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CIACC Corner
Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & enjoying this beautiful weather!! Hope you have a great rest of your day & weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- (free resources) St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: provides free hot meals & personal care products on Sundays from 12pm-1pm in Bound Brook https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/home/showpublisheddocument/53912
- (food resource) Community Food Bank of NJ:
- English flyer: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/home/showpublisheddocument/53914
- Spanish flyer: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/home/showpublisheddocument/53916
- (utility assistance) Winter Weatherization Program: NJ Dept of Community Affairs (DCA) has implemented a winter weatherization program to prevent service discontinuation for eligible customers receiving residential electric, sewer & water services from local authority, municipal utility or rural electric cooperative. This program runs from November 15 – March 15. See website for eligibility & more information: https://nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/wintertermination.shtml
- (resource for teen parents) Young Parents Coalition (YPC): Prevent Child Abuse NJ & YPC are looking for young parents (ages 14-21) & former teen parents (ages 22-25) to join efforts to better support young parents in building skills, advocating for themselves & increasing awareness of supports/resources for young parents. (flyer attached)
- (article) NJ Leaders Vow to Toughen Group Home Oversight After NJ.com Report: https://www.nj.com/news/2024/02/nj-leaders-vow-to-toughen-group-home-oversight-after-njcom-report.html
- (outpatient resource) Ellie Mental Health-Somerville: Ellie Mental Health has opened their Somerville location & are hosting a grand opening event on 2/15 from 11am-2pm. Flyer & list of clinicians are attached.
Kristy Soriano
Community Planning Specialist & CIACC Coordinator
Somerset County Office of Youth Services
27 Warren Street
P.O. Box 3000
Somerville, NJ 08876
(office#) 908-704-6356
(fax#) 908-253-0180
Submitted by Saanvi Kataria, Youth CIACC Member
I had the great honor to meet with LuAnn Dias, the Service Area Director for Somerset County’s local Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM) through Kristy Soriano, who I’ve become close with over the past couple of months. It was a great privilege to learn about the work she has done over the decades and about social services in general. In today’s CIACC Corner article, I am so excited to talk more in depth about this social service provider and the constant compassion she gives to people of all kinds.
LuAnn joined Catholic Charities in 1994, and was involved with the CIACC for 15 years! She appreciates how the CIACC connects the agencies together, and she contributes a large part in doing so. The CIACC is the place to connect the agencies to each other which can be helpful in the social work field when dealing with youth or people who may need other types of care. LuAnn is always the one to ask questions; she does her best to speak her mind because she knows that others may have the same questions; and her compassion and determination is always shown in the meetings. LuAnn is quite known for her networking and is still close with the people she first worked with. CIACC overall is a great networking body in her eyes, and she observes how others can help her and her services all the time. Her contributions to the CIACC are simply amazing. It is important to understand that the CIACC is not a decision making body, but one for suggestions to solutions. For instance, she has shared issues and problems with others during meetings and they help to “drive direction” to solutions. LuAnn has also contributed to discussing workplace problems and hiring and cares about linking people in CIACC to refer to one another.
LuAnn got started with the Catholic Charities because she was interested in program development. Her first assignment was to create an “access center” for Middlesex County services. At the time, a couple of decades ago, Catholic Charities did not have a point of entry to obtain calls from programs and people. So, with her initiatives and problem-solving skills, she helped create a process to connect people to Clinicians and verify insurance in the Middlesex Offices.
Fast forward, LuAnn became the Service Area Director of Middlesex and Somerset County Youth Services. She helped develop mental health programs for children and youth as well as oversee all DCPP contracts. Currently, there are six area directors in CCDOM and she is responsible for one of them. LuAnn takes care of the business and clinical services, and also supervises staff. One of her jobs is also to look for grants and work with a team of people to write a lot of grants. This can be quite a tough process.
CCDOM, since it incorporated in 1982, has always been mission driven to serve the poor and vulnerable populations. They operate two homeless shelters in Middlesex County; transitional housing as well as facilitates many housing vouchers. In addition, CCDOM operates an immigration program in which applications and resources for people to apply for citizenships and green cards take place. Catholic Charities centers are positioned in the most need-based communities throughout the Diocese such as New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Manville, and Phillipsburg. Unity Square in New Brunswick was established out of a “community organizing and social concerns initiative”. In collaboration with the city of New Brunswick we worked to “revitalize’ a section of the neighborhood that was underserved. Now there is a social service Hub in a renovated Fire House where families with food insecurity can get groceries and individuals can get help with their social service needs. Similarly, in Phillipsburg, there is a social center and a thrift store that is managed by Sr. Michaelita! The store is conveniently located in the heart of the community and provides necessities such as pots and pans as well as suits for job interviews. Even with these issues this social service organization remains a place of hope. People are always accepted.
