Thoughts From the Director: September Edition, 2022

Due to circumstances in the life of my family, I will be taking a break this month from my column except for this:

Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. - Ernest Hemingway

Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community

Submitted by Heather Manello, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCS, CARE Clinical Director at Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

The 2022 National Recovery Month theme, Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community is a clear reminder for all people in recovery and the people who support them along the way, that no one is alone in their recovery journey. There may be many paths to recovery, but all of them are valid and important and recovery is possible for anyone.

National Recovery Month is celebrated every September to keep recovery in the forefront of everyone’s minds. This year’s theme is especially focused on the idea of community in the recovery world and the important part so many different parties play in supporting someone to get into recovery. It truly takes a community of support to help people live a life of recovery. There are a variety of ways someone can start in recovery and not feel so alone in their journey. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have meeting finders online at nnjaa.org or nanj.org. People can find recovery through treatment at places like the Co-Occurring and Relationship Empowerment Program at Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center or Recovery Support Services like the Reach 4 Recovery program at Richard Hall (908-253-3119) where participants are matched with a case manager and a Peer Recovery Specialist who has lived experience in recovery and can provide hope in a very special, individualized way. 

At Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center, we offer all clients access to the Connections app through CHESS Health. This app offers 24/7 support to the people we serve so they have someone to talk to in between appointments. There is a rich community of support and features like virtual support meetings, tracking your goals, complete check-ins, celebrating milestones, on-demand training to reinforce coping skills, self-care activities and ways to journal, track appointments and complete surveys to help anyone’s recovery journey.

Whether they are looking for a friendly sounding board from peers, seeking guidance from a peer recovery support specialist, attending virtual support meetings, tracking goals, or staying in touch with a provider, it can be done through the Connections app. When someone is ready, they are even able to help others by sharing their experiences, strength and hope.

After a solemn day on August 31st, Overdose Awareness Day, where vigils are held to remind us of all the loved ones who have lost their lives in the sometimes-insurmountable battle against substance use disorders, Recovery Month is held to remind us all that there still is hope. In Somerset County, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand will be holding an Overdose Awareness Day event at the Somerset Patriots Game on August 27th (QR code below).

For information about Recovery Month events being held around the country, visit: Home - Recovery Month (facesandvoicesofrecovery.org)

If you or someone you love is struggling to get into recovery, you can always reach out to the Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center. We offer substance use treatment and recovery support services through our CARE (Co-occurring And Relationship Empowerment) programs and are offering all services in person. We also offer support outside of appointments 24/7 with our Connections app. You can contact us directly at 908-253-3119 to get started.

                                    

Community Police Alliance Coordinator Dameon Stackhouse and Bridgewater Acting Chief of Police John Mitzak speak with Leadership Somerset participants about the CPA program’s pilot year.

To learn more about the Community Police Alliance, click here.

 CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

INTERESTED IN OWNING A HOME?

START by contacting CJHRC and learn the purchasing process!  CJHRC offers FREE homebuyer education through individual counseling (in-person, phone or virtual meeting) or a combination of counseling and a web-based program. With housing prices and interest rates increasing, potential homebuyers need to know how much home they can afford and they need to review their credit report to obtain the best rates. Clients will learn about Fair Housing, Money Management, Credit, How to Obtain a Mortgage, the Important of Obtaining a Real Estate Attorney, Homeowner’s Insurance, Grant Opportunities, the State of NJ Very Low/Low/Moderate Income Program and more. Once the counseling is complete and all required paperwork is submitted, a certificate valid for 12 months will be issued which can help to obtain downpayment & closing cost assistance grants, a special mortgage rate, and reduced attorney rates. Contact CJHRC today at 908-446-0036 to learn how you can enroll in our FREE counseling.  

FREE INFORMATIONAL WEBINARS!!!

CJHRC has created a new informational webinar – HOME SAFETY. Learn important information all homeowners and tenants should know about home safety, the importance of preparing a disaster plan, fire prevention, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, home fire sprinklers, do you live in a flood zone and what that means, home maintenance tips and more. Join us for this beneficial webinar on September 28, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There will be a Q&A at the end of the webinar. To register, click the link below or contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036.

