This event has been postponed. A new date/times will be announced soon!

💵 Free, but we encourage you to help the ACI Community Market by bringing a non-perishable food item to the event.

“A mosaic is a celebration of diversity, where each piece is valued for its uniqueness.” - Jimmy Carter

Join ACI and artist Melinda Török as we create unique mosaic coasters! Melinda is presently a project supervisor at Rutgers University and has several years experience teaching, including leading arts and crafts projects.

NOTE: This event is currently full and registration is closed. Fill out the form below to be added to the wait list.

NOTE: Due to the work being done on our building, we will hold this event in the Community Room at St. Paul the Apostle Senior Residences at 635 Amboy Ave (next door to ACI). You can enter the Community Room from the parking lot in back of the building.

Join us for an inclusive gardening experience and learn about gardening, nutrition, and wellbeing for people with disabilities and beekeeping.

Participate in a beekeeping tour led by Javier Robles from Rutgers University, with his assistant Lauren Manley, focusing on how individuals with disabilities can engage in this rewarding activity.

Additional talks from the Alliance Center for Independence, led by Samantha Gavron, ACI CommUnity Market Manager, and Luke Koppisch, ACI Deputy Director.

This event is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and the public. For more information about transportation, please contact Dr. Natalie Schultz-Kahwaty at ns1199@mgsa.rutgers.edu

🌐 Zoom (links will be emailed to all participants who register)

Learn about NJSave, your one-stop application for benefits and savings in New Jersey!

NJSave is an online application to help low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses.

Presenter: Sheri-Rose Rubin, Esq. Assistant Professor, Middlesex College

Join us for a free and engaging workshop designed to boost your confidence and sharpen your public speaking skills! Whether you're preparing for advocacy, presenting a workshop, or just want to own the room - this interactive session is for you!

What you'll learn:

• How to structure a compelling message  

• Overcoming stage fright and nerves  

• Engaging your audience with clarity and presence  

• Effective use of body language and voice

Practice your skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Open to beginners and experienced speakers alike.

Limited to 15 people.

Let your voice be heard…because what you have to say matters!

NOTE: This event is full and registration is closed. Fill out the form below to be added to the wait list.

🌐 Zoom (links will be emailed to all participants who register)

Learn about NJSave, your one-stop application for benefits and savings in New Jersey!

NJSave is an online application to help low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses.

Presented by the Diabetes Foundation

Learn how to Understand Diabetes, Reduce Risk, and Cope — with strategic self-management tools to support you and your loved ones!

• Understand how diabetes affects your body

• Learn how to reduce the risk of diabetes complications

• Gain tools to manage stress and daily care

If you have any questions, call 201-444-0337 or email info@diabetesfoundationinc.org

Discover the captivating stories and rich heritage of Native American culture through the lens of Tchin (pronounced 'chin). A nationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning artist, Tchin brings a unique blend of artistry and tradition to every performance.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Tchin’s storytelling and artistry!

Refreshments will be served.

This event is made possible through the Arts Institute of Middlesex County.

About Tchin
A true Renaissance artist, Tchin excels as a musician, flute maker, folklorist, jewelry designer, educator, author, painter, and clothing designer. His remarkable talent and dedication have made him a cherished figure in the world of Native American art and culture. Learn more about Tchin here: themagicofstorytelling.com

💵 $5.00 per person

Come and decorate your very own canvas tote bag! They make great gifts! We will be painting under the direction of Cristina Hoyos Nuñez as she helps us with designs and materials.

Limited to 12 participants.

This event is made possible through the Arts Institute of Middlesex County.

NOTE: This event is currently full and registration is closed. Fill out the form below to be added to the wait list.

🌐 Zoom (links will be emailed to all participants who register)

Learn about NJSave, your one-stop application for benefits and savings in New Jersey!

NJSave is an online application to help low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses.

Presented by Hinkle, Prior, Fischer & Oberweis

This in-person presentation offers an opportunity for parents, guardians, and adults with disabilities to learn about various housing options for adults with disabilities.

Registration is required. Space is limited.

If you have any questions, please contact Victoria Romanienko at 732-738-4388 x128 or vromanienko@adacil.org

Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey (PLAN|NJ) will be coming to ACI to do an in person presentation on their services.

PLAN|NJ is a nonprofit organization that helps the families of people with disabilities answer the question: who will care for my loved one when I’m gone? They offer exemplary care coordination, guided oversight of financial affairs, and compassionate actions to enhance quality of life. They partner with families to provide their loved ones a lifetime of assistance.