I thought to myself how important the act of service is, and how much work these people do for others. That is why it is even more salient that youth get involved with these social services to be the catalyst of change in underprivileged lives. LuAnn suggests one wonderful way youth can get involved in helping those in need is through meaningful volunteering! There are always childcare programs for people to volunteer in for both before and after school programs in towns such as New Brunswick, Hillsborough, and Phillipsburg. There is also always a high need for volunteering in children-related events, so youth can keep their eyes out on the webpages of services such as Catholic Charities, and much more. In addition, college students can work as interns in social service organizations to learn more about the process. Youth like me can get involved with more volunteering in community centers and it is absolutely crucial that we connect with the people we help.
There is a common feeling in the social work field that it is hard to help everyone but LuAnn stresses the importance of never ever giving up. It is so necessary to build more empathy for people and to always lend a helping hand. LuAnn challenges us to have compassion for people that live in poverty and sometimes they live in areas that you don’t know about, especially in big cities. We could all use a support system but that is something that people and children who are less privileged need the most. I feel that opportunities, role models, and a support system are the three factors that can probably guarantee a healthy life. But it is unfortunate that some people can miss out on that. Being one of the three is a goal that I think we can all try to achieve for someone. For example, teens can be role models to younger children in childcare, migrants can get immigration opportunities, and families can find a support system through community centers, food banks, and much more. I’m so grateful to be more educated on how people obtain access to social services and the types of work that social workers such as LuAnn work hard to do. So that is why it is just as important for us to do our part in being the support system for underrepresented people.
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Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & having a great week!! Just a friendly reminder, our next CIACC meeting will be held on 3/26 at 1:30pm. I’ll send the agenda, minutes & Zoom link closer to the meeting. Thank you so much for meaningful & important work you do for our youth, families & community. Hope you have a great weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- (free group for youth) Positively Me: Communities in Crisis in Bernardsville is providing a free 3 week group for youth in grades 5-8. Group will include fun activities to strengthen and develop everyday life skills. (flyer attached)
- (virtual event) Love Shouldn’t Hurt: Empower Somerset will be hosting Teen Dating Violence Prevention virtual events on 2/6 & 2/8 from 6pm-7:30pm. 2/6 will be in English & 2/8 event will be in Spanish. All middle & high school students and their parents/caregivers are welcome to attend but must register. Youth must be accompanied by an adult to attend.
- (article) The Importance of a Daily Schedule for Kids with ADHD-Sample Routines & More: https://www.additudemag.com/sample-schedule-adhd-morning-after-school-bedtime/?utm_source=eletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=parent_january_2024&utm_content=012024&goal=0_d9446392d6-e99c61fb2f-300478041
- (free webinar) The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children: NJ Children’s Alliance will be hosting this free webinar on 2/6 from 9am-12:30pm. Participants will be trained on Prosecuting Domestic Violence Cases with Absent & Recanting Victims and The Children Are Not Okay-Impact of Domestic Violence. (flyer attached)
- (free event for youth/parents) Angst-Anxiety & Our Youth: Tri County CMO & SC Dept of Human Services will be co-hosting this event on 2/22 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Event will include viewing the film Angst which aims to remove stigma regarding mental health & open the conversation about mental health with youth & parents/caregivers. Film includes interviews with youth, educators, experts, parents & Michael Phelps. Following the film, there will be a discussion and Q&A session for youth & parents. Event is free but deadline to register is 2/15. (flyer attached)
- (free youth group) Write It Out: One Family One Fight & Passion 4 Youth will be hosting free journaling workshops with youth mentor & coach Audrey Taylor. Workshops will be held at the Franklin Public Library & held on Saturday’s in February. Please contact to register, as space is limited (contact information on flyer). (flyer attached)
- (article) Mental Health Strides That Could Help Prevent Child Suicide: https://www.nytimes.com/paidpost/boston-childrens/mental-health-strides-that-could-help-prevent-child-suicide.html?bgrp=g&smid=em-share
Good afternoon, hope everyone had a nice week!! Thank you so much for attending this week’s CIACC meeting. We appreciate all of your hard work & involvement in CIACC. Hope you have a great rest of your weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- (events & resources for youth/families) Somerset County Library System:
- Youth events: https://sclsnj.libnet.info/events?a=Kids
- ESL/Citizenship Classes: https://sclsnj.org/programs-events/esl-classes-conversation-groups/
- (free family event) Family Fun Movie Night: Pioneer Family Success Center is hosting a Family Fun Movie Night on 1/30 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Manville Library featuring “The Emperor’s New Groove” (flyer attached)
- (free webinars) Good Grief Webinar Series: Good Grief will be holding series of webinars. 2/8 from 12pm-1pm will feature Spanish-speaking webinar & 3/21 training will focus on the use of journaling thru loss. (flyer attached)
Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & had a nice weekend!! I wanted to remind everyone of tomorrow’s CIACC meeting at 1:30pm. The agenda & minutes are attached & the Zoom link is below (after resources). If you are giving a report, please send to Luisa Hernandez before tomorrow’s meeting. Thank you SO much, really looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!!