September 28, 2022 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8088178383331122704

___________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming & Recorded Webinars:

2-Day Virtual Homebuyer Webinar
September 19 and September 21, 2022
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
(you MUST register & attend both days)
Click here to register

NEW Informational Series Webinar:
Important information all homeowners should know (why you should have a Will if you are a homeowner; affordable housing rules for heirs; and other information for NJ homeowners) 
More info to follow in October’s Newsletter

2-Day Virtual Homebuyer Webinar
November 15 and November 17, 2022
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Contact a CJHRC Counselor for the links

Recorded Senior Workshop with Fraud Expert
Click here to register and view

Recorded Post Purchase Webinar*
Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 to obtain the link
*The first 40 Somerset County homeowners can obtain a FREE Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Detector after viewing the Post Purchase webinar and completing paperwork)

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.  

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. CJHRC posts weekly on our social media accounts.

Somerset County Youth Council Safe Night 2022

Submitted by Angelica Sandi, Human Services Specialist & Youth Council Co-Advisor

The annual Safe Night event took place at the Franklin Youth Center in Somerset, NJ, on July 30, 2022. Safe Night is a fun-filled night for teens in the community to play games and connect without the use of drugs, alcohol, or arguments. Commissioner Paul Drake gave the opening remarks, while Josh Wolf from EmPoWER Somerset gave an insightful keynote speech about the power of connection and social media. The teens enjoyed Zumba, creating mindfulness jars, playing basketball, and ultimately connecting with other teens in the community. This event was made possible by the creativity of the Somerset County Youth Council and through collaboration with the Franklin Township Youth Center, EmPoWER Somerset, Middle Earth, and Safe + Sound Somerset.

Medicare Fall Open Enrollment

Written by Joshua O’Neal, Eldercare Educator

What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is when all people on Medicare can change their Medicare health and prescription drug coverage for the following year. Cost, coverage, and access to preferred providers should all be considered. You do not need to make changes each year, but you can still review your options.

There are two different ways to receive Medicare health care:

1. Original Medicare - Parts A and B provide coverage to see health care providers who accept Medicare insurance. Many people also add a Part D prescription drug plan and Medicare Supplement insurance often called “Medigap”.

    

2. Medicare Advantage– You can choose a plan offered by a private insurance company that bundles parts A, B, and usually D. This is also known as Part C.

Open Enrollment starts on October 15^th and goes through December 7^th. During this time, you can change your choice of Medicare health coverage or change your Medicare prescription drug coverage. If your prescriptions or doctors have changed you should review your Medicare coverage to make sure that your needs are still covered by your plan. You may also want to make changes to lower your out-of-pocket costs. Changes made will take effect on January 1, 2023.

During the Open Enrollment Period, you can change:

• From one Part D plan to another
• From one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• From Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
• From Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare

Important Dates to Be Prepared for Open Enrollment

In late September, review drug list and list of doctors:

Your current Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan is required to send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter, which will explain any changes in your current plan’s coverage and costs for 2023. In some cases, the plan you have may no longer be available for the following year. It is important to watch the mail for this information to understand the changes. This is also a good time to review your drug list and your list of doctors to prepare for Open Enrollment, if you wish to make changes.

October 1, Part D Drug plan and Medicare Advantage plan information for 2023 is published:

Starting October 1, information on Part D and Medicare Advantage plans for 2023 becomes available and companies can begin to market their plans. Medicare has rules about how plans and their agents can market and communicate during Medicare’s Open Enrollment. Although your current insurance company can call you about their options, you do not need to speak with them. If you want specific information from any company, they CANNOT try to discuss or sell other types of insurance products, offer gifts, or set deadlines before December 7 or otherwise pressure you to make a decision.

In evaluating your options for 2023, review the coverage to see if it meets your needs:

• Are your health care providers in network with the plan?
• Are your drugs covered by the plan?
• Is your local pharmacy in network and preferred with the plan?
• Are the services you need covered by the plan?
• Compare the total costs for insurance premiums, deductibles, coinsurance charges, and copayments.

