After more than a year of having to operate virtually as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. has resumed operations at its eight program locations. For Carrie Fortunato, an individual supported through Abilities’ Phillipsburg location, the reopening couldn’t happen soon enough.

“I am really happy and excited to be back,” said Fortunato, who, like many of the individuals with different abilities supported by Abilities, has spent the past 14 months participating in virtual remote activities such as music, art, cooking and writing online.

Fortunato especially loves music, and describes herself as a musician. A member of Abilities’ Rockstars – a choir comprised of individuals with all levels of ability and participation – she sings and plays the keyboard with help from her aunt.

“Music is in my blood. I love music,” she said.

Fortunato is one of 40 local residents currently receiving services from Abilities at the Phillipsburg location. Abilities in Phillipsburg offers community integration, volunteering, and pre-vocational experiences including skill building and group and individual supported employment. There is a behavioral and medical special needs component in the Phillipsburg program for individuals who require additional support, and a senior component for individuals who are of retirement age.

Phillipsburg is also the site of a PossAbilities Thrift Boutique that provides an opportunity for individuals to explore and learn valuable employment skills along with volunteering opportunities.

“Abilities’ support remained seamless throughout the pandemic, whether that meant connecting through the internet, or in some cases providing in-home services,” said Gabby Petosa, Manager, Day Services at Abilities.

Maintaining connectivity was accomplished by Abilities staff facilitating remote services. If individuals were in need, wireless hotspot “jetpacks” and laptops or tablets were provided to staff and consumers. Those who were unable to connect virtually received phone calls upon request.

Without access to the facilities, some services could not be provided, including Abilities’ state-of-the-art sensory room, which provides a therapeutic space for a variety of individual needs.

“The sensory room is very important to me, because I’m in a wheelchair most of the time,” said Fortunato. With assistance from Abilities staff members, she is able to use the water bed in the sensory room for repositioning and relaxation, and to stretch out for a little bit, something that would otherwise be difficult to accomplish.

Fortunato’s other favorite on-site activity is using the Smartboard at the Phillipsburg facility to play games such as hangman, Jeopardy and the Price is Right with her friends, activities that support learning and build relationships as well. The latter is especially important.

“The past few months have been difficult because I missed my friends,” said Fortunato. “I do everything 100% all the time, but it was hard to do my work at home, even though I had help from my family.”

Abilities’ staff members are also happy to be back at work, providing in-person services to more than 375 individuals and their families in northwest New Jersey.

“We have dedicated employees that enjoy what they do, and they are excited to be meeting face-to-face with the individuals we serve,” said Petosa. “At Abilities, we place an emphasis on providing a positive, supportive atmosphere, something that is much easier to do when we’re together. It’s also important to understand that we are providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone.”

To learn more about Abilities’ day and employment services, contact Outreach and Care Coordinator Karen Menke at (908) 689-1118, extension 14, or email kmenke@abilitiesnw.com.

Photo: Carrie Fortunato is glad to be back at Abilities