Employees vie for the title of Employee of the Year which is voted on by fellow Alternatives employees. Awards presented to clients celebrate their individual achievements and are voted on by other Alternatives clients. Those to be recognized include Michele Mangal, Joseph Palardy, Tony Modak, Kathy Karch, Kathleen Dustin and Jeremy Salva.  

The Employer of the Year award is presented to an establishment that has become a reliable business partner; they welcome and support Alternatives clients with employment opportunities that help to integrate them into the community. This year’s winner is Old Navy, Quakerbridge Mall. Their entire team has been nothing but positive and welcoming to Alternatives clients seeking employment. They are patient, non-judgmental and offer their continued support and are always accommodating.

They are always very much involved in their surrounding communities. They recently sponsored an event that Bridges to Employment’s Career Development Center/Deaf and Hard of Hearing program participated in which involved a four hour retail training session provided by their knowledgeable staff. Also, store manager Joseph Potter was invited to participate in Bridges to Employment’s Transition Services program as a speaker to high school students who will soon be entering the adult work force about working in the world of retail.

Based in Raritan, Alternatives provides residential, employment, and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other special needs. For information on Alternatives, please call 908-685-1444 or visit www.alternativesinc.org.