On what would have seemed like a typical work day in 2015, thought bubbles burst in the minds of a few like-minded professionals: “We must ensure that person-directed services thrive in New Jersey!”. This was no typical day: The Collaborative for Citizen-Directed Supports – NJ was born. 

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The Collaborative did not morph from thought bubble to force for change entity quickly or magically. 

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At the time, the transition of NJ’s service system from contract-based to Fee-For-Service (FFS) was moving forward with great gusto, and we knew we were not alone in our passion to broadcast the importance of people directing their services. Things were changing and the changes were big.  We knew that FFS did not mean that individuals stopped choosing their services or that they had limitations to those services, but we also knew that change creates uncertainty and tension. It was more important than ever to create a space for person-centered thinkers to join together, to learn together, teach together, and ultimately, to thrive together.

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NJ DDD Leadership heard us, supported us, and while we were not as established (or nearly as big) as existing trade organizations, we were given a seat at the table as the only organization exclusively focused on citizen-directed supports. 

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Things took off quickly – we set up forums and invited anyone and everyone who was interested in learning more about our vision to come and ask questions, learn more, and decide if they wanted to join NJ’s “first of its kind” organization. We enjoyed great conversation and debate as we met individuals who use services, other professionals, family members, advocates, and general public members…and then COVID came, and our focus on forums shifted to a focus on keeping people safe. We joined an amazing team of other professionals, who were deployed from DDD offices, packed up with masks and gloves to drive around NJ and distribute to those in need.  We were committed to make sure people had what they needed to stay safe. 

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At the same time, remaining true to our mission to inform, educate, and promote the tenets of self-direction, we hosted virtual sessions to help people think about alternatives to day programs and other congregate supports which literally were not available.  Collaborating with others, including those who had no prior interest in or experience with directing their supports, was a confidence-building experience for all of us who were trying to cope in a scary, locked down world. It is, and will always be, about helping people get what they need.

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Today, we continue to collaborate, move forward, and invest in opportunities and projects which uphold the right of every citizen to choose their services.