HUMAN SERVICES NEWSLETTER 12-1-23

UPCOMING TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS

WINTER SUPPLY DRIVES 

Finding and Using Information For Your: 

 Diabetes, Eye Health and Emergency Management 

Your Resource Toolkit Workshop #3 

Presented by the 

NJ Department of Human Services 

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) 

Friday, December 8, 2023, via Zoom 

10:00 A.M. to 11:30 AM 

Please join by using zoom link here 

Meeting ID: 823 8537 9566/ Passcode: 713502 

ASL Interpretation and Captioning Will Be Provided. At the start time of the event, individuals who are hearing impaired may also log-in for video relay conferencing here:

https://www.captionedtext.com/client/embed.aspx?EventID=5675385 

Hosted by CBVI Social Workers: 

Candace Darcusio, Angela Jones, and Alejandra Ramos 

Join to Learn About: 

• The free self-management education, supplies, social supports and other resources available to people living with or at-risk of diabetes
• Critical disaster preparedness services and relief services offered by the State of New Jersey
• CBVI efforts to identify eye problems that require further care, save eye-sight, and restore vision when medically possible  

Presenters: 

• Ginine Cilenti, Executive Director, Diabetes Foundation, Inc. 
• Kelly Boyd, Access & Functional Needs Planner, NJ Office of Emergency Management  
• Sandra Williams, Supervisor, Project Better Eye-health Services and Treatment, CBVI  

The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) is pleased to present the Your Resources Toolkit Workshop Series to enable consumers to familiarize themselves with CBVI services and programs as well as other resources that may help overcome barriers to personal security, well-being and participation in all aspects of life. If you have any questions about the Your Resources Toolkit Workshop series, please email AskCBVI@dhs.nj.gov. 

Introducing Mission Outreach's New Mobile Van!

The Rescue Mission is celebrating the launch of its new customized van, which will enhance the agency's ability to provide hope, help, and save lives of people living on the streets.

Barrett Young, CEO of The Rescue Mission, shared, "In this new van, people will be able to step inside and have a private conversation. And the van is equipped to more immediately help people who are ready to come in off the streets and find care."

“Since August 1st of last year," he added, "our Peer Recovery Specialists have been driving in a smaller van into areas in Mercer County where people struggling with addiction are known to congregate. Our staff are on the streets starting at 6:00 am, six days a week, tirelessly meeting people where they are – engaging in conversations, and providing coffee and food 4,342 times, distributed 930 Narcan kits, and referred 74 individuals to treatment."

This Mobile Outreach Initiative is the creation of a unique partnership between Catholic Charities, Henry J. Austin Health Center, Iron Recovery & Wellness Center, and The Mission – made possible by a generous grant awarded to The Mission by the Mercer County Office on Addiction Services.”

Barrett called out a special tribute to Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes, “who has always been a champion for the neediest and has worked diligently to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness in Mercer County.

Barrett cited countless instances where County Executive Hughes has been the first to respond to vital needs - from case management services in The Mission’s emergency shelter to supporting specialized housing for those experiencing homelessness.

“And now, we stand here because of his continued support and advocacy for those who suffer from Mental Health and Substance Use disorders. For all of this, I am eternally grateful to Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.”

Senator Shirley Turner cut the ribbon at the ceremony, with Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and others by her side.

Chalia Perry and Jose Caraballo, Peer Recovery Specialists, are looking forward to driving this new enhanced van to areas where people living on the streets and struggling with addiction are known to congregate.

MATERNAL HEALTH EVENT

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.