Jackson For the Disabled/Handicapped Commission and the people they serve, last year’s summer prom was packed. The same thing happened this year, and those who were involved were relieved that they didn’t have to move.
When commission members discovered that the Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Company, District 4 Firehouse was no longer rented out, they became concerned, according to commission employee Karen Lundgren of Jackson Township.
Our Jackson Township Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped, however, was granted an exception. “They deserve a very special thank you,” she said.
The smiles on the cheeks of those who attended a prom recently organized by the township’s Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped showed that it’s never too late to have one.
Throughout the year, the Commission organizes a variety of leisure activities for adults and children with special needs. Suely Fries and Sharon Hollander are the Co-Chairs of the Commission. Fries expressed her happiness with the annual event’s success to The Jackson Times.
“Prom night is one of our biggest events of the year,” Fries added. This event was sponsored by a number of companies. Our goal is to provide as much as we can.
Linda Thompson of First Choice Caterers supplied the delicious meal, and SoManyStylez Entertainment supplied the gifted musician who filled the dance floor and made everyone happy. This year, the DJ and photobooth were once again run by Robert Douriet, better known as DJ Phidel Kastro, and his spouse.
Jackson Memorial High School’s USAF Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (AFROTC Unit NJ-782), Colonel Jonathan W. Spare, organized ROTC volunteers to assist with food service, venue decoration, and cleanup. One of the biggest events of the year was also meticulously planned by a dozen Commission members.
According to the Commission, people frequently overlook, marginalize, or dismiss people with special needs, and they often forget that people with disabilities have needs, wants, and feelings. Like everyone else, they enjoy having a good time. Therefore, it is the most satisfying sensation in the world to witness the wide smiles and the crowded dance floor at an occasion like the prom that is just for them.
Many families also get a much-needed respite and a place to just be themselves and enjoy themselves during the event. The clients had a great time dancing and enjoying the photo booth, which had a lot of props and costume pieces. Commission members said everyone danced, even if they had initially stated they wouldn’t.
Everyone who signed up turned there, according to Fries. Word-of-mouth spread that it would be a
nice gathering, and as new families were invited, we saw some new faces. Many were overjoyed to receive awards and return home.
According to Hollander, the Batman photo ops and the taxi cab were fantastic. It gave everyone an opportunity to socialize and gave parents a chance to talk to them other. It takes a village for everyone to watch out for one another.
Ice cream sundaes were the perfect way to end the evening. You truly felt as though you were in the city thanks to the amazing decorations. Our DJ was fantastic, and the selection of music was spot on! Hollander went on to say that all of the customers and visitors adored the picture booth.
According to what Fries previously told The Jackson Times, the township doubles the yearly state money that the commission receives. The township matches roughly 20% of the state of New Jersey’s funding, which is known as the ROID grant. That twenty percent is useful.
Since the 1970s, the commission has been in operation. Former Assemblyman Melvin Cottrell had a disability and was quite active in the township. He desired to make a contribution to the community. He always had a strong sense of civic duty. Since there was no senior center in those days, small groups might gather at the firehouse or another location. Fries was added.
According to her, the senior center was constructed in the 1990s, and whatever special needs group was in place at the time changed its name to the Mayor’s Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped.
Fries has spent fifteen years with the Commission. For the past two years, she and Hollander, who has been with the Commission for eleven years, have been co-chairs.
For additional information, contact the Commission via email at [email protected] or via phone at 732-928-3334.
