Allies, Inc. attended the energizing annual NJACP conference in Atlantic City as an affiliate of the Woods System of Care.
The two-day conference was a way for the provider agencies of New Jersey to gather and share resources and information while getting to know each other. The gathering gave attendees the opportunity to sharpen their skills, learn from experts while networking with colleagues from around the industry, and return home with new knowledge of ongoing innovation and best practices.
The theme for 2026’s gathering was “Meeting the Challenge, Seizing Opportunities, and Moving Forward” and attendees gathered ready to discuss the challenges that arise each day in Health and Human Services. This year, more than 550 attended to learn and share resources and knowledge.
In addition to a full workshop schedule focusing on topics like artificial intelligence in human services, labor laws, advocacy, and professionalism, Kaylee McGuire, Deputy Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services in New Jersey, spoke about provider organizations from a contemporary government and financial perspective.
The presence of such many aligned organizations allowed those who attended to communicate and examine the trends currently taking hold in the intellectual and/or developmental disability provider space.
“Being present at provider conferences and meetings gives Allies and other affiliates of the Woods System of Care the opportunity to stay connected to the wider world of supports that exist for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities,” Erich Martin, Director of Communications for Allies, said. “During our time at the conference, the Woods System of Care made great efforts to forge connections that will benefit those we support throughout.”
The theme of the meeting focused on helping provider organizations and other stakeholders in the I/DD community to rise to the challenge of a field that is constantly evolving and growing. Some forward-thinking workshops and panels focused on recruiting and retaining nursing staff, using technology to pursue grant funding, and refresher courses on labor laws.