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Empowering people with disabilities by providing options and opportunities.
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Can you believe the end of 2014 is approaching so quickly? We hope you enjoy this special edition, year-in-review newsletter, highlighting some of our favorite stories from the past year.
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Forty Years of Exceptional Service and Success!
In the fall of 1974, a group of 14 parents, professionals and advocates came together to form the first "Board of Trustees" for the newly incorporated Abilities of Northwest Jersey. One of the purposes for which Abilities was formed is stated in our certificate of incorporation as follows: "to provide for only charitable, scientific, educational and rehabilitative service through a non-profit, sheltered workshop designed to provide training, employment and rehabilitation for referred clients who are presently unable to perform in a competitive work situation."
Forty years ago, our founders recognized the need to provide vocational services to every level of our special needs population and today, we continue to focus on those needs through our many individualized employment and day programs. We have made great strides over the years in our mission, expanding programs and services to both our consumers and the community. Our success however, is defined only by the successes of those we serve.
~A message from Cindy Wildermuth, CEO
 We celebrated forty years of exceptional service and success throughout 2014, but really kicked off our celebratory flip-flops with the Meet Us in Margaritaville gala, honoring founding Board members, the late Dr. Frank Wolf and Phyllis Burd. Click HERE for photos of the fun!
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SustainAbilities™ initiative making a difference.
The innovative SustainAbilities™ program initiative has not only made a difference in our community by offering "green" options, but more importantly it's provided opportunity for a variety of skill-training and employment to those interested in the program. Currently offering two options, the SustainAbilities™ program will continue to grow in the years to come!  Recycling electronics and other materials while providing training and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. To date, we've recycled over 32,000 lbs of e-waste, keeping it out of our landfills. Click HERE for more information.  Offering trainees the opportunity to learn teamwork, innovative farming and a discovery of employment opportunities in Agribusiness occupations. We have had 20 employees graduate with a Hydroponic certification. Click HERE for more information.
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Celebration of Success
Honoring individual achievements, community partnerships, and business partnerships with center-based and community-based employment opportunities, we recognized, for their continued support of our organization: Linda Gregg of the House of Good Shepherd, Mars Chocolate North America, Service Partner, Rossi GMC, Edible Garden, Norwescap Food Bank, Hackettstown High School and Quick Chek. We also celebrated many of our consumers, pictured below. Click HERE for the news article.  | | (Pictured Left to Right): Albert Howard, Joe Murphy, Keith Wyker, Pauline Dalrymple and Kelly Burch |
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 Thanks to our corporate sponsors and families!
With all of your continued support of our annual events, including the gala, golf outing, tricky tray, festival of trees and more, we've raised over $60,000.00 for program services.
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There are SO many ways to support and donate to Abilities. Every donation has a great impact on program services, and will help us to continue to provide options and opportunities to persons with different abilities.
DONATE TODAY
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Picking up last minute gifts online?
When shopping online use one of the following links BEFORE shopping, and a portion of each purchase will be donated
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Electronic Waste
Collection
Donate old, working or non-working, electronic items to our SustainAbilities™ Electronics Recycling program. Click HERE for a list of accepted items.
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Pantry / Thrift Store
Donations
Our Phillipsburg Center is in need of canned/dry goods and other general donations for our Branching Out Pantry and Boutique Thrift Store. Donations can be made to ANY of our 6 locations throughout Warren County. Click HERE for locations.
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In the market for a vehicle? Print this flyer: $100 Reward when buying a new or used vehicle from Motion Kia.
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Exploring eXceptional  Persons Options
A no-cost day of interactive, educational experiences featuring all of the services available at Abilities! Visitors were able to try and experience a hands-on demonstration of all of our program options. This included the SustainAbilities™ programs, screen printing, contract packaging, technology, arts & crafts, and therapy & sensory activities. The EXPO will be hosted annually, so look for the 2015 date forthcoming.
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Noteworthy center/program news
Mary Apgar Center
Added a kiln and hydroponic tables to their program thanks to donations from the community, Lou Wonslidler, Wendie Blanchard, and Richard Cotton. Phillipsburg Center
Celebrated the 10th anniversary of their "Branching Out" Pantry & Boutique. Since opening in 2004, the pantry has expanded and currently serves over 500 people per month. Click HERE for more information. Print Shop
Continued annual growth with their customer base. Expanded to add vinyl sign and banner manufacturing to available products. Click HERE for more information. Employment Pathways
Believes everyone that has a desire to work, can do so with support. This year Employment Pathways placed 25 individuals into community employment opportunities.
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We're looking for a few passionate people looking to join us.
All of our employment opportunities are available online HERE
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From all of us at Abilities,
we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and new year!
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All contributions are considered tax deductible under IRS regulations
as Abilities is a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization. Thank you for your generosity!
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