“It’s Time to Say Goodbye”

“There are places I’ll remember

All my life, though some have changed

Some forever, not for better

Some have gone and some remain…

Though I know I’ll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I’ll often stop and think about them…”

--Excerpted from In My Life (John Lennon)

In the summer of 1983, I walked into the brand-new Richard Hall CMHC to be interviewed for a slot in a progressive family therapy program as a second-year social work intern.  I started my career with Somerset County in September of that year, as a lean and hirsute 29-year-old.  3 weeks later I was hit head on by someone who decided it would be a good idea to cross a double yellow line on Route 27 as part of a race with someone else with equally lousy judgment.  I spent almost a month in the hospital, and I wasn’t able to return to Richard Hall until January of the following year.  I begin my goodbye with this factoid; had the folks at the center not been extremely flexible and kind the next 40 years might well have been something completely different.

I had entered college with the misguided notion that I would become an attorney and specialize in constitutional law.  When my con-law professor (looking at my poor studying habits and barely surviving grade in his class) said to me at the end of junior year: “Mr. Frost, if this is the best effort you can muster perhaps another career choice is in order.” He was right, of course.  What now?

 “What now” turned out to be a 5-year stint working with troubled teens at a long-term residential facility in Pennsylvania and the suggestion from a clinician working there that I think about pursuing a master’s degree in social work (MSW)- which I had never really considered prior to the suggestion.  Fast forward to that fateful summer of 1983…and, in the blink of an eye…41 years has passed.

I’ve done many things in my 40+ years here.  Family therapist, adolescent and family program director, clinical director, executive director (all at Richard Hall) and the last 10 years as the director of SCDHS.  There were certainly phases of the career journey that were less than pleasant, but for the most part each year has been both challenging and rewarding for me.  Here at the end of the run (and over 80 columns published) there are a few thoughts I’d like to share, as I write to you all for the last time. 

The oft heard comment about the passage of time accelerating as one ages is, in my experience, factually accurate.  This is a lesson I wish I had incorporated much earlier in life.  Like most folks of my “vintage,” it isn’t until we can see the finish line (albeit barely) that we really appreciate how fast life goes by. This is true of my work in the county too, of course; while I felt I was doing the best I could, I can see (with hindsight) a few missed opportunities primarily engendered by viewing things through a “there’s plenty of time to attend to this” lens.  Sometimes, it turns out, there wasn’t.

I’ve worked in the field of “helping professions” for almost 50 years. In addition to my finding it unbelievable that the 70-year-old man in the mirror is indeed me, it seems strange (and I admit to being conflicted about it) to be leaving the work world while there is so much more work to be done.  That there is work yet to be done is on one level (and with respect to some things) not a surprise to me; on another it is both surprising and deeply disappointing. When I started with Somerset County in 1983, I assumed that the following would be true (at least for the United States) when I ultimately retired from the world of human services work:

--Racial divides and systemic racism would be substantially reduced as gerrymandering continued to decline and voter’s rights were increasingly protected.

--LGBTQ folks would gain full legal status equivalency with the hetero population.

--Women’s reproductive rights would continue to be protected, with increased access to health care for all.

--The climate change cry that began with Earth Day (1970) would have been largely heeded and we’d have made significant progress in saving the planet for generations to come.

--Parity in reimbursement for mental health conditions had been achieved and stigma around treatment for mental illnesses would be reached.

--Access to treatment for various addictions would be increased and stigma reduced. Marijuana would be de-criminalized and its racially skewed prosecution statistics would be made equitable.

I could go on, but you get the point.  While you and I might debate how we’d evaluate progress in these areas (or even whether all of these should be societal goals) I think we’d agree that the 40 intervening years have produced a distinctly mixed bag of results.  “The general arc has trended towards dignity and inclusivity and the defense of individual human rights” said incoming county human services director Zach Berliner as we discussed the differences in our generational perspectives (Boomer vs. Generation X).  As Zach noted, my generation really believed that we could make the world a better place, while his believed we should try to make it a “less bad one.”  My mangled syntax notwithstanding, my boomer mentality remains intact, for better or for worse.  Not only do I still believe we can still make the world a better place- I think we must.  Neither this old boomer nor my younger gen x successor imagined that we would be on the precipice of proving the following Ben Franklin dark observation accurate. “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.”  Of course, as Zach also noted (and I fully concur) “freedom to” is a privilege afforded by relative wealth; “freedom from” is a more universally shared value and is perhaps our most critical aspiration.

It has been a good long run since I walked into Richard Hall so many years ago, and while I am ready for the next chapter (songwriting, recording, cycling, gardening, photography) I have no regrets about the time I’ve spent working to guide the world of human services in the direction of dignity, mutual respect, and inclusivity.  The fact that we’re not there yet doesn’t make it any less necessary.