Who should attend? Parents and caregivers of adults with disabilities who will need assistance with guided oversight of financial affairs and coordinated supports, while living independently.

Registration required. Space is limited.

NOTE: This event is full and registration is closed. Please contact Victoria Romanienko at vromanienko@adacil.org to be placed on a wait list.

💵 FREE!

ACI will be "serving" some winter fun with our Plate Decorating Workshop!

Join artist Monica Parikh as we learn to produce some exquisite decorative plates with gemstones and other colorful materials. Create your own work of art! They make great gifts!

Hot cocoa and light snacks will be served.

Limited to 12 participants.

NOTE: This event is currently full and registration is closed. Fill out the form below to be added to the wait list.

The event is sponsored by the Middlesex County Division of Arts and History, Department of Business Development and Education.

Presented by Alex M. Hilsen, Esq., LL.M., a Senior Partner Estate Planning Attorney who specializes in guardianship, special needs trusts, estate planning, estate litigation, probate, trusts and wills.

There will be a Q&A session after the presentation.

Who should attend? Parents and guardians of youth or adults with disabilities.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

This is an in-person event. Masks are optional.

Registration is required.

If you have any questions, please contact Victoria Romanienko at vromanienko@adacil.org

Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2025! Learn about what you need to know to make informed enrollment decisions and save money!

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15th to December 7th. This is the time for you to review your Medicare drug plan or consider Medicare Advantage Health Plans. Plans and benefits will have significant changes in 2025.

Come learn about the upcoming changes and get tools for making the best plan choices for you and your loved ones!

Register by November 8th.

ACI and WellPoint (formerly AmeriGroup) celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!

October is NDEAM, a campaign developed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Employment Policy to "celebrate the value and talent that workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy."

To recognize NDEAM, ACI has partnered with WellPoint to sponsor a workshop on job interview skills.

Free lunch will be served.

Marcial Hernandez Jr., a Public Affairs Specialist from the Union County District Office, will be coming to ACI for an overview of Social Security programs and online services.

Register by May 3rd.

COST: $5 per person

It's time to make our Mother's Day masterpieces again! Using various art supplies, you will create a personal card for your mom or that special someone you choose to honor and celebrate on this joyous holiday. You will certainly make this day memorable with your handmade expression of love and gratitude!

NOTE: This event is currently full and registration is closed. Fill out the form below to be added to the wait list.

Please join us for a workshop on the HomeSharing Program.

HomeSharing is a statewide nonprofit agency headquartered in Bridgewater that helps to match individuals who want to share their homes with individuals seeking alternative affordable housing. Steven Nagel, Executive Director of HomeSharing Inc., will be coming to ACI to discuss the agency's services.

Light refreshments will be served.

Accommodations made upon request.

Register by January 12th.

Jared Oberweis, Esg. from Hinkle, Prior & Fischer will be doing a presentation via Zoom about Working & Government Benefits. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.

You can attend this workshop from the comfort of your home!

NOTE: This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Jared Oberweis, Esg. from Hinkle, Prior & Fischer will be doing a presentation via Zoom about Demystifying Special Needs Trusts. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.

You can attend this workshop from the comfort of your home!

NOTE: This event is currently full and registration has been closed.

Preston is an ACI employee who is studying Fine Arts at the Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts. Come and learn the joy of painting under his guidance! All participants will keep their painting!

Please wear old clothing or bring a smock to protect your clothes. Paint is washable acrylic.

Space is limited.

If you have any questions, please contact promanienko@adacil.org

Jared Oberweis, Esg. from Hinkle, Prior & Fischer will be doing a presentation via Zoom about the Role of a Guardian & Trustee. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.

You can attend this workshop from the comfort of your home!

The Zoom link will be emailed to you after you register via the link below.

Let's get together and make some sticker art!

Lots of designs to choose from! After creating your art piece, we will back and frame it. Take it home and add your new decor to your living space!

NOTE: This event is currently full. Fill out the form below to be added to the waiting list.

Presented by Cristine Chickadel, ABLE Program Representative from the NJ Department of Human Services

For too long, people with disabilities could not save for the future out of fear of losing their benefits.

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act is a federal law providing tax-advantaged savings programs so individuals with disabilities can save and invest money without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits.

For information, contact Victoria Romanienko at 732-738-4388 or vromanienko@adacil.org

NOTE: This event is currently full and registration is closed.