Alliance Center for Independence

10/15/2026

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!

10/14/2026

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!

10/13/2026

NJ Voter information about the Elections.

10/13/2026

Advocates, Supporters, and Community Leaders Gather for Disability Rights Rally 📢 https://conta.cc/4ebPBx5

Email from Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) Latest Updates from ACI NEWS PROGRAMS EVENTS ABOUT DONATE     ADVOCATES, SUPPORTERS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS GATHER FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS RALLY Over 100

10/13/2026

HOW TO AVOID SCAMS: A PROGRAM FOR SENIORS

📆 Tuesday, November 10, 2026
⌚ 1:00 to 2:00 PM
📌 Heritage of Clara Barton (Independent Living Room), 1015 Amboy Avenue Edison, NJ

Knowledge is your best defense against fraud!

Unfortunately, there are people who scam others for a living. They may try to steal your money, your personal information, your identity, and even your benefits. Learning how to recognize the warning signs can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Join Anastasia Kokinos, Division Head of Consumer Affairs, Middlesex County Department of Public Safety and Health, for an informative and interactive presentation on how to identify, avoid, and report scams.

Topics Include:
- Common scams targeting seniors
- Phone, email, text, and online fraud
- Identity theft prevention
- Protecting your Social Security, Medicare, and other benefits
- Warning signs that a scammer is trying to trick you
- Where to get help and report fraud

Through real-world examples and practical tips, you'll learn how to recognize scams before they happen and gain the confidence to protect yourself from fraud.

Remember: Scammers are counting on you to trust them. We'll help you learn what to watch for and how to stay one step ahead.

Free and open to seniors, caregivers, family members, and friends.

Free Energy Savings Kit for those who attend.

For more information, contact Luke Koppisch at 732-438-4388 or [email protected]

🔗 Register here:

Knowledge is your best defense against fraud! Unfortunately, there are people who scam others for a living. They may try to steal your money, your personal information, your identity, and even your benefits. Learning how to recognize the warning signs can help keep you and your loved ones safe. J

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

REMINDER: ACI will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026.

10/08/2026

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is launching a new program to help people explore their experiences related to their health condition, or changing body and/or mind. Barriers and difficulties related to health conditions can feel disempowering. We want to build a program t...