Continue to give a damn, my friends, each and every day. The good news for me is that I can honestly say that I think I left SCDHS in a better place than I found it.   As I often conclude my written pieces (and in this, my last column more heartfelt than ever) “with faith in the future.”  It has been an honor to get to do this work alongside so many dedicated professionals. 

Thank you and keep the faith!

Farmer’s Market Vouchers are now available! Are you 60 years or older and on a limited income? The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides $50 in electronic benefits to eligible seniors to purchase locally grown fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs from local farmers.

Eligible individuals must reside in Somerset County, be 60 years of age or older and meet income requirements. Income guidelines require that individual’s income not exceed $27,861 and a married couple not exceed $37,814. Proof of identity, residency and income will be required when applying.

Eligible residents are encouraged to call the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Vouchers will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis by appointment at the following pick-up sites:

Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services

27 Warren Street

Somerville, NJ 08876

(908) 704-6346 or Toll Free: 1-888-747-1122

Time: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Parking is available in the visitor lot located to the right of the Somerset County Human Services Building.

Or at one of our summer outreaches:

• Franklin Township Library – Thursday, June 6^th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Franklin Township Community Center – Monday, June 24^th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• North Plainfield Library – Monday, July 1^st, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Food Bank Network of Somerset County – Monday, July 8^th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Hillsborough Municipal Building – Thursday, July 11^th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Farm Stands Participating in 2024

Axcel Farm, Hillsborough; Alsteade Farms, Bridgewater & Bedminster; Norz-Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough; Melick Town Farm, Bridgewater; Old Village Farm, Watchung; Ripple Hill Farm, Basking Ridge; and Montgomery Friends of Open Space Farmers Market, Skillman.

For more information about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services toll-free at 1-888-747-1122 or 908-704-6346.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services receives vouchers through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The SFMNP is a program designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs; help increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agricultural programs; and aid in the development of local agriculture.

Bound Brook Library Mobile Outreach & Services

In May, the Bound Brook Library teamed up with the Somerset County HELPS Van to bring library services directly to the public. Every Wednesday, you can find the library staff ready to assist the public with needs such as printing, copying, and access to internet and email. These services will be accessible on Wednesday's from 10AM-2PM, located at the Bound Brook NJ Transit Commuter Lot - 106 East Main Street, Bound Brook, NJ 08805.

Community Connections Workshop

The Community Connections workshop, presented by the Office of Youth Services and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), will feature a panel discussion on juvenile gangs, targeting ages 8-18.  Led by the SCSO, the panel will include experienced law enforcement professionals from across the state. They will explore the cultural, social, and economic factors contributing to the rise in juvenile gang activity. Key topics will include current trends, behaviors, and the use of tools such as social media and graffiti. The workshop will also address intervention strategies, available resources, and methods for reporting gang-related behaviors to help prevent future gang involvement. The workshop is Thursday, June 6^th from 10am – 12pm, it is free to attend.  To register, go to https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpd-2trD0oG9IciSnryCnnuV7ovmUZXp6c, or contact Gerry Montague at gmontague@co.somerset.nj.us.

Providing Equal Access to the LGBTQIA+ Community

Submitted by Savannah Baker, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience mental health conditions at a higher rate. LGBTQIA+ community also have a challenging time finding access to mental health care providers or providers that are pride friendly, understanding or accepting. Everyone deserves the same access and rights to mental health care. Some important statistics to note are: Transgender adults are nearly 9 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to the general population.[1] 86% of LGBT youth reported being harassed or assaulted at school.[2] LGBT adults are nearly twice as likely than heterosexual adults to experience a substance use disorder.[3]

Thinking about advocating for equal healthcare?

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), has created a #IAmNAMIPride Movement to advocate for equal access to resources and mental health services.

The Trevor Project accepts donations to make sure LGBTQ+ youth to support the foundation and youth.

The Pride Center of New Jersey provides volunteer opportunities, research and donation opportunities.

At Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center, it is important for us to be LGBTQ+ inclusive to serve our clients and community from a person-centered approach. It is our job to be accepting of all individuals and helps provide psychoeducation about the LGBTQ+ community to be a safe zone for all. Richard Hall employees and staff receive diversity and equality training. All are welcome at Richard Hall; we do not discriminate. Pride is something to be celebrated every month and remember to take PRIDE in who you are!

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 908-526-4100 OR CALL the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

Family Reading Nights in Bound Brook!

