“Recover, Recalibrate, Reimagine”

“Inspiration is not garnered from the litanies of what may befall us; it resides in humanity's willingness to restore, redress, reform, rebuild, recover, reimagine, and reconsider.

--Paul Hawken

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”

--Albert Einstein

I’m guessing that I’m in good company when I say that this last two “circles around the sun” are ones we may not soon wish to relive anytime soon.  As 2021 comes to a close, our desire for “better days” is strong, just as it was at the end of 2020, but perhaps with even more intensity, and an added layer of weariness.  “Keeping the faith” hasn’t just been a bromide, it’s been a necessity.  Here in the world of human services, faith couples with intentionality and strategic planning to create concrete pathways to restoration, growth, and improvement in the quality of the collective lives of our residents.

Out of darkness, light emerges. Not everything that happened over the last two years has been negative, of course.  In my family world, I’ve welcomed the second of two grandchildren to this planet, with a third due within a month or two.  My soon to be 96-year-old father managed to reconnect with family this Thanksgiving in a way that a year ago we weren’t sure would happen again, but did, thanks to fully vaccinated (and boosted) gatherers.  Memories of “find me some votes” shifted to hopes around infrastructure and service delivery for so many of our residents.  We began to imagine a world in which Greta’s ethos might matter more than Kyle’s.  Politics aside, we began to once again value knowledge, and, as Einstein noted, believing in “giving birth to evolution.” After a couple of years of imagining (and experiencing) so many tragic moments it is liberating to imagine (and experience) movement towards an increasingly positive future.  For administrators (like me) or providers this shift is (at first) an intellectual one.  For many of our county residents it is less intellectual than it is essential.

Inspiration comes from unusual places sometimes.  Those of you who know me well have heard my corny career choice line (i.e., “once I discovered I wasn’t going to be in the Beatles I was forced to find something else to do”).  Like some of you, I suspect, I went down the Beatles rabbit hole over this Thanksgiving break and spent 8+ hours with my favorite musical group via Peter Jackson’s outstanding “Get Back” documentary.  52 years have passed since the events recorded in the film, but I found myself back in the room with those young men as they struggled to be inspired, to imagine, to evolve and to grow.  Although the group would break up just a year later, the feelings of positivity, of Lennon’s ability to “imagine,” of George’s burgeoning activism, of Paul’s immense talent and drive and Ringo’s humor and flexibility went on to inform the sensibility of millions of other folks like me in the decades to follow. 

As we turn another page, I plan to use all of those “feeling reminders” to help me aspire to even greater things for our human services department, its staff, and its clients.  Growing our non-profit network, improving service access and choices for our residents, increasing transportation possibilities…all these things require imagination and belief in progress.  I know, without a doubt, that if we, as a truly integrated community of providers and consumers, put our collective efforts into an evolving future…great things can and will happen.

Have a peaceful, warm and hope filled holiday season, all.  While our newsletter takes a month off (we will be back in February) please know that we have no intention of resting on our laurels. The best, we think, is yet to come.

The Somerset County Youth Council is participating in the Toys for Tots collection drive. Toys for Tots, a 74-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness, and hope to less fortunate children during each Christmas holiday season. Donating a toy this season can make all the difference for a deserving child. 

A collection box has been placed inside the lobby at the entrance to the county Human Services Building, located at 27 Warren St., Somerville, NJ 08876. Toys can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until Thursday, Dec. 9th.

Gift Guidelines
Toy donations should be new and unwrapped, safe (non-choking hazard toys for infants and toddlers), and age-appropriate for both boys and girls. The ages of gift recipients range from newborn up to 14-years of age. Toy gun replicas and gift cards will NOT be accepted.

For more information about the Toys for Tots donations with the Somerset County Youth Council contact Alba Robles at 908-704-6300, email Arobles@co.somerset.nj.us, or visit www.toysfortots.org. 

 CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

UPCOMING FREE WEBINARS FOR 2022!

Are you looking to purchase a home in 2022?  CJHRC’s first virtual homebuyer webinar of the new year is scheduled for January 18 and January 20, 2022.  Potential homebuyers will understand the steps involved in purchasing a home, learn about the low/moderate income program, fair housing, how credit affects you obtaining a mortgage, down payment & closing cost grants and more!  You will also receive a certificate that is valid for one year which often helps in obtaining a low interest rate and it is usually required for down payment and closing cost grants. To register, you can contact CJHRC at 908-446-0036 or click on the links below and start working towards achieving homeownership. 