This week’s resources include:
- (free grief support) Comfort Zone Camp (CZC): provides free virtual grief support groups for parents/caregivers & for youth (ages 10-17) & free weekend sleepover camps for youth (ages 10-17) & parents/caregivers. The parent/caregiver groups & weekend camp programs are held separate from the youth. Virtual support groups be held on Wednesdays & will run from 2/1-2/22 from 7pm-8:15pm.
- For more information see flyer: https://comfortzonecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Northeast-Flyer-2024.pdf
- link to CZC website: https://comfortzonecamp.org/
- For any questions please contact: Krista Collopy kcollopy@comfortzonecamp.org
- (free webinars) Children’s System of Care (CSOC): February training calendar https://www.nj.gov/dcf/providers/csc/training/February2024.pdf
- (outpatient resource) Ellie Mental Health-Somerville: Ellie Mental Health has opened their Somerville location & are hosting a grand opening event on 2/15 from 11am-2pm. (Flyer) (List of clinicians)
ZOOM INFO:
Linda Porcaro is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: CIACC
Time: Jan 23, 2024 01:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & made it safely through the storm!! Just a friendly reminder that our next CIACC meeting will be held on 1/23 at 1:30pm. I’ll send out the Zoom link, agenda & minutes in next Friday’s resource email. Thank you so much, looking forward to our first meeting of 2024. Hope you have a fun & relaxing weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- (free parent event) Screenagers-Next Chapter: on 1/25 at 6:30pm Communities in Crisis will be hosting a screening on the film Screenagers with panel discussion on social media & mental health. Event is free of charge & will be held at Ridge High School PAC Center (268 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge). (flyer attached)
- (free support group) Young Women’s Support Group: females in grades 9-12 can attend this free support group. Topics will include: healthy relationships, communication, resiliency & self-esteem. Groups are held on Wednesday’s 6pm-7:30pm at the Pioneer Family Success Center in Somerville, food/beverages will be provided. (flyer attached)
- (free grief/loss group) Youth Art Bereavement Program: Hunterdon Hospice will be holding an 8-week grief/loss group for children & youth that have experienced loss. Participants will use their medium of art to explore & express their grief. Groups will be held from 1/31 - 3/20 on Wednesday’s 6:30pm-7:45pm in Flemington. Youth do not have to be residents of Hunterdon County to attend. (flyer attached)
- (free conference) Educational & Behavioral Health Partnership Conference: Passaic County CIACC will be hosting this free conference for educators & professionals on 2/2 from 9am-3pm in Wayne. Professionals from any county are welcome to attend this event. Conference will feature presentations on topics including: Support Services to Refugees, Special Immigrant Visa Holders, Unaccompanied Minors; Supports for Multilingual Learners & Their Families; Supporting the LBGTQIA+ Population; Accessing Basic Needs & Mental Health Services for Students. (flyer attached)
Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & had a happy new year!! I wanted to let you know that our next CIACC meeting will be held on 1/23 at 1:30pm via Zoom. I’ll send out the Zoom link, agenda & minutes closer to the meeting. I’ve also attached our 2024 CIACC meeting schedule. Please note that we’ve made a few changes to this year’s schedule & we will not be meeting in February, May, July, or August. Thank you so much for your participation and involvement in CIACC. Hope you have a great rest of your day & weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- (social skills group) Social Learning Group: Jewish Family Services (JFS) will be holding this Social Learning Group for youth ages 12-17 on the Autism Spectrum with low support needs. Group is held 2x/month starting 1/8 from 4:15pm-5:45pm & will be held in the PeopleCare Center in Bridgewater. Groups are held with a max of 10 youth and there is 3:1 staff ratio. Parents are also encouraged to attend monthly parent support groups, which are held virtually. JFS aims to keep cost of this group low & will consider scholarships. Please contact Kate Gullo with any questions or concerns at 908-725-7799 ext. 107 or kateg@jewishfamilysvc.org (flyer attached)
- (open house) Somerset County Vo-Tech Schools (SCVTS) Open House: SCVTS will be hosting mini sessions specifically designed for middle school students & their families to learn about the Career & Technical Education programs offered at SCVTS. For more information: Mini Open House Sessions ~ February Link to register: Registration Form
- (free event for youth/parents) Angst-Anxiety & Our Youth: Tri County CMO & SC Dept of Human Services will be co-hosting this event on 2/22 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Event will include viewing the film Angst which aims to remove stigma regarding mental health & open the conversation about mental health with youth & parents/caregivers. Film includes interviews with youth, educators, experts, parents & Michael Phelps. Following the film, there will be a discussion and Q&A session for youth & parents. Event is free but deadline to register is 2/15. (flyer attached)
- (article) How to Arm Your Child Against Bullying: written by Gail Saltz (MD) this article is included on the Child Mind Institute website & can be accessed in English & Spanish. https://childmind.org/article/how-to-arm-your-child-against-bullying/
Good afternoon, hope everyone is doing well & are enjoying today’s beautiful weather!! When I think back on the past year, I continue to be truly inspired by the incredible work done by you & your staff. In this post-COVID time, we’ve faced so many barriers & challenges, but you continue to persevere despite complex obstacles beyond our control. We are here to support you, your staff & the youth/families you work with so please let us know if there’s anything we can do to be a better support. We really appreciate your commitment & involvement in the Somerset County CIACC & are looking forward to 2024!! I will send out the 2024 meeting schedule next week, thanks again, hope you have a great weekend & a wonderful new year!!
