By Krystle J Bailey
If you’ve visited one of our many local beaches, chances are you’ve purchased a beach tag, been asked for a beach tag, or have been caught without one. In most New Jersey municipalities, beachgoers are required to purchase beach tags as the city’s means of offsetting maintenance and lifeguard costs. What you might not realize is that your beach tag, comfortably pinned to your bag, was likely assembled by one of the special individuals at Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training, and Opportunity Center.
Simply known as “Jersey Cape,” the center, started in 1973, has assisted over 5,000 individuals achieve independent and satisfying lives as members of the community. Through services offered by Jersey Cape, dozens of local individuals with disabilities are offered workplace experience and training. One of the main jobs performed by those in the program is the placing of the pins that come with beach tags.
Funded through the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Abilities, Jersey Cape offers day employment programs, supported employment, and transitional employment services.
“It’s an opportunity for those who might not be able to get a “normal job” to be in the workforce,” explains Jersey Cape Marketing Director George Swoyer.
Each day, 50 to 100 individuals come into the employment center. Monday through Friday, individuals work placing pins and understanding what it means to be a part of a job place. While many of the employees pin tags throughout the summer months, Jersey Cape also offers workplace experience in janitorial services and office administrative work.
Those who participate in the program are encouraged to work their way through the stages of transitional employment until they are ultimately independent and in the workforce.
“Every individual is different,” explains Swoyer. “The goal is for them to be here one to two years, but some people stay longer while others are eager to get out.”
In addition to disability services, Jersey Cape also offers youth services, workforce development, and veteran services to local individuals.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” shares George Swoyer about the program. “You’re sitting on the beach and don’t think twice about what goes into your beach tag, but they really support a lot of folks in the Jersey Cape region who need it. The money goes to the town, but the towns are providing opportunities for individuals to have a job.”
The individuals at this 5013c organization have over 45 years of experience assisting disabled individuals who desire to work. In addition to beach tags, Jersey Cape offers a line of promotional products and Jersey Shore souvenirs that are available for purchase on their website. For more information, visit jerseycape.org.
Next time you pull out your beach tag, remember that it was made by local hands.
Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, author and poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
