Progressive Center for Independent Living NJ

Progressive Center for Independent Living NJ Serving Mercer, Hunterdon & Somerset Counties, NJ.

We support people with disabilities and caregivers through programs like Drive-Ability, NJ SNAP, Support Coordination (DDD), peer groups, Mental Heath First Aid training & more. We offer services in self-advocacy, independent living skills, resources, Emergency Preparedness programs, Transition Services for teens and young adults, disability awareness training, and recreational/social program for Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon county in New Jersey.

💡 Did you know you can become a member of the Progressive Center for Independent Living?A PCIL Membership is more than j...
03/14/2026

💡 Did you know you can become a member of the Progressive Center for Independent Living?

A PCIL Membership is more than just a membership card — it’s a way to stay connected, informed, and involved with programs that support people with disabilities in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, NJ.

As a member, you can:
✔️ Receive discounted rates on recreational events
✔️ Stay informed through our quarterly newsletter
✔️ Connect with others who share your experiences and interests
✔️ Access exclusive resources, webinars, and workshops
✔️ Participate in discussions that help shape the disability community in New Jersey
✔️ Vote on important issues and confirm the executive board at our annual membership meeting

Membership is affordable and open to individuals, couples, and families.

💳 Membership Options:
• Single Membership – $20/year
• Couple Membership – $30/year
• Family Membership – $60/year (up to five people in one household)

📅 All memberships run through December 31 and renew each year.

👉 Join today and be part of a community working to strengthen independence and opportunity for people with disabilities in NJ.

🔗 https://www.pcil.org/pcil-memberships

This week we had the opportunity to connect with families, educators, and community partners at the TiPS Transition Fair...
03/13/2026

This week we had the opportunity to connect with families, educators, and community partners at the TiPS Transition Fair at Raritan Valley Community College. Events like this are so important because they help students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families explore what life can look like after high school.

From employment and postsecondary education to independent living and community involvement, transition planning is about building a future with options.
We were proud to represent Progressive Center for Independent Living and share how our programs support people with disabilities in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, New Jersey as they prepare for greater independence.

If you stopped by our table today—thank you for saying hello! 👋

And if you missed us, learn more about our programs and services at www.pcil.org.

If getting your license has felt out of reach — we built this for you.Victor had studied the NJ Driver's Manual. He knew...
03/12/2026

If getting your license has felt out of reach — we built this for you.

Victor had studied the NJ Driver's Manual. He knew the material. But every time he sat down for the written test, anxiety took over — he rushed, froze, and walked out without passing.

He joined Drive-Ability and spent 15 weeks learning in a classroom built around his needs. Test-taking strategies. Pacing. Confidence. Week by week, it clicked.
When he took the written test again, he passed. He came back to our office just to share the news in person.

That moment is exactly why this program exists.
✔ Free with a DVRS referral
✔ 15 weeks, adapted to your learning needs
✔ Mercer & Hunterdon County, NJ residents
✔ Don't have a DVRS referral yet? We'll help you get one.

Ready to start? Apply via the link in our bio.

03/11/2026

If you’re the parent of a high school student living with disabilities, you might assume transition planning starts senior year. But the truth is, planning for life after high school can begin as early as age 14.

Through WIOA services with DVRS, students may be able to:
• Explore different careers
• Build job-related skills
• Start preparing for independence before school supports end

We often meet families who wish they had started sooner. The good news? It’s never too early to take a closer look at your plan.

Not sure if your student’s transition plan is on track?
👉 Download our free Transition Plan Audit at the link in our bio.

Talking about money can be tough — but it’s easier when you learn together.Our recent Life Through Different Lenses Peer...
03/10/2026

Talking about money can be tough — but it’s easier when you learn together.

Our recent Life Through Different Lenses Peer Group sessions of PCIL Mercer focused on practical budgeting skills with topics like “Dollars and Sense” and “Stretching Your Dollars.” Participants shared ideas, asked questions, and explored ways to make their dollars go further in everyday life.

Peer groups like this create a welcoming space where people of all abilities can connect, learn from one another, and build skills that support independent living in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, NJ.

📅 There’s still one more peer group this March!
Our final session will focus on setting healthy boundaries—a powerful skill for protecting your time, energy, and relationships.

🌿 Looking ahead: April topics have just been released and will focus on Stress and ways to manage it.

👉 Join us for an upcoming session — all abilities are welcome.
www.pcil.org/events

03/09/2026

Business owners — accessibility matters.

Every customer deserves the opportunity to enter, navigate, and enjoy your space. But ADA accessibility involves more than many businesses realize. From entrances and pathways to service counters, signage, and restrooms, small barriers can make a big difference for people with disabilities.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

PCIL offers free ADA Accessibility Assessments for businesses in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, NJ. Our team will walk through your space, identify potential barriers, and provide practical recommendations to help make your business more welcoming and accessible for people with disabilities.

✔ Strengthen your business
✔ Welcome more customers
✔ Build a more inclusive community

👉 Schedule your free assessment today.

Our upcoming PCIL events are designed to remove barriers and create space for connection, learning, and fun for people w...
03/09/2026

Our upcoming PCIL events are designed to remove barriers and create space for connection, learning, and fun for people with disabilities in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, New Jersey. All events are inclusive, disability-friendly, and open to members and non-members.

📅 Upcoming Events
🌐 Register at www.pcil.org/events

March 9 | Vision Boards
Hunterdon Peer Support Group
5:00–6:30 PM
FREE
PCIL Hunterdon Office, Lebanon, NJ
Registration is Closed
Set goals, reflect, and create a vision for what’s next—together.