This week’s resources include:
- (webinar) Zero Suicide Training Academy: 2-day trainings on 1/23 & 1/24 or 2/6 & 2/7. This training is for senior leaders of organizations that seek to prevent deaths by suicide among patients in their care. Using the Zero Suicide framework, participants will learn how to incorporate best practices into your organizations’ processes to improve care & safety for individuals at risk, as well as to have the opportunity for follow up consultation & technical assistance as your agency incorporates these practices. If you have any questions, please contact Allison.Kusznikow@dhs.nj.gov or info@zerosuicideinstitute.com (flyer attached)
Link to register: info@zerosuicideinstitute.comhttps://solutions.edc.org/solutions/zero-suicide-institute/events ***must register by 1/4 (for 1/23-1/24 training) or by 1/17 (for 2/6-2/7 training)***
- (article) 7 Strategies for Supporting Student Mental Health via Family Engagement: https://parentpowered.com/blog/trauma-informed-education/supporting-student-mental-health/
- (resource for parents) Knock Out Opioid Abuse & Drug Free NJ: fact sheet including tips for parents, substance use trends, warning signs of substance use & more (attached). Website with additional information & resources: https://knockoutopioidabuse.drugfreenj.org/
- (free event for youth/parents) Angst-Anxiety & Our Youth: Tri County CMO & SC Dept of Human Services will be co-hosting this event on 2/22 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Event will include viewing the film Angst which aims to remove stigma regarding mental health & open the conversation about mental health with youth & parents/caregivers. Film includes interviews with youth, educators, experts, parents & Michael Phelps. Following the film, there will be a discussion and Q&A session for youth & parents. Event is free but deadline to register is 2/15. (flyer attached)
Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & having a nice day!! I want to first thank you all for your devotion, hard work & dedication shown with the youth and families you work with. You go above & beyond to support & assist our youth/families and you/your staff are making a positive difference in our community!! We greatly appreciate all that you do & and your work is truly inspiring!! Thank you so much, wishing you all a happy, healthy, fun, and relaxing holiday!!
This week’s resources include:
- (outpatient resource) Ellie Mental Health: outpatient therapy located in Somerville providing individual, family, group therapy & couples counseling. Provide play therapy & work with youth ages 5+. Several private insurances accepted & bi-lingual clinician available. Clinicians are required to contact child/family team & other providers involved with the family (including schools) within the first 4 sessions (& once consent forms are signed by youth/family). Sessions held in-person & virtually. https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/downtown-somerville-nj/
- (outpatient resource) Bridge to Balance Counseling Center: outpatient therapy located in Piscataway, provides individual therapy (youth ages 5-up, adolescents, adults), family therapy, group therapy, couples counseling & ADHD testing (children, adolescents & adults). Therapies used include: Creative Arts Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement De-sensitization Reprocessing), Sandy Tray Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Play Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Animal-Assisted Therapy & more. Accept some private insurances & out-of-network benefits, sessions held in-person or virtually. (brochure attached)
Upcoming Groups: * Some private insurances accepted, out of pocket cost is $50 per group *
- Sand Tray for Big Emotions: for youth ages 7-10 will assist with managing emotions, building social skills, and processing shared trauma. will be held on Mondays at 6pm (from 1/8 to 2/26) at the Piscataway office.
