“The Consequences of Rhetoric: The Rise of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying”

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”--Desmond Tutu

“People who love themselves, don’t hurt other people. The more we hate ourselves, the more we want others to suffer.”-- Dan Pearce

“We need to turn the question around to look at the harasser, not the target. We need to be sure that we can go out and look anyone who is a victim of harassment in the eye and say,' You do not have to remain silent anymore.’” --Anita Hill

Over the past few years, but particularly over this last year, we here at SCDHS have noted reports of increased incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying in the community.  New Jersey schools- where a significant percentage of these increases stem from- have in place a law (since 2002, amended in 2011) appropriately entitled the H.I.B. law (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying).  This statute prescribes consequences for such behavior perpetrated under a school systems umbrella.

As noted in NJ Spotlight news last month, “hate crime incidents are nearly twice as high as five years ago, according to Federal Bureau of Investigations data through 2022. And in the 2021-2022 school year, bullying reached its highest level since the state started collecting data, according to New Jersey’s 2023 Anti-Bullying Task Force report.”  In addition, “from 2018 to 2023, bias-based incidents quadrupled in New Jersey, according to the state attorney general’s office. When students returned to in-person education after the pandemic, bias incidents at elementary schools increased from 96 in 2020 to 207 in 2021.”

In his play As You Like It, William Shakespeare once wrote: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Indeed, the players on this stage are being watched- closely- by our children. Our children (and the rest of the audience who alternate between being in the play and watching it) learn a great deal from their observations. The national play we’ve all been watching over the past decade or so has featured a starring role for scapegoating and divisiveness at best and hatred, violence and lies at worst. I have become convinced that the tenor of our “national dialogue” has had a profound influence on the rise of bias-based incidents and hate crimes.  Words, it turns out, matter – a lot.

As a child of the 1950s (with my teen years being mostly in the 60’s) I certainly experienced a time when rhetoric was white-hot, and the nation was in flux.  The Vietnam war and the civil rights movement engendered tremendous passion, but at a national leadership level the basic principles of common decency and respect were, for the most part, the norm. I’ve gone back and forth over the years about whether it is better to “uncover the rock” and see what is hiding beneath or whether sometimes “quiet discussion” is more appropriate so as not to amplify public ugliness.  I consistently come back to the former approach, even knowing that once the rock is turned over anything revealed needs to be dealt with.  So, yes, I guess it is preferable that we at least are aware of how little science and fact mean to a percentage of the populace- and that consequently this kind of thinking amplifies (and is meant to excuse) public displays of shaming, demonizing, and harassment. 

We ought to remember that before fascism took control almost a century ago, first in Italy and then in Germany, the precursor to the overt antisemitism policies and ultimate attempt at the genocide of Jewish citizens in areas controlled by the Nazi regime was the incremental de-sensitization of the general population with respect to “what is true.”  Claims made about improving infrastructure, tightening immigration conduits and “what they are taking rightly belongs to us” all fostered an environment that started with harassment, intimidation and bullying and led us, ultimately, to death camps. 

I don’t have a ready and facile answer to the kind of tribalism we are seeing played out in our communities, but I am very clear that if we don’t stand up, push back, and lend our voices to support folks who are bullied and harassed (especially our children) we are giving tacit support to the bullies.  This should be manifest in our daily conversations with others.  We should be promoting understanding, civility, and appropriate kinds of discourse.  Social media hasn’t helped, given that algorithms have been designed to encourage seeing (and hearing) more of what we like and already believe, rather than a mix of views and ideas. 

The stakes are high.  Sit down with people with whom you disagree and exchange ideas. Encourage your children to value and respect the basic tenets of democratic processes.  Teach tolerance and mutual respect.  Practice and model this in your everyday life.  Don’t imagine that the cacophony of rhetoric we (and our kids) are exposed to on our national stage doesn’t influence life in our communities.  Remember the quote attributed to Ben Franklin about our kind of democratic society: “…a republic, if we can keep it.”  Whether we like it or not, we are in this together.

Transgender Day of Visibility

Submitted by Brianna Dickson, MSW, LCSW, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

 

Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an international event which has been observed on March 31st each year since 2009. The day of observance was created by transgender activists, Rachel Crandall. The day is observed to raise awareness of the discrimination and violence endured by those in the transgender and non-binary community and to celebrate the lives of transgender and non-binary people. Crandall hoped to re-focus and highlight the resilience and accomplishments of transgender and non-binary people and empower them to live authentically.

