HCE and its Project SEARCH interns and staff were happy to celebrate Annual Disability Awareness Day in March! The event, held at the Double Tree Hotel, included Project SEARCH participants from the Double Tree, Jersey City Medical Center, and Hudson County Community College-North Campus.
Learn more about Project SEARCH and our High School Transition program here.
HUDSON COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES EXPANDS TO SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Services include Document Shredding and Building Maintenance
(Vineland, NJ) – Building upon its six decades of offering employment opportunities to persons with disabilities, Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) is expanding its physical presence in southern New Jersey. Recently, HCE began offering enhanced services to our southern New Jersey clients who are in need of document shredding and building maintenance services.
“We realized last year that demand for our services in southern New Jersey was growing, and with client growth comes physical expansion,” said HCE President Joe Brown. “Today, we are happy to announce we are now operating from our new location in Vineland, allowing us to best serve our growing client base.”
The new location in Vineland expands HCE’s presence in New Jersey, which includes the two-facility headquarters in Jersey City, and offices in Newark (Robert Treat Hotel) and in Trenton, Front Street.
Brown continued, “If you are interested in advancing our mission of providing employment to persons with disabilities, we invite you to learn more about how we train and employ our staff, and offer you and your organization secure, quality and cost-effective business solutions throughout New Jersey.”
“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) has a long history of working with inspiring organizations like Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE), which strives to provide individuals with disabilities fulfilling jobs, and importantly the training needed to secure those opportunities,” said Christina M. Renna, CCSNJ president & CEO. “The recent expansion into Vineland, an area in desperate need employment opportunities for the disabled community, is yet another example of HCE’s commitment to these incredibly hardworking individuals looking for a chance to live a productive life and give back to the community.”
Photo (from left to right): Jason Krellin, HCE Sr. Director, Building Services; Lynn Bradley, Dir. of Membership, CCSNJ; Sean Burke, Mario Simmons, Rich Rodriguez, HCE Shredding; HCE President Joe Brown, and Michael Vailes, HCE Shredding.
To learn more about the services we offer, click here for more about our shredding services, and here for more about the many services we offer our clients for building/facility maintenance.
About Hudson Community Enterprises
Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) is a not-for-profit company that has been providing training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities for over 60 years. HCE operates five enterprise businesses, including building maintenance services, Electronic Content Management (ECM)/document scanning, document shredding, digital printing and packaging and fulfillment. Each of these businesses employs persons with disabilities, many of whom have been provided workforce development/training and vocational rehabilitation through our HCE. In 2023, HCE launched the Center for Employment and Inclusion for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and DEAFinite Solutions™, a social enterprise offering business services created by and for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
(Sayreville, NJ) – As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) honored the Sayreville Police Department yesterday at their “Recognizing Change-Makers” breakfast for their dedication to the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
“As part of its Pledge All Abilities™ campaign, HCE has taken steps to not only educate organizations about how to best to include and employ person with disabilities, but also inform the community about the organizations, businesses, government and law enforcement entities that are leaders in the movement to be more inclusive,” said HCE President Joe Brown. “Today we are recognizing members of the Sayreville Police Department with our ‘Change-Maker Award’ for their impact and innovation.”
HCE also honored Sean Jaeckel with their “Difference-Maker Award” for his work within the Sayreville Police Department as a Traffic Safety Clerk. Sean, who is deaf, was celebrated for “going above and beyond his duties and consistently making a positive difference in the workplace.”
In addition to honoring Sayreville Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski for helping make Sean’s employment possible, HCE also highlighted the dedication of supervisors who have taken the time to train Sean and ensure his successful employment: Lt. Tom Sheehan, Office of Administration Professional Standards; Sergeant Brian Braile, Traffic Safety Bureau, and Sergeant Jeff Casella, Office of Administration.
“It’s not easy for someone to come into a police department when they have not had experience working in one before,” said Lt. Tom Sheehan of the Administration Bureau. “However, Sean came in, learned quickly with the help of his supervisors, and has become an exceptional asset to the department and to the community. We could not be more pleased with his success.”
HCE also honored staff member Lisa Murtha as the “Inclusion Champion of the Year.” Lisa, who is a Business Development Coordinator at HCE, was honored for her “unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and her tireless efforts in promoting equality, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and leading the way as a true advocate for inclusion.” For more about Lisa and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services staff at HCE, click here.
Learn more about HCE and its Pledge All Abilities™ initiative at www.hce.works. The Pledge All Abilities™ initiative is supported through a grant provided by the New Jersey Division of Vocational and Rehabilitation Services.
