Independent Citizen

Fall 2008

The

Inside this issue...

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Page 3

Letter to the Editor Page 3

30 Years of Achievement Page 4

Hope Chest Overflows Page 4

Lambs Become Shepherds in New Orleans

Page 5

Saying Fore for All Page 5

Board Member Karen Ensle Page 6

Quarter-Century Caring Page 6

Mind Your Health Page 6

Performance Recognition Tastes Sweet

Page 7

Road to Redemption Page 7

Community Access Unlimited Honors Unlimited Efforts of Community Advocates

Edith Stiller Humanitarian Award

Anthony Penta Geller Award

Upper Central Region Division of Developmental

Disabilities

Public Leader ship Award

The Public Leadership award each year is presented to a person or or-ganization for outstanding support and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. The Upper Central Region of the Divi-sion of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) works closely with CAU provid-ing support for a variety of programs and services, including those support-ing members living independently in the community. In 2009 DDD has been instrumental supporting CAU’s efforts in Emer-gency Capacity Systems (E-CAP) and the agency’s relatively new Chil-dren’s Pilot Enhancement Program (CPEP). E-CAP provides emergency housing for individuals with develop-mental disabilities recently discharged from hospital or institutional care, offering them safe housing and medi-cal and behavioral assistance for up to 60 days. CPEP offers children and youth with developmental disabilities who have been placed in out-of-state care the opportunity to return to New Jersey, allowing them to be closer to family and loved ones. DDD also shares the mission that helps drive CAU – the commitment to transition people with disabilities out of developmental centers and into community living, where they can more fully enjoy life while also contrib-uting to society. This principal lies in

continued on page 2

The Humanitar-ian Award hon-ors a person who has pro-vided ongoing support and has had continued influence throughout New Jersey on behalf of people with disabilities and at-risk youth. Edith Stiller has been giving of herself to help others who are less fortunate and able for most of her adult life. She has never felt burdened but only grateful for what life has given her. Many decades ago doctors told Edith and her husband, Aaron, that their son, Sidney, would be best served being edu-cated in a boarding school due to his disabilities. Edith became a legal assis-tant to earn money to pay for his tuition. After 30 years in the legal profession Edith retired when Aaron was diagnosed with cancer and she chose to spend more time with him. Aaron left his posi-tion as an accountant working for the state but did not leave his passion for staying active. He met Sidney Blanchard, CAU’s executive director, and began volunteering his services supporting the agency. Sidney Stiller became a member of CAU a few years later, moving into a super-vised apartment, and Edith became ac-tive in the Concerned Families group, serving as secretary for 10 years.

continued on page 2

Each year Commu-nity Access Unlim-ited presents the Geller Award to a person who has made a significant commitment to their relationship with CAU, including through volunteer-ism; has notably impacted the agency through his or her association with CAU and its mem-bers; has shown initiative; and best reflects the universal concept of volunteerism in its truest meaning to serve as an inspiration to others.

continued on page 2

Page 2 Independent Citizen

Have you reserved your Ad Journal ad for the Annual Gala Dinner Dance on October 21st, 2009?

Please contact:

Katie Baird Coordinator of Marketing and Fundraising 80 West Grand Street Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202

Phone: 908.354.3040 ext. 376

Fax: 908.354.2665

Email: kbaird@caunj.org

Back Cover --- $750 Inside Back Cover --- $500 Center Spread --- $500 Gold Page --- $350 Silver Page --- $250 Full page (8.5 x 11 in) --- $175 Half Page --- $100 Business Card --- $50

Deadline for remittance is October 2nd, 2009

the very keystone of Community Access Unlimited’s foundation. The Upper Central Region of DDD is located in offices in West Or-ange and Newark and covers Es-sex, Somerset and Union coun-ties. DDD is one of the largest agencies in state government and provides public funding for and services through human services agencies to people with develop-mental disabilities. The mission of DDD is based on a number of core principles, includ-ing: ensuring health and safety; serving New Jersey residents; respecting the rights of individuals; avoiding unnecessary institutional placements; expanding commu-nity supports and services; devel-oping a presence in each county; spending state dollars responsibly; promoting choice through individ-ual budgets; promoting equity and fairness; accessing quality, cultur-ally competent services; sharing information and collaborating with agencies; and conducting busi-ness ethically and professionally. In recognition of its support, over the last thirty years this year CAU will present the Upper Central Region of DDD with the 2009 Pub-lic Leadership Award.