Transgender is a term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. People in the transgender community may describe themselves with a wide variety of terms including (but not limited to), transgender, transsexual, and non-binary. To be an ally to a person in the transgender community is to respect and recognize the term a person uses to describe their gender identity, their preferred name, and their preferred pronouns.

The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey is the largest survey of transgender people conducted in the United States by transgender people. Overall, the survey and the follow up executive report provides evidence of the hardships and barriers faced by transgender people. Areas of life significantly impacted on a day-to-day basis include family life, faith communities, homelessness, access to health care/ health insurance, mental health issues, harassment and violence, employment status, and more. While the issues impacting the transgender community have become more visible in recent years, the research shows there is still a great deal of progress to be made to eliminate the volume of harmful discrimination endured by the transgender population and community.

A few ways you can observe Transgender Day of Visibility:

• Read and become more knowledgeable about transgender people and the community
• Share statistics, updates, positive stories and contributions made by those in the transgender and non-binary community
• Attend a local event as a support and ally to the community

Organizations and Resources accessible to all looking to be a support and ally to the transgender community:

• National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) (For advocacy)
• Transgender Law Center (TLC) (For legal services and advocacy)
• Transgender American Veterans Association (Advocacy for trans veterans)
• GLAAD (LGBTQ advocacy and Cultural Change)
  • Many additional resources and organizations can be found through this organization.

Any transgender person who may be experiencing a crisis can/should contact any of the following resources:

• The Trevor Project’s 24/7/365 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
• Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988

 

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

Homelessness in Somerset County

Submitted by Ihinosen Akhagba, Intern - Human Services, Office of Operations & Planning

Homelessness throughout the state of New Jersey and the entire country has been growing as the overall cost of living has been continuing to rise and people are dealing with the economic downturn of the past few months. While it may not seem as prevalent throughout Somerset County as compared to more urban or rural areas of the state, it is a major growing issue. However, like many other parts of the state, Somerset County has limited resources/shelters to assist with the growing homeless population for the county which is a major issue and this can contribute to the issues that the homeless population faces.

As of 2023 in the United States, about 653,100 were experiencing homelessness on a single night which was an increase of 12% or 70,650 more people from 2022. This is from the 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report Part 1. As the cost of living continues to increase throughout this period of inflation, more and more people are living without a roof over their head. Out of the people who were experiencing homelessness, 60% reported staying in sheltered locations while 40% were reported as unsheltered homeless. One reason as to why we are seeing a rise in the homeless population is due to the loss of the American Rescue Dollars, which kept homelessness rates steady between 2020 and 2022. Another noticeable trend is that homelessness increased amongst all populations, and not just a specific group. This included individuals both experiencing unsheltered homelessness and sheltered homelessness, as well as families who were experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. In New Jersey, the homeless population increased by 10,000 which is the highest that it has been since 2015, which is a 17% increase from the previous year. The top three answers that people gave for being homeless included being asked to leave a shared residence, loss of job/income, and eviction/risk of eviction. In Somerset County specifically, there was a 70.9% change in the homeless population, going from 220 people in 2022 to 376 in 2023.

What Is Currently Available:

In Somerset County, there is both the Department of Human Services and the Board of Social Services. The Board of Social Services is responsible for most of the federal assistance programs that Somerset County residents receive such as TANF and SNAP. The Department of Human Services deals with more state and local relief efforts such as housing programs through the Office of Community Development or mental health/substance use referrals to the Office of Operations and Planning, Veterans Services, and Aging and Disability Services. There are also other resources such as NJ211 which is an online resource for New Jersey residents to seek assistance in housing, food, substance use, and mental health needs.

