RARITAN, NJ (December 14, 2011) – Alternatives, Inc. hosted their 30^{th Annual Holiday Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 8th at The Martinsville Inn. The awards dinner has become a tradition that honors Alternatives’ outstanding employees, remarkable clients, and invaluable business partners.}

Alternatives staff placed their votes for the two employees who they believe have made the most impactful contribution to the agency in the preceding year. The title of Employee of the Year is given to one part-time and one full-time staff member. This year’s winners were Crystal Cunningham and Susan Haney-Millheim. Crystal, a resident of Elizabeth, NJ, has been with Alternatives since 2002. She works as an Employment Specialist for Bridges to Employment, a division of Alternatives, assisting clients in seeking, attaining, and maintaining employment within the community. Susan has been a Direct Care Staff with Alternatives since 1998. She lives in Bangor, PA and works with clients in the Supportive Living Program in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

Awards presented to clients celebrate their individual achievements. They are voted on by other Alternatives clients who sit on the agency’s Advisory Committee. Those recognized were: Carol Harris of the Highland Park program, Lisa Green of the Bridgewater program, Richard Pfleger, Marc Krause, Karen Burke and Cindy Kinney of the Raritan program, Lisa Picinich of the Frenchtown group home, Pamela Zabel of the Plainsboro program, Carlos Fernandez of Bridges to Employment, and Erica Smith of the Phillipsburg program.

Alternatives also recognized PNC Bank’s Alpha branch as this year’s Community Service honoree. The award is given to an organization for the exceptional service they provide to clients by way of interaction and generous donations.

The Employer of the Year award is presented to an establishment that has become a reliable business partner to Alternatives. They welcome and support clients with employment opportunities that help to integrate them into the community. This year’s honoree is Frank Mannion, Director of Public Safety of IPC International at the Bridgewater Commons Mall.

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.}