Upon Aaron’s death Edith began volunteering as a secretary at CAU four days a week. She and Aaron also established the Aaron G. Stiller Memorial Fund, which is intended to support members who need short-term assistance, such as with the purchase of a suit for a new job.

Today Edith lives in Springfield and will celebrate her 90th birth-day in February. She has four grandchildren and four great grandchildren whom visit regu-larly. Every Saturday and some weekdays she rides two buses to visit Sidney in Linden. She considers her son and herself very fortunate to have found Community Access Unlimited, which she describes as a safe haven for her son and a wonder-ful organization for all its mem-bers. Edith has never dwelled on the challenges and losses she has experienced, instead choosing to be thankful for all the good in her life – “making lemonade out of lemons,” as she likes to say – and giving to others at every opportunity. This year Commu-nity Access Unlimited is proud to give back, presenting Edith with the 2009 Humanitarian Award.

Anthony Penta has proven to be one of CAU’s most avid and active volunteers. Anthony, senior vice president at Sovereign/Santander Bank, sits on CAU’s Fundraising Committee and rarely misses a fundraising event. He works to gather prizes and other give-away items for CAU’s annual live auction and raffles and supports the annual golf outing by participating on behalf of Sovereign/Santander. Sovereign/Santander each year makes a $10,000 dona-tion to CAU and participates in the annual Walk-A-Thon, with its team usually taking first place in funds raised. Anthony became familiar with CAU as a customer of then-Independence Bank, which later was acquired by Sover-eign. In time a relationship developed in part due to An-thony’s belief that volunteering is important for both indi-viduals and members of the business community. He believes everyone wants a better world and that work-ing toward that goal begins at home. Anthony maintains that strong communities heavily rely on voluntary contribu-tions, especially those of the business community, which can come in many forms, such as monetary donations; collections of clothing, furniture and equip-ment; fundraising; support by corporate staff; or sim-ply providing professional services. Many see their first exposure to volunteerism from the corporate level and most continue when they see the im-pact they have made. For Anthony, volunteering in his home community and in those where he has worked al-ways has been his way of building a better world. Anthony shares his little corner of that world in Lincroft with his wife, Vivian, and 2-year-old son Landon.

Penta … continued from page 1 Stiller … continued from page 1 DDD … continued from page 1

Page 3 Fall 2009

It’s been thirty years – and what a trip it’s been. We’ve come a long way since I operated the agency out of the back of my Volkswagen Beetle. I remember the first 20 members in that first year –many are still with us today. Today, CAU supports over 3,500 youth and adults with special needs. We’ve built the organization up one member at a time. Each individual member is important to the growth and ongoing life of CAU. Each family member and loved one has their own story and insights. Each partner agency plays a role in making life better for people with disabilities and contributes to our success in their own way. I am thankful for the part each of you have played in our history. Be you a long time supporter or a newcomer – you are important in making life better for those we support. In this issue you will find many articles celebrating our 30th year – Awards Night, Performance Recognition Night, Youth Achievement Night and the Gala. It is important that we take time out for these gatherings and share with you what we have accomplished, both on a personal as well as business level. Join me at our upcoming Walk or Gala and see what your efforts help us to achieve. Meet the people who society said couldn’t maintain their own homes, remain com-petitively employed, manage their own money or speak up for their rights. Join us in our move-ment to free the almost 3,000 people with developmental disabilities who still languish in NJ institutions and to serve the 8,000 who wait for supports on the ever-growing waiting list. Re-member the young people from the child welfare system who need that extra helping hand. There is still much work to do. One person at a time. Together we can do it. Best Wishes,

Sid Blanchard

From the Desk of the Executive Director

President Robert C. Griffin, Esq.

Secretary/Treasurer

Audrey Vasey

Secretary/Treasurer-Elect Harold J. Poltrock, Esq.

Sidney Blanchard

Adelaide Daskam

Ethan Ellis

Dr. Karen Ensle, R.D.

