FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carole Tonks, Executive Director, Alliance
Center for Independence Phone: (732) 738-4388 / E-mail: ctonks@adacil.org
Website: www.adacil.org
As many businesses, schools and organizations throughout the state and the country have temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is staying open as long as it can to respond to the needs of our disabled community.
“We are taking all the necessary precautions to keep our staff safe, while assisting our constituents during these difficult times,” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI. “We have suspended our programs and activities, and told our volunteers to stay home, but we haven’t stopped helping as many as we can.”
Staff at ACI have been calling every person on their mailing to ask if they are ok, to offer assistance, and provide a much needed reassuring voice. “People really appreciate that we are calling them and that we are thinking about them,” says Rachel Gabrilowitz, Employment Coordinator. “Many people are isolated in their homes and are fearful.” Since Tuesday, ACI has called 382 people.
ACI is also helping fill the need for people who are food insecure by letting them know that their food pantry is still open for business. For those who can’t leave their homes, ACI has been making deliveries. “ACI takes its obligation of civil responsibility seriously. That does not end when we are faced with a situation that we are in now,” says Luke Koppisch, Deputy Director.
ACI would like to thank those businesses and organizations that have provided support for our food pantry: Unity Bank, New Jersey Indian Business Association, Kelly’s Kitchen, as well as members of our community. In addition, Jersey Mike’s donated their delicious subs that we made available to families in need of lunch.
Meanwhile, ACI’s advocacy department has been working with state and county health officials, legislators, emergency management personnel and other disability organizations to ensure that people with disabilities are provided the same access to services and information regarding the coronavirus outbreak as those without disabilities. “Often, during times like these, disabled people become an afterthought and an inconvenience,” says Tonks. “We don’t want a repeat of what happened to us during Hurricane Sandy.”
ACI is a 501(c)(3) community-based, grassroots organization that supports and promotes independent living for people with disabilities in Middlesex, Union and Somerset counties. If you need assistance or can donate to our food pantry, call 732-738-4388 or email acaba@adacil.org. ACI also invites everyone to go to our Coronavirus Updates & Resources Facebook page located at facebook.com/acicoronavirus.
