Family Fun Day Draws Record Attendance
Community Access Unlimited
The 26th Annual Ira Geller Family Fun Day, hosted by Community Access Unlimited (CAU), drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 800 supporters, members, and staff to Warinanco Park on Saturday, May 18th.
The event delivered a day filled with joy and community spirit, with an aim of supporting CAU’s essential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) and at-risk youth. Activities offered enjoyment for all ages and all abilities; the park was made more accessible with a path for those using wheelchairs, and a new sensory station engaged attendees to stimulate and regulate their senses.
Mayor of Elizabeth, J. Christian Bollwage joined the celebration, lauding CAU Executive Director Bernadette Griswold for her dedicated leadership.
“Community Access helps direct services and housing opportunities to those who may have been on the margins—and because of all of you, you make this a reality,” Bollwage said.
Participants enjoyed a variety of activities, including over a dozen games, two bouncy slides, a free photo booth, and lively music from CAU’s resident DJ. The atmosphere was alive with families and friends reveling in the day’s festivities, all while supporting a meaningful cause and commemorating CAU’s 45th year of service to the community.
Tonya Hopson of Hillside, a CAU member since 1987, shared her personal journey and the profound impact CAU has had on her life.
As a teenager, Hopson aged out of the foster care system and found a lifeline in CAU, which provided housing and essential services. As an adult with a disability, employment support from CAU assisted her in securing a job at a Target where she has thrived for over 20 years. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “CAU has benefited me in growing better and growing up, and I have a place to live.” On having a job coach, she added, “They come and see how I’m doing, and if I need anything they’re there to help me.”
This year’s Family Fun Day not only celebrated the memory of Ira Geller, a former CAU member and advocate, but also highlighted the significant contributions of CAU in improving the lives of over 3,000 individuals and families across New Jersey. Through housing, education, support services, employment, support coordination, and the Day Program, CAU continues to make a tangible difference in the community.
For more information on CAU and its programs, or to make a donation, please visit caunj.org.
About Community Access Unlimited
Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating 45 years in 2024, supports people with disabilities in achieving full lives in the community. CAU provides support and gives voice to adults and youth who traditionally have little support and no voice in society. CAU helps people with housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities. CAU also supports opportunities for advocacy through training in assertiveness, decision-making and civil rights. CAU currently serves more than 3,000 individuals and families and is continually expanding its services to broaden the scope of its support. For more information about CAU and its services, contact us by phone at 908.354.3040, online at caunj.org or by mail at 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