- Art Therapy for Creative Expression: for youth ages 11-14 will assist teens with emotional regulation, using art as a positive coping skill, expressing & communicating emotions, and self-care strategies. Will be held Wednesdays at 6pm (1/10 to 2/28)
- (article) 5 Ways for Kids to Cope with Anxiety During the Holidays: https://www.prasadainhome.com/5-ways-for-kids-to-cope-with-anxiety-during-the-holidays?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & having a nice week!! We wanted to thank you all for the amazing work being done with our youth & families. Despite staffing shortages, acute needs, and record-breaking referrals, you & your staff continue to provide consistent support & assistance. You’re making a positive impact on our youth, families & community & we truly appreciate your dedication & hard work. Hope you have a great rest of your day & weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- (free holiday meal) Community Holiday Dinner: Somerset County 4-H is accepting orders for the free community holiday dinner. Please contact Somerset County 4-H at (908) 526-6644 to place an order while supplies last. Pickup only, curbside service, pickup starts 12/25 at 1pm. All orders must be placed by 12/18. (flyer attached)
- (free camp) Comfort Zone Camp (CZC): is a nonprofit organization that supports families that have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, primary caregiver, or friend. All programs are offered at no cost to families. CZC provides a safe, nurturing environment where kids can have traditional camp fun, while at the same time acquiring tools to help them cope with their loss. https://link.edgepilot.com/s/d099e2be/ys6UbJUWvkS3BthrmPtylQ?u=https://comfortzonecamp.org/about-comfort-zone-camp-2021/
- Camp Dates: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/aa9c880b/hlCcxQ01_EykPlaqTzXC7w?u=https://comfortzonecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Northeast-Flyer-2024.pdf
- Spanish Flyer: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/2f7ccf31/Um6-kzJN70iktT34UUpOBQ?u=https://comfortzonecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CZC_Spanish_Flyer.pdf
- (resources) Safety Plan & Youth Resource List: Traumatic Loss Coalition (TLC) created a safety plan template to use with youth/families and a list of resources including: the Trevor Project, 988, 2nd Floor Youth Helpline, Crisis Text Line, Trans Lifeline & more. (attached)
- (free webinars) Children’s System of Care (CSOC): January calendar of free webinars (attached)
Good afternoon, hope everyone is doing well & having a nice week!! Thank you so much for all that you do to support & assist our youth and families!! Thanks again, hope you have a great weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- (free webinar) Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA): Tri County Care Management Organization (CMO) will be hosting a free NHA webinar for parents, caregivers & professionals on 1/11 from 10am-1pm. (flyer attached)
- (free holiday meal) Community Holiday Dinner: Somerset County 4-H is accepting orders for the free community holiday dinner. Please contact Somerset County 4-H at (908) 526-6644 to place an order while supplies last. Pickup only, curbside service, pickup starts 12/25 at 1pm. All orders must be placed by 12/18. (flyer attached)
- (food resource) Community Food Bank of NJ: to find food resources nearby text “FINDFOOD” to 908-224-7776 or use QR code on attached flyer. CFBNJ also assists with SNAP applications, can use the QR code on flyer to schedule a virtual appointment with CFBNJ Coordinator. (flyer attached)
- (concrete resource) St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: provides hot meals & personal care products every Sunday (September-June) from 12pm-1pm at 214 Church St in Bound Brook. (flyer attached)
Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & having a nice week!! We want to thank everyone that attended this week’s CIACC meeting. You are all doing amazing work and we really appreciate your participation in CIACC. Thank you SO much, hope you have a great rest of your day & weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- (free virtual workshop) Motivational Interviewing-The Basics: Empower Somerset is hosting a virtual workshop on Motivational Interviewing on 1/17 from 12pm-1pm. (flyer attached)
- (article) What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers: article available in English & Spanish: https://childmind.org/article/what-are-the-symptoms-of-depression-in-teenagers/?fbclid=IwAR2CwVy86ymCi7N9syeDPtAOfP9mgyLVkQm9CLfBEygTfqBAfF6qY_QaxvA_aem_AQKE3rmIVQxF9utvmJEwgChdX3TPK6FbvcpuB7QOyBjygr8JTatZ-MAMSnVCCxR_y9Q&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
- (substance use resource) Guardian Recovery Network:
- Virtual Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): individual, group & family therapy; medication monitoring; holistic recovery approach including mindfulness, meditation, art & nutrition. (flyer attached)
- New Pathway: treatment programs include: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), IOP, Outpatient & Tele-health treatment for adolescents. Located in Pine Brook & Paramus. In-network with most private insurance providers & accept Medicaid. (flyer attached)
- (article) We Know How to Help Young Kids Cope with the Trauma of the Last Year But Will We: https://hechingerreport.org/we-know-how-to-help-young-kids-cope-with-the-trauma-of-the-last-year-but-will-we-do-it/
Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & having a nice week!! I want to remind everyone of our next CIACC meeting on 11/28 from 1:30pm-2:30pm. The agenda, minutes (from last meeting), and Zoom info is below (after resources). If you are giving a report, please send to Luisa Hernandez lhernandez@co.somerset.nj.us before our meeting. I also wanted to take a minute to thank you for your hard work, dedication, and compassion shown to our youth and families. It may not always feel like it, but you are truly making a positive difference in the lives of our youth, families, and in our community. We’re so grateful & appreciative for the work that you all do & for your participation in CIACC!! Wishing you a happy, healthy, fun, and relaxing holiday!!
