Social Service Agency Alternatives Adds Three Women to Board of Trustees

Alternatives, Inc., a non-profit social service agency for people with special needs in Central New Jersey, appointed three women to its Board of Trustees. The appointees Paige Mangan, Ivette Michel and Alexandra Zeng bring a broad spectrum of personal and professional experience to the Board.

“We are pleased to add Paige, Ivette and Alexandra to our Board and look forward to their leadership and direction as we chart the future of Alternatives,” said Linda Leparulo, Board Chair, Alternatives.

Paige Mangan

Mangan of Branchburg, N.J., became involved with Alternatives when her son started receiving services through Alternatives in 2010. An executive for an insurance company in Manhattan, Mangan volunteered for the Alternatives’ Gala committee and was asked to join the Board. Mangan hopes to positively impact the organization with her service by raising awareness and expanding its reach. Mangan lives with her husband Tom. She has two children, three step-children and one grandchild.

“There are so many people who need help and haven’t received it,” said Mangan. “I want to help people find the services available at Alternatives so they can have better outcomes.”

Ivette Michel

Michel of Somerset, N.J., 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. 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.

Michel serves as treasurer at her church, and leads the church’s missions. Michel is married with one daughter.

“Where people see problems, I just see a challenge for a better solution,” said Michel.

Alexandra Zeng

Since January, Zeng of Flemington, N.J. has served on Alternatives’ Resource Development and Gala committees, which includes fundraising and other community outreach. She is also on the Board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Hunterdon Inc., where she has served as the Recording Secretary for the Executive Committee since March 2017. Zeng is serving a second term on the Hunterdon County Mental Health Board, a position appointed by the Hunterdon County Freeholders in August 2014. Zeng is also a volunteer public speaker through NAMI New Jersey’s “In Our Own Voice” Program, which focuses on reducing the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health issues and those who care for them.

Zeng is a Senior Marketing Specialist at Barnes & Noble College in Basking Ridge, N.J., and holds a B.A. in Communications from Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA. She has a deep passion for improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy. She lives in Flemington with her husband Isaac.

Zeng said, “Through Alternatives I can make a difference, working to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and helping our neighbors lead successful lives with our support.”

About Alternatives, Inc.

Since 1998, Alternatives, Inc. has provided comprehensive services to individuals and families with special needs to enable them to reach their highest level of independence and integration into the community. Alternatives has a person-centered philosophy that is dedicated to providing each person served with the support they need to assist them in achieving their goals. Alternatives is committed to being the social service agency of choice in providing residential and support services to people in the Greater Central New Jersey community. For more information, visit www.alternativesinc.org.

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