CPNJ 2015 Annual Report

STRENGTH IN
DIVERSITY
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR MISSION
CPNJ is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities
and other special needs by supporting personal growth,
independence and participation in the community.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Edward H. Becker*
Helene Jaffe, Chair
Maxine Myers
Darren Burns, Secretary*
Bruce Kleinman*
Barry H. Ostrowsky*
David J. Carlson, Vice Chair
Brian T. Kloza, Treasurer*
Jennifer Pollak
Shari Caspert
Christine Kotarba
Beth S. Rose, Vice Chair
Ronald J. Greenberg
Brian Kronick
Justin P. Walder
Chris Halkyard
Ruth Legow
H. O’Neil Williams
Bette Hanauer
Clark Machemer
Amy Ziebarth
Brad Jacobson
Kelly Marx, Vice Chair*
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Edward I. Burns*
Tom Litwin+
Burton L. Eichler+
Jerome N. Waldor+
*Past President
+Deceased
CONTACT US
If you would like more information about any of our programs, please contact:
David Bishop
Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey
220 South Orange Avenue
Suite 300
Livingston, New Jersey
07039
973.763.9900 ext. 1601
dbishop@cpnj.org
cpnj.org
horizonschoolsnj.org
cerebralpalsyofnorthjersey
cpofnorthjersey
Photography by Chris Stratton
“It is time for parents to teach young people early on
that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
— Maya Angelou
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR & CEO
Our 2015 annual report highlights the many ways in which our agency benefits from the diversity among
our consumers and our staff members. Our consumers reside in 157 different communities and represent
a rainbow of cultural experience – race and ethnicity, language and nationality, orientation and identity,
spiritual beliefs, family definitions and social backgrounds, as well as in the challenges they face. Our staff
members are equally diverse, not only in their personal backgrounds but in the myriad skills and decades of
expert training they bring to CPNJ – skills and training that allow us to develop service plans that are tailored
to the unique needs of each individual we serve.
This report examines the many ways in which we embrace and celebrate our diversity, with a focus on three
key elements: (1) ensuring everyone a seat at the table; (2) helping everyone to have a voice in discussions;
and (3) learning from one another. Together, these stories highlight the soulful beauty and spiritual strength
that diversity brings to our agency. At a time when some are succumbing to fear of those who are different,
all of us must stand up and rejoice in our uniqueness.
We hope you enjoy this annual report and share it with others. Thank you for being part of the CPNJ family.
Helene Jaffe
Purna Rodman Conare
Chair, Board of Trustees
President & CEO
E N S U R E E V E R YO N E A S E A T A T T H E T A B L E
To create a truly diverse community, we work hard to ensure that no one is excluded
– this means helping individuals overcome barriers which might otherwise prevent
their full participation and pursuit of their individual goals.
KHATIB
As fast as he may fly past you in the hallways of Horizon
Elementary School, you can’t miss the smile on 11-yearold Khatib’s face. He likes to be in control and he likes
to move quickly, so his new power wheelchair fits him
perfectly. He quickly learned how to operate the complex
chair and when he thinks his one-on-one aide isn’t
watching, he adjusts the chair to the highest possible
speed and will incline his legs well into the air, saying
“Whoa, that’s high!” with a laugh. Khatib is like any child
his age, with a love of hot wheels, YouTube videos, and
his iPad (on which he loves to play- what else? – race car
games.) Staff credit much of his upbeat attitude to his
new wheelchair.
Born with a progressive disease, Khatib began to have
trouble walking and his family and staff members knew he
had to get a wheelchair. In the meantime, staff used a stroller to help him get around school. “You can’t move
[with the stroller]” said Khatib. “It was the worst.” Staff noticed that his demeanor gradually worsened and
his smile slowly faded. Fortunately, Horizon operates a durable medical equipment clinic that brings together
students and their family members with a pediatric physiatrist, physical therapist and various equipment
vendors to help obtain the equipment they need. Clinic coordinator Michelle Roth also works closely with the
family to advocate with the insurers to obtain coverage for the equipment. Working together, they were able
to secure the support needed to get Khatib his new chair. “I’m very happy,” said Khatib, “no one has to push
me.” He speeds off down the hallway, once more displaying his trademark smile and sense of independence.
PHOTO: Khatib slows down to show off his new wheelchair.
Khatib is one of more than 60 students enrolled in Horizon Elementary School, most of
whom participate in the durable medical equipment clinics. Additional clinics include a
neurologist, optometrist and a dentist.
JOSHUA
Joshua is a quiet and content young man who seems to have a gift for fitting in and getting along with just about
anyone. He is typically quite patient, waiting for direction from staff as he enters the various rooms at CPNJ’s
Irvington Adult Training Center. But when he arrives at the computer center on Tuesday mornings, there is no
trace of hesitation. He immediately finds a seat by a computer, pulls the swing-mounted monitor closer to him
and adjusts the keyboard and mouse to comfortable positions as he turns on the computer. Within minutes, he
is searching YouTube for photos from Asia – he loves Asian architecture and artwork. Seeing that he has found
a photo he particularly likes, staff member Shaqurana Greene walks over to take a look. “That’s beautiful,” she
says, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Are you going to draw it?” In response, Joshua reaches into his book
bag and pulls out a pad and pencil. He glances once at the photo and begins to sketch, never needing to refer
to the photo a second time, before holding the drawing up to Shaqurana. “That looks fantastic!” she exclaims
and Joshua responds with a faint smile.
“We don’t offer a template program
here,” said Service Coordinator
Diane Scott.
“We are constantly
experimenting and innovating to
find what works for each individual;
what makes each person feel
comfortable and accepted so they
can progress toward their goals.”
The staff at the Irvington center
recognized that Joshua is an artist
and they are always looking for
ways for him to express himself.
“For him, computer class is about
more than computers,” said Diane.
“Computers are a gateway for him
to find inspiration for his work. And
Joshua and all the other consumers
here at the center - they’re our
inspiration.”
PHOTO: Joshua and Shaqurana Greene working together in the computer room at the
Irvington Adult Training Center.