Within Somerset County, there are resources available for the homeless population who need to seek shelter, food, or any other resources that they may need. One of the major resources is Agape House. Located in Somerville NJ, Agape House offers emergency housing and case management services to both single adults and families. Those who go to Agape House are referred there by the Somerset County Board of Social Services. Agape House also offers 24/7 access to on-site support staff, support in financial planning, assistance with healthcare enrollment, and referral to treatment programs that they may need. Another major resource that is utilized by the county includes HOME of Somerset County. HOME of Somerset County provides emergency shelter for those in the county within houses of worship and transitional housing. HOME also provides case management services, counseling services, and other services to help those in need. There is also SHIP otherwise known as the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program. This program that has been around since 1984 has served as an essential resource for those experiencing homelessness within the county. SHIP provides limited emergency services such as connection to emergency interim housing, interim counseling, advocacy, and other support services. Those a part of SHIP who are in need of housing will also be referred to motels, hotels, boarding homes, and other off-site premises. There are other resources available in the county such as Catholic Charities which assist with housing issues as well. In addition, other organizations such as Alternatives Inc, Easter Seals NJ, Community Hope, and the Arc all have limited transitional and permanent housing and group homes for specific populations such as adults with severe mental illness. There is also Brahma House run by Vision and Pathways. This is a short term group home for those ages 13 to 17 years old and provides food, clothing, shelter, counseling, healthcare, and education to youth in need.

New Jersey & Homeless Shelters Currently

There are many people and organizations in the field who are doing the work to improve the situation of homeless shelters throughout the state, but they need assistance to do so. Mentioned in the article “As more people rely on NJ homeless shelters, the shelters say they need more money” is the fact that as more people are relying on shelters throughout the state, homeless shelters need more money to meet the larger demand they are facing (Balcerzak, 2023). Almost 18,000 people resided in homeless shelters or government-paid hotels from January to October of 2023 throughout New Jersey, a 12% increase from the same period last year (Balcerzak, 2023). Due to this much larger demand, shelters all throughout the state including here in Somerset County have been stretched thin to meet the demand. Connie Mercer, the CEO of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness and the founder of HomeFront, a Mercer County shelter and service provider mentions that reimbursement rates that homeless shelters receive is usually not enough to sustain the services that they provide (Balcerzak, 2023) . Mercer also mentioned that she has been experiencing more people experiencing homelessness for the first time (Balcerzak, 2023). A common situation that has been occurring is people spending what is left of their savings in hotels and once their savings run out, they move into shelters because they are unable to afford the rents of apartments that they find. Shelter organizers also mention how treating the mental health of those who end up in shelters as an unmet need in their facilities, and they need assistance to do so (Balcerzak, 2023). One thing that has helped with this issue is in May, Gov. Phil Murphy signed A4755, which allows behavioral and mental health providers to operate in homeless shelters. One of Somerset County’s own shelters, Agape House was affected from this change as well. In the past, such services needed to be housed in facilities specifically licensed for that purpose. This has helped lighten the burden of shelters dealing with those with mental health issues. However, other issues such as shelters seeing an increase in the older adult population has led to difficulty meeting the specific needs of this clientele such as their mobility issues or health issues. In addition, finding affordable housing remains a challenge, as New Jerseyans face denials from landlords based on their credit scores or eviction histories (Balcerzak, 2023). Landlords may also deny applicants due to being on public assistance which is a practice that is illegal in New Jersey but many still unfortunately get away with it. Addressing these issues I believe is just a start to addressing the growing homeless population and providing homeless shelters not just in Somerset County but throughout the state the resources that they need.

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

FREE UPCOMING HOUSING PROGRAMS

 

I Want to Purchase An Affordable Unit-How Do I Begin?

March 6, 2024 - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Thinking about buying but home prices seem out of your price range? Learn about locating and applying for a home in the State of NJ Very Low/Low/ Moderate Income Program.  This webinar details the documents needed to apply, the difference between completing a full application versus a pre application, regional preference, how the random selection/process works (lottery), CJHRC’s purchase guide and availability list and much more.  Click here to register.

COMING IN APRIL:

April is Housing Month in Somerset County.  DON’T MISS the calendar of programs and events taking place throughout Somerset County, as well as helpful resources from local organizations.  The calendar will be available on our website.

 

Virtual Fair Housing Webinar: 

April 10, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Click to register: Fair Housing Webinar

 

Virtual Homebuyer Webinar:

April 15 & April 17, 2024 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Click to register:  Virtual Homebuyer Webinar

 

Virtual Renter Info & Resources:

April 29, 2024 FROM 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Click to register:  Virtual Renter Info & Resources Webinar

 

Make sure you like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or follow us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing) to learn about important housing announcements, resources and information.  CJHRC posts weekly 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 or visit our website at www.cjhrc.org to view resources. 

