Learn About Gardening with ACI and the Rutgers Accessible Garden!

The Rutgers Universal Accessible Garden is partnering with people with disabilities and organizations, including the Alliance Center for Independence, to grow your own food in our community garden. Individuals who participate will commit to attending their community plot, planting, growing, and harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

They would do this in partnership with ACI. This is a great opportunity to develop your gardening skills, socialize with other like-minded individuals, while learning. We need committed people to sign up! You are responsible for your transportation.

If you are interested in being part of this free program, please reach out to Carole Tonks at ctonks@adacil.org

ACI and Guests Celebrate the Grand Opening of the ACI CommUnity Market!

On April 7th, ACI and guests celebrated the grand opening of the ACI CommUnity Market! Attendees included many of our supporters, consumers, and donors. The event included a tour of the new market and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Speeches were given by Edison Township Mayor Sam Joshi, Edison Council President Joseph Coyle, and Vice President Joyce Ship-Freeman, Director of Replenish Jennifer Apostol, Lori Neuhauser from Guaranteed Rate Mortgage, and market consumer Eulanda Brooks. Thank you to all who helped make this day a success! Thank you to all who helped make this day a success!

Be sure to watch the ACI CommUnity Market grand opening ceremony, courtesy of Edison TV!

ACI CommUnity Market Grand Opening

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is happy to announce the grand opening of its reimagined food pantry, the ACI CommUnity Market!

Join Edison Mayor, Sam Joshi, members of the Edison Township Council, and other supporters on Thursday, April 7th for the ribbon cutting ceremony! This in-person event will take place at 629 Amboy Ave (S & P Building) Suite 110, Edison, NJ 08837 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Since 2016, ACI’s food pantry has assisted hundreds of low-income individuals with disabilities and their families. Demand for our food pantry increased tremendously throughout the COVID-19 crisis. “During the pandemic, we shut down the office and staff worked at home, but we kept our food pantry doors open,” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI. “There was a need in the community and it was important for us to meet that need.”

The CommUnity Market concept will feature consumer choice and customer service while expanding our assistance to disabled individuals and their families facing food insecurity. Staff will also help individuals apply for SNAP and make referrals to social service organizations and other food pantries in the area. The CommUnity Market will also offer training to individuals with disabilities interested in working in the retail business.

The ACI CommUnity Market is 501(c)(3) not-for-profit serving Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties and is supported by PSE&G, Unity Bank, REPLENISH of Middlesex County, Guarantee Rate, and individual donors.

ACI Participates in the Woodbridge St. Patrick's Day Parade! 🍀

This past weekend, ACI participated in the Woodbridge St. Patrick's Day Parade! Staff and volunteers represented ACI on a decorated float. Much fun was had by all! A special thanks to Ted Wywra of Fords Lawn Mowers for the use of his truck and float.

Watch the clip of the ACI float here.