As caregivers, we rely on the support of other caregivers to:

• Help us learn how to navigate a complex system
• Share our stories and
• Discuss our challenges.

Caregiving is a lifelong journey that no one understands, unless they have experienced it. This program offers education, support, and socialization for caregivers caring for a loved one with a disability. 

There is a focus on those caring for a loved one with a developmental disability, but all are welcome.



We hope you will consider joining us.

July 2026

Caregiver Education & Support Group Sessions

Caregiver Education Sessions

** PLEASE READ **

DAWN’s Caregiver Connection & Support Program, which brings you this caregiver education series, is funded by a grant from the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. The funding that DAWN receives to provide this program is directly tied to how many caregivers attend our Zoom sessions live. We will ensure that you receive the available information regardless of your attendance, but please help support us by joining the Zoom sessions live whenever you are able to do so.

SSI & SSDI

Presenter: Connor Griffin, Director of Health Care Advocacy, ARC of NJ

In this session, Mr. Griffin will provide an overview of SSI, SSDI, and Retirement and Survivor Benefits. The presentation will cover the requirements to receive each kind of benefit, the application process, the appeals process if an applicant is turned down, in-kind support, over payments, and any applicable updates. At the end of Mr. Griffin’s presentation, caregivers will be able to ask questions.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

Personal Safety

Presenter: Jennifer Harrison, Director of The Family Institute, Arc of NJ

The Arc of New Jersey has made taking action against sexual violence against people with IDD a priority, as people with IDD are seven times more likely to be subjected to sexual assault than people without disabilities. This Personal Safety presentation approaches this challenge with a focus on four pillars - appropriateness, public & private, boundaries, and consent - that do not directly address sexual violence prevention but teach the skills necessary to stay safe in all aspects of life, without speaking about anatomy or sexuality. Those who apply the lessons of personal safety will not only find themselves more able to prevent and/or control a dangerous situation, but will themselves be safer within the community. At the end of Ms. Harrison’s presentation, caregivers will be able to ask questions.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

Caregiver Support Group Session

Join us for our facilitated support group for caregivers. This month will be an “open topic” session. Come share your thoughts about your caregiving journey and bring any questions or concerns you have to the group. This is a time for you, the caregiver, to talk with other caregivers to receive support and learn from one another. 

*The Caregiver Support Group sessions are intended only for caregivers.*

Facilitated by: Carmela Slivinski, CEO of DAWN Center for Independent Living and Julie Ferguson, Caregiver Support Coordinator

*Please note: this session is for providing connection and support, not legal or professional recommendations.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

Caregiver News Corner

A new fact sheet- Supports Brockers: Assisting & Empowering You to Self-Direct



From the Boggs Center: In NJ, people can self-direct all or some of the Home and Community Based Services, made available through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Supports Program or Community Care Program. Supports Brokers can help people who choose to self- direct to coordinate and maintain their self-directed services. The Boggs Center is excited to share Supports Brokers: Assisting and Empowering You to Self-Direct, a new one-page fact sheet to help people with disabilities and families better understand self-direction and the roles and responsibilities of Supports Brokers. 

Click here to download the fact sheet.

The new issue of the NJCDD’s nationally recognized magazine, People and Families, is now available.  Click here to download.

In this issue:

• Letter from the Executive Director, People with I/DD Belong Everywhere: Voices, Access, Accountability
• No Place To Go: Students with Disabilities Waiting at Home for an Appropriate Education
• Introducing Dr. Stephen Cha, DHS Commissioner
• Get to Know US: NJCDD, RFSPC, People First NJ, and The Youth Leadership Program
• NJCDD Outlines Its Legislative Priorities for 2026
• Information About Statewide Regional Family Support Planning Councils

Click here to access the NJ Department of Human Service’s update on the new law, P.L. 2025, c. 280.

If you are new to our caregiver programming, Julie Ferguson, DAWN’s Caregiver Support Coordinator, will reach out to you to welcome you to the program, share information, and answer any questions you may have.

Please contact Julie Ferguson at (862) 753-7424 for further information.

This program is supported by Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. Contributions are gladly accepted. Contributions are voluntary and are not required to participate in this programming.