Joshua is one of more than 80 consumers served by CPNJ’s Irvington Adult Training
Center. Each of our three centers is equipped with a fully accessible computer lab.
STEPHEN
“We’re going on the swing!” called out occupational therapist Galo Aguayo to Horizon High School student
Stephen. Stephen’s eyes widened and his body shook with delight. “It’s his favorite thing,” explained Galo,
as he and another staff member helped Stephen transfer from his wheelchair to a swing suspended from the
ceiling of the school’s new sensory room. Galo has been working with Stephen on a number of self-care skills,
including brushing his teeth, feeding and washing his hands. But first, he works with Stephen on the swing. “If
we started with skill training, Stephen would find it difficult to focus and we would not accomplish very much,”
Galo explained. “The swing helps him to regulate his body so he can better attend to the tasks at hand.”
A short time later, Stephen joined physical therapist Lisa Matarazzo in the sensory room’s “spider cage.” Lisa
used a belt and series of bungee cords to support Stephen’s body weight so he could more easily stand on his
own. As with the swing, his excitement grew as the equipment helped support his body weight and he could
move more freely. “He’s working on dynamic balance in standing,” said Lisa as she began a game of catch with
Stephen. Thanks to his hard work in physical therapy, Stephen is now able to transfer from his wheelchair to a
standard classroom chair independently and can even walk with the support of parallel bars. “This is why our
school invests so heavily in such incredible facilities,” said Lisa. “These therapy spaces, stocked with state-ofthe-art equipment, help us to ensure that all of our students can maximize their educational experience and
their overall independence.” For Stephen, as for many Horizon High students, it’s still just a really cool space
and a chance to defy gravity.
PHOTO: Stephen and OT Gala Aguayo in Horizon High School’s new sensory room.
Stephen is one of the more than 80 students enrolled in Horizon High School. The facility
boasts a new sensory room and physical therapy gym, a vocational room, 12-station
computer lab, aquatic therapy pool and student news/music studio.
ERIN
When Erin arrives for work at the
AMC movie theater in Clifton,
weaving through the crowd and
promotional props for upcoming
features, there is no complaining
about having to go to work or
hoping for the work day to end.
She walks in with a genuine smile
of excitement and enthusiasm
that only grows more pronounced
as the day proceeds. “She loves
having a job and she’d work every
single day if she could,” said Tara
Jones,
a
Senior
Employment
Specialist at CPNJ’s adult day
program in Orange.
Tara works
closely with Erin, helping her to
develop the skills needed to obtain
and hold a job. She watches Erin
take up her position and begin
collecting tickets from arriving guests. Erin is social by nature and loves the chance to interact with everyone,
occasionally cutting herself short when a look from Tara reminds her she should not talk too long. “Enjoy the
show!” she says with her trademark smile.
Erin’s new job was made possible in part by the supports provided by CPNJ’s adult day program. Tara and
others worked with Erin for months to build the skill set she would need to join the workforce. “We worked on
things like how to fill out a job application, write a resume, do an interview and dress for work,” said Tara. “But
equally important is learning a work ethic and about appropriate behavior at work- how to act with customers,
coworkers and supervisors.” Tara also worked with Erin to help her to advocate on her own behalf. Since she
wanted to work more, Tara encouraged Erin to meet with her supervisor and she was successful in adding two
additional days to her schedule. She loves earning her own money and being able to shop. “I love CDs!”Erin
says excitedly (her favorites are NSYNC and Mariah Carey). “It’s great to see her so proud of herself,” said Tara.
“It’s just so fulfilling to be able to make a difference in the lives of our consumers.”
PHOTO: Erin (left) with Orange ATC staff member Tara Jones at the AMC movie theater.
Erin is one of more than 70 adults served by CPNJ’s Orange Adult Training Center. All
of our centers provide a wide range of pre-vocational and vocational training that allow
many participants to obtain and maintain employment.
H E L P I N G E A C H P E R S O N T O H AV E A V O I C E
We believe that everyone has a voice and that we can learn from each
individual if we are truly listening.
LUKASZ
Ellen Schwartz met Lukasz when he was just three months
old. He was born with a chronic illness that resulted in
weakness throughout his body, low muscle tone and poor
stamina. Having worked for more than 20 years as a
physical therapist in CPNJ’s early intervention program,
Ellen knew Lukasz could make significant progress in
overcoming his challenges. But as she worked with the
boy and his mother, she encountered a problem she had
not anticipated. The family spoke only Polish at home
and Lukasz heard English only from Ellen during her visits
twice each week. “As he increased his English language
skills, he could say quite a bit, but we could not understand
each other,” recalled Ellen.
To assist, Ellen turned to Lukasz’s mother, who is fluent
in both Polish and English, who provided simultaneous
translation at each therapy session. “What I think was really remarkable,” said Ellen in amazement, “is that
Lukasz and I each learned from one another.” Ellen learned that when Lukasz shouted “Rybki! Rybki! (Fish!
Fish!),” it meant he wanted to go out by the fish pond where Ellen would have him practice walking on uneven
ground. When he said “herbatka” (tea) it meant he wanted to use the toy tea set to serve Ellen tea. And
Lukasz, understanding that Ellen spoke another language, began to learn English. When Ellen was confused
when he asked for “lew,” he quickly switched to the English “lion” so Ellen would give him the toy he wanted.
Soon Ellen heard him saying “See you Thursday,” as she left their Monday session each week. “He has made
great strides in his physical therapy goals while picking up so much English,” said Ellen with pride. “There is
always a way to connect and, with his mom’s help, we found it and we are both better off as a result.”
PHOTO: Early Intervention PT Ellen Schwartz works with Lukasz in his home.
Lukasz is just one of the many infants and toddlers with whom our early intervention
program works with each year who speak a language other than English at home (the
program serves a total of more than 500 infants and toddlers each year). If staff is
unable to secure a therapist who speaks the same language or the help of a caregiver,
they bring a professional translator along to each session.
KEVIN
Kevin can usually be found sitting in one corner of the computer room at CPNJ’s Orange Adult Training Center.