Community Development Funding Opportunity

Submitted by Kimberly Cowart, Director – Community Development Office

                       

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program and Homelessness Trust Fund (HTF) Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are posted on the County website at the following link: RFP Opportunities | Somerset County. 

The Community Development Office has administrative responsibility for these grant programs and in that capacity, manages the application and fund allocation processes. To simplify the application process and because they are both housing programs, the HOME and HTF Programs use the same RFP document.  Once grant funds are awarded by committees that meet in April and May, staff will work with grant recipients to ensure that funds are spent in compliance with the respective guidelines.  As your organization considers submitting a grant application, please keep the following information in mind:

 

CDBG and HOME Income Limits

Household Size	80% AMI	Household Size	80%AMI
1	$80,000	5	$123,400
2	$91,400	6	$132,600
3	$102,900	7	$141,700
4	$114,300	8	$150,900

 

The CDBG Program is a federal grant to Somerset County from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Grant funds must be used toward non-profit and municipally-sponsored construction and housing projects and human service programs that principally benefit low and moderate income families or individuals.  In addition to the income limits that are listed above, CDBG and HOME funds can also be used for projects that principally benefit abused children, elderly persons (62 and over), persons experiencing homelessness, migrant farm workers, illiterate persons, disabled adults (disabled children do not automatically qualify under this criteria), persons with AIDS,  and battered spouses.

The HOME Investment Partnership Program is also a federal grant to Somerset County from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Grant funds must be used to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for low and moderate income families or individuals.  It is also important to note that HOME funds have an affordability period that that can range from 5-20 years, depending on the amount of assistance and the nature of the project.  During this time, the assisted units must be occupied by income-eligible residents and Community Development Office staff will come out to inspect the property and review client files.

The Homelessness Trust Fund is a dedicated fund that accrues from the collection of a $5 surcharge on the fee to record or release documents that are processed by the County Clerk’s Office.  Funds must be used to create permanent affordable housing and/or provide services or rental assistance for the homeless or those at risk of homelessness.  Housing that is assisted by the Homelessness Trust Fund is subject to a thirty-year affordability period, during which the assisted units must be occupied by income-eligible residents and Community Development Office staff will come out to inspect the property and review client files.

If you have questions about any of these grant programs or eligibility for a proposed project, please contact the Community Development Office at 908-541-5756 or by emailing CommDevelop@co.somerset.nj.us.  All of the applications are due on March 20, 2024.

4-H

“Women in Agriculture 4-H Career Night"

Friday, March 8th, 2024, 6-8 pm join via Zoom.

International Women's Day meets National Agriculture Month. Come and celebrate International Women's Day and National Agriculture Month as you engage with local women working in agriculture. This free event is open to all youth grades 7th-13th. This is a hybrid event, so join via Zoom or in person at the Somerset County 4-H Center. Come ready to learn and explore careers you've never had the opportunity to hear about!

Registration closes March 7th.

Register here: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_8di7BwhncPJoyYm”

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TOPS Camp

 

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FCHS

• Tune in to the Facebook Live videos from Somerset County Family & Community Health Sciences (RCE) this March! 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!

• If you would like to subscribe to the Monthly FCHS Newsletter, please email fchs@co.somerset.nj.us
• Be sure to check the FCHS of Somerset County Facebook page each Monday, as our Program Coordinator Mikaela Kane will be sharing “Workout of the Week”, with fitness tips and workout ideas to keep you moving!
• Throughout March, celebrate #NationalNutritionMonth by going beyond the table, and align yourself with the Eight Dimensions of Wellness during Living Well Month. Be sure to stay up to date with FCHS news and social media (@SCNJFCHS) for tips, webinars, and more throughout the month!

Cornerstone at Laurel Oaks

We would like applications for our 2 bedroom, low units and would be for the waiting list only at this time.  They must meet the income requirements.

Those interested in applying for our waiting list should contact trubino@wgapts.com  or call the property at 609-607-8800.  If an application needs to be faxed, please have them use: 609-660-5787.  The property’s website is: Laurel Oaks Apartments - Walters Group Apartments

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Cornerstone at Waretown

We would like applications for our 2 bedroom, low units and would be for the waiting list only at this time.  They must meet the income requirements.

Those interested in applying for our waiting list should contact trubino@wgapts.com or call the property at 609-339-2388 .  If an application needs to be faxed, please have them use: 609-693-0500.  The property’s website is: Cornerstone at Waretown - Walters Group Apartments

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Cornerstone at Lumberton

We would like applications for our 2 and 3 bedroom, moderate units and would be for the waiting list only at this time.  They must meet the income requirements.