About Hudson Community Enterprises
Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) is a not-for-profit company that has been providing training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities for over 60 years. HCE operates five enterprise businesses, including building maintenance services, Electronic Content Management (ECM)/document scanning, document shredding, digital printing and packaging and fulfillment. Each of these businesses employs persons with disabilities, many of whom have been provided workforce development/training and vocational rehabilitation through our HCE. In 2023, HCE launched the Center for Employment and Inclusion for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and DEAFinite Solutions™, a social enterprise offering business services created by and for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
JERSEY CITY, NJ (October 3, 2023) – Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) announced today the launch of its #PledgeAllAbilities™ campaign, aimed at incentivizing partnerships with regional employers who are seeking to bolster their inclusivity of persons with disabilities. The campaign is supported through a $275,000 Work First; Innovation and Expansion grant awarded in 2023 through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
“Saying you support diversity and inclusion in your workplace is a significant step, but actively engaging in an endeavor to realize these objectives takes your commitment to the next level,” said HCE President Joe Brown. “We are inviting the businesses and organizations in Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex and Union counties to pledge their support and join us to promote workplaces that are inclusive of persons with disabilities through our #PledgeAllAbilities™ campaign.”
Through this initiative, HCE seeks to:
“This outreach campaign will enable organizations to proudly highlight their efforts in engaging with the expansive consumer demographic represented by individuals with disabilities. By showcasing their commitment to hiring and advancing the careers of people with disabilities, these organizations are not only recognizing their invaluable contributions but also positioning themselves as valuable assets in return,” said Daniela Rivera, HCE’s Vice President, Program Development. “We believe that this commitment to inclusion will help the business promote their brand favorably among those who prioritize diversity and inclusion as essential elements of our community.”
For more about #PledgeAllAbilities™, our current program partners and other benefits to joining our campaign, visit https://hce.works/pledgeallabilities.
Press inquiries should be sent to Nikki Ouellette at nouellette@hce.works or call 908-783-2410.
About Hudson Community Enterprises
Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) is a not-for-profit company that has been providing training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities for over 60 years. HCE operates five enterprise businesses, including building maintenance services, Electronic Content Management (ECM)/document scanning, document shredding, digital printing and packaging and fulfillment. Each of these businesses employs persons with disabilities, many of whom have been provided workforce development/training and vocational rehabilitation through our HCE.
In 2023, HCE launched the Center for Employment and Inclusion for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and DEAFinite SolutionsTM, a social enterprise offering business services created by and for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
New Social Enterprise Offers Services Inspired BY and FOR the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
(Jersey City, NJ) – Building upon its six decade-mission of supporting, training and employing persons with disabilities,
Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) has launched a new social enterprise inspired by and created for the deaf and
hard of hearing community – DEAFinite Solutions™.
“Not every business, government entity, school or health care organization has the tools to create an environment that
is deaf-friendly,” said Joseph Brown, President of HCE. “Our newest program, DEAFinite Solutions™, offers a multitude of
services that will help you make your work environment, service area, or community event more accessible and
informative to the Deaf community.”
The comprehensive range of services comprises American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting, event planning, ASL content
creation, and personalized support aimed at making your business or organization more accessible and accommodating
to deaf employees and customers.
Daniela Rivera, Vice President of Program Development, says that the services offered through DEAFinite Solutions™
were inspired by the new team at HCE, brought in to focus on the deaf and hard of hearing. “70% of our new staff
members are deaf,” says River. “This new enterprise features services not only inspired by the deaf, but also offered by
the deaf.
“Deaf-created businesses play a vital role in fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the community,” added
Rivera. “They not only provide essential products and services but also serve as beacons of guidance and resources for
businesses seeking to collaborate with the Deaf and hard of hearing. Embracing their expertise and unique perspective
enables us to build a world where communication knows no barriers, and diversity becomes our greatest strength.”
Brown noted that the mission of DEAFinite Solutions™ is unique in New Jersey, and the goal of the enterprise is not only
to make our community’s more deaf-friendly, but also to provide employment opportunities for members of the Deaf
community.
“Within HCE, we now employ 11 members of the Deaf community through DEAFinite Solutions™and the Center for
Employment and Inclusion, as well as through HCE’s long-standing enterprises, such as Electronic Content
Management/scanning services.” said Brown. “Our greatest hope is that other employers and organizations learn that
incorporating members of the Deaf community and persons with disabilities into their business growth plans is
achievable. And we can provide the expertise and tools, as well as the potential pool of employees, to help you meet
your inclusivity goals.”
In addition to DEAFinite Solutions™, HCE also recently launched The Center for Employment and Inclusion for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing (CEI), which offers a variety of employment-related support services and career opportunities.
Services for the deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, blind and low-vision individuals include vocational assessments, pre-
employment transition services (ages 14-21), and an array of services to prepare individuals for employment through job
readiness, coaching, placement and retention programs.