October 15 – December 7, Open Enrollment:

Open Enrollment begins on October 15 for 2023 Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Even if you are pleased with your current Medicare coverage, you may find a more suitable plan that will better fit your needs for the coming year. If you choose to stay with your current plan, you do not need to do anything. Please ensure you understand any changes that will happen to your plan for the following year.

How Do I Get Assistance During Medicare Open Enrollment?

SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is a program within the Somerset County Office of Aging and Disability Services. This program offers free, confidential, unbiased counseling to help people (and caregivers) who are on Medicare understand and navigate their Medicare options.

SHIP can provide assistance during open enrollment with:

• Providing cost and benefits information on the various Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans
• Determining the best Part D drug plan for a given drug list and pharmacy choice
• Understanding the rules about purchasing Supplemental (Medigap) Insurance
• Determining which providers are in a Medicare Advantage network

Scheduling an Appointment

Appointments for assistance can be made at any time during the year by contacting SHIP via phone at (908) 704-6319 or toll free at (888)747-1122 and ask for SHIP. You can also email requests for assistance at Ship@co.somerset.nj.us.

Calls are handled by certified, unbiased counselors who have been trained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help people navigate the Medicare system. Appointments are available via phone, virtual, or in-person at the Office of Aging and Disability Services (27 Warren Street, Somerville, NJ 08876) or at one of our county-operated senior centers. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a statewide program administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services with financial assistance through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Bike Safety Workshop Recap

Submitted by Dameon Stackhouse, Community Police Alliance Coordinator

I wanted to thank everyone that played a major role in what I consider “a wonderful time with the community.” Here are some of the pictures that the State Troopers and Bridgewater Police Department have so graciously shared with us.

Most of you know that the desire to provide a learning experience about bicycle safety for the community came through a tragic accident, and my heart feels a little better to know that we are doing our part to help prevent future incidents.

The fact that we all (Bridgewater PD, New Jersey State Police, Somerville PD, Somerset County Human Services, and Bridgewater Township) came together is amazing to me and should be applauded. During my first year as the Community Police Alliance Coordinator I understand that the logistics of most things are extremely difficult but I am encouraged by what I saw on Saturday… THANK YOU!

(The Bike Safety Workshop took place on Saturday, August 20, 2022)

One Year Ago 

Submitted by Meg Isbitski, Mental Health Administrator

For many of us, it’s hard to believe that a year has passed since Tropical Storm Ida hit New Jersey, On September 1st, 2021, Somerset County received 11 inches of rainfall in 6 hours, wrecking such havoc to be declared a FEMA impacted county and re-drawing flood plans. Thousands were impacted that night, measured by the 13,000 911 calls dispatchers received, 8558 households that applied for FEMA assistance, 8 home and business explosions, and 5 residents who lost their lives that night.

It’s difficult to look back on the chaos and destruction neutrally. This date memorializes for many how they may still not be back to the baseline level of functioning they were at when Ida struck. Many are still not back in their homes, are still dealing with damages and insurance, medical and mental health issues, or financial and employment impacts. The year anniversary may bring up uncomfortable feelings, loss of sleep, increased substance use, irritability, frustration, and apathy. This is a reminder to be gentle with yourself as you reflect on the collective trauma, the loss of security, and those residents that we have lost.

Even yet, Somerset County is an incredibly resilient community, and the year anniversary reminds us of those who pulled together during this time: our selfless first responders who facilitated 520 air and water rescues, our community members who pulled together contributions and clean up efforts, and those who sacrificed for others when they lost so much themselves. The human spirit is untiring and proves that hope cannot be destroyed.

