Guiding Hands Guardianship Services

02/07/2026

We extend our sincere thanks to Jaime Delgado for the invitation to attend the Passaic Optimist Club Person of the Year Scholarship Dinner.

It was truly an honor for the Board of Directors of Guiding Hands Guardianship Services to be present and celebrate with your family, Merijoel Duran, colleagues, and community leaders, recognizing service alongside so many dedicated partners.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your continued commitment to uplifting our community.

02/06/2026

The New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council will hold a public meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn, 800 U.S. Route 130, Hamilton, NJ

02/06/2026

02/04/2026

This short session explains how Uber works and how its services connect with the Access Link Riders’ Choice Pilot Program. This is a recorded presentation and will not include a live Q&A. Questions after the event can be directed to Access Link Alternative Services.

02/03/2026

The MyGOAL autism grant program is officially open! In 2026, we will give $25,000 to 25 families across the country. As a New Jersey-based organization, all applicants based in NJ will receive a slight advantage! All information on eligibility and how to apply for the grant can be found at the link below and on the flyer. The application deadline is April 30, 2026.

02/02/2026

Register for Certificate Program in Developmental Disabilities Winter 2026 webinars sponsored by The Boggs Center and Rutgers University School of Social Work, Office of Continuing Education. Learn more and register: https://socialwork-ce.rutgers.edu/index.php/webinar-variations?combine&tid=9

02/01/2026

Guiding Hands Guardianship Services urges parents of special education students in New Jersey to express their concerns about the Complaint Investigation Unit of the New Jersey Office of Special Education.

Parent feedback shows a troubling pattern:
• NJ ranks among the lowest states siding with parents
• 37% of parents no longer file complaints due to perceived bias
• Nearly 40% say their complaints were not handled properly
• Families are now appealing decisions in court

The Governor’s Constituent Relations Office shared that parents' emails can formally flag this issue for review.

Please email today:
Constituent.relations@nj.gov

You may copy and paste the message below or write your own:

I have concerns about the NJ Office of Special Education’s handling of parent state complaints. Findings often do not favor parents and appear biased toward districts. New Jersey ranks among the lowest states in siding with parents. Many complaints raising these concerns are repeatedly dismissed. I respectfully ask the Governor’s Office to make this issue a priority.

One email can help push for accountability. Please share with other families.

— Guiding Hands Guardianship Services

01/31/2026

01/31/2026

With unwavering dedication, we keep moving forward. We visited some families and supported others through important IEP meetings because support doesn’t stop. Many needs in our community inspire us to keep going and make a meaningful difference.

01/30/2026

We extend our sincere gratitude to Paul Aronsohn, former New Jersey Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, for his years of dedicated advocacy.

His work gave families a voice, held systems accountable, and helped advance dignity, access, and rights for individuals with disabilities across our state. His impact will continue to be felt long after his tenure.

Thank you, NorthJersey.com for continuing to inform us and uplift the community about the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) population. Keep on reporting!

Paul Aronsohn's ombudsman office became a national model and exposed problems with group homes, insurers and state agencies. The stakes were personal.