Outlasting recession despite consumer pullback

re-post from THE DAILY, NJBIZ Web-site, http://www.njbiz.com/article-multiple/82402-nonprofit-recession

Outlasting recession despite consumer pullback
By Beth Fitzgerald

The Center for Educational Advancement, in Flemington, trains and employs people with disabilities, who package and assemble cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and consumer products at CEA’s 30,000-square-foot facility.
But the recession has taken its toll: a contraction in consumer spending means manufacturers have less work for CEA, which last year shipped $1.5 million of finished goods — roughly half its pre-recession level.

CEA board chairman Robert D. Love, who is chief financial officer of Elusys Therapeutics, in Montville’s Pine Brook section, welcomed visitors to a CEA open house Monday evening aimed at “generating some interest in sending more work our way.” New Jersey first lady Mary Pat Christie addressed the reception, along with U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Westfield), Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R-Flemington) and Raritan Township Committeeman John King.

This year, the nonprofit celebrates 40 years of providing vocational skills via on-the-job training to people with disabilities, many of whom go on to jobs in the private sector. The list of employers who partner with CEA includes Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Roche Molecular Systems and Johanna Foods.

Love said the work and the training CEA delivers has improved the lives of hundreds of people with disabilities, including his sister, Denise. After her foodservice training at CEA, she now works in a school cafeteria in Flemington. “Her life has been incredibly enriched,” Love said.

Johanna Foods, of Flemington, which produces Ssips drinks and La Yogurt, uses CEA for some of its packaging work.

Nancy Hickman, who oversees logistics at Johanna, said outsourcing to CEA creates efficiencies for Johanna. “It makes sense for us from a finished-product standpoint, and we also feel good that we are giving business to CEA,” she said.

CEA President Michael Skoczek said “businesses that give us work allow us to provide the independence of a paycheck to a large number of people.” He said the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is sending 50 percent more people this year to CEA for evaluation and placement.

“Our challenge is to keep the work that traditionally has gone to us from New Jersey companies,” some of whom he said have turned to outsourcing to Asia, Mexico and Pennsylvania to lower their costs. He said CEA works with as many as 30 companies a year; the number of companies is rising but the jobs tend to be smaller. “Our message is: we want to continue to do what we do — so come out and meet with us, and maybe we can work for you.”

E-mail Beth Fitzgerald at bfitzgerald@njbiz.com