“The Human Experience of Time Compression: The Wheel Spins Faster”

“You have a certain amount of time. You don’t know how much...the question is not how much time you have; the question is what are you gonna do with that time. It seems to me that if you spend that time agonizing over the fact that you’re gonna die, you’re wasting that time… try to stay positive and try to think about today and the fact that you may die tomorrow, but you’ve got today, so why don’t you use the heck out of today?”

--David Crosby

When I was younger, I found that time moved slowly, sometimes agonizingly so. I have distinct memories (mostly school related) of staring at the clock in the classroom and finding that each minute felt like an hour. By college, much of that “clock watching” had abated, but I still found that periods of my life seemed to move far more slowly than I felt comfortable with. My perspective now, many years on, has changed dramatically, as I suspect it has for most of my cohort.

My “boomer” group has lost a lot of its icons over the last few years. It is jarring for those of us who were born and raised in the 1950s and 60s to accept that we are now becoming “the old folk.” Logically, of course, we should understand the passage of time and our shifting place in the generational hierarchy, but there is often nothing logical about the emotional experience attached to aging. For many of us who now have no parent between us and the end of life, something in our outlook changes, and “time left” becomes a paramount thought. “There is so much to do and so little time” (I find this notion emanating from my brain regularly. It’s not necessarily a helpful thought since it promotes perfection paralysis for me).

As we’ve explored together in previous columns, American (boomer) notions about hard work and career and our generally youth-oriented culture makes this time compression phenomenon cumbersome psychologically. The full existential realization about life’s fragility and our brief time on this planet can produce all sorts of feelings/behaviors: paralysis (already noted), procrastination, self-deprecation, increased anxiety, and a flurry of activity to name but a few.

As I approach the final phase of my career in human services (almost 40 years working as a “helping professional”) I am both proud of the changes that have rolled out over time and simultaneously saddened at how incremental some of those changes have been. The murder of Tyre Nichols in Memphis this month underscores that interpersonal racism is less insidious than the kind of institutional militarization and racism of some police forces and the ways in which even same race officers can buy into the demeaning and devaluing of another Black human being. We should not, perhaps, be surprised. As we see with generationally re-enacted physical and sexual abuse within family units, human beings tend to “do what they know” and will seek out someone with even less power and authority to make suffer as they have had to.

I digress, and that very digression is part of my point. There are so many things that require us to persevere over many generations if we are to see changes that truly improve the lot of our fellow humans. It’s hard to stay committed when we know we won’t be around to see those changes come to fruition. Now, more than ever, mindfulness is required (I struggle with this) to keep a reasonable focus on the tasks at hand- what can be done today-what will I do next? What choices will I make about the precious time left, now that I understand how precious and fleeting it really is? I have no answer to that for my tomorrow- only for today.

Many writers and philosophers have opined about “youth being wasted on the young.” I don’t share that view, as much as I understand the juxtaposition. I’m simply hoping that “my life isn’t wasted on the one who is living it.”

“Across the evening sky, all the birds are leaving
But how can they know it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire, I will still be dreaming
I have no thought of time
For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?”

    --Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention

The Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater celebrated the Chinese New Year on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. The event featured displays of traditional music and dance, and served a traditional meal at lunch-time. This event was colorful, vibrant, and enjoyed by our Somerset County community!

Mental Wellness Month

Submitted by Eeva-Lisa Sexton, Performance Improvement Coordinator, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

January is Mental Wellness Month and highlights the importance of integrating both emotional and physical health. Mental wellness involves being able to cope effectively with the difficulties of life, having an awareness of your own abilities and opportunities, and having healthy relationships with yourself and others. The key to mental wellness is being proactive and taking care of our mental well-being before issues arise. By focusing on improving mental wellness and building resiliency, you can overcome the hurdles of life and thrive. It is always a good time to work on mental wellness. Identify one small step you can take to improve and stick with it. People with healthy emotional wellness are confident, have control over their feelings and behavior, and have good coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult situations.