Having graduated from CPNJ’s Horizon High School two years ago, he has retained the love of computers he
developed as a student. He especially loves Google Maps, where he searches various neighborhoods, then
zooms in ever closer to study the details of the various homes. His love of architecture shines through in his
artwork, in which he often includes drawings of various rooms he likes. He does not communicate verbally,
but enjoys seeing various friends at the center, greeting some with a nod and others with a fist-bump. He
especially likes to spend time with those staff members who, like him, are able to use sign language.
“Kevin is very intelligent and social and loves to communicate,” said Taneekah Garvin, a Senior Habilitation
and Vocational Specialist at the ATC. “We are fortunate to have several staff members who are able to use
sign language and Kevin always seeks out one of us.” He loves to tell everyone about his weekend and ask
questions about everyone else. And he doesn’t limit himself to communicating only with those who know sign
language. “He knows who does and doesn’t understand sign,” said Taneekah. “He has been trying to teach a
number of staff members some more basic signs, like ‘good morning’ and ‘how are you.’ I think folks tend to
think that we staff members are always teaching our consumers, but the reality is that we learn so much more
from them. People like Kevin let us into their worlds and make us want to learn more and be able to interact
more. It makes this such an incredibly rewarding experience.”
PHOTO: Kevin and Orange ATC staff member Taneekah Garvin communicating with sign language.
Kevin is one of more than 200 adults with developmental disabilities enrolled in CPNJ’s
three adult day programs. Our direct care staff invest countless hours, often on their own
time, to gain skills that will help them better serve our consumers.
NICOLE
Nicole loves to communicate with everyone at Horizon High School, particularly about the holidays. “She
loves holiday celebrations,” said speech therapist Danielle Kernodle. “And she anticipates each one for weeks
in advance.” Communicating about what she loves is as important to Nicole as it is to any young woman in
high school. This made it all the more upsetting when her communication device, which she had been using
for more than five years, started having technical issues and she learned that it was discontinued and would
need to be replaced. Nicole communicates through her device by accessing a switch that is mounted to her
wheelchair at the side of her head. “At times, this method of communication can make it challenging to keep
up with the speed of a typical conversation because the moment to say something can pass before the device
user can speak their desired message,” explained Danielle. The team seized the opportunity to not only find a
comparable system but one that would have a positive impact on Nicole.
Staff expert in the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) began testing out various
devices and software with Nicole. After a good amount of trial and error, they identified a device that she
was comfortable with. The new device made a larger vocabulary available, yet it was organized in a way that
allows Nicole to access what she wants to say more efficiently. Learning a new communication system can
be challenging, but Nicole knew she could count on the staff to assist her in learning the new device. “We
have learned the new software together,” said Danielle. And what most excites the staff about the change is
the effect it’s had on Nicole. “Nicole is now initiating conversation and commenting more frequently. We’re
learning more about her interests and about her as a person. And that is truly worth all of our efforts.”
PHOTO: Nicole shares a laugh with speech therapist Danielle Kernodle at Horizon High School.
Nicole is one of about 40% of the students at Horizon Schools who are supported by our
AAC experts in utilizing a communication system.
JOEY
Isaac and Joey strolled side by side together as they headed into CPNJ’s administrative offices. While Joey
never says more than an occasional phrase, Isaac seems to understand him perfectly, often responding to
nonverbal messages. “When you spend as much time together as we do,” explained Isaac, “you learn to
interpret the other person’s body language. Joey doesn’t have to verbalize everything- he says a lot with a
look or a gesture.” The two ride the elevator together, Joey watching the reflection of himself in his sharp new
gray suit. They exit at their floor and walk to an office where they have to pick up some paperwork. Asked to
wait, they both sit in the lobby and Isaac passes Joey a magazine, in which he is immediately engrossed. “He
absolutely loves to read magazines more than anything else,” said Isaac. “We ask everyone on staff to bring
their old ones for him- he can’t get enough.”
Joey experienced developmental delays
when he was an infant and he spent
most of his life in various institutional
settings, including almost 30 years in
a state developmental center. In 2011,
he moved into CPNJ’s community
residence in Warren. He did not speak
and did very little for himself. But the
last four-and-a-half years with his five
housemates and staff members have
been transformative.
He now uses
phrases: “no more” to let staff know
he’s tired of an activity, “tie my shoes”
when his laces come undone and “let’s
go” when he’s ready to leave. He also
now loads the washing machine himself,
puts his clothes away and clears his
place at the table after dinner.
“He
shares more and more of himself with
us every day,” said Isaac. “I think he
just needed to feel at home with all of
us, and now he does.”
PHOTO: Joey (right) and his buddy Isaac peruse the magazines at the agency’s
administrative offices.
Joey is one of more than 60 individuals who live in CPNJ’s 14 community residences.
More than half of our residents are nonverbal and rely on our expert staff to find a means
of communicating.
LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER
We are each both student and teacher- we must always be open to learning
from those around us and also conscious that all that we communicate in any
way may influence others.
STAFF MEMBERS OF
HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL
“We celebrate our differences,” said Horizon High School Principal, Dr. Chris Lynch. “We are fortunate to have
an incredibly diverse staff and student body and what better source could there be for learning and growth?”
The school’s staff includes 33 individuals who were born in 20 different countries who speak 12 different
languages.
BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Poling Huang (Taiwan), Maria Massicot (Dominican Republic), Sergio Cuevas (Puerto Rico), Carmen
Martinez and Jesus Aceituno (Venezuela), Elvis Henry and Carmeta Thomas (Jamaica), Marcia Lebrone (Haiti), Carol Solis-Sanchez,
Xiamora Pena, Minerva Mata-Saddedine, Alma Pena and Yessenia Diaz (Dominican Republic), Danie Raymond (Haiti), Luisa Morel
(Dominican Republic)
FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Ange Dorceus (Haiti), Marcia Braithwaite and Monique Braithwaite (Guyana), Fatoumata Dembele
(Senegal), David Orioki (Kenya), Jennifer McClean (Trinidad & Tobego), Anna Nurse (Virgin Islands), Cila Seput-De Mendoza (Colombia),
Aura Diaz, Oscar Lozano, Laura Galvis and Maricela Raga (Colombia), Georges Malary, Beatrice Jean (Haiti), Marie Paul Avril and Marie
Conserve (Haiti)
NOT PICTURED: Galo Aguayo (Ecuador), Monica Almeida (Uruguay), Marta Broland (Poland), Nijole Clegiene (Lithuania), Delmy
Diaz (El Salvador), Norma Durand (Peru), Nkemakolam Ekpo (Nigeria), Elvis Henry (Jamaica), Abimbola Hunnu-Moiett (Nigeria),
Maria Massicot (Dominican Republic), Victoria Ramdin (Guyana), Jennifer Sawyer ( Sierra Leone), Alain Tamelessio (Central African
Republic), Fanny Velandia (Colombia).
