In recent months, Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey State Legislature did something very important for people with disabilities: They made it possible for us to work in jobs – any jobs – without fear of losing our vital supports and services.
Indeed, in January, the governor signed into law a bill – unanimously adopted by both political parties in both legislative chambers – that eliminates the income and age caps on the “NJ Workability” program. In so doing, they made it possible for people with disabilities to realize their full professional potential.
But in recent weeks, word has started to spread that the state is thinking about imposing a “premium” on those who benefit from the new and improved Workability program – an idea that was reportedly rejected years ago by the state because it was too costly to implement and an idea that has been apparently rejected in some other states because it is unnecessary and unfair.
Read the full article here.
The time has finally arrived! 2022 Campership Applications are now available. Please visit our campership page here to read about the Campership Program and to apply.
Here is a video produced by the Department of Human Services in collaboration with Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at Rutgers University regarding considerations for individuals with disabilities at vaccine sites across New Jersey. Please take a look and use it as a guide to help ensure vaccines are accessible to all New Jerseyans, including individuals with disabilities who you may serve. Together, by ensuring accommodations, we can help ensure a healthier New Jersey for everyone.
| LAWRENCE — United Way of Greater Mercer County (UWGMC) has partnered with GreenPath Financial Wellness, a nonprofit organization, to provide financial coaching and debt management services free of cost to families in Mercer County struggling to make ends meet amid COVID-19. To access the financial coaching service, visit www.uwgmc.org/financialcoaching. Information is also available in Spanish.In response to the unanticipated financial hardship that the health crisis has brought, the collaboration will address a household’s entire financial situation, including paying for essentials, understanding debt repayment options, balancing housing costs with credit card debt, and student loans. Individuals and families will be able to develop a plan with a financial coach free of charge. |
The partnership with Greenpath will expand the free and direct services UWGMC offers to address financial security. The Benefits Access Program connects families to federal benefits like NJ SNAP (food assistance), utility assistance and health insurance. Due to COVID-19, there has been increased demand for this service. The Free Tax Preparation Program not only saves clients on filing fees but works to ensure Mercer County workers take advantage of tax breaks like Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Not collecting this money means more economic hardship for many Mercer County residents, and fewer dollars flowing back to the community.
We are excited to announce that the 2021 Campership Applications are now open. We are looking forward to getting the applications. Please see our page for details here: http://pcil.org/campership/
Don’t forget to get your 2021 Membership! Membership forms are now live on the website. Check out our newest partnership with SPIRIT CLUB!
*New for 2021* If you’re a PCIL member this year, you’re also a
SPIRIT Club member!
Remotely accessed, accessible classes in cardio, zumba, yoga, meditation, balance, healthy cooking, and more! Join in weekly live sessions or access their complete video archives.
Learn more online at: www.spirit-club.com or call us for more information:
(609) 581-4500
Check out our membership page for more information on the benefits of being a PCIL member.
Every three years the NJ Statewide
Independent Living Council examines and updates the State Plan for
Independent Living (SPIL), a document that outlines the three-year plan
to support and enhance New Jersey’s Independent Living Services and the
network of Centers for Independent Living.
A new SPIL has been
drafted for the coming 3 years and your input is needed. Independent
living is not about us at the centers, it is about you in the community.
Please take a moment to read the plan, and take the survey included. Let us know how best to support you!
CAMPERSHIP COVID19 LETTER UPDATE
May 13th, 2020
Dear Families,
We want you all to know about the Summer Campership summer activity scholarship program this year. We realize that this year poses challenges that none of us have ever had to deal with before. We at the Progressive Center want you to know that the Camp Scholarship program is still operational despite the public health crisis, and we want you to know that we will work with recipients to make sure they are able to use the funding in the way in which it is intended.
The purpose of the program is to assist youth with disabilities (ages 4-25, who reside in Mercer County, NJ) in having a positive summer experience. For many that has been a day or sleep-away camp, but these are not the only options. In the past recipients have used the funding for enrichment classes such as sewing, driving, cooking, and crafting. We will certainly entertain virtual activities held on software platforms this year. There are other ways in which the money can be used, for example, it could be applied toward rental reasonable costs associated with recreational destinations (for the camper only). We may consider applying to a day pass to parks or activities which have an entry fee (again only for the Camper). There may be other options as well, we are willing to be as creative as possible to make sure this opportunity for Campers can continue this year. What the program cannot do is purchase physical items like recreational equipment, and it will not pay for memberships or other programs which begin before Memorial Day extend passed Labor Day, 2020.
I’d like everyone to know that we are committed to supporting the participants of the Campership Program, while still staying within the scope of the program’s design. I encourage anyone who has applied, or would like to, to please reach out and share your ideas with us. Although we may not be able to approve all ideas, we will consider them thoughtfully.
For more information on the program, or to obtain an application, please visit:
Thank you all very much.
Be well.
Reed Thomas
Independent Living Resource Specialist
reed.thomas@pcil.org
Head on over to our events page either on our website or Facebook and be in the know! PCIL is proud to offer weekly recreation events over ZOOM!
As it is clear that social distancing measures will be around for a while
longer (yes, longer than any of us thought or wanted!), we have setup recreation activities to be done through the Zoom video conferencing platform.
The first of these activities will be held next Friday, April 24th from
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM.
This will feature the return of Ken Wilkie, professional cartoonist. Ken
has led two workshops in the past (which were a lot of fun) and will now be conducting a drawing workshop. Not only is drawing fun & enriching, but it requires very little supplies! All you’ll need is some paper, a pencil (or pen, or crayon, or marker…) and you’re ready to go.
If you are interested in taking part in the drawing activity on the 24th,
please email me at reed.thomas@pcil.org to let me know who will participate, and if you need any help setting up and using the Zoom platform. You must email to register and receive the Meeting ID & Password. These emails can be received right up until noon on April 24th.
We will be hosting activities every Friday afternoon until distancing
measures are lifted, so stay tuned for more fun opportunities to take part in art, music, drama, and other fun stuff!
The zoom platform also allows you to interact, ask questions, reconnect
with friends, as well as having a positive experience (something we all could use right now!).
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, it is a free software product that can be
accessed through a web browser, desktop app (on windows or Mac), or mobile app (on smart phones or tablets).
For more information please visit:
