The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
A township resident has been appointed to the Alternatives, Inc. Board of Trustees.
Ivette Michel of Somerset is the newest board member of the organization, which is a non-profit social service agency for people with special needs in Central New Jersey, according to a release about the appointment.
“Ivette adds a unique perspective to our board from her experiences with Alternatives and other organizations and we look forward to working with her as we chart the future of Alternatives,” Linda Leparulo, Alternatives’ board chair, said in the release.
Michel became involved with Alternatives through a leadership class in 2015. She wanted to help the growing number of individuals who are working, but can’t afford basic necessities like housing, food, childcare, healthcare and transportation, according to the release.
“Where people see problems, I just see a challenge for a better solution,” Michel said in the release.
Michel was co-caption on a team that launched the Alternative Nutrition project, which provided a cookbook and microwavable container for people with a monthly food budget of $30-$50. Through the project, she learned about Alternatives’ program Franklin House and found opportunities to help more people in need.
Michel has worked in accounts receivable for Raritan, Inc., a data management company for the last 11 years. Through her involvement with Raritan’s Better Communities Campaign, which provides resources to those in need, she hopes to improve the home environment for Alternative’s clients, according to the release.
Michel, who is married and has a daughter, serves as treasurer at her church, and leads the church’s missions.