These Horizon High School staff members are among the more than 800 CPNJ staff
members who help us to carry out our mission by supporting personal growth,
independence and participation in the community.
PETER
Peter has always been something
of a showman, so staff member
Ayodele Stober was not surprised
to see him enter the room with
a wide grin.
He was scheduled
to do a presentation about Irish
immigration to the United States
to his peers at CPNJ’s Wayne Adult
Training Center and he had been
looking forward to it for some
time. Peter’s was one of several
presentations for the day and
the room was already filled with
a wide assortment of food, flags,
photos, clothes and other items
from various countries, including
Mexico, Germany and Russia. Staff
member Widlande Dieyuste sat with Peter at the front of the room and helped him to read his presentation.
“Staff helped me do my research online,” Peter proudly explained. At his conclusion, he was met with claps
and cheers before taking a spot in the audience, equally excited to hear other reports.
The class is part of a focus on embracing diversity that is part of the program’s skill-based lesson plans. “This
lesson plan was designed to educate our consumers about their communities,” said Ayodele. “We believe it
is important to help them understand that everyone is different and this provides us with the opportunity to
listen to and learn from one another.” Peter listened intently to the other presentations: “I love all the pictures
that were on display,” he said, “because it’s interesting to know other countries.” He looks forward to more
diversity lessons, both as an instructor and as a student.
PHOTO: Peter and Wayne ATC staff member Widlande Dieyuste turn on the charm for
Peter’s big presentation.
Peter is one of more than 70 consumers at the Wayne Adult Training Center. The
embracing diversity component of the curriculum has been very successful and will be
rolled out to our other adult day programs.
TATYANA
“I’m playing your favorite song for you!” Tatyana called out to Bernards Township group home manager Andreea
Gerwin as a Bon Jovi song began blaring through the house. Tatyana (or Taty as she’s know to her friends)
loves music and enjoys sharing it with her housemates, family and friends. “She is such a joy to be around,”
said Andreea as she looked over at Taty. “She’s always playing music, singing, starting card games, calling
her housemates to watch TV together. She has a way of making us all feel comfortable together, like family.”
Taty is part of a large Greek family and she tells everyone in the house about her family members. “Family is
extremely important to her,” said Andreea. “So when she was unable to spend Easter with them not long after
she moved in here, we knew we had to do something special to make her feel comfortable.” Andreea was familiar
with the Greek Orthodox tradition of “egg knocking” whereby each person in the group takes a hard-boiled
egg and taps it against the egg of the other participants, hoping to break the other’s egg without breaking
his or her own. But she wanted to
go a step further, so she reached out
to a Greek friend for help in learning
some Greek words. “I didn’t see
i t
it as a chore,” recalled Andreea. “I
I
was trying to do something for Taty
and in the process I benefitted by
learning something new.” She found
her reward in the excited reaction
from Taty. “Hey, how’d you do that?!”
Taty said in amazement after hearing
Andreea speak Greek. “I wanted to
to
bring a little of her tradition and
her language into the house,” said
Andreea. “This is a great house, but
you have to bring some elements
of family in order for it to become
a home. And for Taty, and everyone
who lives here, that’s what we want
this to be.”
PHOTO: Tatyana (right) and CPNJ house manager Andreea Gerwin knock eggs as part
of their Easter celebration.
Tatyana lives in one of CPNJ’s 14 community residences, each one of which our staff work
hard to make a home.
LENNY
“Johnny’s
here!”
called
out
Horizon
Elementary School teacher Marie Rem. All
of the students in the room were excited,
but particularly little five-year-old Lenny.
He immediately reached for the styrofoam
airplane he had made earlier that week.
Every student in class had made a plane
and they were going to test-fly them that
afternoon. Lenny was excited to show off
his plane to his friend and fly it together.
Johnny remained in perpetual motion as
he entered, greeting the students, then
heading over to his buddy Lenny. They
waste no time in greetings, but seem to
pick up immediately where they left off,
discussing Lenny’s plane and various
toys and gadgets in the classroom before
heading out with the class to test their
planes.
Johnny, also five-years-old, started visiting Lenny every week at Horizon in the spring of 2015, when he was just
four-years-old. He also helped raise funds for the school as part of their annual Wheelin’-n’-Walkin’ Challenge
and participated in the trunk-or-treat event for Halloween. “I wanted him to learn very early on about those
with special needs and about the need to understand those who are different,” said Johnny’s mother, Kathy.
From the start, Johnny had a lot of questions, about why Lenny speaks so softly and why he walks slower than
him. “He gradually learned that his friend just does some things differently,” explained Kathy. “Now he talks
about Lenny all the time, wants to have him over the house, even wants to learn more Spanish so he can talk in
Spanish with Lenny (who’s bilingual).” “It’s so great to see Johnny and Lenny together,” said Corry DeMarco,
CPNJ’s Coordinator of Volunteers. “We work very hard to create a wide range of opportunities for Horizon
students to interact with their non-disabled peers, both through partnerships with area grammar schools and
through one-on-one opportunities as with Lenny and Johnny. Those two are a wonderful example of how
mutually beneficial such a relationship can be. Though they don’t think of it as education, just hanging out
with their pal.”
PHOTO: Lenny (left) and his pal Johnny discover a new toy at Horizon Elementary School.
