Musicians Partner to Support Community Access Unlimited March 22-27

From pop to blues and rap to jazz, there’s something for everyone at a virtual concert fundraiser for Community Access Unlimited this week, March 22-27.

Banding Together features musical performances at 7 p.m. nightly on the CAU Facebook page. All proceeds will support programs at CAU.

Jefferson musician Jeiris Cook kicks off the six-night concert on Monday with his signature blend of blues, R&B and folk.

“I’m stoked to participate this time around,” said Cook. “I hope, number one, that CAU finds the support that they’re looking for. I hope that people leave with a greater sense of what CAU does, and I hope they leave feeling better than when they came because I believe music is therapy. Sometimes the right lyric will resonate with someone…I think music can connect with people in a way that is powerful.”

Banding Together will feature jazz violinist Richmond Punch on Tuesday, rapper Kosha Dillz on Wednesday, indie soul pop band Apollo Sonders on Thursday, R&B/soul singer Chrissie Limos on Friday, and pop/R&B singer Natalie Imani on Saturday. Guitarist Bruce Kulick, a long-time member of the band Kiss, will make a special guest appearance.

Jeiris Cook performs Monday night for Banding Together!

“We’re so pleased and excited to have this talented group of musicians performing for us,” said Saranya Thana, director of fundraising. “We have shifted our fundraising efforts to virtual events during the pandemic, and this event really brings us together to enjoy the arts from home.”

Banding Together donations will help CAU offset significant pandemic-related expenses such as personal protective equipment for members and staff, and supplies for creative at-home activities for members. The pandemic has greatly affected the operations of the agency, which has grown to offer virtual services, including virtual learning and employment services.

“Any opportunity for us to perform and give back to a community in need is a win-win,” said Nick Geremia, bassist in the four-piece Apollo Sonders. The Jersey City-based group draws inspiration from Amy Winehouse and Lake Street Dive, and was named one of the “Bands you Need to Hear in 2020” by NJ.com.

Apollo Sonders had been performing two to three times a month before the pandemic “ground everything to a halt,” Geremia said. The band is feeling hopeful about being able to perform again this summer or fall.

“Opportunities as a band have been few and far between for the past year,” Geremia said. “This event let us keep our chops up as a band while supporting Community Access.”

Apollo Sonders will perform Thursday night for Banding Together

CAU Couples Appreciate Their Valentines Through Pandemic Challenges

Jennifer Brown and Harold Harris attend the CAU Prom in 2019.

Last week, Harold Harris chose an engagement ring and picked up a red dress shirt for a celebration on Valentine’s Day. He said he couldn’t wait to officially propose to his girlfriend, Jennifer Brown.

Both Harris and Brown are members at CAU, and the two have been a couple since the CAU Prom in 2019. Jennifer agreed to go to the dance with Harold after talking to him on the phone every day, she said.

“He called me every day- he has respect and he dresses nicely,” she said of falling for Harris. “We get along well.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a test for relationships over the last year, forcing couples to endure separation, stress and problem-solving under difficult circumstances. Couples with disabilities in New Jersey have faced additional challenges due to state-mandated visitation restrictions at residential programs and other closures affecting their regular schedules.

Jennifer and Harold and another CAU couple, George Cluen and Donna Larsen, revealed that their love has strengthened over the past year as they turned to each other for support.

“The only issue is that we can’t really see each other since this pandemic started…it’s hard to see each other and have social distancing,” Brown said. “The last time we saw each other was Christmas.”

Though they were apart during much of 2020, Brown and Harris realized that they were ready to take the next step in their relationship. The couple started planning last Labor Day to get married in 2021, and have set a date that can’t come soon enough, July 31.

“I’m looking toward the date,” Harris said. “We love each other very much.”

George Cluen and Donna Larsen have been together for 35 years and also met through CAU as members in residential programs.

Donna Larsen and George Cluen met as members of CAU and have been together for 35 years.

“We met at a friend’s house,” Cluen said. “We started talking, and I let her talk and just listened. She said, ‘I can tell you anything.’”

Larsen said she was first drawn to Cluen’s blue eyes, and said that one thing she loves about him is that he appreciates her cooking. Both said some of their favorite memories together have been made at CAU Couples Night because they enjoy socializing with other couples.

