Couples With Disabilities Prove Love Enables

UNION COUNTY—Valentine’s Day came a little bit late for 22 couples this year as they celebrated their relationships at the annual Community Access Unlimited (CAU) Couples Night dinner held March 6 at Suburban Country Club in Union.

Each year CAU treats members who are in long-term partnerships to an evening of fine dining and dancing to celebrate their achievements and reinforce the agency’s message that people with disabilities are able and entitled to enjoy every aspect of life, including building and maintaining romantic relationships.

“Community Access Unlimited believes it is important for couples to celebrate their accomplishments,” said Mercedes Witowsky, associate executive director at the agency.  “Relationships are not always easy, you have to work at them.  CAU members who are couples are no different when it comes to the joys and tribulations of relationships.  Everyone needs to take time to enjoy each other and remember the qualities that drew you to your partner from the beginning.”

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Journey to Washington Carries At-Risk Teenagers Much Further

ELIZABETH—Thirteen youths from Community Access Unlimited (CAU) journeyed beyond their dreams when they attended the presidential inauguration Jan. 20.  The at-risk teenagers traveled to Washington, D.C. to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama but left envisioning a brighter future for themselves, as well.

 

Huddling in the early morning hours in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20, members of Community Access Unlimited are warmed by the excitement of the inauguration. (Photo courtesy of Community Access Unlimited)

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College Degree Is Cause For Extra Celebration

ELIZABETH—When Thomas Frazier graduated from Rowan University’s College of Communications in December, there was cause for a little more celebration than usual.

Frazier is the first member of Community Access Unlimited to graduate from a four-year college program in the agency’s 30-year history. CAU helps people with special needs to gain real lives in the community by providing support and services.

“When Thomas accepted his diploma at the Rowan University graduation ceremony last month, Community Access Unlimited graduated with him,” said Sidney Blanchard, CAU executive director. “In becoming the first CAU member to graduate from a four-year program since our inception in 1979, Thomas not only marked a wonderful personal achievement but also reflected the merits of the CAU program as a whole and all we have accomplished in our 30 years. His achievement is also ours.”

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Thanksgiving Comes Everyday For Members And Volunteers At Community Access Unlimited

ELIZABETH—Americans will spare a few moments this Thursday to take stock of their lives and give thanks for that which they have – a home or job, family and friends, their health. For some it will be a passing moment before passing the turkey and gravy. For others there also may be an annual trip to the local food pantry to volunteer time before returning home to a Thanksgiving dinner.

Yet there are some who may be most thankful and feel this way everyday, even though they may seem like the least fortunate or the caregivers and volunteers with the greatest burden to carry. They are the members of Community Access Unlimited (CAU) and the agency employees and volunteers who give their time to them.

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Community Access Unlimited Team Walks The Walk

ELIZABETH—Dozens of walkers braved the elements Saturday, Sept. 27, to take part in the 2008 Community Access Unlimited (CAU) Ira Geller Walk-A-Thon to help the agency’s ongoing mission of supporting people with disabilities.  CAU members, staff, friends and representatives of businesses partnered with the agency to raise more than $23,000.

 

Former Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs leads calisthenics at the Community Access Unlimited 2008 Walk-A-Thon held Sept. 27 in Rahway River Park.

CAU provides support to people with disabilities and youth through a variety of programs, including housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities.  Funds raised through the 2008 Walk-A-Thon go toward supporting these programs and CAU’s mission of helping its members achieve more fulfilling lives as productive members of the community.

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