Mental health is affected by many things, such as work, school, relationships, financial problems, and excessive stress. Physical factors like illness can make you susceptible to mental wellness issues. You may be new to working on mental wellness. There are eight areas to consider that impact your overall wellness. Select one area and take a step toward improvement every day.

Eight Areas of Wellness

Mental:                Capacity for knowledge, insight, confidence

Physical:               All that contributes to how our body feels/functions

Emotional:          Highs and lows of emotions, feelings

Spiritual:              Belief system not necessarily formal religion

Social:                   Connection and community

Personal:             Interests, joy, fulfillment

Professional:      Roles at work, career goals

Medical:               Health numbers or statistics

Tips to Enhance Mental Wellness:

1. Follow the after-work checklist: Review (acknowledge a challenge you faced, take a deep breath and let it go); Reflect (however small, consider and appreciate positives in your day); Regroup (offer support to your colleagues and ask for help when you need it) and re-energize (turn your attention to home and focus on relaxing and resting.)
2. Create a mental health wellness plan: Create a guide of coping skills, people to talk to in stressful situations, and enjoyable activities to ensure that you maintain the balance between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
3. Practice self-acceptance: Use the new year as an opportunity to practice self-acceptance and self-esteem.
4. Put yourself first: Self-care is not selfish. It is important to take time every day for yourself and your mental health. Engage in something that is meaningful and brings you joy. Do what helps you relax and recharge and seek out experiences that have a calming effect.
5. Learn a new skill: Creative hobbies can provide a sense of pride and achievement.
6. Exercise: Exercising for at least 30 minutes every day can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Go for a walk, ride a bike, take a fitness class, or play a sport with friends and family.
7. Be grateful: Practicing gratitude every day can invoke feelings of thankfulness and optimism that make managing challenges easier. Do not beat yourself up when you make a mistake – everyone makes them.
8. Eat well: A balanced diet contributes to both physical and mental health.
9. Get enough sleep: Most health authorities recommend that adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each day. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime.
10. Slow down: Notice with intention the things you are doing. Draw your awareness to the moment especially those that are positive.
11. Ask for help when you need it: It is a sign of strength to reach out to resources and supports when your mental wellness is suffering.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance use or gambling challenges, please call our ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165. If this is a psychiatric emergency call Bridgeway PESS at 908-527-4100

OR

CALL the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

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.

 *Click to view full PDF*

Below are various job opportunities available within Somerset County including with partner agencies/organizations. For all inquiries, contact the organization directly.

Alternatives, Inc.

Marketing/Development Specialist

Click Here for full job description.

https://www.alternativesinc.org/

Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC)

Assistant Program Manager/Housing Counselor (37.5 hour in office work week - not remote)

 Responsibilities:
• MUST have a minimum of 4 years’ recent office experience working with the public
• Counsel clients via in-person/phone/email and provide housing info & resources
• Assists Program Manager with planning/developing/implementing programs (approx..14/year)
• Excellent public speaker (will present on topics either in-person or virtually – about 14 times a year)
• Excellent with Microsoft Office software and good computer skills
• Attend community events/meetings/activities to promote agency
• General office work & projects as directed by senior staff
• Detail oriented, accurate & ability to prioritize workload & meet deadlines in a very busy environment

Email resume to susies.cjhrc@gmail.com

www.cjhrc.org

JFS Somerset, Hunderton & Warren Counties

Coordinator, Family & Youth (LSW, supervision from a licensed LCSW available)

Description: JFS, a Somerville based nonsectarian nonprofit mental health organization, is seeking a Coordinator, Families & Youth, LSW, for a part-time or full-time position to oversee the Family Mentor Program and provide support for programs serving youth, families, and neurodivergent individuals. Hybrid work style, flexible hours based on population served and needs. Welcoming and supportive team environment with group/individual supervision available. The agency prioritizes ongoing professional development, free or reduced-fee training and CEU's. Bilingual professionals encouraged to apply.