“We don’t really fight or argue or have disagreements, so that’s a good thing,” Larsen said.

Like Harris and Brown, Cluen and Larsen have had few visits with each other during the pandemic because they live at different residential programs.

“I’m hoping we can see each other on Valentine’s Day,” Cluen said. I would like to take her out to dinner and I usually buy her flowers.”

Until it is considered safe for the couple to see each other more often, Cluen and Larsen said they would continue to talk on the phone every day. They are looking forward to an end to the pandemic and possibly moving in together.

“I love her with all my heart,” Cluen said.

Tagged with: couples, disability, love, valentine's day

CAU Works with Amazon to Support Jobs for People with Disabilities

Wilford Edwards completes a training session in December to start working at an Amazon sortation center in New Jersey.

Community Access Unlimited is working with Amazon to help people with disabilities in New Jersey begin new careers working for the retailer.

Amazon has made a commitment to “building and supporting an inclusive workforce,” which may include supported employment such as job coaching, accommodations such as an ASL interpreter or different interview format, and accessibility accommodations, according to their website.

Several members at CAU completed trainings in December and started working at an Amazon sortation center this winter.

“It’s an integrated work environment,” said Sandra Lynch, assistant executive director of employment at CAU. “We’re working with Amazon to make sure the members are successful at their jobs.”

Member Robert Cappello had been working at a fast food restaurant but was furloughed in 2020 due to COVID-19. With the help of his job coach, Robert completed the application process at Amazon and was hired. He said he is excited to be working in the community again and has been busy learning how to scan boxes and load pallets at the sortation center.

“I’m really happy,” Robert said. “My coworkers treat me well even though I haven’t worked there that long. I really didn’t have any money before to pay my phone bill, but now I pay it and my rent and cable bills.”

Robert added that he received a thoughtful gift from his manager for Christmas- a pair of insoles to help keep him comfortable while on his feet working.

Referred to the CAU Employment Department by DVRS of Union County, Wilford Edwards struggled with employment since becoming physically disabled ten years ago. He now has his first job since being disabled and says that he is glad to be starting a new venture to support himself. He also hopes to find a new wheelchair-accessible apartment, further his education and receive a trade certificate.

“One of my main goals is to get a place for myself where I can have more living convenience- that is what I am really working for,” he said.

Wilford’s job coach visits him at work and checks that he can perform his duties without problems.

“Once I’m in a position working and I understand what I’m doing, I don’t need a lot of supervision and I don’t make the same mistakes all the time,” Wilford said.

Positions members have found at Amazon have room for upward growth, Lynch said, such as shift supervision roles or opportunity to become a trainer.

CAU is excited to continue working with Amazon to help more individuals with disabilities find job opportunities and grow in their careers. CAU offers comprehensive career planning, prevocational training and supported employment for small groups and individuals. The Employment Services team acts as a liaison between employers and members to facilitate a win-win relationship for both parties.

“At Amazon we celebrate the diversity of our workforce and are committed to providing a safe, accessible and inclusive workplace for all employees,” said Amazon Spokesperson Jenna Hilzenrath. “These associates hired through Community Access Unlimited are talented and bring various skills, experiences and diverse backgrounds – and we’re proud to help them accomplish their goals.”

Contact CAU at 908-354-3040 to ask about Employment Services, or email us at info@caunj.org

Tagged with: careers, diversity, employment, training

CAU members receive some winter warmth with coats donation from Delivering Good

CAU members have received new winter coats to help keep them warm and comfortable this season thanks to a generous donation from Delivering Good.

CAU received 300 coats from the organization, which first reached out to CAU with an interest in supporting our youth programs. Delivering Good was able to supply enough win

ter coats to outfit all members in residential programs who needed them. Delivering Good is a nonprofit organization that unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support

people affected by poverty and tragedy, according to their website.

“I have it on right now, it’s a good fit and a very warm, good quality coat,” said member Chantel Bell, who said she was in need of a new coat this season. “I want to give a thank you for it!”

Programs picked up their jackets recently, just in time for the cold winter weather.

CAU member Hazel also said she was happy to receive a nice jacket in her favorite colors, pink and black.