Johnny is one of more than 800 volunteers who give their time throughout the year to
strengthen our programming.
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW
April 18th : Horizon High School held their
third annual 5k run/walk at Brookdale Park
in Bloomfield, raising more than $16,000.
Longtime volunteer Harry Mahoney, who
helped raise more than $7,000, was
presented with the Ironman Award for
his years of service by Senior V.P. for
Operations Dr. Angelica Diaz-Martinez.
May 6th: Horizon High School opened the Edward
& Freyda Burns Family Therapeutic Fitness Park.
Pictured, from left to right: Livingston Councilman
Rudy Fernandez, Livingston
Deputy Mayor Al
Anthony, Principal Chris Lynch, board member
Helene Jaffe, Interim President & CEO Dr. Angelica
Diaz-Martinez, Horizon High student Esther, Dottie
Litwin-Brief, board members Kelly Marx, Darren
Burns, and Brad Jacobson and Livingston Mayor
Michael Silverman.
May 8th: Horizon Elementary
School and Horizon High
School combined forces to
organize a tricky tray event
that attracted more than
300 guests and raised more
than $35,000. Pictured are
event committee members
Mary Ruiz, Natasha McCall,
Norma Durand, Ann Marie
Micchelli, Galo Aguayo, Lisa
Diorio, and Gina Wagner.
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW
May/June: Horizon Schools and
our three adult day programs
participated
in
the
annual
Wheelin’-n’-Walkin’
Challenge,
raising a combined $160,000 for
their programs. The Machemer
family led the way, raising over
$30,000. Pictured, from left to
right: Amanda Machemer with her
parents, Clark and Michelle, and
her brother Jake and aide Tahlie
Gordon.
September 8th: Purna Rodman
Conare joined CPNJ as our new
President & CEO.
October 28th:
CPNJ
honored
Joe
Marino of Century 21
Construction and M&M
Realty Partners at our
Steps to Independence
Celebration. The event
was the most successful
fundraiser in agency
history, raising over
$650,000.
Pictured:
Joe Marino (left) being
presented with the
Kelly Marx Steps to
Independence
Award
by real estate attorney
and former honoree
Barry Mandelbaum.
November 24th : Horizon High School unveiled two new
program rooms: the Herbert Caspert Vocational Training
Center and the HBC Sensory Room & Physical Therapy
Gym. The new rooms were made possible by the Alfiero
and Lucia Palestroni Foundation and the Caspert Family.
Pictured: Occupational therapist Dina Krupka working
with Matthew Caspert in the new sensory room.
2015 FINANCIAL REPORT
2015 ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL INFORMATION FIRST DRAFT
2015 ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL INFORMATION FIRST DRAFT
2015 Revenue 2015 Revenue $2.10 Schools
Schools
Govt. Grants
Govt. Grants
Fee For Service
Fee For Service
Fundraising
& Interest
Fundraising
& Interest
$14.78
$17.85
$2.10
$0.74
$35.47
M
M
M
M
M
$14.78
$17.85
$2.10
$0.74
$35.47
M
M
M
M
M
$2.10 $0.74 $0.74 $
$14.78 $17.85 $17.85 Schools
Govt. Grants
Fee For Service
Schools
Fundraising & Interest
Govt. Grants
Fee For Service
Fundr
Where the Money Comes From
Where the
Comes From
SUPPORT
ANDMoney
REVENUE
Government Contracts
Fee
for ServiceAND REVENUE
SUPPORT
Public Schools
Government
Other
Income Contracts
Fee for
Service
Private
Contributions
TOTAL
PublicSUPPORT
Schools& REVENUE
$
Other Income
EXPENSES
Private Contributions
Salaries, Benefits & Taxes
TOTAL
SUPPORT
Direct
Program
Costs & REVENUE
Total All Other Expenses
Depreciation
EXPENSES& Amortization
TOTAL EXPENSES
Salaries, Benefits & Taxes
Direct Program
Costs
CHANGE
IN NET ASSESTS
Total All Other Expenses
Depreciation & Amortization
TOTAL EXPENSES
CHANGE IN NET ASSESTS
EXPENSES BY PROGRAM
Schools
Community Therapy
Early Intervention
Adult Training Ctrs/Group Homes
Administration / Fund Raising
TOTAL EXPENSES BY PROGRAM
17,686,487
2,098,019
14,779,040
382,453
736,210
35,682,209
49.57%
5.88%
41.42%
17,686,4871.07%
2,098,019
2.06%
100.00%
14,779,040
382,453
736,210
28,111,767
79.21%
$
35,682,209
5,924,968
16.69%
$
$
615,201
839,152
35,491,088
1.73%
2.36%
100.00%
28,111,767
191,121 5,924,968
615,201
839,152
$
35,491,088
$
191,121
Support & Revenue 382,453 49.57%
5.88%
41.42%
1.07%
2.06%
100.00%
736,210 17,686,487 14,779,040 Support & Revenue 382,453 2,098,019 736,210 17,686,487 14,779,040 2,098,019 Government Contracts
Fee for Service
Public Schools
Private Contributions
79.21%Other Income
16.69%
1.73%
2.36%
Government Contracts Fee for Service
EXPENSES BY PROGRAMS 100.00%
Other Income
Private Contributions
Public S
4,289,016 13,306,944 13,306,944
1,706,991
2,405,030
13,783,107
4,289,016
35,491,088
37.49%
4.81%
6.78%
38.84%
12.08%
100.00%
13,783,107 EXPENSES BY PROGRAMS 4,289,016 1,706,991 2,405,030 EXPENSES BY PROGRAM
Schools
Community Therapy
Schools
13,306,944
37.49% Early Intervention
Adult Training
Ctrs/Group
13,783,107 Homes
Community Therapy
1,706,991
4.81% Administration / Fund Raising
Early Intervention
2,405,030
6.78%
Training
Ctrs/Group
Homes cost combined accounted
13,783,107
InAdult
2015, our
administrative
and fundraising
by 12.08% of our total38.84%
costs with almost 88 cents of every dollar going directly to programs
and
services. Change
net assests
was $191,121 due to an increase
in government grants revenue.
