PRESS RELEASE
THE FIRST OCCUPATIONAL CENTER OF NEW JERSEY
RECEIVES THREE-YEAR CARF ACCREDITATION
ORANGE, NJ – The First Occupational Center of New Jersey has been granted a three-year accreditation from CARF, the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.  The private, non-profit accreditation agency recognizes providers of quality rehabilitation services ascertained through a rigorous review of services and programs that have substantially met internationally recognized standards.

The state’s oldest and largest vocational training and job placement agency, OCNJ provides services to developmentally disabled, elderly and economically disadvantaged New Jersey residents. Since 1954, OCNJ has used an entrepreneurial approach to training and securing jobs for New Jersey residents with the goal of helping workers transition from dependence to independence. In awarding the accreditation, officials from CARF stated that “OCNJ demonstrates exemplary conformance in providing a variety of opportunities for persons served to become self-sufficient, contributing members of their community. The organization has a longstanding, strong dedication to facilitate participation in the community and provide the necessary supports to ensure a good quality of life for persons served.”

Every service OCNJ offers is specifically designed to secure employment for its participants. Vocational assessments, skills training, counseling and education programs, job placement, respite care and other support services are provided. The Center also provides jobs through its eight wholly-owned and operated companies, including Recycling, Building Services and Groundskeeping,  Production and Printing Services, Building Trades, Micrographics, Abbry Security, and the OCNJ Driving School, as well as placing its graduates in businesses within the community. The Lakeside School, a state-approved private school for the disabled and a division of OCNJ, helps emotionally, physically, and developmentally disabled students find success through an innovative academic/vocational program. OCNJ was recognized  as one of the original 12 most influential corporate partners in the state of New Jersey’s welfare to work initiative, WorkFirst New Jersey.
 
Mary-Lauri Bartola
Public Relations
The First Occupational Center of New Jersey
391 Lakeside Ave. Orange , NJ 07050
(973) 672-5800, ext. 221
mary-lauri.bartola@ocnj.org