“It’s really good and I thank them so much, I really appreciate it,” she said.

Delivering Good is one of many organizations and individuals making a difference at CAU with donations to support our members. We recognize our supporters in a variety of ways throughout the year, including in our annual report.

“We want to thank Delivering Good for reaching out to us and wanting to help support our members by providing them with warm winter coats,” said Saranya Thana, fundraising director at CAU. “All the members were appreciative and very excited to get a new jacket.”

Organizations and individuals who would like to learn more about the many ways to support CAU may contact Saranya Thana at SThana@caunj.org. You can also make a donation and learn more on our support us page!

Tagged with: communityaccessunlimited, donation

Happy Holidays! And Thanks from CAU to You

The holidays are bright at Community Access Unlimited, and we want to thank those who are helping to make it extra special this year.

Members of the community have supported CAU in a host of ways through the challenges of this year, from donating personal protective equipment to help keep us safe, to donating funds that directly impact the programs we operate every day.

This holiday season we would like to thank the Newark Food Bank, Delivering Good, Holiday Express and Healing and Deliverance Temple of God in Christ Jesus for their generosity and coordination to bring smiles to our members with their amazing donations.

We would also like to thank our valued CAU supporters for all donations made this year. All donations of $100 or more will be recognized individually in our next Annual Report.

Thanks to our supporters, CAU members received an assortment of delicious foods for a home-cooked Thanksgiving and Christmas Day meal (from the Newark Food Bank), holiday gifts including backpacks and duffle bags filled with cold-weather essentials and toiletries (from Holiday Express and Healing and Deliverance Temple of God in Christ Jesus), and members will be receiving 300 brand-new winter coats (via Delivering Good). CAU members were also treated to a virtual concert from Holiday Express.

CAU member Berta Ramirez said she was pleased to receive stuffed animals from Holiday Express and is looking forward to Christmas Day and cooking lasagna. She said she made holiday drawings to give as gifts to everyone she lives with.

“I’m most excited about presents and love,” Ramirez said. “I love my family but I can’t see them because of the coronavirus. I always talk to them on the video chat. I care about them and I’m happy they’re safe.”

We wish to sincerely thank all of the individuals and organizations who contribute to CAU and wish them a very happy holiday season!

“We appreciate these different organizations reaching out to help us in many different ways, with food and with winter coats for members,” said Director of Fundraising Saranya Thana. “It will definitely help bring in the holiday spirit and keep our members warm through the holiday season.”

Tagged with: disability, donation, giving, holidays, quarantine

CAU Recognizes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

In New Jersey and in places around the world in 2020, people with disabilities faced increased risks related to COVID-19, extensive job losses, and mandated closures of critical in-person programs and services that support their well-being, goals and independence.

According to new research from the National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support at the University of Pittsburgh, caregivers of those with developmental disabilities were more likely to report having less support for their child’s educational goals, trouble accessing child care, loss of employment or reduced work hours and increased financial strain.

Disability inclusion is essential as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, CAU is reflecting on our commitment to creating a more inclusive world and the triumphs of our members through the challenges of this year.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992 with the aim to promote the rights of people with disabilities and awareness of their situations in political, social, economic and cultural life around the world.

CAU and other agencies serving people with disabilities have adapted and continue to adapt to best meet the needs of members through this time. From offering virtual services for life skills, employment, education, behavioral health and more, to creating daily and weekly challenges to enrich time spent at home in CAU residential programs, our members and staff continue to work together to reach their goals.

“It’s been helpful to have my staff to get through everything,” said member Genevieve Smith. “I look forward to going back to reading, math and art at day program.”

For member Jessica Gaeta, virtual educational services have been a good fit to continue to study music and theater, self-help, math, history, and visual and digital art.

“It was hard to get used to at first but it’s really good for me right now,” Gaeta said. “I love to be doing art a lot and I like studying it too…the teachers do a good job of making it exciting.”

People with disabilities are also among the essential workers keeping business moving through the pandemic. Member Reginald Payne braved the rush on supermarkets early this year as an employee at ShopRite and Target.

“If I didn’t have a job it would be hard to take care of myself,” Payne said. “I pay my bills like rent, internet and my phone bill.”

