Despite Funding Dip, Quality Remains High at Jersey Cape Training Opportunity Center

CREST HAVEN – Despite significant decreases in funding this year, Jersey Cape Diagnostics Training and Opportunity Center was recently recognized in the form of an accreditation for quality employment and workforce development training services it provides county residents with disabilities.
For over 27 years the center has offered employment and training for those who have barriers in finding jobs in a county with the state’s highest unemployment rate and minimal year-round population.
About 90 employees with physical, mental and vision impairments work there each day creating about 3 million beach tags annually.
Executive Director George Plewa told the Herald accreditation process was completely voluntary and required a very intense and objective inspection with a team of professionals looking at safety, finances, administration, legal, personnel and rehab services for three days last March.
“This accreditation shows that we provide what we promise people. We hope this major attribute will help us when we apply for funding,” Plewa said.
Plewa said the Extended Employment Program has lost $50,000 in state funding and Welfare to Work and Youth programs have also significantly been cut.
“Despite dwindling financial support, and this year is the worst in our history, our entire staff continues to make extraordinary efforts to make services we provide people the highest quality possible.”
All of the center’s training programs were accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in the following areas: Workforce Development Employment Services Coordination and Employment Transition Services; Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation; Employee Development Services; Organizational Employment Services; Job Development; Job Site Training and Job Supports.
CARF is a nationally recognized professional and independent accreditation body.
The center received a three-year accreditation, the highest CARF awards. This is the ninth time in its 27-year history that the center has received this accreditation.
“It has been challenging but it hasn’t stopped our efforts for quality. We are very proud that under very difficult times we still got the highest accreditation possible and remain an asset to the county,” Plewa said.
He said gaining the accreditation required a considerable expense and intense effort by the staff but was regarded as a valued and important responsibility to the community.
Accreditation is a tribute to all the center’s supporters including its customers and referral services, Board of Directors, Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, Cape May County Board of Social Services, Atlantic/Cape May County Workforce Investment Board, NJ Division of Mental Health, United Way and the community at large.
“A grateful thank you is extended to many people in Cape May County government and our staff and Board of Directors who made it happen and were part of a team that helped us achieve this recognition,” Plewa said.