This week’s resources include:
- (free youth support group) Resilience Insight Support Empowerment (RISE): Communities in Crisis is facilitating a free support group for youth in grades 6-8 on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month, from 6pm-7pm at 9 Church Street, Bernardsville. Group will assist youth with managing daily stressors & anxiety they face as teenagers. (flyer attached)
- (resource for families) Traumatic Loss Coalition (TLC) HOPES Program: the HOPES program provides immediate support to families affected by the suicide loss of a child (under 21 years old). HOPES staff will go to the scene & provide support and resources to families. The goal of HOPES is to shorten time between the death & survivors being linked with supports/resources. Program currently serving Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset & Union Counties. To learn more about TLC HOPES program or request support, please contact Brett Peppe (Program Manager) at 732-815-5749 or brett.peppe@rutgers.edu (flyer attached)
- There is funding available to bring HOPE Squad Suicide Prevention Programming into schools. For more information or questions, please contact Josephine DiMeo (Somerset County TLC Coordinator) at JDiMeo@co.somerset.nj.us
- (free youth workshop) EmpowerHR Teen Leadership & Career Workshop: One Family One Fight is holding a free 3 day workshop for teens about navigating Human Resources & obtaining their first job. Workshop will address: Resume Building, Interviewing, Career Pathways, Job Search Strategies, Networking Skills & Leadership & Communication Skills. Workshop will be held at the Franklin Public Library (485 DeMott Lane, Somerset) on 12/2 (12pm-1:30pm), 12/9 (11:30am-1pm) & 12/16 (12pm-1:30pm) (flyer attached)
- (summer camp) Children’s System of Care (CSOC) Summer Camp Applications: CSOC is expanding the summer camp application timeframe to allow more families access to CSOC Summer Camp Services funding for 2024. To ensure equitable access for families receiving CSOC Summer Camp funding, the camp application will be posted & available for families to apply beginning in Fall 2023. The camp application deadline for families is 6/30/2024. For more information & to access the CSOC Summer Camp application: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/df45a5de/9DdaHYpmaEahpdqyKrniAg?u=https://www.performcarenj.org/families/disability/summer-camp.aspx For any questions, please contact: Lourdes.Torres@dcf.nj.gov
ZOOM INFO:
Linda Porcaro is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: CIACC
Time: Nov 28, 2023 01:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Fourth Tue, until Dec 26, 2023, 2 occurrence(s)
Nov 28, 2023 01:30 PM
Dec 26, 2023 01:30 PM
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Meeting ID: 918 5646 5640
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Good morning, hope everyone is doing well & having a nice day!! This week’s resource email is going out a few days early, as I wanted to get this information out as soon as possible. Please let me know if you’re looking for resources to address a more specific need or if there’s anything we can do to better support you, your staff, or the youth/families you work with. Thank you so much, hope you have a great rest of your week & weekend!!
This week’s resources include:
- Youth Services Commission (YSC): the Somerset County YSC will be recognizing individuals & their service to Somerset County youth through the following awards. Nomination forms are attached & are due back by 11/17. Please send nomination forms or questions to: Antonietta Phelan phelan@co.somerset.nj.us or Faleesha McGhee fmcghee@co.somerset.nj.us (3 nomination forms attached)
- Doris Dealaman Youth Advocate of the Year Award:volunteer whose efforts are focused on the betterment of youth.
- Paul & Jean Krauss Award for Professional Excellence: professional working with youth.
- Amanda Hydro Award for Outstanding Leadership & Community Service: high school student (or group of students) with exemplary leadership & community engagement.
- (resource for parents) 2 Moms No Fluff: this podcast features discussion with parents/caregivers about the challenges of raising children with disabilities. Link to podcast: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/08a174c6/mqcycVr6A0Wt-A1hpbu5GA?u=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2wFppQ7WoiTv6vkmpwAULg
- (free virtual conference) The Body Keeps the Score-Trauma Healing Through the Senses: this free 2 day virtual conference will be held on 12/18 & 12/19 (10am-5pm) & will feature trauma experts Bessel van der Kolk (author of The Body Keeps the Score) & Licia Sky. Conference will address: Neuroscience & Brain Development; Attachment, Trauma & Psychopathology; Diagnosis of Trauma-Related Disorders; Latest Research on Trauma-Specific Treatments; and more. Link to register: https://catalog.pesi.com/sales/bh_s_059235_bodykeepsthescore_dedicatedemail-739405?utm_campaign=059235&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=282098104&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_4yd9hRXnK45B-ZL5wf9cZTH7XvBItXEvco0gEGBip_ApmlOjPmGigZNsEYqza-XK907c2VMoViIxK0zJDcjNzhk1Ttg
- (resource for parents) LBGTQ+ Parenting: Prevention Resources created this podcast for parents about how to navigate the coming out process with their children. Link to podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUUTsTizcdc
CIACC Corner
Submitted by Saanvi Kataria, Youth CIACC Member
I had the great honor to meet with LuAnn Dias, the Service Area Director for Somerset County’s local Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM) through Kristy Soriano, who I’ve become close with over the past couple of months. It was a great privilege to learn about the work she has done over the decades and about social services in general. In today’s CIACC Corner article, I am so excited to talk more in depth about this social service provider and the constant compassion she gives to people of all kinds.
