Remembering the Homeless and Organizing to Make a Difference in Union County

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What do the world’s religions tell us about the homeless and the needy?

Leaders of different faiths shared prevailing teachings on charity, generosity and poverty Thursday at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rahway. The memorial vigil honored the lives of people who have died due to homelessness in Union County.

The 4^th annual vigil was held just before the longest night of the year, the winter solstice, to symbolize the struggle of those who are homeless and who often live out their lives on cold streets or in dangerous abandoned buildings.

The Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council organized the event with local agencies involved in the fight against homelessness: Community Access Unlimited and The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless. CAU is a Union County-based, statewide nonprofit that strives to integrate people with disabilities and at-risk youth into the general community through comprehensive supports.

The city of Elizabeth is losing federal Housing and Urban Development funding in 2020 for homelessness-related services under the Emergency Solutions Grant initiative.

“The fact that we have lost this money in Elizabeth will increase demand for county funds that will be spread thinner,” said Carolee Marano, assistant executive director of development at CAU, which will lose $40,000 in grant funding. “The cuts in HUD funding decrease our budget for homeless prevention programs and we are concerned about a rise in homelessness in the county. We are also concerned about a rise in homelessness among youth.”

CAU operates the only youth-only shelter in Union County and runs services to support their health and future independence. In addition to the County youth shelter, CAU also operates 3 federal programs under the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act: one shelter, a transitional living program for females, and one for males. CAU also provides rent assistance to prevent homelessness.

Linda Flores-Tober, executive director of the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, reflected on circumstances that can push a person or family into homelessness.

“There’s more to the story than ‘I couldn’t find a job,’” Flores-Tober said. “What we see are a lot of people who didn’t get engaged in the Division of Developmental Disabilities system and now the parents are not able to take care of them.”

Flores-Tober attributed 5 deaths in Elizabeth to homelessness in 2019.

Faith speakers quoted teachings that the faithful are called by God to relieve the less fortunate of their trials or difficulties. Father Sebastian Obando of St. Michael’s Church in Cranford acknowledged that Jesus Christ would fit the modern description of homelessness.

“It’s really a service of remembrance, because frankly if we didn’t remember them, nobody would,” said Rev. Carmine Pernini of Zion Church.

Parishioners at his church took people in this winter as part of Operation Warm Heart – an emergency winter sheltering program run by the Elizabeth Coalition.

“It’s lifesaving work – not very many people are willing to open their doors, so people of faith come together to do it,” Pernini said.

Attendees sang and lit candles for 45 people who have died due to homelessness.

Pernini and Flores-Tober acknowledged the strong correlation between funding for homelessness services and saving people from the cold.

On the night of January 22, 2019, a total of 438 people were experiencing homelessness in Union County, according to the 2019 Point-In-Time Count. A total of 39 persons were unsheltered on the night of the count, and 375 of the total homeless persons were in Elizabeth.

Rev. Ron Thompson of Townley Presbyterian Church in Union spoke about the universal responsibility to care for people in need.

“All faiths agree on the dignity of people,” he said.

Valley Bank Supports CAU Housing for People with Disabilities

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The final touches are complete on a brand new house in Union built by Community Access Unlimited.

The project was supported in part by a $10,000 grant from Valley Bank. It will soon be home to four women in a supported living program for people with disabilities.

CAU is a Union County-based, statewide nonprofit that strives to integrate people with disabilities and at-risk youth into the general community through comprehensive supports. The organization owns roughly 270 units of integrated housing throughout Union County and is continuing to expand to help meet the housing needs of people with disabilities and at-risk youth. Over one-third of the units are accessible to people with physical disabilities, and CAU’s property management team can modify homes based on individual needs, such as ramps, lowered countertops, or specialized fire alarms and doorbells for those with hearing impairments.

Valley Bank market manager and vice president Mary Ann Beltz visited the CAU office in Elizabeth this month to present the grant to CAU executive director Bernadette Griswold.

“We are proud to open the doors of this new program as we continue to expand housing and supports for people with special needs in New Jersey,” Griswold said. “We thank Valley National Bank for their continued support.”

Valley has been a longtime partner and supporter of agency initiatives, and has offered financial literacy training for members and employees.

“We have been very supportive of CAU since we came on board,” Beltz said.

Meet New York Marathon Runner Robbie!

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Running just comes naturally for 24-year-old Robbie Matos- and he’s picking up speed.

The Springfield native breezed to a 4:03:59 finish in the world’s largest marathon in New York City on Nov. 3, completing with the top third of runners.

