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

Progressive Center for Independent Living NJ

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Trenton, NJ
Progressive Center for Independent Living NJ

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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, NJ Snap Navigation, and recreational/social program for Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon county in New Jersey.

10/28/2026

A disability can become part of anyone’s life—even after decades in a career they love.

Meet Remi Psak, our final “Off to Work Wednesday” Employment Spotlight for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). 💙

Remi began working in dentistry in high school. What was supposed to be a summer job became a career she loved, especially helping nervous patients feel more comfortable through explanation, demonstration and trust.

She continued her training, earning New Jersey credentials that allowed her to take dental X-rays and perform expanded duties as a dental assistant.

Then serious liver disease changed her life. After four years on a transplant waiting list, Remi received a life-saving liver transplant in 2023 and went on disability.

However, she realized she missed connecting with coworkers and patients and decided to go back to work part-time.

“I went back to work part-time two days a week and I still love it.”

Remi’s story reminds us that anyone can become disabled at any point in life. With opportunities and support that fit their needs, people can continue contributing their skills and experience in the workplace. For Remi, returning part-time meant reconnecting with coworkers and patients and continuing work she loves.

PCIL’s transition and employment services help people with disabilities in Mercer and Hunterdon Counties, NJ, explore their options, build workplace skills and pursue their individual employment goals.

Learn about our programs and services at .

Thank you to Amy, Michael P, Michael C and Remi for sharing their experiences this month. Their stories highlight why opportunities for meaningful employment matter all year long and how important transition services are!

10/27/2026

💼 What skills are employers REALLY looking for? You might be surprised!

When preparing for employment, it’s easy to focus on resumes, grades, and job experience. But employers also value skills that aren’t always taught in a classroom.

✅ Showing up on time

✅ Communicating effectively

✅ Working well with others

✅ Following directions

✅ Solving problems

These are called workplace readiness skills, and they’re important for finding a job, keeping a job, and building a successful career.

The good news? These skills can be learned and practiced!

In this month’s What’s Next? video, we’re highlighting how students with disabilities can start developing these valuable skills before entering the workforce.

Through WIOA Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and NJ DVRS, eligible students with disabilities can access opportunities to build workplace skills, explore careers, and prepare for future employment.

🎓 Preparing for a career starts long before the first job interview!

📋 Is your student ready for what’s next? Download PCIL’s FREE Transition Plan Audit through the link in our bio.

📲 Share this with a parent of a high school student with a disability!

10/26/2026

What if you haven't found the right job yet?

As we continue celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we're introducing you to another member of PCIL's team helping people with disabilities explore employment opportunities and work toward their goals!

Meet Nick C., a Transition Specialist and SNAP Navigator at PCIL.

Recently, a consumer asked him a question many of us can relate to: “Is there a perfect job out there for me?”

His response was a reminder that finding meaningful employment doesn't always happen overnight. It takes patience, persistence, self-discovery, and sometimes the right support along the way.

“Finding the right job takes time. Don't give up on finding what works for you.”

As a Transition Specialist, Nick helps individuals explore their interests, recognize their strengths, develop workplace skills, and prepare to find and maintain employment.

Because not finding the right job yet doesn't mean it's time to stop looking. 💙

PCIL is proud to support people with disabilities throughout Mercer and Hunterdon Counties, NJ, as they work toward employment and greater independence.

If you are a person living with a disability looking for some help to get your career started contact our transition department and see how we can help you discover your perfect job.

10/26/2026

UPCOMING PCIL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 3 | Launch Your Future: Part 1 - Know Yourself
LTDL Peer Support Group
🕔 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 PCIL Mercer Office, Hamilton, NJ
💙 Free | Registration Closes October 27 at 4:30 PM.
This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series. Participants will identify their strengths, skills, interests, and workplace preferences while exploring what they can bring to a potential employer. It is recommended that you register for all three parts.

NOVEMBER 5 | BINGO was his Name-O!
R.E.C.C. of PCIL Hunterdon
🕔 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Flemington Elks Lodge
💙 $5 for PCIL Members, $10 for Non-Members | Registration Closes November 2 at 4:30 PM.
Join us for a friendly game of Bingo!

NOVEMBER 9 | Launch Your Future: Part 1 - Know Yourself
Hunterdon Peer Support Group
🕔 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 PCIL Hunterdon Office, Lebanon, NJ
💙 Free | Registration Closes November 5 at 4:30 PM.
This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series. Participants will identify their strengths, skills, interests, and workplace preferences while exploring what they can bring to a potential employer. It is recommended that you register for all three parts.

NOVEMBER 17 | Launch Your Future: Part 1 - Market Yourself
LTDL Peer Support Group
🕔 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 PCIL Mercer Office, Hamilton, NJ
💙 Free | Registration Closes November 10 at 4:30 PM.
This is Part 2 of a 3 Part Series. Participants will learn how to present their skills and experiences through resumes, job applications, and job searches. It is recommended that you register for all three parts.

