A place to communicate. A place to celebrate. A place to connect.
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A Message from
Richard Stagliano
Chief Executive Officer
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A Year for Change and Reflection
Once again, a new year is almost here.
When I look back on 2022, I will remember it as a year of positive change for Center For Family Services in many ways. New sources of funding allowed critical services to expand and serve more community members, more programs returned to a sense of pre-pandemic normalcy, and there were more opportunities this year than ever to invest in your physical and mental well-being, just to name a few exciting developments.
I anticipate more positive change in the new year as LifeTies and The Family Guidance Center of Warren County, Inc. merge with Center For Family Services over the coming months. The mergers will expand mental health, addiction and recovery, LGBTQ+, and safe housing services across the state allowing more individuals to receive high-quality compassionate care.
Thank you to everyone who joined me on my recent listening tour and for inviting me into your space. I appreciate having the opportunity to meet with so many of you and learn more about your successes and hardships. Hearing your thoughts, recommendations, and opinions helps me stay in tune with your needs as a team member. Please know I take your feedback very seriously and will carry this with me as a blueprint for change and innovation.
I’m so grateful to work with each and every one of you. The needs of those in your care are constantly changing, but you continue to find creative ways to provide the personalized support and resources they need. I am proud to see staff showing up for their colleagues and acting as a support system to one another. You are inspiring.
While I appreciate you giving so much to your work, I hope that you find a balance between your professional and personal lives. This means setting boundaries, taking breaks during your day, and making time for yourself and loved ones. Remember to use your vacation and personal days before the end of the year, you deserve the time off. I hope that you participate in the Be Kind to Your Mind Challenge and try practicing self-care daily. Self-care can be anything, big or small, that helps you take care of your physical or mental health. As I’m sure you’ve heard, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
As I look ahead, I encourage everyone to pause and reflect on how you have spent the past year. Ask yourself if you’ve grown or if there is anything you want to let go of. Consider what is most valuable in your life right now or if you have any goals for the new year. Take this with you and make 2023 remarkable.
Be well,
Richard
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Celebrating you and your work! | |
1. The Wellness Committee recently held the Water Drinking Challenge, aimed at inspiring staff to drink the recommended 64oz of water a day. Thank you to everyone who participated in the newest quarterly challenge and congratulations to all winners - Maureen Duguid, Leslie Mosquera-Sotelo, Ledley Stephens, DeNeene Ford, Isabel Cedeno, Rose White, Kathy Rodriguez, Ronna Bouton, Elizabeth Jensen, Enrique Arreola, Cathy Mund, Brittny Perna, Maria Armstrong, Amy Romaine, Leslie Greenwood, and Michelle Kovatch.
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2. Center For Family Services was rated a 2022 Top Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits. Your hard work and dedication to the community you serve helped make this achievement possible! Thank you. | |
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3. Center For Family Services proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, with a Hispanic Heritage Month Lunch and Learn hosted by the Intercultural Competency Committee (ICC). Thank you to panelists Omar Matteo, Maria Pagan, Mary Mercado Carpenter, and Carmen Torres, guest speaker Brenda Roman Maneri - Burlington County First Assistant Prosecutor, and the ICC Racial Justice and Equity for Black and Brown People Taskforce for planning another informative Lunch and Learn. You can watch the recording of this event on Relias.
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4. Congratulations to RecoveryCorps member Sheba Wiltshire, who was recognized for her extraordinary service to the community at the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards. Your work supporting recovery in South Jersey is greatly appreciated.
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5. Center For Family Services co-sponsored the Essex County Mental Health Coalition’s Annual Legislative Breakfast. The event provides members of the community an opportunity to address ongoing developments in the field of mental health. Thank you to everyone involved. Staff pictured left to right are Jocelyn Cuff, Lori Henry, Ingrid Vaca-Bullaro, and Natalie Contreras.
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6. Congratulations to Dr. June DePonte-Sernak, Statewide Diversity Leadership Officer for Center For Family Services, for being appointed as chairperson of the Alice Paul Institute. Your passion for gender equality does not go unnoticed. | |
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7.AmeriCorps VISTA, PowerCorps, and Recovery Corps members collaborated on a project for the 9/11 Day of Service. Together, they created Healing Kits to help children and adults in Center For Family Services programs manage grief, build resilience, and find comfort through creative expression. Thank you to all AmeriCorps members for what you do to support your communities.
