Raising over $93,000, Horizon School’s tenth annual Wheelin – N – Walkin Challenge was a massive success. Thank you to all the students, volunteers, staff, and supporters who helped make this event so wonderful. A special thanks to Lisa Diorio, Marie Rem, and Trish O’ Connor for organizing the event over the last ten years. Over that time, their efforts have helped raise over half a million dollars!
CPNJ held its annual Employee Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, May 21st at the Atrium Country Club in West Orange. Awards were given out to over 50 employees for their hard work and dedication, including Awards of Service Appreciation, and Excellence in Program Service. The “Jerry Award”, which was the night’s top honor, went to Patrick Abello for his irrepressibly positive attitude towards his job, the program , and his life. Congratulations to Patrick as well as all the other award recipients.
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS – Program Site Spotlight – Our Horizon High School located in Livingston, NJ serves more than 80 students aged 14 – 21 with multiple disabilities. Horizon School first opened in East Orange in 1976 and relocated to a larger facility on Old Road in Livingston in November 2000. Recognizing the importance of providing an age-appropriate learning environment for older students, CPNJ opened Horizon High School in Livingston in 2005. The school prepares students for a successful transition to adulthood by offering a multitude of programs and services. Students can join the school choir, perform in a school play, run for student government, or even report the school news! Horizon High School has grown so much in just 8 short years – it will be exciting to see what it can accomplish in the next 8!
Our Wayne and Irvington Adult Training Centers are starting a new program titled “Circus Arts”. Using a unique therapy titled “Holistic Circus Therapy”, An instructor comes in weekly to work with consumers to improve coordination and body awareness by performing some really cool circus acts such as spinning plates and juggling. Everyone had a great time learning some dazzling new tricks!!
Our Orange Adult Training Center got a visit from Max, a loveable therapy dog who loves attention!
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS – FACES OF CPNJ #9 Joe has grown so much since starting at Horizon School in 2006. At first, Joe was very shy and was reluctant to join in group activities. Since that time he has worked hard on his speech and become much more confident. Joe loves to be a part of any group activity, and is always starting conversations with his fellow classmates!
Please visit this wonderful website from our friends at Have Wheelchair Will Travel. The aim of the website is to inform and encourage parents of children and adults with a disability about travel opportunities as well as attractions that are wheelchair friendly. It’s an excellent resource and we hope you check it out!
https://sites.google.com/site/havewheelchairwilltravelnet/
Volunteers are needed to help spread the joy and beauty of art to adults who have disabilities! “Brush With Greatness” is a wonderful art program that is held once each month at each of CPNJ’s adult day centers (Irvington, Wayne and Orange). We introduce a famous piece of art, talk about the artist and help the consumers complete their own masterpieces based on that artist.
Volunteers can help in various ways including explaining directions, passing out supplies, providing hand-over-hand assistance, and planning lessons. Every choice however is made by the consumers themselves: the colors used, the shapes, the angles, etc.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Amy Fagan, Associate Coordinator of Volunteers, afagan@cpnj.org, (973) 763-9900 ext. 1627.
On Thursday and Friday, 5/9 and 5/10, the Horizon School Players presented their Spring Musicale entitled “Hooray for Hollywood”. Under the direction of music teacher Jane Aulenbach, students from Ms. Rebecca, Ms . Suriya, Ms Marie, and Ms. Inder’s classes performed selections from “Beauty and the Beast”, “9 to 5”, “Saturday Night Fever, and “Fame”. The music, costumes, and choreography were all fantastic! Thanks to all the parents who attended the performance.
Construction on our new Steven Rubenstein Community Residence is almost complete. As you can see, it’s come quite a long way!
