TRENTON – Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey (PLAN/NJ) presented Senate President Steve Sweeney with its “PLAN/NJ 2018 Legislative Award of Excellence” at the organization’s “A Celebration of Abilities” 30th Anniversary Commemoration yesterday evening.
Senator Sweeney received the award for his continued commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
“One of the truest joys of my life is helping to enrich the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in any way I can,” said Senator Sweeney (Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “It is something I am immensely passionate about and organizations like PLAN/NJ are near and dear to my heart because of the incredible work they do for these individuals and their families. For 30 years, they have made individuals with disabilities feel limitless. They are the true heroes and will always have my full support.”
A reflection of Senator Sweeney’s efforts can be seen through his work in fighting for funding in the state budget for Abilities Solutions, which provides employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to full participation in the workforce, his commitment to increasing state aid for special education programs in schools and his push while he was Gloucester County Freeholder to construct Bankbridge Development Center, a school specifically designed to help children with disabilities.
“It is our honor to bestow our Legislative Award of Excellence on Senate President Sweeney,” said Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN/NJ. “He has committed so much time and support and he has provided so much joy to those with disabilities. His efforts have left an indelible impact in their lives by providing resources and opportunities that would not have been achievable without his voice.
PLAN/NJ is a unique, not-for-profit agency that provides support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enabling them to live full and more independent lives while lessening the fear and anxiety families experience when planning for the future.