You MUST register for both days to receive a certificate!

• Virtual Homebuyer Webinar: January 18 and January 20, 2022

  5:30 pm to 8:00 pm 

  January 18, 2021 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm: 

  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1668840266842322955

  January 20, 2022 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm:

  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4271039043137004043

  NOTE:  CJHRC also offers pre-purchase counseling individually (phone/virtual meeting) or a combination of counseling and a web-based program at NO COST to clients!  Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 to enroll in our pre-purchase counseling.

• BRAND NEW Fair Housing Virtual Webinar: January 27, 2022

3:00 m to 4:15 pm 

CJHRC created this brand new program focusing on the rights of The Fair Housing Act. Many do not know much about their Fair Housing rights and this FREE webinar will cover informative topics including the protected classes, what is not protected under the Fair Housing Act, exclusions to the Fair Housing Act, reasonable accommodations and modifications, assistance/comfort animals, landlords and Section 8 or other vouchers, criminal background and credit checks, as well as many other scenarios, tips and information will be covered.

REGISTER NOW for this beneficial webinar by contacting a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036.  CJHRC staff will also assist you with other questions you may have.

SPECIAL NOTE:  CJHRC is still accepting applications for our Downpayment Assistance Grant and 1^st Month’s Rent/Security Assistance Grant programs.  Applicants must currently live in Somerset County and purchase or have a secured rental unit in Somerset County to apply.  Contact CJHRC at 908-446-0036 for more detailed information on these grant programs.

Make sure you like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or follow us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing) to get important housing announcements, resources and information like when NJ’s homeowner assistance fund will be available to struggling homeowners or when new assistance programs become available.  CJHRC will post when this program is available on our social media accounts. 

CJHRC’s staff provide FREE counseling services for financial literacy, pre- and post-purchase, rental, mortgage default/foreclosure, Fair Housing issues/questions and homeless counseling.  Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036.  Please visit our  website at www.cjhrc.org and click on the Housing Resource Center tab to view resources. 

On January 26, 2022, the Community Development Office will facilitate the Annual Point in Time Survey.  This survey is part of a national effort to obtain an accurate snapshot of homelessness in America and is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The data is also used to apply for grants to assist the homeless population and is especially useful to the Continuum of Care Committee, which meets on the second Thursday of every odd month at 11 am.  The committee meets virtually and the next meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2022.

The Point in Time survey is important because collecting baseline data is essential to understanding the causes of homelessness, design effective responses and to understand trends.  In addition, Somerset County is required to report the number of people who are homeless each year in order to apply for HUD’s Continuum of Care grant, which is a discretionary grant that provides housing and supportive services to homeless individuals and families.  Consistent data collection also helps track progress toward reducing homelessness. 

In the past, the Community Development Office has also hosted an event called  Project Homeless Connect on the same day as the Point in Time Survey. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions have made this kind of event unfeasible.  If you would like more information about the Point in Time Survey, Project Homeless Connect or to make a donation, please email Ed Prior at eprior@co.somerset.nj.us or call 908-541-5756.

 VA Gulf War Presumptives Extension

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the expansion of disability benefits available to veterans who served in Southwest Asia. Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans are now able to receive presumption of service connection for conditions related to toxic exposures from their deployments.

Veterans who deployed to the Southwest Asia theater may have been exposed to smoke from burn pits and unpaved roads, industrial air pollution, sand, dust, and exhaust from diesel and other internal combustion engines.

Those who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations beginning Aug. 2, 1990, to the present; or Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria, or Djibouti beginning Sept. 19, 2001, to the present are presumed to have been exposed to particulate matter.

The Southwest Asia theater of operations refers to Iraq, Kuwait, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the airspace above these locations. Veterans who believe they may be eligible for presumptive service connection due to asthma, rhinitis, or sinusitis that began within 10 years of their separation from service are encouraged to apply for disability benefits.

In addition, the VA has extended the time limit for Gulf War veterans to claim presumptive disability for certain chronic illnesses related to military service.  Gulf War Syndrome includes conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, some gastrointestinal disorders and other undiagnosed illnesses.    To qualify the veteran must have had the illness for more than six months and qualify for at least 10% disability rating.  The original deadline was December 31, 2021 but is now extended to December 31, 2026.