Robbie is a CAU member who attends the Academy of Continuing Education in Cranford, where he studies theater, upper level math and science.

He trained at the gym and with running groups to prepare, and was able to maintain a pace of 9:19 minutes per mile with the experience of running his seventh marathon since he started in 2016.

“It felt great,” Robbie said. “I hope I can do it again sometime.”

He has completed the Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon four times and the Philadelphia Marathon twice. Robbie also plays forward on his Special Olympics soccer team, the Greyhawks, and played basketball in high school in addition to running.

“He’s a great student,” added Robin Morris-Marano, ACE director. Robbie also fills out his schedule with a job at Staples.

The toughest stretch of the 26.2 miles was crossing the Queensboro Bridge and running up to Harlem, Robbie said, but the cheering crowds of Harlem were motivating. Family and friends also attended the race to cheer him on.

“It calms me down when I get stressed or angry,” Robbie said of his love for running.

He plans to continue taking classes at ACE and looks forward to taking a college course in one of his favorite subjects, math or science.

Community Access Unlimited Awarded $15,000 Major Grant from The Provident Bank Foundation

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Community Access Unlimited (CAU) has been awarded a $15,000 grant by The Provident Bank Foundation through their Major Grant program in support of Community and Civic Engagement programming.

The program aims to empower at-risk youth through advocacy and leadership training to reduce social and class inequalities and improve their lives.

CAU is a Union County-based, statewide nonprofit that works to ensure that people with disabilities and at-risk youth, through comprehensive supports, have access to the same opportunities to live an integrated, independent, included life in the community as the general population.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant to expand CAU’s efforts in community and civic engagement for young people,” said CAU Executive Director Bernadette Griswold. “Advocacy is at the heart of what we do.”

PBF Executive Director Jane Kurek was accompanied by Foundation Associate Samantha Plotino and Assistant Vice President Banking Center Manager Donna Purdon in presenting the grant to CAU on Nov. 20.

“The Provident Bank Foundation is honored to help further initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of residents in our local area,” Kurek said. “We are pleased to support organizations that contribute to a sense of community and offer a diverse set of programs that make people healthier, happier and safer.”

“Something like this comes across our desks and it just ignites this passion to make sure people know they can create change,” Plotino added.

The goal of the Major Grant is to support organizations that have identified an immediate need in the community and for the individuals they serve. The Provident Bank Foundation’s funding directly supports efforts to enhance the quality of life in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania communities served by Provident Bank through three Funding Priority Areas: Community Enrichment, Education, and Health, Youth & Families.

About Community Access Unlimited

Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating its 40th year in 2019, supports people with special needs in achieving real lives in the community. CAU provides support and gives voice to adults and youth who traditionally have little power in society. CAU helps people with housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities. CAU also supports opportunities for advocacy through training in assertiveness, decision-making and civil rights. CAU currently serves more than 5,000 individuals and families statewide, with the number served growing each year. For more information about CAU’s services and employment opportunities, contact us by phone at 908.354.3040, online at www.caunj.org or by mail at 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.

About The Provident Bank Foundation

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $25 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.

Tagged with: advocacy, civic, grant, training, youth

What are we Thankful for this Year?

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Joyce Cargle was not sure how much she had to be thankful for five years ago after being diagnosed with cancer. Since then she has had chemotherapy, undergone an operation for a hernia and suffered a leg injury.

Yet today, Cargle, a person with disabilities, is in full remission, her other ailments have passed and she is all smiles as she prepares for a hearty Thanksgiving dinner and watching the parade on television.

Cargle is a longtime member of Community Access Unlimited. She lives in a CAU-owned apartment and works at the agency in the housecleaning crew. Her Thanksgiving dinner is being prepared by CAU staff members.

“I’m thankful because I’m still living,” Cargle said. “I’ve taken a beating and I’m still ticking. I’m thankful because I have a home, food, a good job and a great job coach. And I’m grateful for the staff here at Community Access. They’ve been there for me. Junie Dorceus took me to my first chemo treatment.”

Cargle came to CAU 25 years ago. While she has always enjoyed being a member, the last five years have made her even more appreciative of what the agency does for her, she said.

Radley Anderson was unsure of what to be thankful for just a few months ago. Anderson, a person with disabilities, had always lived with his mother in historic Bristol, Rhode Island, until she passed away earlier this year. He moved to South Bound Brook in New Jersey to live with his cousin but both felt Anderson would be better supported by Community Access Unlimited. He has been a member since August and is thankful for the support he receives from the agency.