CAU members are also speaking up about advocating for safety and helping each other through the pandemic.

“I’m doing something important- we have to keep the members safe,” said Tabitha Floyd, a member and employee who ensures CAU residential programs are sanitized as part of the mobile cleaning crew. “I tell them to wear their masks to be safe.”

Tagged with: disability

How to Vote in New Jersey: Election 2020

The freedom to vote in America is your political right! Read on to learn how to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election.

Election Day is Nov. 3!

How to Vote by Mail:

Each active registered NJ voter should have received a vote by mail ballot. Your ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3 and be received by your county’s Board of Elections on or before November 10.

OR: You can drop off your ballot at a secure ballot drop box, deliver it to your county Board of Elections office, or bring it to your polling place.

Find a ballot drop box location

Find your Board of Elections office

Only you, the voter, can bring your ballot to your polling place on Election Day.

How to Fill Out Your Mail-In Ballot:

How to Vote at the Polls on Nov. 3:

There will be at least one polling location available in every municipality in the state and each county will operate at least 50% of its normal polling location capacity. Voters who do not receive a vote by mail ballot or who prefer to vote in person will cast a paper ballot at their designated polling location.

Voters with disabilities that prevent them from voting by paper ballot will have access to a voting assistance device.

Find my pollin g location

Voting as a Person with a Disability at the Polls:

Before you will be allowed to vote with a machine, you will have to sign a certification attesting that you cannot complete a paper ballot.

More information on voting with a machine in NJ

Voting Accessibility in Union County

Voting: It’s Your Right

This voting resource developed by the Bogg’s Center answers questions such as:

-What is voting?

-What should I know about my voting rights?

-Who can vote in a government election?
-What should I do to prepare to vote?

Questions? Need assistance? Contact Disability Rights NJ at (609) 292-9742.

Tagged with: accessibility, advocacy, disability, election, voting

Developmental Disabilities Employment Awareness Makes Business Better

Developmental Disability Employment Awareness is More Important than Ever in 2020

Hiring people with disabilities is not just a step toward being an inclusive part of your community- it’s also good business sense.

October is Developmental Disabilities Employment Awareness Month, an observance made more important this year in light of job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of new job growth for people with disabilities has slowed in recent years. Between March and April 2020, coinciding with business closures and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the percent of adults with disabilities currently working decreased by nearly a quarter, declining from 18% to 14%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly Current Population Survey.

Businesses that actively seek to employ people with disabilities outperform businesses that do not, according to a 2018 study by Accenture in partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities. Their revenues were 28% higher, net income was two times more, and profit margins were higher by 30%. Businesses that hire people with disabilities also showed a major boost in employee retention.

People with disabilities seeking assistance in their job search or job readiness training, as well as businesses looking to hire people with disabilities in New Jersey can contact Community Access Unlimited. CAU is an Elizabeth-based nonprofit that seeks to integrate individuals into the community through comprehensive supports.

“Everybody brings different skills, talents, experience and a diverse background to work,” said CAU Assistant Executive Director of Employment Sandra Lynch. “It [hiring people with disabilities] brings more talent to the workforce. People need to look at it as an opportunity, not an extra chore.”

CAU member Reginald Payne has worked at ShopRite for 28 years and also works at Target. He collects shopping carts and completes in-store maintenance, and he has a CAU job coach who makes weekly check-ins at his stores “to make sure I’m doing well and have no complaints,” Payne said.

“If I didn’t have a job it would be hard to take care of myself,” Payne said. “I pay my bills like rent, internet and my phone bill.”

CAU member Megan Modero was searching for a part-time job for much of the year. After 6 months of searching and with assistance from employment support counselor Feyikemi Jacob, Modero was thrilled to start a new job at Office Depot in late August. Modero cleans and organizes the store and will be training to be a sales consultant.

“It was pretty hard finding a job with the pandemic, I was going thru a rough time and a lot of job searching,” Modero said. “Once I found this position I was comfortable with my job, it’s exciting for me.”

Modero said she was getting married in October and said she is relieved to have a regular income before the big day.

“I like getting paid,” Modero said. “We’re going on a honeymoon to Virginia so I’m very happy and satisfied to have some money before I go on my vacation.”