The 2021 Disability Advocate Awards

Submitted by: Sandra Avellan, Disability Services Coordinator, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services recently selected winners of the 2021 Disability Advocates Awards. The Disability Advocates Awards acknowledge individuals, organizations and/or businesses that go above and beyond to ensure that people with disabilities in Somerset County are fully included in the life of the community.  

The countywide call for nominations brought an enthusiastic response this year. In the end, the Advisory Council on Disability Issues (ACODI) chose an individual and organization for the 2021 Awards. Robert Hulit was selected in the individual category and the Somerset Hills Learning Institute in the organization category.

(From left to right) – Paul Drake, County Commissioner, Robert Hulit Jr., Director, Post-Secondary Programming at the Achievement Center of RVCC and Sandra Avellan, Disability Services Coordinator, Aging & Disability Services 

Robert Hulit Jr., Director of The Achievement Center at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), is recognized for his diligent work through the Achievement Center post-secondary program for young adults with Intellectual and Development Disabilities. Robert provides the opportunity to High School graduate students to have additional academic, social, and civic engagement to have a successful adult life and career path. Robert mentors these students to explore their future, resulting in twenty-two students taking traditional RVCC courses. Four students will graduate in the spring of 2022 with a certification/degree in Criminal Law, Early Childhood Education, Fitness, and Theatre Arts.

Robert has developed a program based on known needs and the sensitivity to listen to his stakeholders closely for ongoing barriers and evolving solutions. Transportation, equity of access, remote learning issues and cost are all elements of post-secondary life that Robert addresses with his students, his service partners and a growing list of allies within the college community and elsewhere.

Lauren Frary, Executive Director of The Arc of Somerset County, nominated Robert Hulit Jr. for his outstanding service and demonstrating a significant impact in meeting the needs of Somerset County citizens with disabilities.

(From left to right) – Paul Drake, County Commissioner and Kevin J. Brothers, Executive Director of the Somerset Hills Learning Institute

The Somerset Hills Learning Institute staff is recognized for its commitment to promoting independence, empowerment, and career training for children, adolescents, and adults with autism. Founded in 1998, Somerset Hills Learning Institute is a private nonprofit program that is a dissemination site of the Princeton Child Development Institute and exists to provide science-based treatment and education to people with autism.

In 2016, the Somerset Hills Learning Institute founded an adult program, The Center for Career Advancement. This program offers personalized and comprehensive services tailored to work with the needs of the individuals with autism by providing various job skills and training. The Somerset Hills Learning Institute advocates for individuals with autism and their families to become independent and successful by planning for a student’s future.

Tara Murphy, Somerset County Resident, nominated Somerset Hills Learning Institute for their outstanding service and demonstrating a significant impact in meeting the needs of Somerset County citizens with disabilities.

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services is pleased to recognize Robert Hulit Jr. and the Somerset Hills Learning Institute for their exemplary support for persons with disabilities through advocacy, empowerment, and service. Congratulations to these very deserving award winners!

 Your Clients' Feedback is Important!

The Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC) is soliciting feedback from residents about how they access information regarding the services and resources available to support individuals and families in Somerset County. This is an initial step to address the lack of awareness of available services identified in the HSAC’s 2019 Somerset County Needs Assessment. County residents who access services can participate in the very brief survey by scanning the QR code below, or by following the links also provided below. We are requesting nonprofit organizations to assist in promoting this survey to your clients.  Your clients' feedback is greatly needed and appreciated. All client’s that complete the three-question survey in full and provides their contact information will be entered to win a $250 Amazon gift card, generously donated in support of this effort, by Zarephath Christian Church. One winner will be selected and notified on December 17, 2021. 

For additional information please contact Alba Robles, Human Services Coordinator, Office of Operations and Planning at 908-704-6307 or Arobles@co.somerset.nj.us.

Survey in English

https://s.surveyplanet.com/vpDSDGVzp

Encuesta en Español

https://s.surveyplanet.com/WyCkq9-gd 

Richard Hall Executive Director Nicci Spinazzola checks out the construction progress for the new Richard Hall medical and dental suites, which will soon host these primary health services as managed and staffed by Zufall Health, our Federally Qualified Health Center partner.  Projected formal opening is the Spring of 2022.

