Vineland, New Jersey—“You are
critical to our community,” said Freeholder Joseph Derella at the introduction
of the 15th Disability Awareness Day Program, Oct. 24th. The program is
sponsored by the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the
Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission. The Disabled Advisory
Council presented the program around 9:45 a.m.
The program was held at the
Luciano Conference Center at Cumberland County College from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. But exhibitors were set up since 8 a.m. handing out informational
pamphlets. A few stands giving out supplementary information on special
assistance were the Easter Seals of New Jersey, Family Medical Equipment,
Resources for Independent Living, Inc. and Senior Care of Bridgeton.
The first speaker at the event
was Ryan Stevens, a blind representative from the National Federation of the
Blind of New Jersey. “I lost my vision slowly over several years,” said
Stevens. He discussed the work the National Federation of the Blind did and the
senior’s division for people experiencing vision loss later in life.
Stevens talked about overcoming
his obstacles. He uses an automated speech device to do his computer
programming work. He emphasized to not be afraid to ask for help because even
people with vision ask for help.
“Independence means not feeling
trapped,” said Stevens as he neared the end of his speech, urging people to
seek out help when needed.
Sen. Jeff Van Drew arrived
during Stevens’ speech and gave a few words. He told the audience that him and
his team, Bruce Land and Bob Andrzejczak, support the event and have their
future backing. “You can’t give people success, but you can give them
opportunities,” said Van Drew before taking a seat.
Marissa Hacker, CEO and founder
of Fantastic Friends, was next to the podium. She revealed her motivation to
create Fantastic Friends, a social group designed for “young adults, teens and
tweens with Special Needs”.
Her brother, Matthew, was
diagnosed with autism. Although she said that they were “inseparable since
birth,” she felt there was a social gap that needed to be filled with kids with
special needs. “I wanted them to feel like they had a family,” said Hacker.
Fantastic Friends earned Hacker a
Teen Tikkun Olam Award, which she used toward her education at Stockton
University and Fantastic Friends. Though only a sophomore at Stockton, Hacker
plans to expand Fantastic Friends nationally. The group had been featured on
multiple news outlets.
“There is so much hope for all of
us,” said Hacker.
Matthew Pisarski, from the Cumberland County
Cultural and Heritage Commission, later discussed the events that they help
fund, including the Cumberland Players, Obon Festival, Deerfield Harvest
Festival, Puerto Rican Festival and Morristown Art Festival.
He announced a logo contest for
the commission that is open to the public.
David Grennon, from the Office of
Aging and Disabled, closed the program by listing all the forms in which
Cumberland County helps people with special assistance. From the Cumberland
Area Transit System to the Universal Service Fund, Grennon covered all
assistance provided.
Door prizes were given away at
the end of the event.
“Life begins at 80,” said Dotty
Cullen, an attendee at the event. She had done her own service work, “I’m in
everything,” she said. She was honored at the 111th Congress with
the MetLife Foundation’s 2009 Older Volunteers Enrich America Award. She said
that she still holds Christmas events at the Veterans Home.
As people filed out of the room,
David Grennon shared that “people don’t know programs and services are out
there,” and that “information is really powerful and when we have information
we can improve the quality of life”.
When asked how Fantastic Friends has influenced her life, Hacker said “it’s become my life. I’m a more sensitive and loving person”.
