Get to know Community Access Unlimited, a nonprofit celebrating 45 years serving New Jerseyans with disabilities and their families
Organization: Community Access Unlimited
Location: Elizabeth, NJ, with programs located across Union County
Contact info
Email: info@caunj.org
Phone: 908-354-3040
Website: caunj.org
Facebook & LinkedIn: Community Access Unlimited
Instagram: communityaccessunlimited
Can you give us a brief history of Community Access Unlimited supporting the community?
CAU was founded in 1979 with a single grant to move 20 people with developmental disabilities from state institutions to homes in the community. Since its inception, the organization has continued to grow, supporting members in their quest to live full and self-directed lives. In addition to housing, CAU’s comprehensive suite of services has evolved to include employment services, a day program, continuing education, behavioral management, support coordination and much more.
Tell us about the local importance of CAU?
CAU serves as a pillar of support and empowerment within Union County and beyond. Our mission to break down barriers, challenge stigmas, and promote equity has a profound impact on the communities we serve. Through innovative programs and by connecting members with local resources, CAU plays a crucial role in enhancing the social and economic fabric of Union County, making us a more compassionate and resilient community.
What types of help does the organization offer the local community?
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), youth at risk, and their families, CAU provides a range of person-centered services tailored to their needs. Whether it’s help with job preparation, finding suitable housing, accessing assistive technology, or learning daily living skills, we offer a variety of support to meet diverse needs. Contact us to explore the best options suited for your family.
Can you tell us about any innovative initiatives or programs that CAU has recently launched? How do these initiatives align with your mission and goals?
Employment rates for people with disabilities continue to lag behind those of people without disabilities — so we’re continuing to build employment programs that promote inclusion. We recently celebrated the first class of graduates of our Culinary Hospitality Training Program, along with the opening of the T.eat.ch Café, our newly constructed, fully ADA-compliant teaching kitchen. This program teaches participants food service skills and equips them with a ServSafe certification so that, upon graduation, they are fully prepared to work in the hospitality industry. It’s just one of our many employment programs. We’ve also had over 65 young people participate in our paid internship program.
Tell us about the big golf event in October? How can the community get involved with this event?
As a nonprofit, we rely on public support to drive our mission; funds raised from the annual Golf Classic ensure CAU members receive the highest level of service, enabling them to thrive in their community. This year’s Golf Classic is taking place on Oct. 7 at Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston. We invite golfers and nongolfers to join us for a day of outdoor fun, camaraderie and delicious food.
How can neighbors get involved with your organization?
There are many meaningful ways to get involved with CAU. Whether you’re interested in participating in our events, or becoming an advocate for our mission, there’s a place for you in our community. Additionally, we welcome local businesses and organizations to partner with us through sponsorships, internships, and employment opportunities for our members. Every contribution, large or small, strengthens our efforts and benefits the community. We invite you to connect with us, learn more about what we do, and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of our members.