Samuel Jenkins

Walter Kalman

Deborah Mohammed-Spigner

Tendai Ndoro, PhD

Kathy Weiner

CAU Board of Trustees

Bob Griffin, Esq. President

Letter to the Editor: The Importance of Voting

Voting is what people do on Election Day. Only on Election Day people go out to their polling place and vote for who you want to run the state you live in and our country. Voting is part of advocacy. Voting is what people do in America. There are two political parties, Republican and Democrat. Which ever party gets the most votes, that party wins. Celebrate with your bottle of champagne and celebrate with your win-ning candidate. Greg Felzenberg Member Community Access Unlimited

Coordinator of Marketing and Fundraising

Page 4 Independent Citizen

Hope Chest Scholar Marion Simmons

CAU member Marion Simmons this summer was named a 2009 award recipient by The Hope Chest Scholarship Foundation, which pro-vides financial assis-tance to minority New Jersey students attend-ing a college, university or trade school, based

on demonstrated financial need and academic achievement. She received a $500 scholarship toward her education. Marion is attending Lincoln University in Pennsylvania this fall with an eye on becoming a psychologist and social worker to help other at-risk youth. She also received scholarships from the Alpha Phi Delta Scholarship program and the Ted Hamway Fund of the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth and Fami-lies. Marion has been a member of the Transitional Opportunities Program since 2006. While at CAU, she blossomed into both a student and teacher, according to CAU staff. She served as a leader on the agency’s Member Action Committee; provided counsel to other members struggling to find direction; volun-teered at soup kitchens and for food and toy drives; and spoke at workshops, including one conference in Denver where she encouraged adults to become cheerleaders for foster parenting. Marion also was the recipient of CAU’s 2007 Youth Leadership Reward in recognition of her efforts and accomplishment. “Community Access helped me a long way, helped me to be independent,” Marion said. “I’ve learned so many things. I’ve been able to teach other kids and guide them. Being a leader means guiding people in the right way.”

Board Member Profile: Karen Ensle Bringing a Healthy Outlook on Life

Tree of Life

Because Love is Deep-Rooted

Remember a loved one for any occasion. Purchase a permanent leaf on the

Community Access Unlimited Tree of Life.

$50 per Leaf Includes engraving (up to 25 characters –

25 cents per additional character)

To purchase a leaf on the Tree of Life or for more information call

908.354.3040, ext. 272

The Tree of Life is rooted in the Community Access Unlimited main office in Elizabeth.

Karen Ensle speaks with a simple sincerity that belies her degrees, accomplishments and title of Dr. that sits before her name. When Karen speaks of nutrition, health and a happier lifestyle, she does it so naturally that one is com-pelled to listen. A member and past chair of CAU’s Board of Trustees, Karen is the family and community health sciences educator and department head for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a position she has held for 23 years. She holds degrees in allied health education, nutrition and home economics education and is co-author of the book, Small Steps to Health & Wealth. In 2008, Karen touched more than 3,500 people with her message of health. “Everything I do is related to nutrition, diet, health and family,” says Karen, who spends a considerable amount of her time answering consumer questions, teaching classes to the gen-eral public, speaking to community-based groups and provid-ing in-service training for schools and agencies. “People need to be more health-conscience of what food they’re putting in their bodies, as well as the amount of exercise they get.” Karen approaches her relationship with CAU with a similar passion as her career – with a desire to help and learn. “CAU allows us to work with people who fall through the cracks,” she says. “It allows people to come out of institutions and live in the community.” CAU also allows Karen to learn, becoming familiar with board governance and the benefit of filling a board with members as well as outside stewards. “You’re putting people together who can really help the agency move forward,” she notes. That’s a healthy recipe.

11th Annual Ira Geller Memorial

Walk-A-Thon

Rahway River Park

Saturday – September 26, 2009

11:00 a.m. – Registration / 12:00 p.m. – Walk, BBQ

For more information contact Katie Baird

908.354.3040, ext. 376

Page 5 Fall 2009

Lambs Become Shepherds in Nashville Four members of Commu-nity Access Unlimited’s Transitional Opportunities Program (TOP) were se-lected by the National Inde-pendent Living Association (NILA) to do a presentation about “Living in the Sys-tem” at the 2009 NILA Con-ference in Nashville,TN, September 1-4. The audience consisted of adult professionals who

work with youth in independent/transitional living, foster care and social services fields, who heard about growing up in the child welfare system – being taken away from family, repeatedly developing new relationships and the impact on personal perception. Also attending were youth aged 13 and older currently living in foster care or independent living programs, who learned how to not allow living in the system to define them as peo-ple, and about setting and accomplishing goals. Famitta Durham, Deshawn Freeman, Marion Simmons and Jessica Williams all live within the agency’s semi-independent or independent supported housing programs after spending varying years in foster care. All also have served or serve as officers in CAU’s Youth Advisory Board and Member Action Committee. This was the fifth consecutive year that youth from CAU made a presentation at the an-nual NILA conference. Each year at-risk youth from child welfare support systems throughout the nation submit proposals for presentations at the conference that will prove informative for attendees and only a certain number are selected. The opportunity to present at the national conference reflects one of the key messages CAU conveys to its youth members – their right and need to become self-advocates and advocates for other at-risk youth. Said Jessica, YAB and MAC president, “There’s not a lot of opportunity to get your voice heard. This is one way, not just within this program, but it teaches you to prepare for the rocks people throw at you. This is a strong way to learn how to handle the real world.”

