Allies Inc. responds to the Office of the Comptroller’s report

Aug. 12, 2009 - PRLog -- CONTACT:      Don Tretola, Senior Director of Public Affairs
                         dtretola@alliesnj.org, 609-689-0136 ext. 156

Hamilton, NJ — Allies was founded in 1999 by Krystal Odell and Elise Gambino.
Allies, Inc. offers a variety of statewide programs that enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Like so many agencies in New Jersey, we strive to give the families with whom we work with the support they need to achieve a basic level of success in life; support in the procurement of quality housing, a rewarding career, the development of life skills, and financial independence.  But what makes Allies so special and unique is that we also offer programs that bring meaning to peoples’ lives.  We give them opportunities to travel and explore the world around them, witness the beauty of art through shows and plays, see movies, go to restaurants--enjoy the fun part of life.   This is why thousands of families choose us to take care of their family member.

Allies’ quality programs would not be possible without the direction of our dedicated staff, which is led by Krystal Odell who has a sister with a disability and over 30 years serving in the social services industry. Her experience includes her term as Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities where she worked to make services more “family friendly”. She brought her family friendly orientation to Allies, putting together a wide variety of residential and employment options for families to choose from. All of Allies services are directly chosen by families and individuals with disabilities.

Allies staff work diligently in our noble cause to improve the lives of people with disabilities and Allies strives to retain and show appreciation to these workers that touch the lives of the people we support.

Our programs are funded through a variety of sources that include both private and public funds. Allies ensures that all the funds are used for the consumers we serve in accordance with the strictest standards applicable, whether for municipal, county, state or federal government funding. Audits annually by an independent auditor and quarterly submission of expenditures to the Division of Developmental Disabilities have never resulted in a finding of unallowable or inappropriate costs.

Private funds supplement many of the activities not supported through government contracts. We have established financial literacy and saving programs that give the people we support the opportunity to save for trips and special events.  We also have an extensive fundraising effort focused on raising money for these meaningful experiences that bring so much joy to our clients. As a non-profit, Allies understands and appreciates the need of oversight to ensure compliance.  

In our 10 years of operation, Allies has received exemplary reviews for our quality services, professional and caring staff, and cost-efficient practices.  All of our contracted residential programs are fully licensed by the state of NJ and Allies has received the highest accreditation score through the independent accrediting body CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) for our employment services.

“Allies, Inc. has enriched the lives of people with special needs by promoting their greater independence with dignity, respect and understanding.  Driven by the individual needs of the people we serve, innovation is the hallmark of our agency’s services and underscores our every pursuit.  With this in mind, Allies, Inc. seeks to transcend barriers by partnering people with special needs to the communities of their choice, paving the road to independence.  As part of this we provide opportunities for people to grow and develop. Through financial literacy we teach them to save for their goals, for many a vacation is one of those goals. We are very proud of the individuals we serve and their accomplishments; our mission is supporting their vision for a greater quality of life.”
                                                                               Krystal Odell, Pres/CEO, Allies Inc.

For more information about our services and support available for people with disabilities please visit our website at www.alliesnj.org.

For further information about the vacation please contact: Roy Carbone, consumer advocate and trip participant 609-689-1479 or Barbara Hauser, mother of Kenny Hauser, trip participant 973-992-4844.

Allies, Inc.,
Madison Corporate Center, Building A, Suite 101
1262 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road
Hamilton, NJ  08690

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About Allies, Inc.: Allies, Inc. is an accredited nonprofit agency dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and recreational opportunities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice.

Since 1999, we have been enriching the lives of people with special needs by prompting their greater independence with dignity, respect and understanding.

We work one-on-one with families to design a comprehensive assistance plan that meets their specific needs and goals. Allies takes great pride in designing programs that are as individualized and unique as the people we serve.