RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
What a sweet way to celebrate our new home!
A huge thank you to Federal Business Centers for making ribbon cutting at the ACI even more special. Not only did they join us for the celebration and provide some wonderful goodies, but they surprised our staff, consumers, and friends with free Mister Softee ice cream!
We are so grateful to Federal Business Centers for their kindness, generosity, and for making us feel welcome in our new 7,000+ square feet space. Thank you for being such great landlords!
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On July 23rd, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed into law A-2132/S-3786, which would require operators of NJ Transit Access Link and paratransit services to announce stops for passengers. The law went into effect on September 1, 2026.
A‑2131, which passed the Assembly on May 18th, is sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Carter. The Senate version of the bill, sponsored Senator Angela McKnight of Jersey City and Senator Kristin Corrado of Totowa, passed the Senate on June 18th.
ACI worked with Assemblywoman Carter on this bill and provided written and in-person testimony.
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HUNGER HEROES 2026
Celebrating our very own Hunger Hero!
ACI couldn't be prouder of Alcides “Al” Gomez, who was honored with the 2026 Tom Ellison Food Pantry Volunteer Hunger Hero Award!
Al received this prestigious recognition at the Hunger Heroes celebration hosted by Feeding Middlesex County and REPLENISH on September 24 at the Pines Manor in Edison. Members of the ACI family were thrilled to attend and celebrate this special evening with him.
Al was recognized not only for his dedication to ACI's CommUnity Market, but also for the kindness, compassion, and respect he shows everyone who walks through our doors. From helping individuals overcome language and accessibility barriers to playing an important role in transforming our food pantry into a thriving choice-based market, Al truly makes a difference.
His wonderful sense of humor, positive attitude, and willingness to help others make him a very special part of the ACI family.
Congratulations, Al! We are so proud of you and grateful for everything you do!
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SENATOR ANDY KIM ROUNDTABLE
Thank you to the Progressive Center for Independent Living and Scott Elliott for inviting ACI to participate in a roundtable discussion with Senator Andy Kim.
We had a great discussion about issues impacting people with disabilities, including Medicaid, home and community-based services, WorkAbility, transportation, accessible and affordable housing, the direct support professional workforce, CIL funding and other barriers to independence and community living.
The conversation also included legislation Senator Kim has introduced, as well as possible solutions and pathways for addressing some of the challenges facing people with disabilities and their families. It was an opportunity not only to talk about the barriers, but also to discuss what can be done to make things better.
We appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with Senator Kim and look forward to an ongoing dialog. Thank you Senator Kim!
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MICHAEL JACKSON CELEBRATION & DANCE PARTY
ACI was happy to present a special Michael Jackson Celebration & Dance Party honoring the life, music, and legacy of the King of Pop.
Participants had the opportunity to learn choreography from Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller dance, taught by ACI's Lucia Stiles. After learning the moves, everyone came together to dance as a group and celebrate the joy that Michael’s music continues to bring to people around the world.
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR MEDICINE WORKSHOP
In honor of America's 250th, ACI hosted a workshop on Revolutionary War Medicine, led by Douglas Aumack, Resource Interpretive Specialist with the Arts Institute of Middlesex County's Department of Economic Development. The presentation explored the “medical” practices used to treat soldiers injured in battle and those suffering from illnesses such as fever and smallpox. Participants also had the opportunity to examine reproductions of 18th century instruments, medicines, and surgical tools.
Thank you to Douglas for sharing his knowledge and expertise! Also thank you to Helen Evans, Manager of Senior & Homebound Programming of the Arts Institute of Middlesex for arranging this event!
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ALLIED MEN'S GROUP
We recently kicked off our new Allied Men's Group, led by ACI staff Ron and Jason. The men were warmly welcomed as they discussed the purpose of the group, its activities, and what it represents. They also answered questions, participated in icebreakers, and began building a sense of community. It was a great start to what promises to be a meaningful journey!
We hope you'll join us for our next meeting!
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FRIGHTFUL READS & CREEPY CREATIONS
What a SPOOKTACULAR evening we had at ACI!
Last week, we gathered around our pretend campfire for some ghostly storytelling, shared plenty of laughs, and got creative making our very own Halloween candles!
From mummy-wrapping fun and spooky decorations to creative crafts, delicious treats, and great company, the evening was filled with laughter, friendship, Halloween spirit and a few screams!
A very special thank you to LaBon Bake Shoppes for their generous donation of delicious cookies and cupcakes!
And of course, a big thank-you to everyone who joined us and to our wonderful ACI staff for making the evening such a success!
Happy Halloween from all of us at ACI! 👻
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PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
ACI consumers joined artist Mark Oldland for a two-part printmaking workshop series! Mark brought in the screens he made from the paintings and photos of the participants. The participants then learned how to use the screen printing technique to create multi-layered art pieces. The final projects came out beautifully!
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LEMONADE STAND FUNDRAISER
ACI volunteers organized and operated a lemonade stand as part of a fundraising initiative to support the ACI CommUnity Market! The volunteers demonstrated outstanding teamwork and community spirit by creating promotional signs, engaging with local businesses, and actively serving customers.
If you're interested in making a donation to the ACI CommUnity Market, please reach out to Sam Gavron at sgavron@adacil.org or 732-738-4388. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need within our community.
We sincerely appreciate the community's support and generosity!
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PLATE DECORATING WORKSHOP
ACI volunteers and consumers participated in a plate decorating workshop, where they had the opportunity to design their own custom plates. Everyone enjoyed expressing their creativity and proud of their unique designs!
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DRIVING SIMULATOR
Did you know that ACI has a driving simulator?
Are you thinking about getting your driver's license? Need help studying for your permit or preparing for your road test?
Our driving simulator offers a fun, interactive way to practice driving skills, build confidence, and become more familiar with being behind the wheel.
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MOVIE NIGHT: THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Let's do the Time Warp again!
ACI's new activity room was filled with laughter, music, flying rice, toilet paper, and a little Halloween madness as we enjoyed a special showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show!
Complete with snacks and interactive prop bags, everyone got into the spirit of this cult classic. From tossing rice at Brad and Janet's wedding scene to getting up and dancing to the Time Warp, there was no shortage of fun!
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WOMEN'S PEER SUPPORT GROUP - MENLO PARK MALL
A fun and empowering Ladies' Day at Menlo Park Mall!
Our Women’s Peer Support Group recently visited Menlo Park Mall for a group outing, with participants arranging their own transportation to practice independent travel. During the visit, members ordered their own meals, shopped at various stores, and spent time connecting outside their regular routines. The group plans to continue these regular community trips, with upcoming activities including bowling, movies, and museum visits.
Visit our website to register for our next Women's Peer Support Group meeting.
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SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS WALK 2026
ACI recently participated in the 2026 Senior Health & Fitness Walk, organized by Middlesex County Office of Aging and Community Services. Over 1000 Middlesex County seniors attended the event, which was held at Roosevelt Park in Edison. ACI was there to provide information about our services, including our Senior Social Recreation Program, and distribute COVID/flu test kits.
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MOSAIC COASTER WORKSHOP
ACI recently hosted a Mosaic Coaster Workshop, where participants created beautiful, one‑of‑a‑kind coasters while enjoying time with friends and meeting new ones. A big thank you to artist Melinda Török for sharing her talent and helping make the day a wonderful success!
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1090 King Georges Post Road, Edison, NJ ● 732-738-4388 ● adacil@adacil.org ● adacil.org
Copyright © Alliance Center for Independence, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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