Those interested in applying for our waiting list should contact mstevens@wgapts.com or call the property at 609-769-1030.  If an application needs to be faxed, please have them use: 609-784-8256.  The property’s website is: Cornerstone at Lumberton - Walters Group Apartments

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Cornerstone at Seaside Heights

We would like applications for all our units (1 and 2, very low, low and moderate). Any applications would be for the waiting list at this time.  They must meet the age (55+) and income requirements.

Those interested in applying for our waiting list should contact jpoggio@wgapts.com or call the property at 732-793-0100.  If an application needs to be faxed, please have them use: 732-375-3707.  The property’s website is: Cornerstone at Seaside Heights - Walters Group Apartments

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Cornerstone at Toms River

We would like applications for all our units (1 and 2, very low, low and moderate). Any applications would be for the waiting list at this time.  They must meet the age (55+) and income requirements.

Those interested in applying for our waiting list should contact bbusa@wgapts.com or call the property at 732-240-2787.  If an application needs to be faxed, please have them use: 732-276-8329.  The property’s website is: Cornerstone at Toms River - Walters Group Apartments

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Cornerstone at Greentree

We would like applications for all our units (1 and 2, very low, low and moderate). Any applications would be for the waiting list at this time.  They must meet the age (55+) and income requirements.

Those interested in applying for our waiting list should contact dadams@wgapts.com or call the property at 856-346-6885.  If an application needs to be faxed, please have them use: 856-334-8367.  The property’s website is: Cornerstone at Greentree - Walters Group Apartments

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Cornerstone at Marlton

We would like applications for all our units (1, 2 & 3 bedrooms for the very low, low and moderate income levels).  Any applications would be for the waiting list at this time.  They must meet the income requirements.

Those interested in applying for our waiting list should contact dadams@wgapts.com or call the property at 856-985-4599.  If an application needs to be faxed, please have them use: 856-520-8324.  The property’s website is: Cornerstone at Marlton - Walters Group Apartments

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

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Catholic Charities - Bridgewater, NJ 

Visitation Counselor

Description

• Work with the Division Child Protection & Permanency referrals of children placed in relative or non-relative Resource Homes
• Provide supervised visitation and therapeutic interventions to biological parents and their children who are working towards family reunification
• In-home, in-community and in-office visits to DCP&P referred families
• Attend and participate in approved agency trainings, as appropriate
• Input electronic records including NJ SPIRIT
• Bachelor’s Degree in social work or related field required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
• Requires a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the families
• Detailed case documentation skills are necessary

Driver’s license with a clean driving history required

https://www.ccdom.org/

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Franklin Food Bank - Somerset, NJ

Positions:

Client Services Coordinator

Program Department Supervisor

Development Senior Manager

Administrative Analyst

Warehouse & Driver Assistant

The Franklin Food Bank is on a mission to make a big impact in Central New Jersey and beyond. Right now we are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our small but mighty team. Experience and background in social services, customer care experience and food security is strongly encouraged. We need dynamic, invested, mission-driven individuals with a fundraising mindset as we turn our sights towards creating healthier communities.

You can find our job postings on Indeed.com by searching for Franklin Food Bank, and we encourage Spanish speakers to apply. Together, we can work towards achieving food equity and making a difference in the lives of our community.  Join us in this noble cause and help us make a lasting community change!

https://franklinfoodbank.org/

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JCC Camp Rauch - Bridgewater, NJ

Camper Care Coordinator (Mental Health Professional)

Pre-Camp: Program Development, Camper Intakes, Staff Training

- Communicate and conduct intakes with families who previously self-selected to complete the camper care intake form on behalf of their child.

- Review all camper registration forms for potential unidentified areas for support and make contact pre-camp

Camp: On-Site Tasks

- Assess, identify, and propose supports for camper and staff MESSH needs as they arise

- Conduct regular check-ins with camper guardians on campers’ success, progress, and challenges, including first week of camp check-ins.

Qualifications:

- Graduate-level or higher degree in a mental health field. Including, but not limited to: social work, mental health counseling, psychology, youth psychiatry, family therapy, etc.

- 3-5 years of post-graduate work experience in a related field.

https://ruach.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App