Program Revenue grew by 6.69% over the preceding year.
Administration
/ in
Fund
Raising
4,289,016
12.08%
For a fuller financial statement go to www.cpnj.org
TOTAL EXPENSES BY PROGRAM
35,491,088
100.00%
13,306,944 1,70
2,405,030 Schools
Community Therapy
Early Intervention
Adult Training Ctrs/G
Administration / Fund Raising
In 2015, our administrative and fundraising cost combined accounted by 12.08% of our total costs with almost 88 cents of every dollar going direct
and services. Change in net assests was $191,121 due to an increase in government grants revenue. Program Revenue grew by 6.69% over the prece
For a fuller financial statement go to www.cpnj.org
CPNJ SUPPORTERS
We extend our deepest thanks to the individuals and organizations whose support
helped us to deliver our life-affirming services to more than 1,500 infants,
children and adults in 2015.
LEGACY SOCIETY
There is no greater commitment an individual can make to an organization than to remember it in his
or her will. The size of the gift is not important – it can be a percentage of the estate or a set amount.
What is important is the opportunity to serve as a model of philanthropy, leaving a legacy that will help
support our programs for infants, children and adults with disabilities.
We created the CPNJ Legacy Society to honor those who have remembered the agency in their wills.
We would like to express our deepest thanks to those who have already joined the Society, as of
December 31, 2015:
Barbara & Ed Becker
Dottie Litwin-Brief
Jennifer & Darren Burns
Kelly & Nancy Marx
Fredya & Edward I. Burns
Alan Mucatel
Helene and Sandy Jaffe
Maxine Myers
Ava & Bruce Kleinman
Jay & Frankie Oberst
Paula & Brian Kloza
Bobbi & Barry Ostrowsky
CPNJ SUPPORTERS
100,000+
Alfiero and Lucia Palestroni
Foundation, Inc.
50,000+
Edward & Barbara Becker
The Healthcare Foundation
of New Jersey
25,000+
Mandelbaum Salsburg
Valley National Bank
Meeker Sharkey Associates
Justin & Lana Walder
Peter R. & Cynthia K.
Kellogg Foundation
Z & J Corporation
Rockefeller Group
Development Corporation
2,500+
Sharp Management LLC
viram Foundation
Wells Fargo
DottieLitwin-Brief
5,000+
Joseph and Cheryl Marino
Family Foundation Inc.
BFL Furniture
Bamco, Inc.
Kelly & Nancy Marx
Burns Family Foundation
Steven & Beverly Rubenstein
Charitable Foundation
County Concrete Corp.
15,000+
Forgione Family Foundation
Actavis
Genova Burns
Barnabas Health
Century 21 Construction
Giant Learn Educational
Consultants LLC
Edgewood Properties
Greenfield Gardens LLC
Fidelco Group
Lonnie & Bette Hanauer
Investors Bank
Helene & Sanford Jaffe
Seton Hall University
Joseph Jingoli & Son, Inc.
Silverback Fund
Steven & RuthKatz
Summit Area Public Foundation
Brian & Kathy Kronick
10,000+
Deloitte
Gebroe Family Foundation
Gerald & RuthLegow
Clark & Michelle Machemer
Appaloosa Management
Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Maxine Myers
Brach Eichler L.L.C.
NIT Health
Stephen Dono
Stuart Feldman
Eastdil Secured
MIller Construction Company
Pella Windows & Doors
Joe Plumeri Foundation Inc.
William Rubenstein
Available Light of New York, Inc.
The Richard Bosco Memorial
Scholarship Foundation Trust
Canoe Brook Investors, LLC
Columbia Bank
The Dalal Family Foundation
Encore Capital Management
FLM Graphics Corporation
Johnson & Johnson
Christos Karnessis
Brian T. & Paula Kloza
Melissa J. Krauss
Lennar Corp.
MayraLondono
Meisel, Tuteur & Lewis, P.C.
Heather Merklinger
NorthStar Asset
Management Group
Oliver Luxxe Assets
The Pidcock Company
Selective Insurance Company
Betty & Joe Sitt
Tru-Val Electric Corp.
H. O’Neil & Barbara Williams
Michael & Miriam Wolfson
1,000+
Axion Healthcare Solutions LLC
Frank Basile
Silbert Realty & Management Co., Inc.
Jane and George Bean
Charitable Fund
Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.
Robert & Lucille Becker
Kushner Companies
The Horizon Foundation for NJ
Matching Gifts Program
David Bishop
Stuart & LauraLitwin
Turrell Fund
First Data
Inserra Supermarkets
Ivy Equity Investors, LLC
Brothers Carpet and Flooring Inc.
CPNJ SUPPORTERS
C.M.C. Cleaning &
Maintenance Service
Chuck & Eileen Cain
John Harrington
Ralph Herzka
Community Foundation
of New Jersey
Peter Waldor & Associates, LLC
Capelli New York
Honeywell International
Charity Matching
Centrim Electric, Inc.
Brad Honigfeld
Quasar Electric Group Inc.
Robert & Carole Cerasia
Foundation, Inc.
IMAC Insurance Agency, LLC
Rag Place
J & J Tile
Republic Records
Allan & Debbie Janoff
Marc Roberts
Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation
Rockefeller Group International, Inc.
Purna Rodman Conare
& R.M. Stineman
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC
Ted & Katie Clayton
Cognizant US Corp
George and Sarah Karris
Community Foundation of NJ
Khachaturian Engineering
Associates
Concrete Systems Inc.
Bruce & Ava Kleinman
Conner Strong & Buckelew
Korman Communities - AVE
Kevin and Susan Corb
Jeff Lagowitz
Curchin Group, L.L.C.
Kelly Larkin
Cushman & Wakefield of New
Jersey, Inc. Metropolitan Area
Lostritto Family Foundation
Capital Markets Group
D & J Consulting LLC
Cathleen Davey
Beau Dietl & Associates
John Domingues
Eastwick College
Encon Mechanical
Evergreen Recycling
Faber Daeufer & Itrato PC
Jason Farrell
Kathleen Feeney
Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba Attorneys
Michael & Marjorie Francis
Frieri & Conroy LLC
Frank & Marie Giantomasi
Richard Grassey
Greenberg & Rapp
Financial Group
William J. Guarini Inc.
