Organizational Summary

The Spina Bifida Resource Network (SBRN) serves children and adults with spina bifida and other disabilities throughout NJ. Providing peer-led support groups and programs, educational and recreational events, financial assistance, resources and advocacy. Through their programs and events, they build supportive communities and empower individuals to increase knowledge, self-care, capabilities, independence and inclusion in school, employment and community activities.

The Mission:

To provide educational resources, social events and advocacy programs that empower people with disabilities and their allies to challenge perceptions, embrace interdependence and live their best lives.

Working with children, adults, families, providers and other allies, we empower people living with Spina Bifida and other disabilities by fostering knowledge and strengthening relationships and community.

The Vision:

A thriving community where people with disabilities have equitable access to resources and opportunities to optimize their wellness and realize their unlimited potential.
The Spina Bifida Resource Network prioritizes providing safe and open environments for participation and discussion in all of our programs. SBRN reserves the right, at our discretion, to deny a person from participating in any program due to behavior that is considered by SBRN to be inappropriate, violent, threatening, offensive or unwelcome, or that causes harm or discomfort, intentionally or not, to other SBRN participants, volunteers, invited guests or staff.

Contacts

Nanette Forte-Gerst

Executive Director

nforte-gerst@thesbrn.org 908-782-7475

Organizational Summary

United Spinal Association represents our nation’s 5.5 million wheelchair users. We proudly trace our roots to the paralyzed World War II vets who came home to an inaccessible nation and made it their new mission to create a fully inclusive society. We honor them by using today’s tools to directly provide top-notch service and resources to our members, chapters, and the broader disability community.


Vision:
A world where people with SCI/D and all wheelchair users can realize their full potential and live life at its fullest.


Mission:
Empower and advocate for people with SCI/D and all wheelchair users to achieve their highest quality of life.


Values:
Compassion, Inclusion, Passion, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability

Contacts

Annie Streit

Grassroots Advocacy Manager

astreit@unitedspinal.org 929-733-7945 ext. 7040

Organizational Summary


Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) grant program was established in 2021 by the Division of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services.

The program funds New Jersey communities and organizations engaged in projects that promote the well-being of individuals with disabilities in the communities where they live. Supporting projects that partner with the disability community to enhance accessibility, health, and equity. Initiatives supported by the IHC program serve as a model and inspiration for long-term change in the policies, systems, and environments that shape the way we live, work, and play.

Contacts

Rebecca Martin

Program Manager

Rebecca.martin@rutgers.edu

Organizational Summary

Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy livable communities for generations to come. We envision an America where all communities can connect to nature, near and far. From neighborhood parks to national parks, Trust for Public Land partners with communities to plan their conservation priorities, fund their visions for their landscapes, protect the lands and waters they value, and create the parks, gardens, and trails they need to thrive. Our work results in cleaner air and water, healthier bodies and neighborhoods, and increased resilience and livability for humans and wildlife. Trust for Public Land has been connecting New Jersey communities to the outdoors – and to each other – for over 30 years. To date, we have preserved nearly 30,000 acres, made possible 220 active or completed projects, and brought a park or natural area to within a 10-minute walk of over 322,000 people across the Garden State.

Contacts

Justin Dennis

New Jersey Program Director

justin.dennis@tpl.org

Organizational Summary


The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people to the outdoors. Founded in 1876, AMC is the nation’s longest serving conservation and recreation organization. Protecting natural resources and outdoor experiences from Maine to Virginia drives everything we do. Our overarching priorities include understanding and addressing climate change; protecting land, air, and water; and creating and caring for trails to foster access to the outdoors.


AMC’s expertise in trail construction, campsite planning and management, and mapping services reflects more than a century of experience. We pair the most current understanding of sustainable trail design with techniques that we’ve honed and refined for trails throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. AMC provides a wide range of professional trail building services to all land managers and landowners, from bridge construction and campsite development to trail maintenance, design, and planning. Whether it’s front country or backcountry work, our AMC professional crews can help you complete your project.


The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Trail Training Program delivers hands-on trail maintenance training and professional trail skills workshops at AMC sites across the Northeast, and on-site with partner agencies. Through events like AMC’s Trail Skills College and youth-focused programs, AMC is growing a knowledgeable, connected trail community—equipping the next generation of stewards with the tools to care for the outdoors.

Here is a link to the New Jersey-New York Chapter – The Appalachian Mountain Club of New York-North Jersey – Be Outdoors

Here is a link to the Delaware Valley ( Southern NJ) Chapter – Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter (AMC-DV)

Contacts

Patricia McGuire

Mid-Atlantic Trail Program Manager

pmcguire@outdoors.org 617-523-5631
AMC_Logo_FullColor_CMYK

Organizational Summary

The coalition was established in 2009 and is the only state-wide advocacy organization for bicyclists and pedestrians. The NJBWC is a collective voice for everyone who believes that a safer, more rideable and walkable New Jersey means a more livable, equitable, and sustainable New Jersey.

This non-profit partners with clubs, advocacy groups, and local, regional, and state agencies and is supported by numerous sponsors dedicated to safe, accessible outdoor recreation. The organization is recognized by both the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking & Walking as the state bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization for New Jersey.

They are dedicated to:

PROTECTING the rights and safety of New Jersey bicyclists and walkers
PROMOTING bicycling and walking for fun, fitness, and transportation
EDUCATING bicyclists, walkers, and drivers about our rights and responsibilities
CONNECTING our communities with a smarter transportation system


Contacts

Debra Kagan

Executive Director

Kagan@njbwc.org