Saying Fore for All

Enthusiastic golfers hit the links to support Community Access Unlim-ited and its members and pro-grams at the 15th Annual Golf Out-ing, held this May at Suburban Country Club. Perhaps not too many scores were lowered but spirits were raised at CAU’s pre-miere fundraiser. The day included a round of golf, a cocktail reception and a live auction. The event is sponsored by Sovereign/Santander Bank, a member of CAU’s Community Network of business partners and long-standing friend of the agency. Anthony Penta, senior vice presi-dent at Sovereign, serves on the golf and fundraising committees and bank employees each year participate in CAU’s Walk-A-Thon.

Tribute Cards

Would You Like to Tell Someone You’re Thinking of Them? Show Support to Someone Going Through a Rough Time?

Consider Sending Them a Tribute Card from Community Access Unlimited!

Tributes Can Be Purchased For:

1 Card for $5 3 Cards for $10

You let us know who you would like the tribute card(s) sent to & we will take care of the rest, or we can send you the supplies to attach your own message in each card!

For More Information, Please Call 908-354-3040 x272

Page 6 Independent Citizen

Performance Recognition Tastes Sweet

The difference between an assignment and a goal is like the contrast between vege-tables and dessert. Achieving goals one sets for oneself just tastes sweeter. Eight members of Community Access Unlimited enjoyed that sweet taste of achieving their goals when they were honored at the 2009 Performance Recognition Night in June. Performance Recognition Night each year honors members for achieving personal goals they set for themselves over the past year. Pursuing and reaching these goals enables members to live more fulfilling and independent lives. Goals may range from improving health to obtaining or maintaining employment, or any number of other targets that help members excel. Ben Herstine and George Simester each was recognized for working toward a healthier lifestyle. Ben met his goals for exercise and weight loss this year while George consistently followed up with physicians to pursue his health-related targets. Glenn Wilkes achieved his employment goal when he was hired by CAU’s maintenance department. Since joining the department he has shown focus and a willingness to work hard. Michelle Bartolucci has been employed for nine years with the same employer and is known for her dedication to work. Brian Simonelli has been gainfully employed for 20 years and currently works at Durex, Inc. in Union and is recognized for his reliability and work ethic. Carol Petties met her goal of better managing her money and now pays her bills on time each month. Carol also was recognized for attending some medical appointments independently. Corey McClain was recognized for recreation activities. Corey attends more of CAU’s recreation activities than any other member. Stephen Sutera was honored for diligently attending the Birchwood Day Program, participating in recreation activities and visiting his doctor when he has appointments.

The celebration was launched by the music of CAU member Joseph Stokes on keyboard. Of course, meeting one’s goals is like music to one’s ears – that and the sweet tasting dessert.

CARING TODAY FOR A HEALTHY TOMORROW™

AMERIGROUP Community Care

New Jersey

I�FLUE�ZA

Now that the peak of the flu season is upon us, these preventive steps can help you avoid infection:

■ Wash your hands—including your fingernails—often to protect against germs.

■ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The flu is often spread by touching an object that has the flu virus on it and then

touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

■ Stay home when you are sick so others don’t catch your illness.

■ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.

■ If you were unable to get a flu shot this year, make sure you do so next fall when fresh vaccine becomes available.

High fever, headache, tiredness or weakness (sometimes extreme) and a dry cough can all be symptoms of the flu.

If you do get sick, take these measures right away:

■ Get plenty of rest.

■ Drink lots of liquids.

■ Consider taking over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms of flu (never give aspirin to children or teenagers with

flu-like symptoms).

Here are some warning signs that require urgent medical attention:

■ High or prolonged fever

■ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

■ Changes in mental status such as confusion, seizures, difficulty waking up, or extreme irritability

■ Severe or persistent vomiting

AMERIGROUP Community Care is pleased to offer these practical tips and information in the hope that they will make a

difference in the health of our families and our communities.

