New Jersey Association of Community Providers - NJACP

06/19/2026

NJACP’s Libby Vinson attended two ribbon cuttings celebrating NJACP members that are expanding services. Alternatives, Inc. recently opened a new group home specifically designed to support individuals with complex IDD behavioral needs, while Elwyn greatly expanded its Day Habilitation program in Sewell, creating more opportunities for adults with IDD to participate in meaningful, community-based experiences.

Cutting these ribbons signifies more than the opening of new programs. They mean four young adults now have a safe, supportive new home to live in and many more individuals with IDD have access to a beautiful day program where they can build friendships, connections, and their skills to thrive in the community.

06/18/2026

Another successful NJACP Membership Meeting!

A special thank you to Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy, Deputy Speaker, for joining us and for her continued support of New Jersey's IDD community. We are especially grateful for her sponsorship of FY27 Budget Resolution #131, which champions a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment for IDD services.

We also thank our closing guest speaker, Ethan Diamond, Practice Manager at Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton, for sharing valuable insights into the specialized healthcare services and supports designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with IDD.

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we continue working together to strengthen services, support providers, and improve the lives of the individuals we serve.

06/17/2026

Speaker Craig J. Coughlin New Jersey Assembly Democrats Louis Greenwald Senator Paul A. Sarlo Governor Mikie Sherrill

📢 Please Sponsor Assembly Budget Resolution #131.

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve active, engaged lives.

Their families should be able to work and age without worry about who will care for their loved one, and the community providers who support individuals need state and federal funding to ensure quality and sustainable services.

Runaway inflation and increasing federal and state requirements are already eroding our system of care.

A 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) helps sustain critical services, supports Direct Support Professionals, and strengthens opportunities for individuals with IDD to live, work, and thrive in their communities.

Invest in Community. Invest in People.

On behalf of NJACP member agencies and the individuals we support, thank you for your consideration and leadership. New Jersey Association of Community Providers - NJACP

06/17/2026

Congrats again, Patrick! We loved celebrating you!!

06/17/2026

Seizure safety saves lives. If someone had a seizure, would you know what to do?

Our on-demand Seizure Recognition and Response Training prepares parents, caregivers, school personnel, workplaces, and community members to respond calmly and safely.

Epilepsy Services of New Jersey also offers live, instructor-led trainings for schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and community organizations, providing in-depth education and practical guidance specific to each setting.

Since 2020, 194,266 individuals have completed the training. Last year alone, 46,797 people were trained. Together, we are building a more prepared and informed community.

Help us keep the momentum going and move closer to our next milestone of 200,000 people trained!

Start your training today through this link https://bit.ly/3KWDgkO

Epilepsy Services of New Jersey is a proud affiliate of the Family Resource Network.

06/17/2026

Researchers at Drexel University's Social Connections and Treatment Lab are recruiting autistic adults ages 18–30 for a free 10-week in-person group program designed to foster connection, collaboration, and self-expression.

Through interactive group sessions, surveys, and interviews, participants will help advance research on what supports meaningful social connections and community building for autistic adults.

Interested in learning more? https://autismnj.org/news/sdari-ya-autistic-young-adults-study/

06/17/2026

NJACP is happy to have supported A-2550 that will protect vulnerable individuals from losing their health insurance. We applaud the NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee for voting in favor of A-2550 this week. New Jersey Assembly Democrats Speaker Craig J. Coughlin Assemblywoman Shanique Speight Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie

06/16/2026

Some excellent training opportunities...

Register for Certificate Program in Developmental Disabilities Summer 2026 webinars sponsored by The Boggs Center and Rutgers University School of Social Work, Office of Continuing Education. Learn more and register: https://socialwork-ce.rutgers.edu/index.php/webinar-variations?combine&tid=9

06/15/2026

WIN: AN EVENING OF PRIDE, JOY AND INSPIRATION AT STARS!
Last Tuesday, NJACP hosted STARS! - A special evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible individuals our member agencies are privileged to support. From employment and volunteerism to advocacy, leadership, creativity, personal growth, and community engagement, STARS shines a spotlight on individuals with IDD who are making a difference every single day.

I had the privilege of presenting many of the awards and seeing the pride, joy, and excitement on the faces of the honorees and their loved ones. Those shared moments are ones I will never forget. They serve as a powerful reminder of why this work matters and why I feel such a deep sense of honor and responsibility in leading NJACP.⭐

CHALLENGE: THE FINAL FY27 BUDGET PUSH
With the June 30 FY27 budget deadline rapidly approaching, the next few weeks will be critical as final budget negotiations take place in Trenton.

We are grateful to Senator Andrew Zwicker and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy for sponsoring budget resolutions calling for a 3% increase for IDD services in FY27. However, inclusion in the final budget is far from guaranteed.

That's where YOUR voice matters.

Please take two minutes to participate in NJACP's advocacy campaign and tell your legislators why this funding is needed. Every message helps demonstrate the importance of investing in quality community services and supports for individuals with IDD.
Take Action Here: https://njacp.org/take-action/

FORWARD FOCUS: FY27 BUDGET UPDATE WITH ASSEMBLY HEALTH CHAIR CAROL MURPHY

Join NJACP on June 17 at 10:00 a.m. at our headquarters for a special Membership Meeting featuring Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee and sponsor of NJACP's FY27 Budget Resolution supporting a 3% increase in funding for IDD services.
As budget negotiations enter their final stages, this is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Assemblywoman Murphy about the budget process, legislative priorities, and issues affecting individuals with IDD and the community providers who support them.

Register here: https://forms.gle/aHstKAp9Ds4yPcct8

06/12/2026

Huge congrats again to Quinn! What fun we had celebrating him at STARS! Celebration 2026🎉