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8.Congratulations to Living Proof Recovery Centers on your 10th anniversary! In September, the program welcomed close to 100 community partners, county and state representatives, participants, and volunteers to a celebration at their Voorhees location. Local vendors were on hand to network and share resources with individuals in need. Congratulations to John Thompson, Senior Program Director of Addiction and Recovery Support Programs, who was recognized at the event for his work in growing and maintaining the program through the years.
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9. The Egg Harbor Township School Based Youth Services Program, The Teen Center, highlighted Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by creating a video titled, "100 Reasons Why". The video captures students and faculty celebrating their reasons why they choose not to end their lives. The entire school community was shown the video and given resources to use if they find themselves struggling. Thank you to the Teen Center staff for creating such a timely and important project. Watch the 100 Reasons Why video here.
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10. Elia Hopkins, Psychiatric Assistant with Pathways to Recovery for Adults, recently spoke at the unveiling of the new Camden County Naloxbox program and shared the importance of providing communities with the tools they need to save lives and help individuals on their recovery journey. Thank you Elia for your involvement in this powerful initiative. Read more about the program here.
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Getting to know all about the people on your team. | |
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Maureen Duguid
Clinician, Child Outpatient Specialist Services
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Q: What characteristic do you most admire/value in others? Why?
A: One characteristic I value most in others is the ability to be kind. My parents always taught me to be kind to others; even if they don’t deserve it. The ability to stay strong with your own values and to show that you can accept those for who they are is something I strongly admire.
Q: What three things do you hope to have accomplished at the end of your career?
A: My first thing is that I would love to obtain my LPC which is my full counseling license. I am very close to obtaining all my hours so this will soon be an accomplishment. Second, I would love to be a partner or open my own private practice. I believe opening my own practice would be a very big accomplishment. A third accomplishment that I would like to achieve is to go back to school and earn my School Counseling degree.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last year?
A: During this last year, I have learned that everything happens for a reason. You cannot truly enjoy life if you are too worried about what could/should be happening for you. I have learned that if I put my energy and thinking into showing gratitude for what I do have, positive things will continue to happen.
Q: When are you at your happiest? Describe your idea of the “perfect day”.
A: It is hard to have just one perfect day! Sometimes it means that I am able to do nothing except watch Netflix under a cozy blanket. Or it can mean that I am sitting on a beach with a good book with a lovely drink in hand. In either of these situations, I would be surrounded by my loved ones and we are just able to sit together and laugh
Q: Tell us something about yourself that might surprise others.
A: Although I am very outgoing at work in social settings and speak with coworkers and clients, at home I am quite the introvert. After working with clients for most of the day, I am content sitting in silence for a little while and not speaking to anyone for about an hour after I get home.
We want to highlight YOU!
If interested in being featured, email Jennifer DeSimone-Jewell.
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The Envision team held a field day event for both staff and youth within the program. Great job creating a fun and inclusive activity! Pictured left to right are House Managers Yneria Shuler and Felicia Bacon-Garnes.
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Members of the Camden Promise Neighborhood team held a College and Career Fair to support Camden City students with their post-graduation plans. Staff were even visited by Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen during the event. Thank you for supporting the success of your community’s youth.
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Rosie Jenkins, Clinician with the Essex Outpatient program, attended an outreach event in Paterson. Thanks Rosie for sharing life-changing resources with your community!
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Members from the Behavioral Health team attended an event hosted by community partners Benny’s Bodega and Ginny’s House that featured free chair massages and an ice cream break. Thank you for creating such fantastic relationships within your community. Pictured left to right are Genvieve Caputo, Becky Austin, and Ingrid Vaca-Bullaro.
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The Children’s Mobile Response program had a wonderful team building day at the pumpkin patch at the Ideal Farm and Garden Center. Together, staff enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and a hayride! Great job planning a unique activity for the team.
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Donations to Bridge the Gaps | |
If there is something a client needs that is not covered under your program budget, you may be able to use fundraising dollars to meet the need. Check with your supervisor to learn about options to provide client assistance.
This year, every client assistance request was fulfilled through unrestricted funds thanks to gifts from individual donors and corporate and foundation investment.