“I’m thankful for my cousin and the rest of my family,” Anderson said. “And I’m thankful for CAU. I like the camaraderie and they have all the services I need to thrive.”

Anderson lives in a CAU-owned apartment and is working with a job coach to identify the ideal type of job for him.

“I’d like to get something working with people,” he said.

Anderson will spend Thanksgiving with his cousin, enjoying the food and parade but not watching football.

“I’m the only person from New England who doesn’t like the Patriots,” he said with a smile.

Tagged with: disability, health, holiday, thanksgiving

Assistive Tech is in your Hands at CAU

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Assistive technology (AT) is moving the needle for communication for people with developmental disabilities.

At school, students who are nonverbal or have limited speech are often loaned tablets equipped with communication augmentation apps such as Proloquo2Go. While the tech isn’t new, it is continually improved and embraced in schools and at home. Other examples of assistive tech students with disabilities might use include note-taking software or video magnifiers- it all depends on their needs.

“It’s been extremely busy,” said CAU Assistant Executive Director of Membership Services William Busch. Busch is a certified Assistive Technology Professional who can make recommendations for many AT options, for everything from wheelchair access to software, and purchase the tech with the individual’s budget. In a little over a year, 35 people have been assessed for and got AT with help from CAU.

After students graduate from high school programs, they usually return any tablets on loan and must make a decision. Do they want to use AT at home and in their adult lives?

Proloquo2Go and other programs are customizable for easy access to everyday communication commands.

“Imagine a student who has been using it for 7 years, how much adapting has been done in the application,” Busch said.

John, 22, had used a tablet at school for years and recently got his own with help from CAU.

“We want to find something he’s interested in,” for a supported volunteer or job opportunity, said his mom Lee. “John is going to need that augmentative communication device in various scenarios… We’ve got to see what the environment is calling for. The nice thing is the device is very user friendly.”

Proloquo2Go sample menu

Lee understands her son’s limited speech and said she is interested to see how he will use the tablet to improve communication with new people.

“There is no doubt that early on, hearing the device speak helped him pronounce and understand the words better,” she added.

For now, John is attending a day habilitation program and looks forward to working with a new speech therapist, Lee said.

Kristie, 26, also recently purchased a tablet and uses the First Then app to structure her day.

“We program a daily schedule for Kristie to follow her routine,” said her mother Amal. “She likes to know her routine first – I use it also to help her choose her rewards.”

First Then allows users to create timed activities and customize using their own photos.

“Her language actually is very limited…sometimes she’ll use the picture exactly for what she needs,” Amal said.

Busch will meet with families to learn more about an individual’s needs and make sure everyone knows how to use and update any new tech. This year he assisted a Middlesex County Community College Student, Andre, who is blind, with an OrCam wearable device that reads aloud when he looks at pages, signs and more.

“I love learning about what tech is available and how it can serve people to allow them to be more independent,” Busch said.

Tagged with: assistive technology, disability, speech therapy, tablet, technology

Women of Faith Share Experience, Unity at UCICC Conference

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A night of solidarity and faith gathered women and men for a conference Oct. 29 at CAU headquarters in Elizabeth.

Under a “United and Empowered” theme, six women with diverse experiences in faith and work sought to share universal lessons about spirituality and serving others.

“We recognize that women do a lot in the background in ministry and faith,” said Michelle Mobley, an organizer of the Women of Faith conference with the Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council. “The faith community as a whole I think is divided, and I want everyone to have an awareness that we share the same concerns in the community.”

Several panelists spoke about such shared concerns for the Union County area and beyond- including drug abuse, alcoholism and homelessness.

Cathy Waters, Program Director of the Union County Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative at Urban League, spoke to the unique challenges women can face when returning to society, such as regaining custody of their children. She said that the organization has female faith-based mentors available to offer support.

“A lot of women need support and positive feedback, a spiritual boost,” said Simeria Dewalt, a speaker who told the crowd that she faced losing her children to the foster care system when she was incarcerated. “If you don’t have that spiritual foundation, you’re bound to any negative thing because you’re open to it.”

People of faith who visited prison offered hope, she said.

“That showed me that someone out there cared.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Odessa McNeill called upon women to find unity and stand up against what is wrong, bearing burdens like the lost Hebrew tribe of Issachar.

“We have to know what our assignment is,” McNeill said. “You women here today know what America needs, what your community needs…seize the opportunity to make a difference and do what is necessary to bring about change.”

