The Intellectual Disability Program has been very important to the New Jersey State Council for over 35 years. The program has been set up as a 501(c)(3) to support the New Jersey Special Olympics Opening Day ceremony. We sponsor the event with the New Jersey PAL. The 10% you send is part of our filing with the IRS, and it is used to pay our portion of the opening day ceremonies.
We encourage you to participate in the program. This involves collecting items like Tootsie Rolls and saltwater taffy, or sourcing local products that are meaningful to people. Additionally, we invite you to participate in opening day, where you can assist the athletes and event organizers.
You will be helping those in our community who need our assistance the most.
As your council plans its Faith in Action activities for the new Columbian Year, please be sure to include the Annual Fund Drive for People with Intellectual Disabilities. This fundraiser is one of the most popular and successful activities conducted by councils to benefit people with intellectual disabilities. It involves collecting donations outside stores, on street corners, at parish fun nights, through raffles, and other fundraisers. The official annual fundraising period runs from April 1 to March 31, but there are no specific dates for the drive. Please bring up this program for discussion at future business meetings and appoint a Drive Chairman to coordinate the drive. Last year, this program raised $366,950, which was an increase of over $60,000 from the previous year. However, this amount is still below the pre-pandemic years when the program used to raise $600,000 to $700,000 yearly. Over the years, this program has raised millions of dollars to support adults and children, men and women with intellectual disabilities.
Mission:
* The New Jersey State Council, Knights of Columbus recognizes the dignity of every person and assists with their needs, whatever they may be.
* When talking or writing about people with intellectual disabilities, use positive language. Most importantly, is to speak or write about these individuals with the respect every person deserves.
* Treat adults with intellectual disabilities as adults (not as children).
Vision:
* The Knights of Columbus has been supporting and assisting people with intellectual disabilities for many years. This program aims to raise community awareness, provide wider support, and encourage independence and responsibility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It unites Knights around the world in charity and love for our brothers and sisters.
Please remember the following information: Your donation, regardless of size, goes a long way in helping organizations in your local community that serve people with intellectual disabilities. These organizations include Special Olympics New Jersey, the county ARCs (for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities), Camp Recreations, local schools, independent living, and residential care facilities. They provide individuals with job opportunities, housing, medical needs, education, training, and social opportunities. It's important to note that your donation must go to an Intellectual Disability organization, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Why does the State keep 10% of the council collection? The State donates $25,000 annually from these funds to Special Olympics New Jersey. The Knights are Year-Round, Platinum Partners with SONJ. State Officers also donate other funds to their preferred Intellectual Disability charities. Just as a side note: NJ keeps the lowest percentage, with many states keeping 25%, and one state keeping 50%.
Remember that how you refer to people can greatly impact how others perceive them.
Members of the Knights of Columbus play a significant role in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities. As your council strives to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, it's important to ensure that all communication, including everyday speech, council bulletins, committee reports, posters, and flyers, accurately and respectfully refers to individuals with disabilities.
Disability Drive Form is attached.
Drive Aprons are ordered through the Supreme Portal Online Supplies by the GK or FS.
For councils who run the “Tootsie Roll” drive. The Tootsie Roll order form is attached.
Gary L Seals, FDD John Carlucci, DD Frank Brandis, FDD
Intellectual Disabilities State Life Director State Program Director