Angela DiCostanzo and Her Dedication to Helping the Disabled Community in Nutley

Earlier this month we reached out to Angela DiCostanzo to learn more about her and her company Supportive Choices. Here is what we learned about this inspiring Nutley community member.

DiCostanzo, originally from Bloomfield, NJ, has lived in Nutley for the past nine years. In addition to being co-owner of Supportive Choices with her partner Steven Duran she and her husband Peter DiCostanzo recently welcomed their seven-month-old daughter Valentina. She and Duran opened their supportive coordination agency in March 2014 with the mission to provide support coordination services to adults 21 and older with developmental disabilities in the state. They are a qualified provider with the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Human Services and The Center of Medicaid services.

When asked what inspired her to start her business in this field she responded by saying:

“I have been working with people with developmental disabilities since I was 19 years old as a social work major in college (Seton Hall University). Working directly with people and their families, I grew to love helping people with disabilities live full and inclusive lives in their communities. I had wonderful opportunities to learn the ins and outs of the service world. Through my administrative and leadership experience, I decided to branch out and open an agency with a fellow colleague. Our organization can directly reflect the values of our mission. The services provided reflect our own personal values as well. People with disabilities and their families/caregivers deserve a well- informed, reliable coordinator to help them navigate the very difficult service system in NJ. It can be extremely overwhelming for people needing specific supports that will suit their needs to find services. We help connect them to what they need and support them to operate within the system. We help people to find employment as well as services that can increase their independence. We love what we do! And we love seeing our people out there in their communities just as anyone else would be regardless of disability.”

Next, we asked Angela about her and Duran’s goals for the future of Supportive Choices. They said that they would like to remain open for many years to come as well as to continue providing the quality service that their customers deserve. In addition, they would like to continue to build relationships with other service providers to improve the service system world, especially to benefit the families they serve. In regards to growing Angela said that “we eventually would like to think about how we can provide other services in NJ, but for the meantime, Support Coordination is our goal. We will never take on more families just to increase our capacity. If we feel that we do not have the proper manpower to support everyone the way they deserve, we will not increase our case loads. We grow slow and steady so that the quality of our service is NEVER compromised.” This shows how their business model truly puts their customers first.

We then asked Angela about her involvement in the community both as a business owner and community member. Here is what she had to say:

“I used to volunteer as an EMT for the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad, but since opening the business, I have not been able to commit my time there any longer. I do plan on going back when the baby is older. Our agency is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and I did sit on the board at one time. Our organization sponsors Santa’s Arrival and the Chamber 5k Fun Run water table. Personally, I participate in the tree lighting, tricky trays and 4^th of July festivities in town. We also have an annual block party on the street that we live on. My husband who is a Millburn fireman full time is also on the squad and is still a member. We also attend Holy Family Church in Nutley.”

DiCostanzo has lived in Northern New Jersey her whole life and when asked how she likes owning a business here she responded by saying “I LOVE Nutley… I love living and owning a business here. I shop and dine here, I love all the wonderful events and support the township offers. This is such a close community. We are home.” She makes it clear that as both a business owner and member of the community she is happy in Nutley.

Angela is a great example of an outstanding Nutley community member. If you are interested in learning more about Supportive Choices follow them on Facebook and be sure to visit their website: http://www.supportivechoices.com/.

To read more stories of people of New Jersey, follow us on Facebook and Voices of Nutley! If you have an interest in being highlighted please email us at stefanie@nutleyauto.com.

Posted in Nutley Dealership Q&A, Voices of Nutley | Comments Off on Angela DiCostanzo and Her Dedication to Helping the Disabled Community in Nutley