January 2010: In This Issue
Welcome to the 6th issue of the Newark Family Success Center Newsletter! On an ongoing basis, this newsletter will highlight some of the wonderful work of Newark's Family Success Centers, which are "one-stop" centers that connect Newark families to essential resources and services. There are 12 Family Success Centers in Newark and that number will continue to grow in the months to come.
Currently, Family Success Centers are operated by 9 Newark organizations: The Against All Odds Foundation, Babyland Family Services, FOCUS, Ironbound Community Corporation (2 Centers), La Casa de Don Pedro (2 Centers), Newark Now (2 Centers), Newark Emergency Services for Families, New Community Corporation, and North Ward Center. In addition, Newark Now serves in an intermediary role, helping to facilitate the work of all 12 Family Success Centers with regard to the sharing of best practices, creation of data collection systems, development of strategies to increase awareness of the Centers' work, and identification of additional resources to support the Centers' work.
The Newark Family Success Center Network is supported by many key partners, including the City of Newark, County of Essex, State of New Jersey, Victoria Foundation, and Nicholson Foundation.
What follows is a small sampling of some of the ways that Family Success Centers are helping Newarkers. (Please note: to protect the privacy of the families we serve, we generally have not used their real names in the information that follows.)
We hope you find the newsletter to be informative and inspiring. If you know of any Newark families who can be assisted by a Family Success Center, please encourage them to use the contact information that follows below.
To read previous issues of the Newark Family Success Center Network Newsletter go to http://www.newarkfamilysuccess.org/newsletters/
Seth Boyden Family Success Center
Address: 755 Frelinghuysen Avenue
Phone Number: 973-424-0300
Contact Person: Christine Carter Davis
Success Story
Mrs. "James" was referred to the Center by a friend. Upon intake Mrs. James visited the site with her husband and two small children. The James family was in dire need of household items, pampers, beds, etc. Mrs. James stated that she and her family recently moved into a new apartment and could not afford to purchase basic household items.
The Against All Odds Foundation - Seth Boyden Family Success Center assisted the James family during the Thanksgiving season by providing them with a turkey and produce basket. The agency also provided the James family with tickets for the Newark Now Brighter Holiday toy and warm coat give away. Additionally, the James family was referred to Newark Emergency Services for two twin beds and bedding for the older James children. Finally, the James family received Emergency Flex Funds to purchase baby necessities for the youngest two children.
Mrs. James expressed her sincere gratitude for the assistance provided by the agency. She stated that she was "so overwhelmed with joy" for the services we provided, and "a burden was lifted". Mrs. James stated that it is difficult caring for four children in spite of having the support of her husband. "People don't realize it's still very hard for us,but The Family Success Center made possible for us to buy winter coats, clothing and household supplies. This winter was made a little better for us, Against All Odds."
Address: 200 South Orange Avenue
Phone Number: 973-623-8016
Contact Person: Genieva Broadus
Community Event
Babyland Family Success Center had an "Eating Healthy" workshop with 25 families in attendance. The speaker was excellent, very informative and answered health questions. The guests were highly impressed and interested in the information.
After the workshop the Family Success Center staff provided each attendee with a turkey (donated by Newark Now), a bag of non-perishable food, and a holiday tips & recipes book complied by a Family Success Center staff member. At the end, everyone stated they were pleased and look forward to additional workshops.
Address: 441-443 Broad Street
Phone Number: 973-624-2528 x131
Contact Person: Alexa Baez
Community Event
The American Cancer Society held an event called The Great American Smoke Out for Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November. The FOCUS Family Success Center decided to have a Great American Smoke Out contest with children from different schools and with the families in the community who are part of the Family Success Center. The children were able to summit a poster, essay, slogan, song, rap or poem. Families could enter as a whole or the child could enter on their own. There were so many wonderful entries that we had six winners and the first place prize was a bicycle with the helmet. The FOCUS Family Success Center held a dinner celebration at the end of the month for the students and their families, so they could receive their prizes and be recognized for the wonderful work they had submitted.