(Click Here to view full job description)

jewishfamilysvc.org

The Walters Group

Leasing and Activities Coordinator

Description: We are seeking to fill a hybrid role for a full-time Leasing and Activities Coordinator at our Affordable Senior apartments in Branchburg, NJ. This role handles many aspects of property management operations in addition to developing and facilitating property events in compliance with state regulations and assisting in social services case management.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, phone etiquette, customer service skills and the ability to excel independently and in a team environment.  Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required.

* Benefits include competitive pay, health, dental, vision, paid time off, and 401k

www.waltersgroupapartments.com

Catholic Charities, Bridgewater, NJ

Clinical Supervisor (099)

*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*

Responsibilities
• Assist families in obtaining and retaining housing in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties
• Responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the in-home program
• 24/7 on call back-up crisis coverage

Requirements
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure required
• LCSW or LPC preferred
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience providing treatment services to families and knowledge of housing first philosophy
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org 

Catholic Charities, Flemington/Phillipsburg, NJ

Clinical Supervisor (168_153)

*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*

Responsibilities
• Day to day and clinical operations of intensive in-home counseling for CP&P-referred families and youth in Hunterdon and Warren Counties
• Staff supervision, record reviews, directing staff, keen crisis management skills and supporting the clinical needs of the program
• Case conference w/ CP&P and other providers
• 24/7 backup cell phone coverage

Requirements
• Supervision/Training of staff
• Work in a diverse fast paced environment
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure in that field as required by degree
• Valid driver’s license in good standing required

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org 

https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/

Catholic Charities, Flemington/Phillipsburg

Clinical Supervisor (168_153)

*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*

Responsibilities
• Day to day and clinical operations of intensive in-home counseling for CP&P-referred families and youth in Hunterdon and Warren Counties
• Staff supervision, record reviews, directing staff, keen crisis management skills and supporting the clinical needs of the program
• Case conference w/ CP&P and other providers
• 24/7 backup cell phone coverage

Requirements
• Supervision/Training of staff
• Work in a diverse fast paced environment
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure in that field as required by degree
• Valid driver’s license in good standing required

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org  

Catholic Charities, Flemington, NJ 

Clinician I (077,081,079)

Responsibilities
• Seeking qualified individual, LAC preferred ( LSW accepted), to provide in home treatment and support to Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) and community referred families residing in Hunterdon County
• This candidate will also provide outpatient therapy in our Family Service Office 
• Familiar with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, be solution focused, well versed in motivational interviewing
• Candidate should be familiar DSM 5(TR) for diagnosis criteria
Requirements
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of best parenting practices and healthy family dynamics
• Evening hours required
• Driver’s license with clean driving history required.

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org  

Catholic Charities, Bridgewater, NJ 

Clinician II (072/091)

100% telehealth or in office or hybrid
Fee for Service

Responsibilities
• Part-time (24 hours, biweekly)
• Clinician needed to conduct thorough clinical assessments
• Provide individual/family counseling for the mental health/substance abuse population at an outpatient level
• Work with clients referred by IDRC and do random drug screens
• Completion of comprehensive treatment plans every 90 days and discharge plans when appropriate
• Must have a flexible schedule to work evenings as needed

Requirements
• LCADC and/or LCSW required, with minimum one year of substance abuse and mental health counseling experience.
• Must be familiar with NJSAMS

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org 

https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/

Catholic Charities, Bridgewater, NJ

Visitation Counselor (146)

Sign On Bonus: $2,500

Responsibilities
• Provide supervised visitation and therapeutic interventions to biological parents and their children who are working toward family reunification
• Work with a DCP&P contracted caseload of children placed in relative or non-relative Resource Homes
• Visits take place in-home, in-community and in-offices
• Attend & participate in agency trainings
• Enter electronic records, including NJ SPIRIT, detailed case documentation skills are necessary

Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field 
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history, travel throughout Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties

Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org 

https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/