Chris & NicoleHalkyard
Edwin & Joan Halkyard
Chris Lynch
Kurt & Nancy Machemer
Christopher & Michelle Pompeo
Douglas Rotella
Fred B. & Jodi S. Rothman
Joseph M. Sanzari, Inc.
Greg Schiano
Shell Packaging
Myron Shevell
Smith-Sondy Asphalt
Construction Company
Smolin ,Lupin & Co.
Strategiq Commerce
Fred & Marcia Machemer
Brian Trematore Plumbing
& heating, Inc.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
TSS Facility Services
Barry & Leslie Mandelbaum
Twomey Family
David Mandelbaum
UBS Financial Services Inc.
Robert & Wendy Marcus
Peter Waldor & Associates, LLC
Robert & Candy Matarazzo
Wilentz Goldman & Spitzer
McCarter & English
Willis of New York
Millennium Homes
Wiss & Company, LLP
Mitchell Modell
StevenWolf
Kathy & Charlie Morales
William Wrede
Tommy Mottola
Stephen & Amy
Nero’s Grille
New Jersey Urology
500+
Newark Academy
Andrew Abramson
OritaniBank Charitable
Foundation
Acumen Capital Partners LLC
Tom Patire Group LLC
Richard & Natalie Peck
Peter J. Gianacakes Family
Charitable Fund
Affliated Management, Inc.
Aidan K Foundation
Alarm & Suppression Co.
JennieAlvarez
CPNJ SUPPORTERS
Amboy Bank
StevenGoldman
Tony & Mary V. Pisani
American Legion East Orange
Edwin C & Suzann
Goldstein Foundation
PNY Technologies, Inc.
Post 73
Carole Ammann
Charles & Noreen Andrews
Atrium Pharmacy
Martin & Ruth Barber
Bay Crane Service, Inc.
Eric Bechtel
Bergen Cop - Adminz
Birch Lumber Company
RobertBolderman
Edward & Abby Bond
Derek & Anne E. G. Burke
Calandra’s Enterprise
Peter Cammarano
Haddad’s Inc.
The Hamilton Group, LLC
Bette Hanauer
Lewis & Suzanne Handrinos
James E. Hanson, Inc.
High Performance Floors
Jacqueline & Ian Hume
Peter & Gladys Ibelli
Inglesino, Pearlman, Wyciskala
& Taylor, LLC
Kenneth Jaffe Inc.
MarvinJarmel
Edward Kershaw
PODZ LLC
Pride Equipment Corporation
Warren Racusin
Joseph Riggs
Robert & Marissa Romanyshyn
Mary Ruiz
Savini’s Restaurant
Bennet and Judythe Schonfeld
Brian Schwartz
Several Sources Shelters
Jonathan Shaver
Michael Siden
Richard & Shelley Simon
William E. Simon Foundation
Juan & Jean Cappello
Langan Engineering &
Enviormental Services
David Carlson & Lara Pennington
Lois Lautenberg
Star- Lo Electric, Inc.
Caspert Management Co., Inc.
KennyLi
Johnson Stephens Consulting
Cine Magic Riverfront Studios
Harry & Lorraine Mahoney
Leslie Strauss
Elias B. Cohen & Associates
Gail Marino
Julia Strayer
Robert & Susan Cohen
Dean Marsh
John & Mariline Tamasulo
NancyCosgriff
Martin O’Boyle Landscaping
Daniel and Jesse Torrey
Bennie & Laverne Council
Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, LLC
Trinity Contracting, Inc.
Thomas Curnin
Anthony & Sumira Mazza
Rick Trizano
GerardDemetrius
Matthew & Sharon McInerny
Troncone Partners
John A. Demetrius
David & Beth Mebane
Valley National Bank
Angelica Diaz-Martinez
Allen & PeggyMeisels
Mark Veniero
DiFrancesco, Bateman, Coley,
Yospin, Kunzman
Jay & Joy Meisner
Tina Volpe
Mike & Ann Marie Micchelli
John Wallace
Joyce Mondadori Mondadori
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Keith Muller
Woodmont Properties
Virginia Mushinski
John & Kathy Yorey
New England Motor Freight Inc.
Amy Ziebarth
Michele Dimaira
David Drymon
Ethel Edell
Stephen & Amy Elman
Executive Color Systems, Inc.
Nick Ferraro
Cameron Ferroni
JoetteFullerton
Jerry & Pat Gareau
Gerard & Odalys Nocera
Jay & Francine Oberst
John & Barbara Papa
Craig Partin
Pfizer, Inc.
Staples
C P N J VO L U N T E E R S
Volunteers have had a major impact on our agency. In 2015 alone, more than 1,000 individuals
have given of their time, talent and energy to enhance the services we provide. They have
allowed us, in the face of budget cuts and increasing demand for services, to continue to create
special memories each day for the infants, children and adults we serve.