Page 7 Fall 2009

Celebrating 30 Years of Achievement

Community Ac-cess Unlimited marked 30 years of accomplish-ments while hon-oring the achievements of members, staff and community supporters during the last year at the agency’s 25th Annual Awards Night Celebration this spring. Members honored included: Lyman Thompson – CSP Member of the Year; Mark Bloom – SAP Member of the Year; Vailene Fields – SLAP Member of the Year; Vernard Porcher – CEP Member of the Year; Mustafa McGowen – Recreation Member of the Year; and Marquis McNeil – Youth Services Member of the Year. Staff of the year included: May Pinckney – Part-Time Employee; Ni-jmima Coleman – Youth Services; Susanne Lee – Disability Services; and Richard Couch – Office and Administration. TD Bank received the Community Partnership Award for the variety of support it provides the agency each year, including sponsorship of the CAU annual Gala; golf outing; HomeShare program; and Walk-A-Thon, including providing a team of walkers. It was Sid Blanchard, CAU executive director, who received the loudest applause, however, in recognition of his 30 years of commitment to Community Access Unlimited and its members. “The first 30 years is to set the stage,” Blanchard said. “Now we can get to work.”

The Road to Redemption

At Community Access Unlimited the road to redemption is paved with the commitment to embrace opportu-nities available to members within the Transitional Opportunities Program (TOP). Each year those mem-bers whose accomplishments demonstrate that commitment are recognized at the annual Youth Achieve-ment Night. The 16th Annual Youth Achievement Night honored 24 TOP members plus graduates, as well as the D.Y.F.S. worker of the year. This year’s honorees were:

Obama Presidential Award for being responsible – Thomas Frazier, John Maldonado and Kaaneisha Jones

Shawn Carter Award/Most Well Rounded – Marion Simmons

Lebron James & Kobe Bryant for Sports – Brandon Melford, Saquan Brown and Jawun Carter

Rookie of the Year Award – Ja Carlos Aviles and Marissa Scott

The Swagger Builder/Most Improved Award – John Maldonado, Thomas Frasier, Shamar McClendon and David Herman

Cake Stacker Award for budgeting – Marquis McNeil and Lavern Carter

The Kayne West Award for Arts – Eduardo Perez, Nakeem Randolph and Junja Johnson

Al Sharpton Award for Advocacy – Jessica Williams, Deshawn Freeman and Marion Simmons The Mos Def Award for Academics – Brittany Colemen, Jawun Carter, Felecia Hunt and Saquan Brown

Rick Ross Biggest Boss Award for volunteerism and employment – David Herman, Jessica Williams, Lashaniece Alford, Jenebra Dorley, Sariyah Bryant, Jinja Johnson and Marcus Perry

DYFS Worker of the Year – Gibran Watson

A Quarter-Century of Caring Sidney Stiller this summer cele-brated his 25th year as a mem-ber of Community Access Unlimited, where he lives semi-independently in one of the agency’s supervised apart-ments. Sidney’s mother, Edith, is grateful for the caring her son has received over those years: “My son found a safe haven.” For nearly as many years, the Aaron G. Stiller Memorial Fund has been caring for other CAU members, helping them when they need short-term support, such as for the purchase of a new suit. Edith and Aaron Stiller established the fund just prior to Aaron’s death from cancer in 1985. This two-way relationship between the Stiller family and CAU began nearly 30 years ago. Aaron had recently retired from his accounting position with the state and wanted to stay busy. He met Sidney Blanchard and began volunteer work for CAU, knowing his ties to Trenton might prove help-ful in fundraising. He was named to the CAU Board of Trus-tees, on which he served as treasurer for five years. Edith is equally proud of Sidney, who is passionate about politics and has voted in every election since he was 21. “He is a true American citizen,” she says.

80 West Grand Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202

Phone: 908-354-3040 TTY/TTD: 908-354-4629 Fax: 908-354-2665 www.caunj.org

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT 225 Elizabeth, NJ

Community Access Unlimited’s Mission: To provide community access through effective and compre-hensive support services for people with disabilities and at-risk youth, giving them the opportunity to live independently and to lead normal and productive lives in the community.

Community Access Unlimited thanks the Upper Central Region Division of

Developmental Disabilities for 30 years . . .

Patricia Fetweiss

\ Seth Bassion

Gale Young-Jackmin

Mary Semler

Les Williams

Howard Gordon Marc Rosenthal

Darren Newman

Irene Fenarjian

Your efforts are instrumental in helping people with disabilities reach the stars!