The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFB of NJ) is pleased to share additional information about the individuals, businesses, organizations, agencies, and community partners whose generosity supports our work. Contact information is provided for organizations where applicable; personal contact information is not published for individual sponsors.

50 Years of Promise & Possibilities Sponsors

Rogue State Gaming

Kenneth Viado, CEO and Co-Founder
115 Franklin Turnpike, Unit 2C
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
Phone: 201-822-0000
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://roguestate.gg/

Rogue State Games is a New Jersey gaming and hobby shop offering collectible card games, tabletop games, miniature games, and opportunities for gaming community members to play and connect.

Waymo

Monica Glassman Freundlich, Public Affairs Manager
111 8th Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10011
Phone: 631-880-9898
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://waymo.com

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company working to make transportation safer and more accessible. Convention attendees will have an opportunity to learn about autonomous vehicles, accessibility, and the potential for autonomous transportation to expand independent mobility.

Stronger Together Sponsors

Degenshein Family

NFBNJ gratefully recognizes the Degenshein Family for their generous support of our 50th Anniversary State Convention and our continued work in the blind community.

Scholarship Sponsors

Everest Dispensary

Steven Parrish, Assistant Manager
1226 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
Phone: 609-783-9333
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://everestdispensary.com

Everest Dispensary is an Atlantic City business serving adults age 21 and older within New Jersey's regulated cannabis market.

HumanWare

Sam Adler, Account Manager
1 UPS Way
Champlain, New York 12919
Phone: 407-538-6717
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.humanware.com

HumanWare is a global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Its products include Braille displays and notetakers, accessible reading products, navigation technology, and low-vision solutions designed to increase independence.

Vendor Level Sponsors

Association of Blind Athletes of New Jersey

Dan Palmadessa, President
P.O. Box 294
Belmar, New Jersey 07719
Phone: 201-543-9936
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://njblindsports.org

The Association of Blind Athletes of New Jersey promotes inclusive sports, recreation, fitness, and active lifestyles for people who are blind or have low vision.

Democracy Live

Charlie Kinnune, Outreach Director
2900 NE Blakeley Street, Suite B
Seattle, Washington 98105
Phone: 425-457-3041
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://democracylive.com

Democracy Live develops accessible voting technology designed to provide voters, including voters with disabilities, with greater independent access to ballots, election information, and the voting process.

Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge #1896

Deborah Sweeney, Exalted Ruler
109 West 1st Avenue
North Wildwood, New Jersey 08260
Phone: 609-729-5776
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.elks1896.com/

Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge #1896 is a community-focused organization serving the Greater Wildwood area through charitable programs, volunteer service, and local outreach. As part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the lodge supports initiatives benefiting veterans, youth, individuals and families in need, and the broader community. Through the dedication of its members and partnerships with local organizations, the lodge works to strengthen its community and make a positive difference in the lives of those it serves.

iCanConnect

Victoria Anciano, Program Coordinator
New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
153 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Phone: 609-331-5343
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.icanconnect.org

iCanConnect, also known as the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program, provides qualifying individuals who have combined vision and hearing loss with telecommunications equipment and training at no cost. Through individualized assessments, accessible technology, and specialized training, iCanConnect helps people who are DeafBlind communicate with family and friends, access information, and connect more independently with the world around them.

JW.org

Jared Mendes, Regional Coordinator
3 Merrill Road 2
Worcester, Massachusetts 01606
Phone: 207-891-9793
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://jw.org

JW.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, provides free Bible-based information and resources to people around the world. Available in hundreds of languages, the website offers publications, articles, videos, audio programs, and accessible materials addressing topics such as family life, personal well-being, and Bible teachings. Resources are also available in formats designed for people who are blind or have low vision, including audio and Braille publications. Through its extensive collection of free and accessible resources, JW.org works to make Bible-based information available to people of diverse languages and abilities.

New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Krystle Allen, Community Outreach Specialist
153 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Phone: 973-648-4497
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/cbvi/home/index.html

The New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) promotes and provides services in education, employment, independent living, and eye health through informed choice and partnership with people who are blind or have low vision, their families, and the community.

New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center

Stephen Felle, Outreach Librarian
2300 Stuyvesant Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08618
Phone: 800-792-8322
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.njstatelib.org/tbbc

The New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) loans books and magazines in audio and Braille at no cost to eligible New Jersey residents of all ages who are blind or have a print disability. TBBC provides these services as a network library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). Audio and Braille books can be mailed to patrons or downloaded to a smartphone or tablet through a mobile app. TBBC also offers large-print books for children and teens, along with Braille calendars and currency reader devices.

NJTransit Access Link

Althea Branch, Manager
1 Penn Plaza East
Newark, New Jersey 07105
Phone: 973-491-4424
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.njtransit.com/accessibility/access-link-ada-paratransit

NJ TRANSIT’s Access Link paratransit service is an important lifeline for customers with disabilities who travel to work, medical appointments, recreational and entertainment destinations, shopping, and more. Access Link provides public transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use existing local bus service.

OceanFirst Bank

Tino Fontes, SVP/Director of Retail Product Sales
975 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, New Jersey 08753
Phone: 732-762-0629
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.oceanfirst.com

OceanFirst Bank, headquartered in Toms River, New Jersey, has been serving individuals, families, businesses, and communities for more than a century. Offering a wide range of personal and business banking services, OceanFirst is committed to helping its customers achieve their financial goals while building strong relationships within the communities it serves. Through its dedication to community involvement, charitable giving, and local partnerships, OceanFirst continues to support organizations and initiatives that make a positive difference throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region.