INDIVIDUALS
Eden Abebe
Denise Alabi
Anzotika Alaj
Melanie Albert
Bonnie Algarin
Jennie Alvarez
Tina Balacco
Sanjay Balan
Tara Balan
Basia Baldwin
Jonathan Barouch
Michele Barresi
James Becker
Russell Beckerman
Bina Beed
Iris Berman
Evan Berney
Julie Bibbo
Emily Boruch
Josh Brodkin
Emily Brown
Katie Brunner
Derek Burke
Ariana Bustos
Jairo Bustos
Tynessa Camp
Brian Cao
Devon Carlson
Christina Carriere
Alyssa Chen
Christopher Chen
Isabella Cocuzza
Milton Cohen
Nate Cohen
Elizabeth Cornell
Greice Cruz
Jessica Daniel
Nathan Daniels
Ashlee Davis
Samantha DeJohn
Santa DeLima
Aminata Dembele
Betty Deren
Nicole DeRogatis
Stacey Desgranges
Ivania Desouza
Anthony Diorio
Elena Domracheva
Marie Dorchak
Peggy Ecke
Aidan Elgrably
Sandy Fagan
Nicole Falus
Thomas Falus
Michael Farrell
Sam Feldman
Sonya Fenn
Sofia Fernandez
Achira Fernandopulle
Kaitlin Fitzpatrick
Atiyyah Flood
Shari Forde
Kristin Fowler
Eugene Fox
Ashley Gandhi
Carmen Garcia
Abby Gardner
Marc Gelman
Matthew Geyman
Melissa Gilmour
Jo Ann Gittleman
Caryl Glickman
Kyle Gold
Lara Goldstein
Anny Elina Cortoreal Gomez
Meryl Goodman
Melissa Gould
Dianah Graham
Annie Guo
Nicole Hamer
Bette Hanauer
Bruce Hartley
James Hartley
Julia Hartley
Dorothy He
Eliazar Hernandez
Phyliss Hill
Michele Hilzenrath
Allison Hollender
Beryl Howe
Lynn Huang
Evelina Izrailova
Dr. Sai Jambunathan
Adithi Jayaraman
Keerthi Jayaraman
Brittney Jones
Ruchika Kapila
Caroline Kiernan
Evan Kleiman
Judy Krafchik
Zoey Kramer
Christopher Kwoczka
Alex Lanfrank
Sidney Laplante
Rebecca Leshchinsky
Caroline Leung
Jamie Levinson
Bryan Levy
Ashley Linehan
Angela Lombardi
Leidy Londono
Elizabeth Lopez
Susan Lopez
AnnClaire Macalintal
Livvy Macchia
Jacqueline Marc
Gabby Marcus
Jessie Marcus
Michael Marcus
Samantha Marcus
Natalie Martinez
Casey Maslan
Erica McCracken
Nancy McGarrity
Christina Mendes
Jacob Messeri
Jelani Millard
Rebecca Miller
Bismaad Minhas
Frank Misischia
Christopher Mokwenye
Dineen Williams-Mokwenye
Courtney Montony
Kathy Morales
Manuela Murillo
Virginia Mushinski
Poonam Nachane
Ben Neyer
Elizabeth Nugent
Jaime O’Donnell
Julia Oppenheim
Julia Pancheco
Athulya Parameswaran
Sarthak Parikh
Ameya Phadnis
Esther Pierre
Brian Pinney
Ellie Pitkowsky
Isabel Portnoi
Karlos Razuri
Sunitha Reddy
Carole Rella
Sophia Rocco
Karen Rockefeller
Julia Rogers
Youseline Romain
Noam Rotenberg
Alex Rothschild
Rachel Rubinstein
Leo Ruiz
Justine San Antonio
Jake Sandor
Josie Sandor
Elizabeth Sarkisian
Samantha Savastano
Gabriel Schaerf
Daniela Scotto
Danna Seltzer
Cole Shealy
Toni Shulman
Thaveesha Silva
Chrystal Sinclair
Joyce Slous
Brittney Smith
Zane Solender
Jake Solomon
Matt Solomon
Erica Solomon
Annie Song
Ben Soudry
Jonathan Spain & Watson
Jack Spiegler
Barbara Staine
Evita Sylvester
Johnny Szilezy
Emily Tao
Martha Trexel
Geoffrey Tseng
Sangita Viswanathan
Paul Vnenchak
Scott Wagenblast
William Waller
Phyllis Walsh
Calvin Wang
Josh Wang
Alyssa Wendolowski
Cecil Williams
Oluwaseyi Williams
Sheyla Williams
Tina Witkowsky
Ela Wojtowicz
Erin Wong
Serena Zhao
Samantha Zingerman
Evan Zou
Kristen Zozulia
Josh Zymet
C P N J VO L U N T E E R S
ORGANIZATIONS
Aidan K Foundation
Alpha Phi Omega of Seton Hall University
Bergen Bassmasters
Caldwell University
Citrin Cooperman
Coderunners, Golda Och Academy
Colegio Israelita de Mexico
Congregation Ohr Shalom-Summit Jewish
Community Center Teen Program
DareDevils
Deloitte
Dun & Bradstreet
Friends and Family of Gabriella Giannone
GlamourGals, Union Catholic High School chapter
Golda Och Academy
Hillside Elementary School
Holiday Express
Horizon Schools PTTA
HOSA, Morris Tech HS chapter
Inglesino, Pearlman, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC
Jefferson Elementary School
JerseyCares
JSA, Livingston High School chapter
Kaplen JCC Teen Adventures Travel and Volunteer Camp
Key Club, Millburn High School chapter
Faith in Action, Liquid Church
Livingston Lancer Robotics
Livingston Police Department
Madison High School
Maplewood Lacrosse Club
National Council for Jewish Women
North Arlington Middle School
The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life
The Paulo Freire Charter School
Phi Sigma Sigma of William Paterson University
Phi Sigma Sigma of Montclair State University
Pingry School
Pingry String Quartet
Priscilla Circle, Livingston United Methodist Church
RecBoard, Montclair State University
Seton Hall University Department of Volunteer Efforts
SHINE Catholic Work Camp
Sisters Help Outreach
Team Harmony
Temple Emanu-El
Theta Xi of Montclair State University
UNICO, Livingston chapter
The United Presbyterian Church of Lyndhurst
The Wight Foundation
Wiss & Company
Women’s Club of Livingston
OUR PROGRAMS
CPNJ serves more than 1,500 families each year through the following programs:
Horizon School and Horizon High School, which serve a total of more than 160 students
with multiple disabilities;
Three Adult Training Centers that serve more than 200 adults with developmental disabilities;
Early Intervention Program that serves more than 500 infants in their home or other natural environment;
Fourteen community residences that provide around-the-clock care and support;
Community Therapy Services Program that delivers therapy to over 300 students directly in their
local public schools;
Essex Properties, a specialized 24-unit apartment complex;
After school programs at both of the Horizon Schools;
Community-based respite programs, including In-Home Supports and after school/after work through
our Family Support Services located in Irvington, Orange and Wayne;
Weekend respite program.