New Jersey Association of Community Providers - NJACP

04/06/2026

NJACP is off to a powerful start in 2026! 💥

From record-breaking conference attendance to 100% member renewal, our community continues to grow stronger together. We’re also excited to launch the Provider Perspectives Podcast, giving our members a platform to share their stories and impact across New Jersey.

As we head into budget advocacy season, we’re pushing for a critical 3% COLA—because supporting providers means supporting the individuals and communities we serve.

📅 Save the Date:
• Advocacy Day – June 1 (Trenton)
• 40th Annual Conference – March 11–12, 2027

Let’s keep the momentum going—your voice matters.

👉 Get involved: https://njacp.org/take-action/

04/02/2026

Thank you to Governor Mikie Sherrill for recognizing Autism Acceptance Month in .

At , we are grateful for the Governor's commitment to individuals with autism and their families. Recognition matters, but so does action, and NJACP looks forward to partnering with the Sherrill Administration to advance policies that promote meaningful inclusion and opportunity for all in the .

04/01/2026

Welcome to NJACP! 💙

A big thank you to our March new members for putting your trust in NJACP and investing in our shared mission.

Your commitment strengthens not only our network—but the entire community we serve.

We believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and advocacy… because we are truly stronger together.

We’re excited to get to know each of you, support your work, and connect you with fellow members across our community.

03/31/2026

Nothing is more compelling than speaking from experience and that is exactly what Board Member Audrey Winkler, Executive Director of JESPY House, Inc. does in her OpEd below.

"Running an IDD organization means being a social services agency, a real estate developer, a fundraiser, a family counselor, and an employer — all at once. Most people have no idea."

You're right, Audrey, they don't. And that's exactly why your OpEd is a must read!

herhttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/livingston/articles/what-it-really-takes-to-care-for-new-jersey-s-most-vulnerable-residents

Running an IDD organization means being a social services agency, a real estate developer, a fundraiser, a family counselor, and an employer — all at once. Most people have no idea.There are fish...

03/31/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

New Jersey’s system supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is under serious pressure. - its Budget Season and here is why...

📊 Over 30,000 individuals are currently being served 🙏
📈 More than 4,800 new applications were submitted last year!
⏳ Over 5,000 individuals are still waiting for services 🙏
🚨 More than 2,500 are on the priority waiting list 🙏

BEHIND THESE NUMBERS are real people — families waiting for support, individuals who deserve to live independently, and providers doing everything they can to keep up.

But without funding that keeps up with rising costs, agencies cannot expand… and in some cases, are struggling just to sustain what already exists.

💬 This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about quality of life, dignity, and access to care.

👉 It’s time to raise awareness. - Share this Post
👉 It’s time to support solutions. - Share this Post
👉 It’s time to be heard. - Step By Step to Take Action: https://bit.ly/NJACP_FY27BUDGET_TALKINGPOINTS

03/30/2026

WIN—LAUNCHING NJACP’S YOUTH SERVICES CONSTITUENCY GROUP

With many NJACP members providing services within the Children’s System of Care (CSOC) and nearly all helping families navigate the critical transition to the adult system, NJACP is proud to launch our new Youth Services Constituency Group.

Last week marked the group’s first meeting, where representatives from DCF shared an overview of transition supports and engaged directly with members to answer questions and hear feedback.
This new forum creates space to identify challenges, elevate provider voices, and shape practical, policy-informed solutions—strengthening services for children, youth, and their families across New Jersey, and improving the transition from CSOC to DDD. Join us!

CHALLENGE: RISING COSTS. GROWING DEMAND. UNPREDICTABLE FUNDING.

Expenses continue to climb, demand for services remains strong, and providers are working hard to keep up with both. As the FY27 State Budget moves through the Legislature, now is the time to raise our collective voice.

It’s critical that the final budget includes a modest 3% COLA and we need the full NJACP community behind this effort, including staff, families, and the individuals we support.