The Read with Me Program

Provided by the Bound Brook/South Bound Brook Municipal Youth Services Commission

Submitted by Monica Sprague, Municipal Youth Services Commissions Coordinator

Encouraging families to read together not only strengthens bonds, improves literacy skills, and creates cherished memories but also served as the driving force behind the creation of the Read with Me program.  This initiative, led by the Bound Brook, South Bound Brook Municipal Youth Services Commission in collaboration with Middle Earth and the Somerset County Volunteer Literacy Program, is grounded in the belief that shared family reading cultivates essential skills and enduring connections. 

By providing families with resources to build their own home libraries, the program not only encourages reading but also creates a conducive environment for learning within the household. Students who attend this program are in grades 3-8 and eligible for the 21^st Century Community Learning Center Program.  The goal was to reach 20-25 families, ensuring that a diverse range of households can access its resources and support.  This broad reach increases the program’s impact and promotes inclusivity by catering to the needs of a larger portion of the population.  Moreover, by assisting in the establishment of at-home libraries and promoting weekly family reading sessions, the program effectively promotes family literacy.  Additionally, this program supports shared reading habits, strengthens parent-child relationships, and develops essential reading and social-emotional skills for school success. Three events were successfully held at the at the pool house at Codrington Park in Bound Brook.

Furthermore, beyond its local impact, this program serves as just one illustration of the dedication and effort demonstrated by the volunteers of the 14 Municipal Youth Services Commissions in Somerset County.  Sponsored by grants from the Somerset County Board of Commissioners, the Municipal Youth Services Commissions remain instrumental in facilitating engaging programs across their communities. 

For additional information regarding this specific program, please contact Monica Sprague, Municipal Youth Services Commissions Coordinator, at 908-704-6317 or via email at msprague@somerset.nj.us

4-H

• Sponsorship: Sponsor the largest event in the county! The Somerset County 4-H Fair serves as a special venue for corporations, local businesses, and community groups to promote their services or products while showing their support of the 4-H Youth Development Program. For more information visit: https://4histops.org/sponsors.

• Fair: Save the Date! The Somerset County 4-H Fair returns to North Branch Park in Bridgewater on August 7,8, and 9, 2024! As always, the Fair is FREE! For more info, please visit us at https://4histops.org/fair. 

• Dairy Careers 4-H Webinar

June 4th 6-8 pm.

Registration is required by June 3rd to access the Zoom Link.

Join via Zoom and explore multiple Dairy Industry Careers as you engage with established professionals. Careers include professionals from American Dairy Association Northeast, Utah State University's Dairy Extension Specialist, a Dairy Nutritionist, and a Dairy Farmer! This free webinar is open to all youth grades 7th-13th. Come ready to learn and explore dairy careers you've never had the opportunity to hear about!

Register Here: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8wifxuiRoPFIRpQ 

Questions? Contact mb2173@njaes.rutgers.edu

• TOPS Camp 

On Wednesday, May 22, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County hosted a Networking Event at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater. 19 representatives from community organizations throughout Somerset County were in attendance to collaborate on various initiatives, and further distribute the services and knowledge RCE offers to residents of Somerset County.

• Tune in to the Facebook Live videos from Somerset County Family & Community Health Sciences (RCE) this June! By doing so, you can earn up to 5 LiveWell points (Metric 14)! Be sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/SCNJFCHS/ for updates and videos!
• FCHS of Somerset County is on YouTube! Visit https://www.youtube.com/@SCNJFCHS for healthy recipes, exercise tips and tutorials, and other informative health and wellness content!

• Wellness Wednesday:

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. to learn from experts in the Department of Family & Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension. All sessions are free, will last approximately 45 minutes, and will be provided via Zoom. To join, you will need either a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers.

You must register to participate. See below for the title and descriptions of each webinar and click on the link below to register.

June 5: Summer Foodies

June 12: Bring Out Your Inner Green Thumb Through House Plants!

June 26: Keeping a Healthy Home

• The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County will be at several Farmers Markets this month offering Garden Helpline services and information about RCE:

Sunday, June 9 - Somerville Farmers Market

Saturday, June 29 - Bedminster Farmers Market

• Five Somerset County residents recently graduated from the Rutgers Environmental Stewards course, joining a cohort of more than 150 other program graduates from Somerset County. To complete their certification, graduates must complete a 60-hour community-based project of their choosing which helps Stewards get real world experience working to solve environmental problems in their communities. Some recent projects from Somerset County include a native bee habitat and native alternatives to the Invasive Callery Pear at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center and installation of a pollinator garden at the Franklyn Township Library.

The Rutgers Environmental Stewards program is a statewide partnership that teaches participants about the impacts of climate change and other important environmental issues affecting New Jersey enabling them to help solve local, community problems. The program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station which helps the diverse population of New Jersey adapt to a rapidly changing society and improve their lives and communities through an educational process that uses science-based knowledge. To learn more about the program or apply for the next course, visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/. 

