Commission still serving special residents
Effort made by Jackson panel has record of service lasting more than 30 years
BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent
The blue and gold banner says it all - "Jackson Cares." The banner belongs to the Jackson Township Commission for the Disabled and the Handicapped which helps to care for Jackson residents, who have disabilities and handicaps. The commission sponsors numerous activities and recreational programs, including bus trips, sports and holiday parties.

"Our mission is the advancement and independence of residents with disabilities through many activities and learning experiences," said Laureen Smith, chair of the commission. "The success of the program is due to the fact that the members of the Jackson community want it to work and it does."

Since 1971, the commission has worked for the needs of children and adults who have physical and mental disabilities. Formerly known as the Mayor's Commission for the Disabled, it was the first organization of its kind in Ocean County. Today, about 150 Jackson residents are served by the commission.

According to Smith, Jackson resident Melvin Cottrell, who had speech and hearing disabilities, was instrumental in the commission's success.

"He was a member of the Township Committee, then the mayor and finally a state assemblyman," she said. "Our center is named to honor his work for people with disabilities."

Smith, who has been a member of the commission for four years, said the commission consists of 22 volunteer members who are appointed or reappointed yearly by Jackson's mayor.

"I volunteered for an appointment to say thanks for all the services my son, Kyle, who has multiple handicaps, has received over the years," said Smith. "I would say that 99 percent of the commission members have a family member with disabilities or are associated with someone who does."

The most popular program, Smith said, is the Helping Hands program for children, teens and adults. It is a free, weekly recreation program that offers arts and crafts, cooking, games and movies after school in the Melvin Cottrell Center for Senior Citizens and the Disabled.

"There are great activities, and it's a safe place to socialize and enjoy these activities," she said. "The children and teens meet first for two hours, then the adults follow later into the early evening."

Smith said there also is an medical equipment lending program and non-emergency medical transportation for residents, as well as therapeutic horseback riding.

Currently, there are sports leagues in softball, soccer and basketball. There are plans to add gymnastics and cheerleading, she said.

"On Saturdays, it's heartwarming to see the support for the sporting events," said Smith. "We have a group of teenagers from local high schools known as buddies who help the team members with disabilities to compete."

Funding for the activities, Smith said, comes from the Jackson budget, grants, fundraising projects and donations.

"None of this could be done without the tremendous dedication of volunteers and parents, the donations of Jackson businesses and the service organizations," said Smith. "I am so grateful to the many people involved in helping our residents with disabilities."

Just to name a few, she said, the annual sock hop is sponsored by the Fossils, a classic car group. Organizations such as the Kiwanis, the Rotary Club and the Optimists are always ready to help. JR Landscaping donated pumpkins at the Halloween party.

"Parents, who are blessed with a child with disabilities, learn everything they can about those disabilities," said Smith. "We network with each other and appreciate everything we can do to help our children. I hope to reach more parents and individuals to introduce them to the help and activities that are available in Jackson."

The next event for the commission will be the annual holiday party Dec. 2. Smith said this event brings the most attendance.

"Santa Claus will be there," she said. "There will be presents and a dinner served with the help of the members of the Jackson Memorial High School ROTC. The centerpieces will be made by members of Girl Scout Troop 386 in conjunction with the Dogwood Service Unit."

In addition to Kyle, now 27, Smith and her husband, James, also have a daughter, Army PFC Melissa Smith, serving as a supply truck diver in Iraq, and a grandson, Jaden, 3.

Other officers of the commission are vice chair Grace Bisignano, secretary Fran Mazzi, and treasurer Carmen Esposito. Diane Black, appointed by Jackson, serves as a secretary to the commission to facilitate its activities.

"I have served as a secretary for the commission for 15 years," said Black. "I enjoy getting to know all the people that are involved in such a caring and devoted program. They are all wonderful people."

For more information or to register for events, call Diane Black at (732) 928-3334 or click on www.jacksontwpnj.net.