ORANGE, NJ -- The Senior Community Independent Living Services (SCILS) program, a joint service of The First Occupational Center of New Jersey (OCNJ) and the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is now available to seniors in Ocean County.

Seniors over the age of 55 who live in Ocean County are eligible to receive free services that include information and referral, vision screening, low vision aids and devices, orientation and mobility training and home instruction in personal care and daily living activities. Volunteer companions are also provided as well as self-help groups and community services advocacy.

“SCILS gives visually impaired seniors the opportunity to gain their independence, and in many cases return to a previous way of life,” said Yahaira Vasquez, SCILS Program Specialist. “Our focus is to educate seniors, family members and the community that with proper attitude, skills, techniques and a belief in a ‘can do’ attitude, a person who is losing vision or has lost their vision can achieve his or her goals.”

In addition to support services, SCILS also runs several events throughout the year, including a much-anticipated Senior Prom luncheon, a gathering which brings together many SCILS clients for a festive afternoon of sharing, tributes, and camaraderie.

The First Occupational Center of New Jersey is the state’s oldest and largest vocational and job placement agency, providing services to the developmentally and physically challenged, elderly and economically disadvantaged New Jersey residents and their families since 1954. OCNJ uses an entrepreneurial approach to training and securing jobs with the goal of helping workers transition from dependence to independence. The Center provides jobs through its seven wholly-owned and operated companies, including Recycling, Building Services and Groundskeeping, Production and Printing Services, Micrographics, Abbry Security, and the OCNJ Driving School, as well as placing its graduates in businesses within the community .

The new SCILS office is located at 27 Washington Street, Toms River. Ocean County residents interested in finding out more about SCILS can contact Yahaira Vasquez at 732-286-1582.