LuAnn joined Catholic Charities in 1994, and was involved with the CIACC for 15 years! She appreciates how the CIACC connects the agencies together, and she contributes a large part in doing so. The CIACC is the place to connect the agencies to each other which can be helpful in the social work field when dealing with youth or people who may need other types of care. LuAnn is always the one to ask questions; she does her best to speak her mind because she knows that others may have the same questions; and her compassion and determination is always shown in the meetings. LuAnn is quite known for her networking and is still close with the people she first worked with. CIACC overall is a great networking body in her eyes, and she observes how others can help her and her services all the time. Her contributions to the CIACC are simply amazing. It is important to understand that the CIACC is not a decision making body, but one for suggestions to solutions. For instance, she has shared issues and problems with others during meetings and they help to “drive direction” to solutions. LuAnn has also contributed to discussing workplace problems and hiring and cares about linking people in CIACC to refer to one another.
LuAnn got started with the Catholic Charities because she was interested in program development. Her first assignment was to create an “access center” for Middlesex County services. At the time, a couple of decades ago, Catholic Charities did not have a point of entry to obtain calls from programs and people. So, with her initiatives and problem-solving skills, she helped create a process to connect people to Clinicians and verify insurance in the Middlesex Offices.
Fast forward, LuAnn became the Service Area Director of Middlesex and Somerset County Youth Services. She helped develop mental health programs for children and youth as well as oversee all DCPP contracts. Currently, there are six area directors in CCDOM and she is responsible for one of them. LuAnn takes care of the business and clinical services, and also supervises staff. One of her jobs is also to look for grants and work with a team of people to write a lot of grants. This can be quite a tough process.
CCDOM, since it incorporated in 1982, has always been mission driven to serve the poor and vulnerable populations. They operate two homeless shelters in Middlesex County; transitional housing as well as facilitates many housing vouchers. In addition, CCDOM operates an immigration program in which applications and resources for people to apply for citizenships and green cards take place. Catholic Charities centers are positioned in the most need-based communities throughout the Diocese such as New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Manville, and Phillipsburg. Unity Square in New Brunswick was established out of a “community organizing and social concerns initiative”. In collaboration with the city of New Brunswick we worked to “revitalize’ a section of the neighborhood that was underserved. Now there is a social service Hub in a renovated Fire House where families with food insecurity can get groceries and individuals can get help with their social service needs. Similarly, in Phillipsburg, there is a social center and a thrift store that is managed by Sr. Michaelita! The store is conveniently located in the heart of the community and provides necessities such as pots and pans as well as suits for job interviews. Even with these issues this social service organization remains a place of hope. People are always accepted.
I thought to myself how important the act of service is, and how much work these people do for others. That is why it is even more salient that youth get involved with these social services to be the catalyst of change in underprivileged lives. LuAnn suggests one wonderful way youth can get involved in helping those in need is through meaningful volunteering! There are always childcare programs for people to volunteer in for both before and after school programs in towns such as New Brunswick, Hillsborough, and Phillipsburg. There is also always a high need for volunteering in children-related events, so youth can keep their eyes out on the webpages of services such as Catholic Charities, and much more. In addition, college students can work as interns in social service organizations to learn more about the process. Youth like me can get involved with more volunteering in community centers and it is absolutely crucial that we connect with the people we help.
There is a common feeling in the social work field that it is hard to help everyone but LuAnn stresses the importance of never ever giving up. It is so necessary to build more empathy for people and to always lend a helping hand. LuAnn challenges us to have compassion for people that live in poverty and sometimes they live in areas that you don’t know about, especially in big cities. We could all use a support system but that is something that people and children who are less privileged need the most. I feel that opportunities, role models, and a support system are the three factors that can probably guarantee a healthy life. But it is unfortunate that some people can miss out on that. Being one of the three is a goal that I think we can all try to achieve for someone. For example, teens can be role models to younger children in childcare, migrants can get immigration opportunities, and families can find a support system through community centers, food banks, and much more. I’m so grateful to be more educated on how people obtain access to social services and the types of work that social workers such as LuAnn work hard to do. So that is why it is just as important for us to do our part in being the support system for underrepresented people.