NOVEMBER 19 | Fall Luminaries
Community Connections Mercer
🕖 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton Township, NJ 08610
🎟️ $5 for PCIL Members and Non-Members
Register by November 13 at 4:30 PM.
Participants will decorate glass jars with seasonal leaves, ribbons, and lights to create their own beautiful luminaries to take home. All materials will be provided.

🌐 Details and registration:

Tag someone who might want to join you!

10/24/2026

🤔 There’s one three-letter acronym EVERYONE receiving DDD services in New Jersey should know. Do you know what it is?

Hint: It’s all about YOUR goals, YOUR choices, and YOUR future!

In Part 7 of DDD Explained: Support Coordination in NJ, Batool breaks down one of the most important parts of receiving DDD services and explains how your Support Coordinator helps create a plan built around YOU.

Watch to find out what those three letters mean and why they matter!

💙 Know someone navigating DDD services in New Jersey? Share this Reel and help spread the word!

10/23/2026

Happy trails and sweet treats! 🥾🍦

PCIL’s R.E.C.C. Hunterdon group explored the Landsdown Trail with Hunterdon County Park Naturalist Laura Kroon Bush, enjoying a guided hike through open fields, forests, and wetlands at a comfortable pace.

After taking in the scenery and spending time together, the group wrapped up the evening at Just Chill in Clinton—and the reviews were glowing! Everyone raved about the delicious ice cream and frozen yogurt. Thank you, Just Chill, for such a sweet finish! 💙

That’s what inclusive recreation is all about: opportunities for people with disabilities, friends, and family to explore, connect, and enjoy our Hunterdon County community together.

10/22/2026

Employment opens doors to independence, connection, and opportunity. 💼

PCIL was proud to join providers, state agencies including DVRS and DDD, the Boggs Center, advocates, and community partners at the NJAPSE Summit on October 9 in New Brunswick.

Renee participated in a panel discussion on behalf of Scott Elliott, representing Centers for Independent Living and bringing PCIL’s perspective to the conversation about expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The day focused on competitive integrated employment—jobs where people with disabilities earn fair wages and work alongside coworkers with and without disabilities—and how we can work together to make those opportunities more accessible.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re proud to help people with disabilities in Mercer and Hunterdon Counties build skills, explore careers, and pursue their employment goals. Thank you, NJAPSE, for bringing New Jersey’s employment community together!

10/22/2026

💼 A new job. Goals for the future. Meet another Michael we know! Michael C!

For this week’s “Off to Work Wednesday” spotlight during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’re introducing Michael C, who started working in Walmart’s grocery department about a month ago.

What does he enjoy most? “Helping the customers and helping my teammates.”

For Michael, employment is a chance to contribute and work toward the life he wants. When asked why working matters to him, he shared: “I like to feel useful and want to make enough money to have a better life than I do now.”

His words speak to the opportunities employment can provide: contributing to a team, earning income and pursuing personal goals.

PCIL’s transition and employment services help people with disabilities in Mercer and Hunterdon Counties, NJ, explore career interests, build workplace skills and work toward their employment goals.

Learn about our programs and services at www.pcil.org.

Join us in congratulating Michael on his new job! 💙

10/20/2026

No job experience? No problem! Your student may already have more to put on a resume than you think!

For high school students with disabilities, building a resume doesn’t have to start with a paid job.

Volunteer work, school clubs, community service, leadership roles, and job shadowing opportunities can all help demonstrate valuable skills and experiences to future employers.

In this month’s What’s Next? video, we’re reminding parents that preparing for employment starts long before that first job interview!

Through WIOA Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and NJ DVRS, eligible students with disabilities can explore careers, develop workplace skills, and gain experiences that help prepare them for life after high school for free.

💡 Every experience is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build confidence.

Is your student preparing for what comes next? Download PCIL’s FREE Transition Plan Audit through the link in our bio.

Share this with a parent of a high school student with a disability in Mercer County or Hunterdon County, NJ!

10/19/2026

“I believe everyone should have the opportunity to work.”

Meet Renee, PCIL’s Independent Living Department Manager! She joined PCIL 22 years ago as our first Transition Specialist, helping develop the program that supports people with disabilities as they prepare for employment and greater independence.

For this week’s Meet the Team spotlight during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Renee reminds us that a job can offer much more than a paycheck: purpose, connection, new skills and opportunities to discover what matters to us.

She also knows that being eager to work and feeling prepared for the workplace can be two different things.

That’s why she values PCIL’s Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). The program helps youth and young adults build a foundation for employment—from understanding workplace expectations to developing confidence, communicating their needs and exploring career interests.

For Renee, the goal is to help someone prepare to find a job, keep it and grow along a path that suits their strengths and goals.

Join us in thanking Renee for 22 years of helping people with disabilities build their futures in Mercer County and Hunterdon County, New Jersey!

If you are a person living with a disability, a caregiver, or family member and would like to know more about the many services and programs we offer around employment goals give us a call!

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

http://www.pcil.org/

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