The Occupational Center is the only agency in the State of New Jersey which offers a unique combination of individualized training leading to long term employment for people with disabilities in the competitive job market or in our on-site industrial work center. This comprehensive package helps ensure on-the-job success and a productive, dignified life for those with disabilities.
The Occupational Center operates from three modern, air-conditioned, barrier-free 75,000 square foot facilities located in Roselle. Currently, the Center serves over 350 people.
The Center’s programs are approved by the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Division of Development Disabilities, Division of Mental Health and Hospitals, Commission for the Blind, Department of Education and certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
All staff meet criminal background screening requirements and are trained in working with people with disabilities.
Training includes human rights, ethics, cultural awareness, and a variety of health and safety areas including certification in CPR and first aid. Continuing education in the above disciplines is required of all staff yearly.
The professionals in the various departments at OCUC have a long history of working with individuals that have a wide range of disabling conditions such as psychiatric disabilities, mental retardation, physical handicaps, visual or hearing impairment, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy.
History
In the forty-six years, since the first small group of individuals with disabilities came to work at the Center, the program has continued to build on its strong foundation. The first homes for the Center were in Elizabeth, first in a storefront on the East Grand and then to a larger space on Fulton. In 1977, the Center moved its main operation to its present location in Roselle and ultimately consolidated all of its programs and services to the same corporate park in Roselle. The primary mission has remained constant to help individuals with disabilities, to expand their horizons and reach their potential The Center proceeded on the path laid out by the Board of Directors and the job of meeting unmet needs in the community.
In 1991, the closing of the old Runnells Hospital and our Berkeley Heights satellite, led to the acquisition of another building across from our headquarters. This led to an effective consolidation of services and work opportunities for more people. The number of individuals rose to over 350 people on a daily basis.
The establishment of services for another population in need simultaneously occurred with the Center opening up a program for those individuals with mental illness. The program has grown to a current census of approximately one hundred people who receive treatment services, activities, and ultimately a chance to work.
In the spring of 1993, the Center acquired a third building on Cox Street to address the growing business needs as well as the addition of services. In particular, the Center began an active job placement component leading to competitive employment for many individuals. As well as service expansion, the Center was now more efficiently handling the growing demands of its role as a subcontract packaging company that continues to provide real work opportunities.
Today, the Center's programs serve over 350 individuals providing services that include vocational rehabilitation, job placement, supported employment and long term extended employment, as well as mental health partial care services. All of these programs and serviced are geared to assist the individual with disabilities to attain an active role in the community at large.
In the forty-six years, since the first small group of individuals with disabilities came to work at the Center, the program has continued to build on its strong foundation. The first homes for the Center were in Elizabeth, first in a storefront on the East Grand and then to a larger space on Fulton. In 1977, the Center moved its main operation to its present location in Roselle and ultimately consolidated all of its programs and services to the same corporate park in Roselle. The primary mission has remained constant to help individuals with disabilities, to expand their horizons and reach their potential The Center proceeded on the path laid out by the Board of Directors and the job of meeting unmet needs in the community.