Submitted by Saanvi Kataria, Youth CIACC Member
Pictured: Lily's family from Left to Right, Nicole (daughter), Wain, Lily, Eric (son)
A couple of months ago, I met with Linda Porcaro and Kristy Soriano, who are two wonderful people who work in the Youth Services [Department], and do so much for the community. I am extremely grateful that I was able to connect with them, as I got the opportunity to attend CIACC (Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council) meetings and learn about the providers and community service organizations that exist for underrepresented youth and communities. In addition, I was also able to meet Lily, a passionate parent who advocated for autism awareness, through Kristy. Kristy and another youth named Julia and I were able to conduct an interview with Lily on her experiences as a parent, as a person, and as an advocate for what she believes in.
Lily has been in CIACC and has attended meetings since September of 2017! She was the first family member to join the CIACC in Somerset County. She has an incredible passion for helping others with autism, and educates herself on great resources for her children, with a goal to lead a purposeful life. Lily is knowledgeable in autism awareness because she raised two of her own children with autism. Her children now are already adults, one child being diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, and her other son also diagnosed with autism at a young age.
Throughout her time as a parent, she has taken many action steps for autism awareness and understanding the policies created for the autistic community. For instance, she advocated for Bernards Township school district to start an autism program in the district, and people moved there to attend said program. In addition, she was one of six founding members of a grassroots, non-profit called Hope Autism Foundation. Through connections, an adult autism program called Hope Autism Solutions was formed by Our House. She served as the founding trustee for two years as a secretary, and this organization was able to raise one million dollars! This is an incredibly exciting goal for Lily and all the work she has done. In addition, Our House hosts other adult programs and employment services for autistic and other disabled adults. I believe this is so important to have as a resource, because autistic adults are often not acknowledged in society, as much as autistic children are. It is incredibly important to make sure we stand with autistic adults. Lily also runs a parent support
group called the NJ Parents of Exceptional Adults, and shares information about events and resources where parents can support each other on issues regarding housing and employment. She truly cares about the parents of this county.
As a parent herself, Lily began by doing a lot of research, attending meetings and workshops, reading all sorts of books, and attended many fairs and conferences in this county. Some of these conferences and training programs she did include NJ Partners in Policymaking and the NJ Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities from The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at Rutgers University. Lily also attended SPAN (Statewide Parent Advocacy Network) workshops and other meetings.
She is also a passionate advocate and is interested in learning about resources and being able to share that with families. That is what she worked towards and learned in the CIACC. She has learned about various agencies such as the Tri County Care Management Organization, Mobile Response Services, the Family Support Organization, the Bridgewater Rehabilitation Services and its data collected month to month, and much more. It is really important that parents and youth are informed on the resources there in the county, and CIACC was the place to go to learn about community connection. Lily herself has many ideas for parents to help out in the community and encourages parents to follow her path. Parents can help by volunteering a little bit more in their days and weeks and be involved in other opportunities in service in the disability, mental health, and substance abuse world.
However, she also recognizes that as a parent, one of the most difficult responsibilities is to take care of a child, especially when they have special needs. Lily acknowledges the importance of a parent also taking care of themselves, and that parents deserve self-care too. If a parent is mentally and physically healthy, then it would be easier to raise a child, especially one with disabilities and autism, to follow suit. Her compassion is powerful, and she understands how it can be hard for a parent in public too, because when a child has a tantrum, it is simply because they cannot communicate with their parents. Lily believes that children should have a connection with their friends and build bonds with their family and friends early on. Lily’s perspective is truly unique because she has empathy and sympathy for adults with autism, and cares about their real-life issues concerning employment and housing.
In general, she is a strong supporter of using academics and the arts to really raise awareness on autism and raising children with autism. In our interview, she cited how studies have shown that being involved in the arts can help children with autism. She also recognizes how a healthy lifestyle, in terms of nutrition and exercise, is important, as well as having mentors and practicing mindfulness. Some possible solutions she thought about was to have after school programs where autistic children have a mentor, which could definitely be possible through the service providers that are
involved in the CIACC. Service organizations in general should be inclusive of people with disabilities and autism.
As a youth, it was really an honor to learn from Lily and her story as a parent, person, and advocate for autism awareness. I’m always trying to be open-minded and learn from others, and I am grateful to have been able to learn from a kind and knowledgeable person such as Lily. I believe that it is important for youth to have productive conversations with people that have gone through diverse experiences and learn from their stories. Similarly, one of the main problems I hope to solve is getting resources for youth and families out to underrepresented communities and people who may need it. Everything is there in the CIACC, yet many people in this county are not aware of the many providers, social service organizations, and people that are doing great work for communities. This is something that youth can come to solve with their influence online and outspokenness, so people just as amazing as Lily can have their stories reach many audiences, and that other families can be just as informed as Lily.