Ironbound West Family Success Center
Address: 317 Elm Street
Phone Number: 973-465-0555
Contact Person: Petra Chavez
Ironbound East Family Success Center
Address: 2931 Courtland Street
Phone Number: 973-344-5949
Contact Person: Luciana Lyde
Community Event
Ironbound Community Corporation Family Success Center West held a holiday celebration with their families. Gifts and toys were distributed among the children and lunch was served to the families.
Success Story
One of our community members was a victim of domestic violence for many years. One day she found the courage and decided to put an end to the violence for her and her children's sake. Her spouse was arrested, and deported back to his country of origin.
The community member was referred to the WAWA program, and thanks to them she was able to gain her temporary permit for employment, her social security card, and now her visa status is pending.
The community member said, now she feels safe, secure, happy, and has gained her self-esteem. She is very grateful for the assistance and support she received from ICC Family Success Center West staff.
Family Success Center I
Address: 23 Broadway
Phone Number: 973-483-2703 x511
Contact Person: Victor Montalvo
Family Success Center II
Address: 595 North 6th Street
Phone Number: 973-482-9002
Contact Person: Nila Rouiller
Community Event
On December 9, 2009 we had our Winter Health Fair. Once again we collaborated with Benjamin Franklin Elementary School. Approximately 120 people attended this event.
Health providers such as the NJ Commission for the Blind, Newark Department of Child and Family Well Being, RESPIRA Program, Jewish Renaissance Medical Center, some HMO's, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare, UMDNJ, and others offered screenings as well as information.
Community Event
On November 16, 2009 a total of 12 pregnant women from both of our Family Success Centers had a baby shower after participating in our prenatal program that was funded by The Nicholson Foundation.
Games, prizes, food and lots of fun were part of this event where families came together.
Address: 131-185 Bergen Street
Phone Number: 973-565-9500
Contact Person: Joann Williams-Swiney
Community Event
The NCC Family Success Center provides services to disenfranchised residents. Many of our clients are unemployed, and receive little or no financial assistance. The Center reached out to various organizations for assistance with providing holiday cheer to families and individuals who have especially difficult times during the holidays.
The thoughtfulness and support this year from churches, synagogues, Office of Essex County, private donors and Toys for Tots was a tremendous help. The NCC Family Success Center distributed toys to 170 children, and was able to grant Christmas wishes to 306 disabled residents, elderly individuals and patients of Extended Care Medical Facility. Many of the patients at the Extended Care Medical Facility do not have a family member that visits them. They were able to experience the joy of Christmas and were delighted to receive personalized Christmas gifts with their names on them. In most cases the gifts that they received were just what they had wished and hoped for.
The hard work of many caring people with a desire to help those less fortunate enabled New Community Family Success Center to serve the purpose we set out to accomplish. That purpose was to bring smiles to the faces of children, the disabled and the elderly on Christmas day, for that we thank them.
Central and West Wards Family Success Center
Address: 982 Broad Street, 2nd Floor
Phone Number: 973-639-2100 x236
Contact Person: Mykelle Warren
Community Event
On November 23rd, The Central and West Wards Family Success Center (CWWFSC) kicked off its second-annual celebration of National Family Week, thanks to the gracious and continued support of the Alliance for Children and Families. The event began with opening remarks from CWWFSC staff, leading into sessions on parenting and communication strategies, nutrition awareness, and health knowledge. Special guests included members of St. Paul Baptist Church and Park Avenue Associates.
Attendees returned for a second day of workshops on Tuesday, November 24th, with a particularly relevant focus on financial literacy and money management. Representatives from Newark Now, H&R Block, and New Jersey Citizen Action showed families ways to navigate a more challenging financial landscape in comparison to the economic environment displayed this time last year.
The events concluded on Wednesday, November 25th, with the Thanksgiving Celebration, including an on-site luncheon feast and the provision of turkeys and care packages to families. Above all, the workshops provided 110 families with the knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency.
Success Story
Troubles culminated for "Darlene" in August 2008 when she lost her father to a sudden illness. In her state of grief and losing who she considered "her best friend", she turned to drugs. Shortly thereafter, she lost custody of her 3 children, ages 9, 4 and 2. She had been in a severe car accident several years prior, and was adjusting to the physical and mental strain of this situation. With the combined problems of losing her children, her father's death, recovering from the accident and escalating money troubles, Darlene had fallen into a vicious cycle of substance abuse, depression, and debt.
