HUMAN SERVICES NEWSLETTER 5/20/21

OFFICE ON AGING/ADRC -- ANNUAL NEEDS SURVEY

The Mercer County Office on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Connection is the federally designated agency responsible for the assessment, development, and funding distribution of programs/services for those 60 years of age or older in Mercer County. To comply with the Older Americans Act of 1965, an annual survey to determine the needs of the aging community is to be done, and results are incorporated in the Area Plan Contract. The Office on Aging will complete this in two ways: by hosting a virtual public hearing and by using responses of its 20 Questions survey.

Mercer County residents, older adults and caregivers are welcome to attend the virtual public hearing on June 30 at 10 a.m. by joining it here and respond to the 20 Questions survey by July 1 here. These tools will allow the Office on Aging to get a snapshot of the needs in the Mercer County aging community for its plan. Thank you for your interest and assistance in this effort! 

For more information, please visit the Mercer County Aging & Disability Resource Connection and the Office on Aging web pages, email adrc@mercercounty.org or call 609-989-6661.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the availability of the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, which provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income consumers. Eligible households can enroll through an approved broadband service provider or by visiting the GetEmergencyBroadband.org site. The application process opened on May 12, 2021, and eligible households can receive:

• Up to a $50-per-month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, table, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount are allowed per household. Program rules acknowledge that there may be more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

Additional information about the EBB Program is available in this Overview Module. Help in applying for the program is available from the Emergency Broadband Support Center by emailing EBBHelp@usac.org or calling (833) 511-0311.

Apply Early! The EBB Program will end when funds are exhausted or six months after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health emergency, whichever is sooner.

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County (JFCS) is asking the community to help keep the agency pantry stocked with fresh produce throughout the spring and summer by harvesting from their very own gardens.

In years past, the JFCS pantry has been able to accept limited donations of fresh produce but now with the mobile food pantry going out 3-5 times per week, there is significantly increased demand for a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The on-site food pantry also continues to see high use, with 80-100 visits per month.

“We always appreciate the donations from local individuals or even community gardens as it provides variety to the produce we usually offer,” said Beth Englezos, JFCS Manager of Hunger Prevention. “While we are able to store and distribute fresh and frozen produce from our regular food providers, there is something extra special about being able to give out locally grown, fresh from the garden items to our clients.”

JFCS is tying into the national Plant-a-Row initiative which encourages individuals to plant items in their personal or communal gardens for the specific purpose of harvesting to donate to local food pantries. To read more about JFCS's growing program and ways to be involved, click here. 

JOB OPPORTUNITY IN THE COMMUNITY

Learn & Earn Program 9th-to-12th-Graders Like working with your hands? Like to fix things? Interested in learning how a bike shop operates? Looking to build experience for a job? Students volunteer for 25 hours in the Club’s Bike Exchange at Capital Plaza. During this period you learn basic bike repair skills, help with typical bike shop chores, learn how to interact with customers and conduct bike sales. There is no cost to enroll and $500 completion stipend is available to eligible students. This program is limited to the first 10 students who enroll. For more information, contact Ajeane Knibye at aknibye@bgcmercer.org or 609-695-6060 x 223.

UPCOMING TRAININGS, SEMINARS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

Millhill is excited to share with you three exciting programs for Trenton youth. These combined programs have 100 openings for youth at the middle school and high school levels and everyone has the opportunity to earn a stipend of $300, $700 or $1,200 based on their program and active participation this summer. We need your support to spread the word by sharing this note with leaders in your organization who are passionate and committed to developing youth to reach their goals. All candidates can apply by visiting www.millhillcenter.org. 

STEM Explorers Summer Program

A new middle school, science summer program for rising 7th-, 8th- and 9th-graders. Millhill is providing Chromebooks and a $300 scholarship based on participation. 

• STEM Video 

Mayor's Youth Workforce & Career Training Program (YWCT)

An interactive, development program including workshops, videos, and dynamic guest speakers for youth ages 15-21 years old. Millhill is pleased to have Mayor Reed Gusciora as one of its guest speakers to dialogue with the youth this summer.

• YWCT Video 

Millhill's New Youth Council

A new advisory council led by youth motivated to make a difference in their community by learning how government works and sharing the youth perspective with policy makers and decision makers.

• Youth Council Video 

Biweekly Overdose Education & Naloxone Trainings Held virtually every other Wednesday (6/2, 6/16...). Learn about using naloxone (brand name Narcan) and request a free kit mailed anywhere in New Jersey. Click here to sign up. Follow them on Instagram @njharmreduction and visit www.njharmreduction.org to sign up for their newsletter!

You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to receive Dept. of Human Services Newsletters. Reminder that if you want to view the current list of Request For Proposals and Bid Opportunities for Mercer County, click here!

To view the current list of available jobs with Mercer County, as well as various other career resources, please visit the Job Opportunities tab on the Mercer County Website. 

The Mercer County Department of Human Services fosters a comprehensive human service delivery system that enhances the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents of Mercer County. The department's goal is to create an environment of public trust by empowering and strengthening individuals and families, advocating for sound policy, mobilizing resources, and acting as champions for those citizens who are most vulnerable and in need of services.

Through its offices and divisions, the Department of Human Services provides funding to community-based organizations for those organizations to provide direct services to Mercer County residents. The department does not provide direct services to Mercer County residents, but directs Mercer County residents to where they can access services. With this funding, the Department of Human Services complies with procurement practices in accordance with the New Jersey Public Contracts Law 40:A:11-1 et seq.