Here are a few examples of how fundraising dollars were used to support client needs:
- A car seat for a toddler
- Payment to a teen’s school to settle a fine so they can receive their diploma
- Clothing for several children following a crisis
- Space heaters for a family whose central heater was broken
- A trumpet so a middle schooler could continue with band at a new school
- A shower seat for a caregiver with limited mobility
- Rental assistance for an individual in recovery to remain in sober living
If you are working with a family in need of additional support, discuss with your supervisor to identify funding options. If your program budget does not provide client assistance, ask your supervisor about requesting unrestricted funding for special circumstances.
If you know someone interested in making a gift to Center For Family Services to support urgent client assistance needs, share this link: https://www.centerffs.org/get-involved/donate
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Project Backpack Success
Because of You
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Your hard work does not go unnoticed, especially by the families you work with. A client recently reached out to express their gratitude.
Lianne and her two young granddaughters, Becca and Addison, had a challenging year as they battled several illnesses that put a financial strain on their family. Lianne knew that she would have trouble making ends meet and providing new school supplies for the girls in the fall, so Lianne reached out to her counselor for help.
A few days before school began, their caseworker appeared at their home with two new backpacks, jam-packed with supplies and all the essentials.
“I am so grateful for the support and wonderful bookbags and supplies. My girls smiled from ear to ear while holding their new backpacks and everything they needed.” Lianne recounts with a smile. “As their guardian, I am so thankful and humbled that they do not have to worry about being equipped for the school year.”
Thank you for all of your dedication and determination to ensure that families like Lianne’s have the tools they need to succeed.
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Celebrating Native American History Month | |
The Intercultural Competency Committee is excited to invite you to a Native American History Month Lunch and Learn on Friday, November 18 from 12pm to 1:15pm.
At this event Dr. June DePonte-Sernak will present "Native American Ancestral Journey". June's story begins with her ancestral heritage from the Powhatan Renape and Lenni Lenape tribes. She will acknowledge the three tribes in the state of New Jersey and their important cultural observances and history. June will also explore a number of myths, traditions, and celebrations of the Native Americans. The training will round out with action of how you can share this knowledge and keep the tradition of storytelling alive.
Registration is open!
To learn more about Native American History Month, visit the
Intercultural Competency Committee's page.
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NJ PRISM is now live! Center For Family Services’ newest 24/7 hotline provides information and referrals to New Jersey’s LGBTQIA+ community, and offers prevention and support services, medical care access needs, community safe space groups, advocacy and legal resources. NJ PRISM is the first of its kind statewide hotline specifically geared to meet the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. Compassionate staff ensure all calls are answered in a safe and affirming space.
Get connected by calling 844.NJPRISM (657.7476).
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Recognizing your work in changing lives.
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New Day Family Success Center hosted an impactful Girls Camp program. Officer Elizabeth Kemp of the Galloway Township Police Department spoke with the girls about safety, the role of police officers in the community, and what it means for her to be a female police officer. Following her presentation, the girls received a tour of Officer Kemp’s mobile unit and got a closer look at the gear she wears as part of her daily routine. During the week-long event, the girls made new friends and learned so much from the guest speakers. Thank you New Day Family Success Center staff for growing this partnership and giving youth in your community a one of a kind experience.
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Congratulations to the SAIF program for almost entirely transitioning back to meeting with clients in person.
The team is working collaboratively with county partners to ensure a smooth return to pre-pandemic guidelines. Staff provide clients with weekly job listings and continue to refer individuals to mental health and substance use services. Several clients have successfully secured employment, received workplace certification, or completed occupational training and have successfully closed their cases. Wonderful job to the SAIF team for supporting individuals on their path to independence!
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Back to School on the Right Foot | |
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The Community Connections Outreach and Baby’s Best Start programs came together to host their first ever Back to School Jam. The event’s goal was to provide families with backpacks and school supplies. In addition, families were connected to local resources including South Jersey Perinatal Cooperative, Gloucester Township Police Department, and several other Center For Family Services programs. A pastor from a local church also provided food items to families. Over 40 families attended and staff was able to provide them with over 100 backpacks and 100 travel bags.
Thank you to everyone involved in this excellent event. Because of you, youth in your community started school prepared and ready to learn.