As would be the case with any loving mother, Darlene's loss of her children pushed her to refocus her energy. She started working with the CWWFSC in late 2008, when we assisted with the legal process of regaining custody of her children. We accompanied Darlene to court appearances, advocated to DYFS and the court judge on her behalf, coordinated activities with Essex-Newark Legal Services and DYFS as well as helped to make all of the proper arrangements by securing the necessary documentation through DYFS. To better prepare herself to take care of her family, The Center assisted Darlene to become an active participant in parenting classes and workshops hosted by the CWWFSC, enrolled her in counseling through Family Connections, and put her in contact with the Emergency Services Unit at Newark Emergency Services For Families, Inc. to shore up any outstanding rent and utilities payments. CWWFCS never left Darlene's side as she climbed out of the darkness into the light. We provided the support Darlene needed.
We are happy to report that Darlene's hard work and determination paid off. At the beginning of February 2010, she will regain full custody of her children and embark on a second chance for which she has worked so vigorously throughout 2009.
Bradley Court Family Success Center
Address: 48 Munn Avenue
Phone Number: 973-273-6869
Contact Person: Chesha Hodge
Georgia King Village Family Success Center
Address: 250 West Market Street
Phone Number: 973-621-2221
Contact: Aliya Myrie
Success Story
In November, a resident came into the Newark Now- Georgia King Family Success Center needing multiple things. At the time, he was homeless and looking for a place to live. In addition, he needed assistance with obtaining the funds for fingerprinting through IBT for a hazmat endorsement on his trucking license. Fortunately we were able to get him a room at the YMCA and the funds he needed to upgrade his endorsement, making him more qualified for employment in his field.
Success Story
In December, a mother of five children contacted the Newark Now - Georgia King Family Success Center in search of winter coats for her children. We signed her children up for the Newark Now Brighter Holiday toy and warm clothing give away. All of her children received a coat, hat, gloves, scarves, and toys. The mother was so happy, she called to thank us and told us how happy and grateful she and her children were for the things they received.
Success Story
A community member recently came into the Newark Now - Bradley Court Family Success Center in search of job opportunities, internet use and helpful resources. He was screened and found to be eligible for additional government benefits. Using the Job Connection resource available at the site he contacted an employer. Amazingly, by 3pm that day the community member was offered a position which he accepted, and is now employed.
Success Story
A community member came to the Newark Now - Bradley Court Family Success Center to apply for unemployment benefits. He used the Family Success Center as a site for computer use and online employment searches continually and shared his interest for higher education. The Family Success Center staff informed him that unemployment benefits can help pay for college and he has begun classes!
Address: 286 Mt. Prospect Avenue
Phone Number: 973-485-5723
Contact Person: Vanessa Bohler
Community Event
The Center's parent advisory board planned a visit from Santa to the Family Success Center.
"We wanted to do something on the holidays to bring families together and encourage more parent-child involvement," said Vanessa Bohler, Family Success Center Director. "Through these programs, children have an opportunity to interact with other children in the community and parents get to support one another, gain a network and friendships." Gloria Nieves, the chair of the Center's parent advisory board, said the Center started hosting parent-child activities during the summer. Activities include arts and crafts, family barbeques and Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
"We share parental advice when we get together," said Nieves, who has a 10 year old son. "I look forward to seeing everyone. We really like getting together."
Before Santa Claus arrived, 15 children decorated frames with holiday stickers and sang Christmas carols. After posing for pictures, they feasted on holiday treats.
One of the Family Success Center's parents, Ms. "Vazquez", would have liked nothing more than to take her three children to the mall to visit Santa Claus. But the Newark mother of three doesn't own a car and doesn't have many opportunities to leave her North Ward community. Ms. Vazquez was very enthusiastic when she brought her children to The North Center's Family Success Center to pose for pictures with Santa.
"I like to do things with my kid, but I don't have the money," said Ms. Vazquez, whose children are 10, 7, and 6. "Going to the mall is just not something we can easily do."
"I feel safe here," said Ms. Vazquez. "It feels good to go someplace where my children are accepted."