For her work with disabled children and establishing Camp Acorn, a summer/winter social and recreational program for children and young adults with multiple disabilities, Catherine Carisi of Lodi was awarded a $50,000 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference. Carisi began working with disabled children when she was 17. The experience ignited a passion in her. With two friends she formed the non-profit organization Camp Acorn in 2001. It offers a therapeutic and instructional program that develops fine and gross motor skills while building confidence and self-esteem. All activities are adapted to the individual needs of each camper. Carisi’s mission is to give individuals with special needs experiences they are denied elsewhere. The camp offers a nine-week summer camp, a Saturday program and monthly dances during the school year. Carisi has been described as fearless and one who challenges the limited notions people have about what those with special needs can achieve. For the campers and volunteers of Camp Acorn, she is a teacher, mentor, friend and mother.

Camp Acorn serves children and adults with developmental disabilities through year round enrichment programs. Programs currently serve over 120 families from Bergen and Passaic counties. Camp Acorn is founded on the vision that everyone has something to contribute to society and that communities are stronger when they focus on an individual’s ability, rather than their disability. They provide  a supportive environment through enrichment programs and meaningful experiences that address the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and adults with special needs.