March 11 + April 1 | Pottery Class - 2 Part Series
Mercer Community Connections
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Outside the Lines Art Studio, Hamilton, NJ
$12 for PCIL Members, $17 for Non-Members (Covers both classes)
SOLD OUT
This is a two part series class and you must be able to attend both sessions. In session one you will learn to make a clay bowl and in the second session you will paint your bowl!

March 17 | Smart Choices, Strong Boundaries
Mercer LTDL Peer Support Group
5:00–6:30 PM | FREE
PCIL Mercer Office, Hamilton, NJ
Registration closes March 16 at 4:30 PM
Peer-led discussion on self-protection and personal safety. We’ll talk about online safety, boundaries in relationships, spotting fraud, and caring for your emotional well-being.

March 27 | Bowling
Hunterdon R.E.C.C. Recreation Group
4:45–7:00 PM
$12 for PCIL Members, $14 for non-members
Oakwood Lanes, Washington, NC
Registration closes March 11 at 4:30 PM
Come bowling with us! Each ticket gets your shoe rentals and 2 bowling games.

April 13 | Technology and Overuse of Screen Time
Hunterdon Peer Support Group
5:00–6:30 PM
FREE
PCIL Hunterdon Office, Lebanon, NJ
Register by April 89, 2026

💙 Proudly supporting people with disabilities across Mercer County and Hunterdon County, NJ.

Tag a friend you think would be interested in attending one of our events!

🚗 Struggling to pass the written driver’s permit exam?PCIL’s Drive-Ability program helps people with disabilities in Mer...
03/08/2026

🚗 Struggling to pass the written driver’s permit exam?

PCIL’s Drive-Ability program helps people with disabilities in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, NJ prepare for the New Jersey driver’s permit test in a supportive learning environment.

✔ For Mercer or Hunterdon County residents only
✔ Ages 17+
✔ Designed for people who qualify for DVRS
✔ Builds confidence and test readiness

Only THREE spots remain!

📩 Stephanie.wilmot@pcil.org
🌐 www.pcil.org/drive-ability
👇 Tag someone who may be interested!

We asked six chefs to bring their best chili… and our community showed up hungry. 🌶️Our “Chilly” Cook-Off was full of la...
03/06/2026

We asked six chefs to bring their best chili… and our community showed up hungry. 🌶️

Our “Chilly” Cook-Off was full of laughs, great food, and a little friendly smack talk between chefs. After all the tasting and votes were counted, Chef Jim took home the winning title with a chili that clearly stole the show!

But the best part of the night wasn’t just the chili — it was seeing people connect. Events like these remind us how important it is to create spaces where people of all abilities can come together, share experiences, and build community.

📸 Check out some highlights from the night!

🎳 Want to join the fun next time?
Our Hunterdon Peer Group is heading bowling soon, and these events are open to people of all abilities. Bring a friend and come be part of the community.

👉 Sign up for bowling today!

Tag someone who should come with you next time! 👇

We asked six chefs to bring their best chili… and our community showed up hungry. 🌶️Our “Chilly” Cook-Off was full of la...
03/06/2026

We asked six chefs to bring their best chili… and our community showed up hungry. 🌶️

Our “Chilly” Cook-Off was full of laughs, great food, and a little friendly smack talk between chefs. After all the tasting and votes were counted, Chef Jim took home the winning title with a chili that clearly stole the show!

But the best part of the night wasn’t just the chili — it was seeing people connect. Events like these remind us how important it is to create spaces where people of all abilities can come together, share experiences, and build community.

📸 Check out some highlights from the night!

🎳 Want to join the fun next time?
Our Hunterdon Peer Group is heading bowling soon, and these events are open to people of all abilities. Bring a friend and come be part of the community.

👉 Sign up for bowling today!

Tag someone who should come with you next time! 👇

What would you do if an emergency happened tomorrow? Would you be ready?Last month, we had a great turnout at the Lawren...
03/06/2026

What would you do if an emergency happened tomorrow? Would you be ready?

Last month, we had a great turnout at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of Mercer County Library System for an Emergency Preparedness Training focused on helping people plan ahead — especially individuals with disabilities and access or functional needs in Mercer County, New Jersey.

A big thank you to our guest speakers:
• Kelly Boyd, who shared how the Register Ready program helps emergency responders know who may need extra assistance during a disaster.
• Carina Marzec, who brought her service dog Li and explained how to prepare service animals and pets for shelters during emergencies.

Thank you to the 21 participants who joined us and to the library for hosting and managing registration. When people with disabilities and community partners come together to plan ahead, our entire community becomes safer and stronger.

📅 Mark your calendars: Our next Emergency Preparedness Training will take place May 7. Go to events on our website for details and to register.

Progressive Center for Independent Living is proud to provide programs that help people with disabilities in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, NJ prepare, plan, and stay safe.

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the professionals who dedicate their careers to helping others ...
03/05/2026

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the professionals who dedicate their careers to helping others navigate challenges and connect with the support they need.

Mental Health First Aid is a powerful tool for social workers. It provides practical skills to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis and respond in a supportive, effective way.

Just like CPR for physical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid prepares you to step in when someone may be struggling.

Thanks to the Inclusive Healthy Communities grant, Progressive Center for Independent Living is able to offer FREE Mental Health First Aid certification opportunities for professionals and community members in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

This training helps participants learn how to:
✔ Recognize signs of mental health challenges
✔ Respond to someone in crisis
✔ Connect people to appropriate support and resources

Whether you’re a social worker, educator, caregiver, or community member, these skills can make a real difference — especially for people with disabilities and individuals facing mental health challenges in our community.

Tag a social worker who might be interested in learning about this national certification!

Address

3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 40
Trenton, NJ
08619

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Progressive Center for Independent Living NJ posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

Our Story

We offer services in self-advocacy, independent living skills, resources, Emergency Preparedness programs, Transition Services for teens and young adults, disability awareness training, and recreational/social programs.