Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month with 40th Annual Raritan Valley Workshop Awards Dinner Dance

Employment opportunities empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and the chance to fully participate in and contribute to society while providing the ability to say "Yes I can!”

Easter Seals job training and employment services help people with disabilities learn skills to successfully enter the workforce or to return to work after an illness or injury.  Services offered include pre-vocational evaluation, work adjustment training, school-to-work transition, supported employment, extended employment, and job placement services via its Employment Services locations, such as the Raritan Valley Workshop (RVW).

On October 21st, Easter Seals Raritan Valley Workshop (one of its three sheltered workshops throughout the state) honored Easter Seals New Jersey’s Employment Services consumers, customers, donors and employers at its 40th Annual Dinner Dance fundraiser.

This year’s continuous commitment award was presented to Jerry Katcher, a member of the Raritan Valley Workshop Advisory Board for over 20 years. During his tenure, Jerry served as Advisory Board President and Chairperson of the Annual Dinner Committee.

Special Recognition was also given to Mark Berkowitz of Derby Appliances who has supported the workshop for over five years by generously donating items for auction at the annual dinner dance fundraiser.

The Employer of the Year Award was presented to Lynda Golden and Walmart of North Brunswick for their commitment to hiring and enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through employment.

Four program participants from the Raritan Valley Workshop and Easter Seals’ Employment Services were also honored with Employee of the Year Awards in recognition of outstanding performance and personal commitment to excellence in competitive employment, both in the workshop and in community employment.

Easter Seals Employment Services has been helping people with disabilities or special needs determine and reach employment goals, accomplish meaningful employment, fulfill productive and valuable roles in the community, achieve self-sufficiency, and earn an independent income for more than 40 years.

"We believe everyone has a valuable contribution to make to their community," says Brian Fitzgerald, ceo of Easter Seals NJ. 

Check out the full event photo album!