Packanack Lake Volunteers Bring Connection, Support To Aphasia Center

Press release from the United Givers Plan of Packanack Lake:

WAYNE, NJ — On April 1, members of the Packanack Lake Community Association, through the United Givers Plan of Packanack Lake (UGP), spent a meaningful morning at the Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood, NJ, participating in the Center’s “Beading Buddy Program.”

Through this unique volunteer opportunity, Packanack Lake residents spent time with Adler members to create beaded bracelets and other jewelry items—fostering both creativity and connection. Volunteers were trained to use effective communication techniques while beading alongside Adler members, many of whom are stroke survivors living with aphasia—a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, but not their intelligence.

Aphasia impacts over 2 million Americans, and it’s more common than Parkinson’s Disease, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. Yet it remains relatively unknown to the public. Most often caused by stroke or brain injury, aphasia can impair speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. It can lead to isolation and emotional distress if not properly supported.

The Adler Aphasia Center is one of the few places in the nation devoted exclusively to helping people live meaningful lives with aphasia. Their programs focus on communication support for both members and their families, social engagement, and improved quality of life. The “Beading Buddy Program” is a prime example of how they creatively bring people together to break through communication barriers.

The Center also hosts Something Special, a one-of-a-kind design studio where members meet several times a week to create handcrafted jewelry, greeting cards, keepsake boxes, photo calendars, and more. This initiative builds confidence and self-worth as members see the tangible value of their work. All proceeds from Something Special go toward the Center’s scholarship program. To learn more, visit www.somethingspecialaphasia.org.

“We are fortunate to have the Adler Aphasia Center to support families in our area," said Catherine Pariser from the UGP Board of Directors.

“Spending the morning with individuals living with aphasia was a reminder that communication and connection with others is so important to quality of life. UGP is pleased to support this valuable organization,” said Sheila Kaufman from the UGP Board of Directors

UGP is proud to be a longtime donor to the Adler Aphasia Center. Each year, as part of its mission to strengthen the greater community, UGP funds local nonprofit organizations that serve those in need—from individuals recovering from illness to families facing hardship. Since 1959, UGP is proud to have contributed over $1.7 million to support a variety of local nonprofits.

To learn more about aphasia or how you can support the Adler Aphasia Center, visit www.adleraphasiacenter.org. For more on UGP’s initiatives and community impact, visit https://www.packanacklake.com/....

This press release was provided by the United Givers Plan of Packanack Lake. The views expressed here are the author's own.