The Arc of New Jersey Citizen Advocacy Program
Lorraine Travaglione, Director
Citizen Advocacy Means Equal Access...
The Citizen Advocacy Program is a community support system for individuals with developmental disabilities who are not able to advocate on their own behalf.
The Program ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to the supports and services which help them to be independent and integrated members of their community.
These goals are achieved by providing case management services and volunteer advocates.
Who is eligible for services?
The Citizen Advocacy Program serves individuals with mental retardation, cerebral palsy and epilepsy who are residents of Burlington, Camden, Cumberland or Gloucester Counties.
The Citizen Advocacy Program provides services in two major areas: case management and volunteer advocates.
Services are free of charge. Individuals may apply or be referred by any member of the community by contacting the Citizen Advocacy Program.
Case Managers Give Clients the Support They Need
Case Management means assessing client needs, identifying and initiating services, and coordinating services and community supports.
Case Managers
- schedule appointments for various services;
- complete application forms for state, county or private services;
- interpret agency regulations;
- locate appropriate community resources;
- advocate for entitled benefits;
- and assist individuals to access any services which will help them to live successfully in the community!
Volunteer Advocates Make a Difference
Volunteer Advocates work one to one with individuals who have developmental disabilities. Advocates support these individuals in their efforts to become independ ent and to contribute to their community.
A volunteer advocate may help someone learn how to:
- read
- participate in a new sport
- cook
- count money
- resolve a problem
- become an active member of their community
You Can Make a Difference!
By volunteering just a few hours a month you too can make a difference in someone's life. Hours are flexible to accommodate the volunteer's personal schedule.
Call the Citizen Advocacy Program today to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
What People Say About the Program
"There are so many clients who would have fallen through the cracks and been without housing, medical services, money to live on, or vocational services if Citizen Advocacy was not there to help
them through the system.
We can honestly say that your intervention has made a noticeable difference in our clients. Clients that
felt helpless and lost now feel a sense of security and stability in their lives due to your support and caring efforts."
Karen Elliott, Burlington County Occupational Training Center
"As a mother, teacher, church and community member, I find myself asked to do many types of
volunteer work. Of the many opportunities I have had, I feel that being a volunteer advocate has been one of the most rewarding experiences. It is both personally enriching and also allows my family to
gain new perspectives on people with disabilities."
Kathy Donnelly, Volunteer Advocate
Citizen Advocacy is a special program of The Arc of New Jersey.
Funding for the Citizen Advocacy Program is provided by the New Jersey
Division of Developmental Disabilities and private donations.
|