COVID-19 and HIV: 1 Moment - 2 Epidemics

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 2 pm- 3:30 pm

The term “unprecedented” may have been exhausted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it described perfectly how the pandemic has influenced the livelihood and states of mind of the world’s population. For so many, never before has the disease been so little understood and so greatly feared. For others, the impact of COVID-19 may feel familiar, especially for those impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  In this workshop, we will explore the differences and similarities among both unprecedented events, and the psychological impact they have had on societies across the globe. 

Presenter

Alberto Bellini, MS, LCADC 

Alberto Billini is currently a crisis counselor with the Somerset County Hope & Healing Program.  He has a Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling and is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor.  As an addiction counselor, Alberto has experience in assisting clients with various levels of addiction treatment, utilizing educational and experiential practices to address all facets of addiction. He has continued to provide Rapid HIV counseling and testing at Henry J.  Austin Health Center, in Trenton NJ, and participated in the implementation and developed a highly effective program providing HIV screening, prevention education and referrals, and linkage to care services. He is also certified by the NJ state to provide a Risk Reduction and Prevention model and trained by Rutgers University to perform pre-and post-test counseling and use rapid testing technology. Providing genuine concern and empathy for his clients, Alberto is committed to bring about real and practical results in people’s lives. Knowledgeable in working with cultural/social differences, Alberto has been practicing in the field of addiction and mental health for about 15 years. 

This event will be held virtually via Zoom and pre-registration is required.

1.5 General NJ Social Work Practice CEUs will be provided for this event.

Click here to pre-register now

Submitted by: Sofia B. Bandeira - Case Manager, One Stop Career Center

Importance of Small Businesses

As the holiday season is quickly approaching, it is imperative to highlight the importance of Small Business Saturday on November 27th now more than ever before. We have all watched small businesses struggle for the past nearly two years due to Covid-19. Many small businesses have had to close their doors due to staffing concerns and not having adequate profit to keep the business afloat. This holiday season, consumers can have the opportunity to recover their local businesses which in return helps their local community. 

Small businesses creating employment in the local community 

With current NJ unemployment rates that are still nearly twice as high as they were prior to Covid-19, small businesses offer employment opportunities to those in the local or surrounding communities. Small businesses depend on their employees to keep the business running efficiently. However, without consumers, businesses will not open. Between March 2019-March 2020, the net increase of small business jobs was only 24,543. Since these statistics are mostly from Pre-Covid, the new statistics may show an even lower number of jobs gained this past year. With the economy beginning to grow again, small business owners are re-opening their doors to the employees or even welcoming new employees for the very first time this holiday season. This is helpful in decreasing the current 7% unemployment rate in New Jersey, making the state the 2nd highest rate in the nation.

Importance of small businesses on local community 

For smaller towns and communities, small businesses keep the town’s economy surviving. Most of the time, the businesses in these small towns are run by our neighbors and our friends. Neighbors supporting neighbors, not only helps with the town economy but also builds a stronger sense of togetherness. With a strong economy in the town brought by small businesses, this can provide a stronger school system and better infrastructure which affects everyone in the town. Small businesses are even able to recycle funds within their own community or use their funds to support local charities. For example, POPS Bike Shop in Somerville, has joined forces with RideWise, a transportation company in Somerset County. By working together, POPS Bike Shop can use their time at work to repair any donated bikes brought by RideWise to establish a reliable transportation method for those in the surrounding areas. Bicycling is now an option for local employees to arrive to work safely and reliably. POPS Bike Shop is using their specific services to benefit and give back to the community. Please find a flyer for this service on the bottom of the newsletter.

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy

Advisory Council - Office on Aging

Advisory Council on Disability Issues (ACODI)

Agricultural Development Board

Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Advisory Committee

Bioterrorism Team - County Health Department

CASS (County Alliance Steering Subcommittee)

Child Abuse and Missing Children Commission

Construction Board of Appeals

Cultural & Heritage Boards

Elections Board

Energy Council

Film Commission

Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board

HOME Program Committee

Homelessness Trust Fund

Human Services Advisory Council

Improvement Authority, Somerset County

Industrial Pollution Control Financing Authority

LACADA (Local Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse)

LGBTQ+ Advisory Board

Library Commission

Mental Health Board

Mosquito Control Advisory Board

Open Space Advisory Committee

Park Commission

Planning Board

Raritan Valley Community College Boards

RHCMHC Community Advisory Council

Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Board

Solid Waste Advisory Council - Recommended by town

Status of Women, Commission on the

Taxation Board

Vocational Boards

Youth Services Commission, Somerset County