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The TIP team continues to support their families on the path to self-sufficiency. One particular client started with the program in July of 2022, and she was already motivated and focused on her goals. As the mother of two young boys, ages two and five months, she was determined to get into training so she could embark on a career, be able to support her family, and gain financial independence. Initially, she did not score high enough in math to be training eligible for the Camden County One Stop.
Undeterred, she attended math tutoring sessions at TIP with a retired Rutgers math professor who volunteers her time. When the client retested, she made the grade and completed the training registration process. In September, she began her Medical Assistant training program at the ASI Career Institute. Everyone in the program is proud of her and knows that she will be an outstanding Medical Assistant! Thank you to the TIP team for providing life-changing services to your families.
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Bringing you kudos from your supervisors and coworkers.
You make a difference to someone each day!
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Lauren Llewellyn - Employment Coach, ReWork
Lauren, thank you for your incredible work within the Intercultural Competency Committee. Your dedication and enthusiasm bring resources, support, and education to your colleagues.
Hailey Roberts - Youth Development Specialist, Egg Harbor Township School Based Youth Services
Hailey, thank you for working with the entire school community to develop “100 Reasons Why” in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. You encouraged administrators, clubs, sports teams, individuals, etc. to find their reason for staying around even when times get difficult.
Joshua Dillon- Joshua is the Middle School Coordinator,
School Based Youth - Camden City
Joshua, thank you for doing literally "whatever it takes'' to make sure students get the support they need. You supported the students at H.B Wilson and have persevered in efforts to aid your students, families, and community.
Paola Nova - Intake Coordinator, Camden Promise Neighborhood
Paola, you have been such a great addition to the team. You bring a vast knowledge of community resources needed to support families. You have a unique perspective and are always willing to speak up to advocate for your youth, families and community.
Fritzi Ramirez - Case Manager, Mother Child
Fritzi, you have been doing a wonderful job advocating for and helping women and children who are homeless find housing, further their education, seek employment, and connect with referrals and resources to help them become self-sufficient. It has been very hard to secure housing, and you have been making connections with landlords and community agencies to bridge the gap that causes disparities among the homeless population.
Thank you.
Children’s Mobile Response
Thank you for your endless hard work and dedication to
children and families!
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Wellness at Work - A Look at the Types of Diabetes | |
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You, our staff, are Center For Family Services’ most valuable resource, and your overall health and wellness is our priority.
November is American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. More than 34.2 million people in the United States have diabetes and only 28.5 million have been diagnosed.
Diabetes is not a one size fits all disease. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). This reaction stops your body from making insulin. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop quickly. It’s usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to take insulin every day to survive. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults (but more and more in children, teens, and young adults). You may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get your blood sugar tested if you’re at risk. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
- Losing weight.
- Eating healthy food.
- Being active.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes prevention with these articles
5 Tips for Taking Control
How Exercise Helps Prevent and Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health problems. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. However, it increases your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby is more likely to have obesity as a child or teen and develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Ways to prevent gestational diabetes during pregnancy include getting regular physical activity, following a healthy eating plan developed with your doctor, limiting your sugar intake, and testing your blood sugar.
Prediabetes
In the United States, 96 million adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. More than 8 in 10 of them don’t know they have it. With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes raises your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. But there’s good news. If you have prediabetes, a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program can help you take healthy steps to reverse it.
Take this free Prediabetes Risk Test to see if you could have prediabetes.
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Register now for the upcoming Wellness Wednesday Workshop!
Four participants from this workshop will win a $25 Amazon gift card.
Diabetes Education and Prevention - Wednesday, November 16 from 12pm to 1pm
Diabetes is a complex disease that requires daily self-management - making healthy food choices, staying physically active, monitoring your blood sugar and taking medications as prescribed. This workshop will focus on diabetes prevention and how changing your lifestyle can reduce your risk factor.
Register now!
Conquer Your Sugar Cravings - Wednesday, November 30 from 1pm to 2pm
We all crave sugar, but how much is in your head and how much is in your control? This workshop will focus on fun sustainable ways to curb your sugar cravings without depriving yourself of the things you love.
Register now!
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Training Resources
To view Recorded Trainings, visit our Staff Resource page:
Visit
Relias Learning:
Center For Family Services is a great place to grow as a professional. Take advantage of the ongoing training opportunities available to you.
We will continue to share additional resources and trainings as they become available and we encourage you to continue to check the Staff Resources, Employee Portal and the Training Calendar for continued updates.
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