The Seeing Eye

Chelsea White, Outreach Specialist
P.O. Box 375
Morristown, New Jersey 07963
Phone: 469-222-3865
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.seeingeye.org

The Seeing Eye, located in Morristown, New Jersey, is the oldest existing guide dog school in the world. The organization breeds, raises, and trains Seeing Eye dogs and educates people who are blind in their use and care. Through the partnership between a person who is blind and a Seeing Eye dog, the organization supports greater independence, mobility, confidence, and freedom of travel.

Raising Expectations Sponsors

BPO Elks

Sharon Simmons, President

P.O. Box 580

Millville, New Jersey 08332-0580

Phone: 856-825-9854

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.elks580.org/

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a longstanding tradition of charitable service, volunteerism, and community involvement. Through its members and local programs, the Elks support veterans, youth, individuals and families in need, and other community initiatives. Guided by a commitment to service and fellowship, the organization brings people together to strengthen communities and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Kiwanis Club of Phillipsburg

Helene Meissner, Club Secretary

166 Oaklyn Road

Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865

Phone: 908-386-2541

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.facebook.com/PhillipsburgKiwanis/

The Kiwanis Club of Phillipsburg is a community service organization dedicated to strengthening the Phillipsburg area through volunteerism, fellowship, and service. As part of the Kiwanis tradition of improving the lives of children and families, club members support local programs, charitable initiatives, and community activities that help make a positive difference for people throughout the greater Phillipsburg community.

Kiwanis Swedesboro

Marty Caparros, President

P.O. Box 744

Swedesboro, New Jersey 08085

Phone: 609-310-3293

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.kiwanisofgreaterswedesboro.org/

Kiwanis Swedesboro is part of the Kiwanis tradition of strengthening communities through service, volunteerism, and support for children and families.

New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra

Dr. Julia Baumanis, Maestra / Music Director

P.O. Box 1515

New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903

Phone: 848-228-0443

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://newbrunswickchamberorchestra.org/

The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra enriches the cultural life of Central New Jersey by bringing people together through the joy and shared experience of live music. Through engaging orchestral performances, creative programming, and community outreach, the orchestra connects professional musicians with audiences of all backgrounds while making high-quality classical and contemporary music welcoming and accessible. These shared musical experiences foster connection, inspire audiences, and encourage a deeper appreciation for music and the performing arts.

New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs

Susan Chambers, State Federation President

55 Labor Center Way

New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901

Phone: 732-249-5474

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://njsfwc.org/

The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) is a statewide volunteer service organization that brings together women’s clubs throughout New Jersey in support of community service, leadership, education, and charitable initiatives. Through the dedication of its members and local clubs, NJSFWC supports programs and projects addressing a wide range of community needs while encouraging volunteerism, civic engagement, and opportunities to make a positive difference in communities across the state.

NFB of NJ Garden State Chapter

Ed Godfrey, President

Phone: 848-345-1426

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nfbnj.org/chapters/garden-state-chapter

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the general welfare of the blind of southern New Jersey, the state as a whole, and the nation, and to cooperate with the National Federation of the Blind, the national Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, and to help carry out their policies.

NFB of NJ Jersey Shore Group

Linda Melendez, Facilitator
Phone: 908-590-1747
Email: [email protected]

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the general welfare of the blind of Monmouth county and surrounding counties , the state as a whole, and the nation, and to cooperate with the National Federation of the Blind, the national Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, and to help carry out their policies.

NFB of NJ Northeast Chapter

Clark King, President

Phone: 848-345-4132

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nfbnj.org/chapters/northeast-chapter

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the general welfare of the blind of northeastern New Jersey, the state as a whole, and the nation, and to cooperate with the National Federation of the Blind, the national Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, and to help carry out their policies.

NFB of NJ Northern Chapter

Nancy Starzynski, President

Phone: 848-345-1948

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nfbnj.org/chapters/northern-chapter

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the general welfare of the blind of Essex county and surrounding counties in New Jersey, the state as a whole, and the nation, and to cooperate with the National Federation of the Blind, the national Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, and to help carry out their policies.

NFB of NJ South Jersey Shore Chapter

Ed Garcia, President

Phone: 848-345-1229

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nfbnj.org/chapters/south-jersey-shore-chapter

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the general welfare of the blind of the greater Atlantic/Cape May area in New Jersey, the state as a whole, and the nation, and to cooperate with the National Federation of the Blind, the national Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, and to help carry out their policies.

St. Joseph’s Council 1028, Knights of Columbus

Jim Copenheaver, Financial Secretary

P.O. Box 283

Somers Point, New Jersey 08244

Phone: 609-927-3568

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://kofc10220.com

St. Joseph’s Council 1028, Knights of Columbus, serves the Somers Point community through charitable giving, volunteer service, fellowship, and outreach. Guided by the Knights of Columbus tradition of faith, unity, charity, and service, council members support local organizations, individuals and families in need, and initiatives that strengthen the community. Through their time, generosity, and commitment to helping others, members work together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

Ellen Sullivan

Ellen Sullivan is a dedicated member of the NFB of NJ Northern Chapter and a valued member of our Federation family. Through her involvement, generosity, and commitment to the organization, Ellen helps advance our shared mission of promoting independence, expanding opportunities, and strengthening the blind community throughout New Jersey. We are grateful for her continued dedication and the meaningful role she plays in supporting the work of the NFB of NJ.