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) is the only HUD-certified agency in Somerset County and is located in Somerville NJ. CJHRC offers a wide variety of FREE counseling services to very low- low- or moderate-income households facing various hurdles.

Our skilled housing counselors can be reached by email at 2cjhrc@gmail.com or by calling (908) 446-0036.   You can log onto our website (https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b308bb2c/jzDGujX-Ik_0Kk81hbvS-Q?u=http://www.cjhrc.org/) and review/download helpful information and resources.   CJHRC regularly posts about housing availability, new programs, services, tips, and resources on our social media accounts. To stay updated, like and follow us on Facebook at Central Jersey Housing Resource Center and on Instagram at cjhrc_housing.

FREE Webinars:

-> I Want to rent an Affordable Unit-How do I begin?

June 4, 2024 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm

Are you looking to rent an affordable unit but don't know where to start? This webinar will explain everything you need to know about the process Topics include full vs pre applications for the State of NJ Very Low/Low/Moderate Income Program, regional preference & how the random selection process works (lottery), Section 8 Vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers)/State of NJ SRAP Vouchers, market rate units and much more.  To register, click on the link below or call a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 to enroll.

https://link.edgepilot.com/s/493541fd/xF1C-VVl4U6GfedqaxbADw?u=https://cjhrc.org/images/FLYER_I__want_to_rent_an_affordable_unit_flyer.pdf 

-> Register for Virtual Homebuyer Webinar Training

June 25 & June 27, 2024 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

While it can be a difficult journey, it is possible to purchase even in this tough real estate market! CJHRC offers FREE homebuyer education and through this 2-day virtual homebuyer webinar/. Participants will receive a certificate which many lenders and grant programs require. To register for CJHRC’s  Virtual Homebuyer Webinar, click on the link below or call a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 to enroll.          Virtual Homebuyer Webinar           

-> Register for our NEW Virtual Disaster Planning & Resources Webinar

August 15, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm

While we have no control over things like storms, floods, fire, earthquake ---we can strive to be as prepared as possible.  This webinar will cover the importance to prepare, prevent and protect your household in the event of a natural disaster.  Resources and beneficial information will be provided.
To register for CJHRC’s  Virtual Disaster Planning & Resources Webinar, click this link https://link.edgepilot.com/s/a6fabfea/1E8LhV2T5EWhDv_-krWbWQ?u=https://www.cjhrc.org/images/FLYER_Disaster_Planning_and_Resources_Webinar.pdf

TREP$ Marketplace

Submitted by Carolyn Starr and Alexandria Barreto, Valley View Middle School

The TREP$ Marketplace was an exceptional initiative offering invaluable real-world experience to young entrepreneurs as they set up stations and sell their products.  Discover more about this dynamic program, sponsored by the Watchung Borough Municipal Youth Services Commission from the program advisors who mentored the talented participants.

Valley View Middle School in Watchung opened its doors for its annual TREP$ Marketplace on May 8th, 2024.  The event showcased 20 students who worked individually or as partners, selling their own homemade products such as cake pops, phone chains, Mother’s Day cards, and virtual reality headsets.  What made this flea market unique was that the vendors ranged in age from 10 to 14 years old, grades 5-8.  The young professionals, excited and driven, translated their interests into saleable products and created unique businesses and independent advertising, learning and adapting along the way.  They were all successful, managing to make a profit of over $2,000.  The kids and the program they participated in are referred to as “TREP$,” -short for “enTREPreneurS.”

The TREP$ Club, sponsored by the Watchung Borough Municipal Youth Services Commission, started meetings in February. Students began their journey learning about the skills needed to start their own businesses.  Meetings consisted of weekly interactive workshops, incorporating product development, business finance, advertising, marketing, and sales.   The workshop guidance together with the support of peers and family, allowed entrepreneurs to apply what they have learned and build their own businesses.

The community came out in full support of this new program, helping the children achieve success.  Success meant different things to different kids.  For some, it was the independence of earning their own money, and for others, it was the skills they learned along the way.  All the entrepreneurs created unique businesses and independent advertising, learning and adapting along the way.  

The program advisors, Alexandra Barreto and Carolyn Starr, would like to thank the students’ peers, parents, guardians, sponsors, and community for showing the children that their hard work has value.  The businesses received great support from their peers and the community who came to shop at Valley View throughout the school day and after school.  TREP$ participants donated 10% of their total profits to a charity to be selected by the TREP$ Club.  The entrepreneurs are already planning their products and services for next year! 

For additional information regarding this specific program, please contact Monica Sprague, Municipal Youth Services Commissions Coordinator, at 908-704-6317 or via email at msprague@somerset.nj.us