Providing support to persons with disabilities throughout their lifespan so they can achieve their highest level of independence in their community. | | |
Consumer News
October 2025
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Last Call: Health Promotion Classes with Be Well & Thrive
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Inclusive Health Promotion Classes, kicking off October 2nd! This free 6-week series is designed to support individuals with disabilities and older adults in exploring wellness through movement, nutrition, self-care, and social connection. Join us Thursdays from 6–7 PM at our Denville office.
Complete all six sessions and receive a $30 Amazon Gift Card!
For more info or to register, contact Laura Dicker at ldicker@dawncil.org or (973) 625-1940 ext. 223.
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Enhanced Interactive Life Skills (EILS)
October 21st: Getting to Work - Transportation Options
Curious about how to get around your community? Join us for an informative session exploring local transportation options. Learn how to access these services and hear firsthand from a panel of individuals who use them every day. Discover practical tips and resources to help you get where you need to go!
Click below to explore upcoming sessions. You can register in advance by clicking on the class title. Registration is required!
Find our full class schedule here.
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—a time to celebrate the enduring contributions of people with disabilities to the American workforce. First established in 1945 as a weeklong observance focused on workers with physical disabilities, NDEAM has since evolved to recognize the importance of inclusive employment for individuals with all types of disabilities, including mental health conditions and nonapparent disabilities.
In 1988, Congress officially designated the monthlong commemoration as NDEAM, and in 2001, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) was created to lead its annual observance. Today, NDEAM serves as a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about disability employment issues and promote inclusive workplace practices.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s theme—“Celebrating Value and Talent”—honors the achievements of workers with disabilities past and present, and highlights the vital role they play in strengthening our economy and communities.
Whether you're an employer, educator, advocate, or community member, there are many ways to get involved—from hosting events and sharing success stories to using ODEP’s resources to help spread the message of inclusion.
Click here to watch a short video.
| Follow us on social media throughout October as we highlight our employment partners who are leading the way in creating inclusive workplaces. | Know an employer who deserves recognition? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Hannah Soutter at hsoutter@dawncil.org. | | |
Seven Years Later: Lessons from New Jersey's First Ombudsman for Individuals with Disabilities
Save the date for a compelling conversation with Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey’s first Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.
📅 October 28, 2025
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM (ET)
📍 Zoom
Click here to register.
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Energy Assistance Days in Morris County
Need Help with Energy Bills? New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is hosting Energy Assistance Days throughout Morris County this September and October to help residents prepare for the colder months ahead.
NJNG’s Energy Assistance team, in partnership with local community action agencies, will be available to provide in-person support with energy assistance programs, check eligibility for grants, and guide you through the application process.
To apply, please bring:
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of residence (lease, mortgage, or tax bill)
- Recent natural gas and electricity bills
- Proof of income for all household members over 18 (e.g., pay stubs, unemployment, SSI, pension, self-employment tax documents, rental income, TANF)
📍 Upcoming Events
Rockaway
Thursday, October 9 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Care Center of NJ Food for Hope
140 Green Pond Rd.
Victory Gardens
Wednesday, October 22 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nourish Victory Gardens
347 S. Salem St., Dover, NJ
For more information: New Jersey Natural Gas Website
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If you're unable to attend one of the scheduled events, there are still ways to get help:
- Sussex and Warren County Residents can reach out to Norwescap for USF and LIHEAP assistance. Both programs share the same application and income limits.
📍 Norwescap Walk-In & Drop Box Locations:
Sussex County
17 Church St. (back of church), Newton NJ, 07860
Walk-in: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
37 Main St., Sussex, NJ, 07461
Walk-in: Wednesdays, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Drop Box: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Warren County
350 Marshall St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Walk-in: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Drop Box & self-service kiosks (coming soon): Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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MAPS Public Hearing Notice
The Morris Area Paratransit system will be holding a public hearing to discuss and accept input concerning the 2026 application for the Senior Citizens & Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program.
The hearing will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
The hearing will be held at the Office of Temporary Assistance, Ground Floor Conference room, located at 340 W. Hanover Ave. Morristown, NJ 07962.
Individuals who are unable to attend the hearing may submit testimony in writing to the attention of Christine Hellyer at Chellyer@co.morris.nj.us or to MAPS, PO BOX 900, Morristown, NJ 07963-0900 no later than November 1, 2025.
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66 Ford Road, Suite 121
Denville, NJ 07834
973-625-1940
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