NUTLEY FAMILY SERVICE BUREAU | November 2021 E-Newsletter
Nutley Family Service Bureau
November 2021 E-NEWSLETTER
MEET THE COUNSELORS: KELLY RIVADENEYRA, MSW, LCSW
Kelly Rivadeneyra (Master of Social Work), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) always had an interest in social work. Her interest grew as a double major in psychology and criminal justice at Rutgers University, but it wasn’t until she started working at an adolescent residential treatment center that she truly found her calling.

“I felt like I had a natural ability to connect with the adolescents at that facility and understand their struggles,” Kelly said. “This experience crystallized my own path and inspired me to enroll in a graduate program for social work at Rutgers.”
PANDEMIC LEADS TO INCREASE IN SUICIDE THOUGHTS AMONG TEENS
According to CDC research, emergency room visits for suspected suicide attempts by girls ages 12-17 increased 26 percent during summer 2020 and 50 percent during winter 2021 from the same periods in 2019. Researchers point out that “disturbances in our social rhythms significantly increase the risk – even predict – the development of major depressive episodes.”

Teen boys have been struggling with mental health as well. Generally, boys are diagnosed with different types of mental health issues and behaviors, such as aggression in conduct disorders and ADHD. While girls are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and are more expressive of suicidal ideation, boys are more likely to act out and engage in risky behavior.
IDA RESPONSE SHOWS HOW NFSB STEPS UP IN AN EMERGENCY
People were up to their waist in water.
Hurricane Ida left its mark all over Nutley. Homes and businesses were flooded. Fallen tree branches covered the ground. Abandoned cars were submerged in water up to the windows.

When the Nutley community faces such a crisis, residents know they can turn to Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) for help. “NFSB has an agreement with the Township of Nutley to provide social service coordination during any emergency or disaster situation affecting the municipality,” said Katherine Carmichael, Executive Director of NFSB. “Our staff are available during emergencies to provide food, clothing, social service assistance and counseling services.” She added, “We collaborate with the Office of Emergency Management, Nutley Police Department, Fire Department, Health Department and Emergency Medical Services to assist where needed.”
HOW THE PANTRY AT NEFSB IS PLANNING TO ENHANCE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
In recent years, food distributions have been held at The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm and Thursday s from 10 am to 1 pm. Distributions moved outdoors during the pandemic to allow for proper distancing but have returned indoors.

While food distributions continue to be well-received and appreciated by members of the community who utilize The Pantry, we’ve noticed some trends at The Pantry that have us rethinking our approach to meeting the needs of our clients,” said Katherine Carmichael, NFSB Executive Director.
NFSB EXPANDS FOOD DELIVERIES TO SENIORS AND HOMEBOUND RESIDENTS
As part of our ongoing fight against food insecurity in our community, The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) holds bi-weekly food distributions on Wednesdays from 2-5 and Thursdays from 10-1. For those residents who are unable to come to us, especially our senior friends, we bring food directly to them through our home grocery delivery program.

According to Feeding America, “in 2019, 5.2 million seniors aged 60+ faced hunger. That’s 1 in 14 seniors or 7.1% of all seniors. Hunger takes a severe toll on seniors’ health and nutrition – putting them at risk for chronic health conditions like depression, asthma, and diabetes.” “The NFSB Pantry is on a mission to keep all Nutley residents healthy,” said Peg Conca.
NUTLEY FAMILY SERVICE BUREAU
169 Chestnut Street, Nutley, NJ 07110