Menendez visits Words to learn about its job-training program

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MAPLEWOOD, NJ — As part of his New Jersey job tour to gather information about employment in the state, N.J. Sen. Robert Menendez met with Jonah and Ellen Zimiles, owners of Words Bookstore in Maplewood, and other parents of children with autism, on July 2 at the bookstore.

Words runs a job-training program for individuals with autism. The Zimiles family has been a strong advocate for persons with autism and their families, providing not just job training, but support and resources.

“We have challenges. This isn’t a red or blue issue — it’s a red, white and blue issue. I feel we shouldn’t have the fight to help our families with autism,” Menendez said at the bookstore.

Photos by Amanda Valentovic