If you are interested in learning more about the services offered through DEAFinite Solutions™, please visit our website
at www.deafinitesolutions.works or email deafinitesolutions@hce.works
All press inquiries should be directed to Nikki Ouellette at 908-783-2410 or nouellette@hce.works
About Hudson Community Enterprises:
Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) is a not-for-profit that has been providing training and employment opportunities
for persons with disabilities for over 60 years. In addition to the services now offered through DEAFinite Solutions™, HCE
also operates five social enterprises, including building maintenance services, Electronic Content Management
(ECM)/document scanning, document shredding, digital printing and packaging and fulfillment. Each of these businesses
employs persons with disabilities, many of whom have been provided workforce development/training and vocational
rehabilitation through HCE.
JERSEY CITY, NJ (AUGUST 8, 2023) – Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) today announced it has been awarded a Signature Grant in the amount of $100,000 from The Provident Bank Foundation to support their new Center for Employment and Inclusion for the Deaf and Hard ofHearing (CEI).
HCE was selected to receive the grant based on their six decades of success in providing support, training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. CEI was created earlier this year to provide training and job placement services for the deaf and hard of hearing. “At HCE, we are thrilled that our enhanced mission to provide job services to the deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind and low vision has received such significant support from The Provident Bank Foundation,” said HCE President Joe Brown. “We are a community-based organization providing much-needed services and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. This grant will allow us to build upon our customized training and job placement services for the Deaf community.”
Brown added that the CEI team will focus on outreach strategies to HCE’s many stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the specific training and job placement services HCE can provide, including school administrators, students and families that want to explore HCE’s services to this community. “We are pleased to help further valuable initiatives put forth by local organizations who are working every day to strengthen the lives of residents in our communities,” said Samantha Plotino, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “We will continue to provide support to these important organizations that have identified an immediate need in the community and for the individuals they serve.”
For more information about HCE and CEI, visit www.hce.works/cei
About Hudson Community Enterprises
Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) is a not-for-profit that has been providing training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities for over 60 years. HCE operates five enterprise businesses, including building maintenance services, Electronic Content Management (ECM)/document scanning, document shredding, digital printing and packaging and fulfillment. Each of these businesses employs persons with disabilities, many of whom have
been provided workforce development/training and vocational rehabilitation through our HCE.
In 2023, HCE launched CEI, as well as DEAFinite Solutions, a social enterprise offering business services created by and for the deaf and hard of hearing.
About The Provident Bank Foundation
The Provident Bank Foundation strengthens communities by investing in 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on community enrichment, education, and health, as well as youth and families. Since 2003, The Provident Bank Foundation has granted more than $30 million in funding support across Provident Bank’s New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York markets. To learn more about how we help communities become happier, healthier, and safer, visit theprovidentbankfoundation.org, call (862) 260-3990, or join the conversation on LinkedIn.
Building upon its over 60 years of offering employment opportunities to persons with disabilities, Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) is expanding its physical presence in southern New Jersey.
Beginning this summer, HCE will offer enhanced services to our southern New Jersey clients who are in need of document shredding and building maintenance services. If you are interested in advancing our mission of providing employment to persons with disabilities, we invite you to learn more about how we train and employ our staff, and offer you and your organization secure, quality and cost-effective business solutions.
To learn more about the services we offer, click here for more about our shredding services, and here for more about the many services we offer our clients for building/facility maintenance.
As part of our commitment to provide pathways to success in the workplace, and as our workforce expands with Deaf employees, the Deaf Services team will be hosting an “Introductory to Deaf Awareness Training”. Our Deaf awareness training will help you to better understand your deaf colleagues and learn how to make reasonable adjustments so that they can fully access their working environment.
During this introductory training you will also learn:
The training will take place on the following dates: (Please check with your supervisor for which session to attend)
1/23/23
Tuers Ave
10:30AM DOT room (second floor)
2:30 PM cafeteria
1/25/23
Montgomery Street
10:30AM ECM production room
2:30 PM Montgomery cafeteria (tentative room)
*There will be a recorded video option for BMS and Document Destruction Staff (please check with your supervisor for details)
We know that each and every one of you support our mission of being truly committed to creating an inclusive experience, and appreciate your participation.
Please support Hudson County Project SEARCH and our newest host agency, Hudson County Community College – North Hudson Campus, Union City, NJ. Expanding program options for all Hudson County participants.
“Project SEARCH is a one-year, unpaid internship program for individuals with disabilities in their last year of high school or between the ages of 23 to 30 led by local businesses. Project SEARCH interns develop transferable job skills, helping them make a successful transition into a productive adult life.
As a dad who understands the challenges parents face at this critical time in their child’s life, I urge you to consider Project SEARCH for your child. Not a parent? Then please, support businesses who are part of Project SEARCH right here in Hudson County.”– Tom DeGise, Hudson County Executive
For more information or to request an application, call the Hudson County Office of Inclusion & Accessibility: 201.369.5280 or email Ms. Erin Ross Burgess at eross@hcnj.us