Other speakers were Rev. Leanora Colley of New Covenant Church in Plainfield, Rabbi Rachel Salston, an active member of East Brunswick Jewish Center, life coach Elise Antoine, and Eman El-Badawi, who spoke on myths of Muslim women.

Attendee Niki Sumka, a family support specialist for Prevention Links, said she came to the event to network and spread awareness of substance abuse prevention and recovery services. In her experience, faith leaders are often supportive of people dealing with these problems.

“A lot of times one of the first people someone turns to is a member of the faith community,” she said. “Also, a place of worship can be important self-care for family members.”

Rev. Coley roused the crowd in speaking about equal opportunity for women in ministry- or the lack thereof.

“Women have historically been disenfranchised from leadership roles only because of their gender…yet it often appears that the ranks of the faithful are dominated by women,” she said.

The topic of women becoming priests is still taboo, and an active fight, with women protesting the ban at the Vatican as recently as about a week ago, Coley shared. Campaigners who gathered in Rome on Oct. 22 said lifting the ban would save the Catholic Church where it is failing to ordain enough men.

“The power that a woman has was not given by man, it was given by God,” Coley said. “We are called by our Creator for a mighty purpose and we must fulfill that purpose.”

For more information about Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council, please contact Rod Spearman at 908-354-3040 ext. 4324 or rspearman@caunj.org

Workers with Disabilities Praised During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Each day Sharon Bravo and Chavia Crute travel from their homes in Elizabeth to Irvington High School to work in the cafeteria, helping to prepare and serve meals and clean the kitchen afterward. According to Krystal Tanneer, food service director for Whitsons School Nutrition, which operates the school’s food services, Bravo and Crute are two of her best and most reliable employees.

As persons with developmental disabilities, Bravo and Crute are excellent examples of why people with disabilities who are employed are celebrated during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is October.

“They’re two of our best employees,” Tanner said. “They’re very reliable and hardworking and extremely pleasant.”

Added Melika Coles, kitchen location manager, “I don’t have to tell Sharon what to do. She knows what task to do and when to move on. Chavia is like my right hand person.”

Bravo and Crute both say they love their jobs.

“I’m a people person and I like to be treated like other people like to be treated,” Crute said.

Bravo agreed.

“I like working with the people here,” she said. “I really enjoy them.”

Bravo and Crute got their jobs with Whitsons through the Employment Services Department at Community Access Unlimited (CAU), where they are members. CAU is a Union County-based, statewide nonprofit that strives to integrate people with disabilities and at-risk youth into the general community through comprehensive supports.

CAU provides members with career planning, prevocational training and supported employment services, according to Sandra Lynch, CAU’s assistant executive director of employment services. The agency also works closely with employers who partner with CAU to ensure the member and the job are a good fit, she said. Job coaches also regularly visit the members at work to make sure they and their employers are happy.

In addition, CAU recently expanded its efforts helping high school students with disabilities transition to a successful adult life with access to integrated competitive employment through grants from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Kessler Foundation, Lynch added.

Tanner could not be more pleased with the partnership with CAU, she said.

“Whitsons is an equal opportunity employer,” she said. “We feel people with disabilities have something valuable to offer. After our first year partnering with Community Access, we had good experiences with the agency and their members so it encouraged us to continue.”

More than 70 CAU members are employed, with service time ranging from one to more than 30 years, according to Lynch. In addition to Whitsons, employment partners include NJ Transit, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, ShopRite, McDonald’s, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Target, Marshall’s, the Swan Motel, the Humane Society and Wendy’s.

More than 18.6 million Americans with disabilities aged 16-64 are employed. Yet while the unemployment rate for people without disabilities in 2018 was 3.7 percent, that of people with disabilities was 8.0 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Lynch believes businesses that do not employee people with disabilities are missing out on quality workers.

Studies show that employees with disabilities are absent less frequently than those without disabilities and are more likely to stay at their job. A study by The Chicago Lighthouse focusing on workers in a local call center found employees with a disability had a retention rate nearly twice as long as those without a disability. In addition, employees with disabilities are less likely to get work-related injuries because they tend to be more aware of safety issues than those without disabilities, research shows.

Employing people with disabilities increases a company’s diversity, which has been documented to benefit businesses in such areas as enhanced customer service and improved return on investment and sales. According to human resources and recruitment firm Brazen, diverse workforces result in better decision-making and improved customer service.