The Employment Services team acts as a liaison between employers and members to facilitate a win-win relationship for both parties. CAU offers comprehensive career planning, prevocational training and supported employment for small groups and individuals. Whether an individual is seeking life skills training for job readiness or is searching for their dream position, CAU is equipped to provide the employment support needed.

Tagged with: business, disability, employment, work

CAU Holds Virtual Walkathon and Celebrates Supporting Each Other Through Pandemic

CAU kept up its annual walkathon tradition on Saturday, albeit in a virtual format, to support services for people with special needs.

Donations are still being accepted (Sorry, this link no longer works) for the Ira Geller Walkathon and will support services as well as help cover expenses incurred due to COVID-19.

With some of the CAU community coming together to walk safely with members of their households in Warinanco Park in Roselle, the virtual walk was an opportunity for the community to rally in support of the agency, and for members and staff to meet with friends. Attendees walked in their own communities and tracked their progress on the Nike Run Club app.

At Warinanco Park, members spoke about returning to programs and work, finding new jobs, and the importance helping one another through the pandemic.

One youth services member in the Transitional Opportunities Program, Shaquin Ingram, started working as a medical assistant this summer at Trinitas

Regional Medical Center. Fellow TOP member Ramone Cajigas said he was planning to start college this fall to study psychology to pursue a career as a psychiatrist or mental health counselor.

“I like nursing and I like helping people, and seeing different things in the hospital, Ingram said. “I want to become a registered nurse.”

Other CAU members and staff also reflected on the values of helping people or a passion for supporting others, especially during the pandemic.

Assistant support counselor Omosefe Idemudia joined CAU in July; she said she wasn’t afraid of working in direct care during the pandemic.

“I wanted to work here because I like helping other people,” Idemudia said. “I like taking care of people and doing whatever they need. We try to get our members out of the program as much as possible by going on walks or to the park.”

It is exciting news for CAU members and staff that the phased reopening of New Jersey includes a reopening of day programs this month for people with disabilities, as well as other services, such as employment programs.

“It’s been helpful to have my staff to get through everything,” said member Genevieve Smith. “I look forward to going back to reading, math and art at day program.”

As crucial programs reopen for people with special needs, provider agencies are tasked not only with intense planning and safety requirements, but also fundraising to help offset the costs of safety and reorganization through the pandemic.

“We had a successful turnout today and I think everyone was happy to see each other,” said Saranya Thana, director of fundraising. “We have had to rethink funding tactics for the remainder of the year and ask for continued support from our wonderful friends in the community.”

CAU will be holding a virtual auction fundraiser in mid-October in lieu of an annual gala. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations. To become a sponsor or to learn more about these opportunities, contact Saranya Thana at SThana@caunj.org or 908.354.3040 ext. 4376.

Tagged with: donation, nonprofit, walk, walkathon

What is a DSP? CAU Celebrates DSP Recognition Week!

What is a Direct Support Professional (DSP)?

Direct Support Professionals work directly with people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into their community or the least restrictive environment.

Direct Support Professionals are more than just service workers- they become part of members’ lives and serve as advocates to help ensure people with disabilities have what they need to increase their independence. They encourage integration and improve cultural attitudes about people with disabilities. A DSP may provide supports to a person with a disability at home, work, school, church, and other community places.

CAU’s professionals are currently serving 350 people with developmental disabilities and youth-at-risk living in 60 residential programs throughout Union County, NJ, with another 1,000 individuals and families served in the community.

CAU DSPs are frontline heroes during the coronavirus pandemic- they are going above and beyond the call of duty to support members through the major disruptions caused in their lives this year. We recognize their tenacity and commitment in meeting these challenges to provide the very best support to members.

Our DSPs assist members with daily life activities and ensure they have access to virtual and in-person services such as day habilitation, employment services, behavioral supports, assistive technology and more. These vital programs have continued through the pandemic with their assistance and input.

DSP Appreciation week is a week-long celebration of our outstanding Direct Support Professionals!

Help us celebrate them with a shout out for the amazing DSP in your life on Facebook using #DSPRW2020 and tag CAU!

Musicians Partner to Support Community Access Unlimited March 22-27