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About Us
Remarks From The President/CEO
2005 marks a significant milestone for CODI. This
year we celebrate our 35th anniversary of providing
services to individuals with disabilities throughout
Atlantic County.Thirty-five years ago a group
of parents envisioned their children graduating
from Special Service School District and transitioning
into a life with expanded options including employment.
Subsequently, the Atlantic County Opportunity
Center for the Handicapped was created. What began
as a sheltered workshop in Pleasantville has grown
throughout the years to provide an array of services
where the end result is independence through enhanced
quality of life for CODI participants.
So many people have made this anniversary possible.
As I look back over my 22 year involvement with
this incredible organization as both a member
of the Board of Directors and for the past 19
years as President/CEO, I am extremely thankful
for the many friends of CODI. Those friends include
board members who volunteer their time, energy,
resources, and expertise to help ensure CODIšs
mission is met and quality programming continues
to meet the news of the community. Special thanks
to Staff Members who have chosen a profession
that affords them the opportunity to have a direct
and positive influence upon each life they touch.
Personally, I could not ask for a more fulfilling
career. Everyday holds the promise of a new beginning
of a future filled with endless possibilities
for those we serve. Then there are the Parents,
Guardians, and Sponsors who remind us daily that
individuals with disabilities want more, can do
more, and with supports are able to lead independent,
purposeful lives. Community Leaders routinely
advocate through legislation for individuals who
are often least able to advocate for themselves.
Colleagues and Community Partners challenge us
to be more creative and innovative while often
doing more with less.
Donors and individuals who participate in our
fund raising events contribute financially to
help CODI meet unmet needs. And then there is
the most important part of this equation, CODI
consumers who routinely can and are leading productive
and independent lives.
To all of you we say a truly heartfelt thank-you
and ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts
and prayers.
Sincerely,
Linda L. Carney
President/CEO
Spotlight on the Board:
Martha Inman Martha has served on the Board of
Directors for Career Opportunity Development,
Inc. (CODI) since 1993. During her tenure she
has improved the quality of life and enhanced
opportunities for individuals living with mental,
physical and economic disabilities. She serves
as Board Chairperson, a position she has held
since July, 2002 and works tirelessly to promote
the mission and vision of CODI. Martha wears many
volunteer hats at CODI and works year round on
anything that will ensure CODI's success. The
list is long and varied and includes: fund raising,
connecting the community directly to the population
being served to better educate decision makers
on their needs and how they can impact their quality
of life, and encouraging others to give their
time and get involved starting with her own family
and friends.
Martha has also logged many volunteer hours to
the development of programs that benefit children
in schools throughout Southern New Jersey. Her
efforts have enabled many schools to implement
educational, cultural and social projects.
Through her volunteer work at CODI, Martha has
touched the lives of many. During the holiday
season, Martha spearheaded a project to provide
individuals with mental illness in CODI's residential
program with a holiday celebration including dinner,
gifts, company and most importantly a sense of
belonging, value and worth. This has become an
annual event and by involving others in the planning
has brought about awareness in the community of
the needs of individuals living with mental illness.
As a substitute teacher, Martha realized the needs
of children, especially those with disabilities.
As a result she dedicated herself to establishing
several programs to benefit children living in
a transient, high crime community with few resources
to meet their needs. These programs contributed
greatly to the experience and growth of the children
in this area. Thank you Martha for all your hard
work and dedication to CODI.
Funding:
Career Opportunity Development, Inc. receives
funding for services provided from the following
sources: New Jersey Division of Mental Health
Services, New Jersey Division of Developmental
Disabilities, New Jersey Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation, New Jersey Department of Labor,
New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services
and the County of Atlantic.
Accreditations:
Career Opportunity Development, Inc. is accredited
by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation
Facilities (CARF). The following programs are
accredited:
- Community Employment Services Job Development
- Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
- Employee Development Services
- Organizational Development Services
- Case Management
- Community Housing
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