A program through which people with disabilities work as credit union interns promises to help more CUs better serve disabled members.
So far, in the pilot cycle, The Building Economic Strength Together program has placed five interns with disabilities in four credit unions in New Jersey. Organizers said that eventually they expect to expand the program to 20 interns spread out among more credit unions.

BEST came about through the collaborative efforts of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, the Kessler Foundation, the National Credit Union Foundation’s REAL Solutions Program, Allies Inc., a New Jersey based training group for people with disabilities, the New Jersey Credit Union League, and the National Disability Institute.

“The BEST program is a fantastic opportunity for the participating credit unions to explore and develop strategies to better serve people with disabilities,” said Lois Kitsch, REAL Solutions Program Director. “The promising outcome is to be able to replicate the BEST program and the best practices that result from it so that credit unions throughout the country can tap into this emerging market.”

A program through which people with disabilities work as credit union interns promises to help more CUs better serve disabled members.

So far, in the pilot cycle, The Building Economic Strength Together program has placed five interns with disabilities in four credit unions in New Jersey. Organizers said that eventually they expect to expand the program to 20 interns spread out among more credit unions.

BEST came about through the collaborative efforts of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, the Kessler Foundation, the National Credit Union Foundation’s REAL Solutions Program, Allies Inc., a New Jersey based training group for people with disabilities, the New Jersey Credit Union League, and the National Disability Institute.

“The BEST program is a fantastic opportunity for the participating credit unions to explore and develop strategies to better serve people with disabilities,” said Lois Kitsch, REAL Solutions Program Director. “The promising outcome is to be able to replicate the BEST program and the best practices that result from it so that credit unions throughout the country can tap into this emerging market.”

The Times, August 30, 2009

By Steve Sherman
BucksLocalSports Editor

Roger Clemens is coming to Trenton.

The Rocket has agreed to help raise money for Hamilton-based Allies Inc., a social services agency that assists 2,000 people with various disabilities throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Clemens will headline Allies’ annual Winter-Palooza fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 28, at KatManDu, the popular restaurant-nightspot on the Trenton waterfront.

Allies spokesperson Mike Cestero, a vocational services coordinator for the organization who resides in Newtown, believes Clemens deserves much credit for all the work that he’s engineered in the philanthropic arena including the good deeds done by the Roger Clemens Foundation, the charity organization founded in 1992 by Roger and his wife Debbie.

Not only did Clemens agree to donate his time to the event, but to help Allies raise much-needed funds, he offered up a golf package whereby whoever professionally or personally donates the most money to this fundraiser wins a round of golf with the Rocket at the Reunion Golf Club in Orlando, Florida (minimum donation: $2,500).

Also appearing will be Ultimate Fighting Championship world top-10 fighter Frankie Edgar, who has also agreed to waive his appearance fee.

Tickets are $25. Children, 13-17: $10. Under-12—free. For more information, call (609) 273-0825 or visit http://allies2010.blogspot.com.

Dear Friends of Allies, Inc.,

On Friday, September 25, 2009 Allies, Inc. will be hosting our Ten Year Anniversary Gala. We hope you
will put this on your calendar as it will be a very exciting evening.

Allies, Inc. is a nonprofi t agency dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and
recreational opportunities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice. Since 1999,
Allies, Inc. has enriched the lives of people with special needs by promoting their greater independence
with dignity, respect and understanding. Driven by the individual needs of the people we serve, innovation
is the hallmark of Allies services and underscores our every pursuit.

Our previous functions have been very successful and have grown each year. This accomplishment can
be attributed in a large part to individuals and community businesses, which support us by donating items
for auction, making a contribution, advertising in our Ad Journal, or purchasing tickets. We hope we can
count on your support.

Since we are a non-profi t organization, we rely on fund raising to help provide the quality services that
these individuals deserve. I hope that you will take this opportunity to show your support of Allies, Inc.
and the work we do. I am enclosing information on purchasing tickets, advertising in our ad journal,
sponsorships and donation of items for auction. I hope that you will support this event and share this
information with family, friends and local businesses who may also be interested. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to call me at 609-689-0136, ext. 156.
On behalf of Allies, Inc., I would like to thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Donald Tretola
Senior Director of Public Affairs
DTretola@alliesnj.org
(609) 689-0136 x156

Recently, the state comptroller released a report that inaccurately brings into question some of the expenses Allies Inc. incurred during our trips with the clients we serve — people with special needs. (“Audit: Agency billing NJ lacks reviews,” Aug. 12.) We disagree with the report’s conclusion that we misused public funds.

Allies Inc. offers a variety of programs that enhance the lives of people with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. We provide them with the basic necessities they need to achieve success in life, such as quality housing, a rewarding career, life skills and financial independence.

We also provide people with disabilities the opportunity to travel, explore the world around them and other activities to bring meaning to their lives. Our agency has always adhered to the highest ethical standards, operating on a lean budget and taking great measure to ensure compliance with all New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities procedures and state regulations through quarterly reviews by the division. We understand and appreciate the need for the Comptroller’s Office to ensure fiscal responsibility in state contracts, but our funds are only used for approved basic items such as room and board, transportation and staffing for the people to whom we provide services.

Allies’ trips and special outings are cost-neutral to the taxpayer because we conduct extensive, independent fundraising efforts for these meaningful experiences that bring so much joy to the people with disabilities with whom we work. For the past 10 years, Allies has received exemplary, independent audits for our quality services, professional and caring staff, and cost-efficient practices.

We are proud of the quality services we provide, the variety of choices we offer the families we support and the ethical way in which we conduct ourselves.

Krystal Odell
President & CEO
Allies, Inc.
Hamilton, NJ

Allies, Inc., in partnership with the Mercer High School, presents its 3rd annual fashion show, “A Touch of Class” on May 2, 2009, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Trenton Marriott in Trenton, NJ. $20.00 includes the fashion show and lunch. Special appearances include Jill Whelan (from “The Love Boat”) and Laura Jones, Miss Hunterdon County and Channel 12 News Anchor. Fashions are from Shaffers Mens Wear, Bridal Suite and Brides by Michele Rene. Allies, Inc., of Hamilton, NJ supports people with special needs throughout New Jersey.