For those who are still impacted by Ida:

• The Somerset County Hope and Healing program is offered through Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center and provides virtual and in-person emotional support services to Somerset County residents and employees in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The grant remains in action until October 31st, 2022 and has already reached 1064 residents this year. If you are feeling fearful, overwhelmed, stressed, or are experiencing burnout, call 908-231-6414 or email us at HopeandHealing@co.somerset.nj.us.More info found here
• Legal Services of Northwest Jersey has grant funding to provide case management services to residents who were impacted by Ida and are still experiencing difficulty with navigating unmet needs such as: insurance difficulties, housing, mental health, medical needs, and transportation, with a special emphasis on residents over 50. Contact Semhar A. Gebregzabher for more information: sgebregzabher@lsnj.org
• Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen still has limited resources for residents who have been impacted by Ida with have unmet financial needs. Contact Maria Hunter to find out more: mhunter@ccdom.org

Steps to take this upcoming hurricane season:

• Understand the coverage provided by your home, renter, business, and auto insurance policies and update as appropriate. Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program offered through 50 participating providers: https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance
• Follow the guidance for Emergency Preparedness Month: Make a plan specific to the needs of household members and pets
• Sign up for receive disaster alerts and warnings: Sign up for SMART 911, Nixle, Register Ready
• Prepare a go bag: Have access to shelf stable food and water, a flashlight, first aid kit, and prescribed medications for sheltering in place. Have birth certificates, passports, and social security in a safe but easily accessible place
• The State of New Jersey has been awarded $228 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Take this survey to record how you think the funds should be allocated through the 6 counties FEMA declared as disaster areas: https://www.nj.gov/dca/ddrm/home/idasurvey.shtml

Recovery Month Newsletter

Submitted by Meg Isbitski, Mental Health Administrator

September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate and bring awareness to our community members living in recovery of mental health conditions and substance use disorders.  This month’s theme is Every Person. Every Family. Every Community., highlighting that recovery takes a village and impacts way more than just the individual.  Recovery Month celebrates the personal stories of those who are thriving, while also acknowledging those we have lost to overdoses and suicides.

This is a time to reduce the stigma and acknowledge how deeply this impacts us all.  There are approximately 22 million people, or 10% of Americans, living well in recovery among multiple pathways.

Recovery can look different for everyone, and it is imperative to understanding we all have a personal, individualized journey along this spectrum.  It is not realistic to assume there is one way to live. A popular sentiment in the recovery community is “What worked for you may kill me”.

Some options can include:

• Traditional mental health therapy
• Medication Assisted Treatment
• Psychiatric Medication
• Support groups (12 step, Smart Recovery, family/sibling support)
• Peer support
• Harm Reduction
• Holistic Alternatives (yoga, reiki, meditation, acupuncture, equine)

This month we would especially like to highlight our amazing agency partners that do this work every day with their dedicated teams of clinicians, case workers, direct support professionals, peer recovery specialists, prevention educators, and leadership to keep us all going.  Please look through our newsletter to learn how to seek employment within our fantastic network. 

For more information about resources, please see our county Resource Guide.

To speak with someone for assistance in navigating services, please contact the Somerset County Department of Human Services to speak with Addictions Services Director Lisa Federico or Mental Health Administrator Meg Isbitski. 908-704-6300 or humanservices@co.somerset.nj.us

To get involved, join us at our upcoming meetings to learn more and advocate:

Stigma Free Somerset County--September 16^th

Human Services Joint Council Meeting--September 28^th

PAC/PACADA (mental health and substance use prevention and treatment providers)—October 3rd

Mental Health Board—October 6th

LACADA (Local Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse)—October 19th

All meeting information is located on the department calendar.

And remember, recovery means all of us: Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.

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

Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC)

Housing Resource Center/Fee for Service Assistant/Housing Counselor

Responsibilities:

• Answer, return and direct phone calls and take detailed messages
• Assist clients with information to address their housing issues ans/or locate housing
• Accurately enter and update data into a computerized database
• General office work such as data entry, filing and sorting mail/distributing mail, making copies, scanning and uploading documents, registering clients for programs
• Provide administrative support and work on projects when needed for all departments
• Additional duties as management deems necessary
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Link for full details: https://cjhrc.org/images/Flyer_for_HRC_FFS_Assistant_April_2022.pdf