In this essential episode of the PLAN|NJ podcast, Executive Director Ellen Nalven and Associate Executive Director Jason Miller explore how public benefits support individuals with significant disabilities. Joined by special guests Crystal West Edwards, Esq., and Carla Ponn, a parent and PLAN|NJ board member, this robust conversation covers the real-life challenges and strategies families face when navigating support systems like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and the NJ Division ...
Jun 12, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In Episode Seven of PLAN|NJ’s podcast series, host Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN|NJ, and co-host Jason Miller, Associate Executive Director, explore New Jersey’s mental health service system. Featuring Joyce Benz, Director of Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) at the Mental Health Association of Union County, and Michael, a community member sharing his lived experiences, this episode sheds light on accessible mental health resources for families and individuals. From navigating ...
Feb 21, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode, Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN New Jersey, and co-host Jason Miller, Associate Executive Director, welcome special guest Maria Fischer, Esq., a mother and attorney. Maria shares her personal journey of securing residential services for her daughter, Tracy, who has autism. With a deep understanding of guardianship and disability rights, Maria discusses the challenges and triumphs families face when navigating residential placements, highlighting the importance of early ...
Nov 01, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of "Together We Plan", Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN|NJ, is joined by two remarkable leaders in the field of disability advocacy—LeDerick Horne, a spoken word poet, published author, and advocate for people with disabilities, and Hazeline Pilgrim, Executive Director of the Family Support Organization of Essex County. They dive into LeDerick’s journey as a person with a disability, his advocacy work, and the challenges and opportunities for creating more inclusive educa...
Sep 13, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode of "Together We PLAN," hear of the complexities and possibilities for securing supportive housing for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores the concept of supportive housing as a blend of affordability, safety, and essential services tailored to the needs of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or mental health challenges. Diane Riley, Executive Director of Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, shares insights into supportive housing ...
Jul 25, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Dive into the issues of guardianship, alternative legal protections, and supported decision-making in "Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making" featuring Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey. Joining her are distinguished guests: Nina Weiss, an attorney specializing in guardianship matters; Joe Young, former Executive Director of Disability Rights New Jersey and Vice President of PLAN|NJ’s Board of Directors; and Liz Farishian, a ...
Mar 13, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Episode 2, "Navigating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Families," unpacks the essential topics of Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts. Our guests Shirley Whitenack, Esq. and Elizabeth A. Farishian, RN, MA offer a deep dive into the tools’ importance, their practical applications, and the peace of mind they bring to families planning for the future. Shirley and Liz share their expert knowledge and personal stories, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of h...
Feb 26, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 2
This episode features a compelling conversation with Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey’s Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. The discussion delves into the nuances of advocating for loved one with disabilities, the complexities of the support system, and the crucial role of family and personal experiences in shaping advocacy efforts. Co-host: Hazeline Pilgrim, MSW, LSW, Executive Director, Family Support Council of Essex County.
Feb 12, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Together We PLAN, hosted by Ellen Nalven, M.Ed., Executive Director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey (PLAN|NJ), is dedicated to advocating for and uplifting individuals with disabilities and their families. Episodes featuring disability rights advocates, family members, and legal experts, delve into the unique experiences of those living with disabilities. Our series addresses critical topics like public benefits, supportive housing, guardianship, supported decision making an...
Jan 31, 2024•2 min
