Alicia McGrath Discusses The Center for Family Support’s Mission on AARP’s “Take Five with Ken.’
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, independent, and connected life, according to The Center for Family Support’s (CFS’) President and CEO, Alicia McGrath. During a recent interview on ONNJ’s AARP’s Take Five with Ken Rosato, Alicia discussed how CFS supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families through lifelong services, community inclusion, and meaningful opportunities.
“Our homes are forever homes,” Alicia said, explaining CFS’ approach to residential services, community programs, and ongoing guidance. Families and other caregivers of individuals with I/DD are often balancing work, other family responsibilities, and the emotional demands of supporting their loved ones with little help or support.
“A lot of families ask, ‘What’s going to happen when I pass away? Where will my family member go when I’m no longer here to support them?’ Well, we provide those supports for life, and families also have access to support coordination, counseling, and other services to help them navigate every stage of the journey.”
For many families, knowing that support will continue long into the future offers invaluable peace of mind. “Families need respite. They need support,” Alicia said, describing one of the greatest needs she sees among the families CFS serves. CFS focuses not only on helping individuals with I/DD advocate for themselves, develop life skills, and build independence, but also on ensuring their families have the support, guidance, and resources they need, both today and for the future.
These CFS’ person-centered supports extend beyond the home and into the community. Alicia explained that CFS provides opportunities for individuals with I/DD to participate in social, recreational, vocational, and employment programs that foster independence and connection. “These types of community inclusion activities are near and dear to our heart,” she said. She also highlighted the importance of meaningful employment, adding, “Employment is the surest path to developing social capital and having community.”
That philosophy is exemplified through Nick, a CFS participant whose life has transformed through employment and community engagement. Now working at Stop & Shop and participating in several recreational activities, Nick has found confidence and purpose, and loves to work. “People with intellectual developmental disabilities are very reliable. They’re very loyal to the companies and they are great employees,” Alicia said. “We try to educate them about the value of hiring somebody with an intellectual developmental disability. Everybody wins in that scenario. The employer wins, society wins, the family wins, and certainly, the individual wins.”
The interview also explored how CFS prepares families for the future. “What we’re trying to do right now is support the siblings, because we know that as parents age – and you have aging caregivers, they rely on their siblings to provide that ongoing support,” Alicia said. She also pointed to resources such as guardianship, supported decision-making, and different types of trusts that can help families plan for the future with greater confidence.
At the heart of CFS’ work is helping individuals build lives that are as independent and fulfilling as possible.
“One of our vital responsibilities is to provide support, education, and training to their family members so they’re able to be more independent and so everyone has less fears,” Alicia said.
Whether through residential services, community programs, employment opportunities, or long-term family support, Alicia’s interview underscored a simple but important message: With the right supports in place, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can continue to grow, contribute, and thrive in their communities, where everyone wins!
A special thanks to Christopher Widelo, ONNJ, and AARP from Alicia and all of us at CFS for the chance to share our mission and the wonderful stories behind our work!
Watch the full interview on “Caregiving at All Ages” with Alicia McGrath here: https://www.onnj.com/videos/caregiving-at-all-ages/
