COS Family BBQ 2024

Circle of Strength is a Direct Support Agency that offers services to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities is a severe chronic disability. It includes autism, behavioral disorders, intellectual disability, and Down syndrome. We provide support services for individuals and their families throughout the state of New Jersey. These services include: individual support, community inclusion, community-based support, respite, transportation, and behavioral support. We have also recently opened up home care services, which will be provided soon. 

By giving support to the families, we make sure the individual can have opportunities to achieve their goals and follow their dreams. Here, our families are top priority, and the goal is to make sure that they always have the necessary support and resources to live a better life. We value family, strength, respect, diversity, inclusion, integrity, trust, community, and kindness while educating others about our organization and our vision.

This past August was Circle of Strength’s first annual family bbq. This event was to celebrate families and connect with them, while providing a safe, comfortable environment for everyone. There were games, a wellness session, photos capturing special moments, great food was served, and most importantly, a lifetime of memories were made. Family is the heart of an organization. Ensuring the individuals we help are living their best life and having a great communication line with them is at the core of our mission. Our clients are more than that; they are a part of our family, and although we give them quality care and support, they give us the satisfaction of knowing we are making a positive impact in their lives. 

We will always be here for the individuals and families we assist. This Saturday, December 14t,h Circle of Strength is celebrating Christmas with them. Showing them how important they are is something that brings us joy

Thankful for all the families 

that were able to join us and share this moment at Circle of Strength.

Saturday, August 17th Nassan’s Place hosted their Annual Backpack Giveaway. This event was held to spread awareness about autism. Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. 

Nassan’s Place is a nonprofit organization and their mission is to help make a difference for children and families affected by autism in and around under-served communities, by providing educational and recreational programs, social outings, and resources. The organization was founded years ago by Nadine Wright-Arbubakkr; whose son Nassan, has autism. Her purpose was to help parents so they wouldn’t have to struggle to afford programs and services, like she had to in the past.  

Nassan’s Place invited their community partners to join in on this event, so it was important for Circle of Strength to show up, support and be a part of helping the community. Together one of our common goals is to spread awareness about individuals and families with disabilities. The priority is to help them live a better life with resources that will assist them in achieving their goals and dreams without restrictions due to their disabilities. The partnership between both organizations started when Circle of Strength’s CEO Elise Counts met Nadine at an event. Soon after Nadine invited Elise and Jessica, who works at Circle of Strength as well, to Nassan's Place annual gala last year. From there they connected and became in constant contact with one another, which blossomed into a partnership.  

Included in this event was Autism Awareness resources for individuals and or families. This will assist everyone with the tools they need. Also, they had a backpack and school supplies giveaway, which was really kind of them. With kids going back to school, it’s definitely a hectic time for parents and children. This giveaway helped; that’s one less worry for families to deal with. There was also music which provided an upbeat and positive vibe to the event, like a big family party. Food, face painting was provided as well and during the giveaway clothes were given to people who may be limited or in need of them.  

The event was great, and everyone felt like family. The experience was about learning, knowledge, spreading awareness, meeting new people and overall helping one another. Kindness goes a long way, and everyone wants to help, which is the most important factor of the outcome. For more information on our partner Nassan’s Place and their mission, visit their website here.