Make your voice heard with a few simple clicks: https://bit.ly/NJACP_FY27BUDGET_TALKINGPOINTS

FORWARD FOCUS: WE’RE LIVE! INTRODUCING PROVIDER PERSPECTIVES: NJACP’S PODCAST

We’re excited to share that Provider Perspectives: The NJACP Podcast is officially live on YouTube! 🎉 The first round of interviews—recorded at our Conference—will be rolling out across NJACP’s social channels, with full episodes available here: https://bit.ly/FOLLOW_NJACP_YOUTUBECHANNEL

These are powerful stories from incredible leaders doing meaningful work every day to lift up the individuals they serve. And trust me, you do not want to miss Joanna Miller’s story about Walter…just be sure to have tissues nearby. ❤️

We’ll be recording new episodes at upcoming NJACP Monthly Membership Meetings and events, so stay tuned for your chance to be featured! Thank you Libby Swanke Vinson

03/27/2026

Earlier this week, NJACP’s Libby Vinson brought members’ voices directly to the Assembly Budget Committee delivering a clear message that a modest 3% COLA in FY27 is essential to keep pace with rising costs and meet the growing needs in the community.

With more than 5,000 individuals with IDD on the waiting list for residential services, care simply can’t wait. Individuals need care and care needs COLA.

NJACP members are encouraged to join in advocating for the inclusion of a 3% COLA in the FY27 budget. We’ve made it easy to take action—just a few clicks can make a difference.

Make your voice heard here: https://njacp.org/take-action/?vvsrc=%2FCampaigns%2F135344%2FRespond
Governor Mikie Sherrill NJ Assembly GOP New Jersey Assembly Democrats

03/25/2026

Maureen Shea, Director of Government Affairs & Communications for NJACP, testified at the FY2027 Senate Budget Hearing to advocate for a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)—and why it matters now more than ever.

A COLA helps ensure wages and support services keep up with rising costs like housing, energy, and transportation—so providers can continue delivering consistent care.

Without it, we risk:
• Disruptions in daily programs
• Staffing shortages impacting care
• Increased pressure on families
• Longer waiting lists for critical services

This is about protecting services for over 30,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across New Jersey.

🎥 Watch and learn why this funding is essential.

HOW TO HELP - https://bit.ly/NJACP_FY27BUDGET_TALKINGPOINTS

03/25/2026

🏆 NJACP 2026 DONNA CLINGER AWARD GOES TO…

The New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP) proudly recognizes Anthony Villone, Clinical Administrator at Devereux New Jersey Advanced Behavioral Health, as the recipient of the 2026 Donna Clinger Leadership Award.

This prestigious award honors individuals who embody the legacy of Donna Clinger — a leader whose dedication, compassion, and commitment to the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community helped shape services, strengthen advocacy, and inspire meaningful change across New Jersey.

Nominated by Michelle Lipchock, Anthony Villone is recognized for his leadership, his person-centered approach, and his unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Congratulations, Anthony, and thank you for carrying forward a legacy that continues to inspire others.

03/24/2026

🏆 NJACP 2026 LEADERSHIP AWARD GOES TO…

Ada Schwab of The National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey - NIPD/NJ! Congratulations!!

The New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP) proudly recognizes Ada Schwab as the recipient of the 2026 Leadership Award.

This prestigious award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Ada’s dedication, vision, and impact continue to strengthen communities and inspire meaningful change across the field.

Nominated by Ralph Coloma, Executive Director of the National Institute for People with Disabilities, Ada’s work reflects the very essence of leadership—uplifting others, advocating for inclusion, and creating opportunities for those who need it most.

👏 Congratulations, Ada Schwab, and thank you for your continued leadership and service.

03/24/2026

🏆 NJACP 2026 EMPLOYMENT CHAMPION AWARD GOES TO…
Wawa! Congratulations!!

The New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP) proudly recognizes Wawa as the recipient of the 2026 Employment Champion Award.

This award honors organizations that demonstrate a true commitment to inclusive employment by creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Wawa continues to lead by example—fostering a workplace culture rooted in compassion, respect, and opportunity for all.

Nominated by Eden Autism Services of New Jersey, this recognition highlights the powerful impact that inclusive hiring practices can have on individuals, families, and communities across the state.

👏 Congratulations, Wawa, and thank you for helping to build a more inclusive workforce and for inspiring others to follow your lead.

03/24/2026

NJACP 2026 LEGISLATIVE HONOREE GOES TO… 🏆

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn! Congratulations!!

Assemblywoman Dunn is recognized for her commitment to advancing practical, sustainable policies that support the IDD community (individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities), their families, and the provider community across New Jersey.

Through her work on the Assembly Budget Committee, her advocacy for increased funding of critical services, and her hands-on engagement visiting programs throughout the state, Assemblywoman Dunn continues to be a strong voice for the IDD community.

As Co-Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus, she remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Congratulations, Assemblywoman Dunn—and thank you for your leadership and advocacy.