Finally, businesses that employ people with disabilities may qualify for a number of tax incentives, including the Disabled Access Credit, Barrier Removal Tax Deduction and Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

“At a time when businesses are having trouble filling open positions due to very low unemployment, people with disabilities offer employers a wonderful opportunity to gain reliable workers who are happy to be employed and are dedicated to their jobs,” Lynch said. “Nine times out of 10 they will be the best employees they ever had.”

Local businesses that would like to learn more about working with CAU to hire people with disabilities should contact Lynch at 908.354.3040, ext. 4589, or slynch@caunj.org.

Tagged with: disability, employment, services, training, work

Eric LeGrand Inspires Youth Services Professionals at CAU

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Eric LeGrand lied paralyzed on the football field at MetLife Stadium nine years ago, struggling to breathe and thinking he was going to die. Today the former Rutgers University football player considers himself truly blessed and encourages others to always find reason to be positive in the face of challenges.

That message was particularly poignant when LeGrand spoke to a rapt audience of youth services professionals at the 7^th Annual Youth Services Networking Conference, held this week at Community Access Unlimited in Elizabeth.

The conference participants came from an array of nonprofit and government agencies that support at-risk youth, often seeing the most trying circumstances while working with young people who frequently have little about which to feel positive.

LeGrand was paralyzed Oct. 16, 2010, when he fractured his C3 and C4 vertebrae making a tackle against Army. He and his family were told he would never again be able to breathe without a ventilator, eat solid food or walk. Within days he was breathing on his own and by Thanksgiving eating a full holiday dinner. He plans to one day walk again, returning to MetLife Stadium, lying down on the field and then rising to walk off on his own.

In the meantime, LeGrand has dedicated his life to motivating others to always stay positive and raising money for the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, a goal that has passed $1 million.

LeGrand told the audience that despite his sense of commitment and perseverance honed by years of playing football, it was difficult for him to allow others to help care for him.

“It wasn’t easy for me to trust other people,” he said. “When you talk to someone who needs your help, talk to them so they trust you. You never know where a conversation might lead in this world.

“In life, we have to appreciate the things we do have,” he continued. “We all are going to have some adversity. How you handle it is going to be what defines you.”

LeGrand told the youth services professionals that success is “the peace of mind you get when you did everything you could to be the best you could be.”

Also speaking at the conference was James Bedoya, who was raised by a single mother in Jamaica, Queens, lived in the projects, faced prejudice for his Latino heritage and found his way into crime and drugs. When he was arrested as a sophomore in high school, it was a pivotal moment that helped him set a new direction for his life, he told the audience.

Bedoya graduated high school and went on to Seton Hall University, where he currently has a 3.6 grade point average, enjoys the financial support of five scholarships and is active in social causes.

“I’m proud to say I’m happy with what I have achieved so far but I’m not satisfied yet,” he said.

The Annual Union County Youth Services Conference is sponsored by the Union County Youth Services Steering Committee, which comprises youth services professionals from nonprofit and government agencies throughout the county supporting youth and families.

“The conference is an opportunity for youth services professionals from throughout the county to come together, hear the stories of others, receive valuable updates and learn,” said Marshall Christie, assistant executive director of youth services at CAU. “Equally important, it is an opportunity for them to network, to place a face with a name or meet new people in their sector who might be able to help them be more effective in supporting youth.”

Frantzsi Celestin is a juvenile probation officer with the state Administrative Office of the Courts who attends the conference each year.

“I learn about the different resource organizations in the county we might not be aware of,” he said. “I also look into any availability for my kids who can’t be at home to take advantage of the access Community Access affords.”

Raquel Jones is a clinical specialist with Volunteers of America who also attends the conference annually.

“It’s a great opportunity for the providers of Union County to get together and learn about the resources to benefit the youth we service,” she said.

Jones found LeGrand’s talk to be powerful.

“Never stop believing,” she said. “Just because you fail, never stop believing and always have hope.”

Walk-a-Thon Brings Community Together at Oak Ridge Park

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More than 600 Community Access Unlimited members, employees and friends turned out at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Saturday to celebrate at the annual Ira Geller Walk-a-Thon. Whether walking, rolling, dancing, or just hanging out with friends, attendees came together for a great time during CAU’s 40^th anniversary year.

Sponsors of the Walk included Investors Bank, Lakeland Bank, and Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor. Visitors enjoyed games of darts, a giant inflatable ring toss and a sticky sweet snow cone station, all hosted by CAU staff.

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