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NJCBVI Partners with the Family Resource Network to Start Its EDGE Program
The Family Resource Network (FRN) and the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) are pleased to announce the EDGE (Employment Development Guidance and Engagement) Program. The program is being developed and implemented by the Family Resource Network, in partnership with and funded by the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
EDGE is designed to assist blind and vision impaired high school students as they prepare to transition from high school to post secondary pursuits and the competitive job market. EDGE seeks to bring participants to the “edge” of a whole new world. They will discover who they are and how they can become fully participating members of their communities; accessing resources, overcoming barriers and finding meaningful competitive employment independently. The EDGE motto is: Why just wish upon a star, when you can actually learn how to make your own dreams come true? EDGE is an interactive program focused on assisting students to become independent, advocate for themselves and find meaningful competitive employment. To achieve these outcomes, EDGE will involve students and parents in interactive coursework and intentional mentoring activities staffed by highly successful blind mentors. CBVI Executive Director Daniel Frye is “excited to be a part of inaugurating what promises to be a transformative program for transition-age students in New Jersey.”
EDGE is planning to have a Kick-Off BBQ on Saturday, June 13, from 12:00 to 3:30, at the Joseph Kohn Training Center, 130 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Actual programming will begin in September, at the start of the new school year.
*Anyone interested in learning more about the program should contact Greg Makely, FRN Director of Employment Services, at 609-468-7420 or gmakely@familyresourcenetwork.org
A word about The Family Resource Network:
The Family Resource Network (FRN) and its affiliates have been improving the quality of life for NJ residents with disabilities and their families, through over 50 different programs, for the past 44 years. FRN, originally known as the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey (EFNJ), has been providing support services to individuals with special needs and their families since 1970. In 2004, EFNJ was reconfigured as one of four FRN affiliates, along with Autism Family Services of NJ, Caregivers of NJ, and Family Support Center of NJ. FRN and its affiliates meet the growing need for community-based programs and services both through its four statewide office locations as well as through co-locations it has established with collaborating agencies in the field. In 2014, FRN served 28,955 NJ residents.
FRN is dedicated to offering participants and their families with continuing needs the opportunities, resources and services that support a full and happy life. This assistance is flexible and focuses on the entire family, reducing family stress and isolation, and empowering them to full community participation. FRN is delighted to partner with the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to bring you the EDGE program.
A word about the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired:
"The mission of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to promote and provide services in the areas of education, employment, independence and eye health through informed choice and partnership with persons who are blind or vision impaired, their families and the community."
CBVI was created by the State Legislature in 1910 and has several offices and facilities throughout the state. CBVI works to provide and/or ensure access to services that will enable people who are blind or vision impaired to obtain their fullest measure of self-reliance and improved quality of life. CBVI also seeks to assure that people who are blind or vision impaired are treated as dignified and worthy individuals who are fully engaged in their communities, on equal footing with their sighted peers.
CBVI recognizes three major thrusts in carrying out this mission:
1. Providing specialized services to persons with vision impairments
2. Educating and working in the community to reduce the incidence of vision loss
3. Improving attitudes concerning people with vision impairments
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