July 2010: In This Issue
Welcome to the 8th 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 13 Family Success Centers in Newark and that number will continue to grow in the months to come.
Currently, Family Success Centers are operated by 10 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, North Ward Center, and the Salvation Army. In this issue we welcome the Salvation Army, which operates the Grand Family Success Center to help support the needs of grandparents raising grandchildren. In addition, Newark Now serves in an intermediary role, helping to facilitate the work of all 13 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 empowering 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
"Ms. Taylor", a resident of Seth Boyden and mother of three, came into the Center for housing related concerns. While there she told us that she was pregnant with twins and also admitted to abusing substances. "Ms. Taylor" stated that she had an open DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) case but had not received substance abuse treatment or additional services needed for her children. The Family Success Center staff contacted "Ms. Taylor's" DYFS worker and advocated on her behalf. "Ms. Taylor" has since been provided substance abuse treatment, prenatal care and wrap-around services. As a result of the assistance provided, "Ms. Taylor" has been able to retain custody of her children. Last month she delivered 2 healthy babies and they are doing well. "Ms. Taylor" also participated in the Community Baby Shower sponsored by Newark Now where she received valuable prenatal information and baby presents. "Ms. Taylor" says if it had not been for the people at the Seth Boyden Family Success Center helping her she would not be clean and sober and with her children. This is just one example of "Family Success."
Address: 200 South Orange Avenue
Phone Number: 973-623-8016
Contact Person: Genieva Broadus
Success Story
A mother desiring her GED came to the Family Success Center for assistance registering for GED classes. She told the staff she was denied multiple jobs due to not having a high school diploma or GED. The Family Success Center staff connected the mother to Essex County College's GED program. She later informed us that she started the GED course and expressed how excited she was to be back in school to better herself.
Address: 441-443 Broad Street
Phone Number: 973-624-2528 x131
Contact Person: Alexa Baez
Community Event
The month of March was Women's History Month. The FOCUS Family Success Center held a workshop to celebrate women and how far they have come. We had 10 women in our Center participate in a workshop where they learned about how important women are in the community and the roles they play in the workforce. The workshops worked on strengthening women and the ways in which they view themselves. We wanted the mothers to realize that a mother is one of the most important influences in the life of a daughter and their development - that they are the first women their daughters look up to and want to be like. The women who participated loved the workshop and would like for us to do it again so that they can bring other women they know and they can leave feeling empowered as they did.
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: Petra Chavez
Success Story
"Ms. Torres" is a single parent of two children who has been part of the Center since we opened our doors in April 2008. We have always appreciated her sunny and positive attitude. Sadly, in late 2009, "Ms. Torres" suffered a severe stroke at the age of 39. The stroke left her with limited mobility and in need of a great deal of support. We have helped her in her search for housing and were successful in acquiring the necessary housing and furniture vouchers to help her move from a 4th floor to a 1st floor apartment. We were also able to assist her in accessing much needed medical transportation to be able to attend her weekly appointments to receive physical, occupational and speech therapy. Thanks to the support of the staff at the Center, she has gained back some of her physical mobility and speech ability and is in the process of moving to a handicapped accessible apartment.
Family Success Center I
Address: 23 Broadway
Phone Number: 973-483-2703 x2218
Contact Person: Diana Rojas
Family Success Center II
Address: 595 North 6th Street
Phone Number: 973-482-9002
Contact Person: Nila Rouiller
Success Story
The "Quinones" have three children, a sixteen year old boy, an eight year old boy and a five year old girl. The parents shared with us that their eight year old has Down Syndrome and that his development level is that of an eleven-month-old baby. "Mrs. Quinones" stressed that she loved her child but that she felt overwhelmed and could not understand why their child was born with this disability. She struggled to share that she needed to learn more about her child's condition. Both parents appeared to be honestly confused with their situation - they could not understand how to educate or teach a child with this condition.
Our Family Success Center staff welcomed the family and complimented them on visiting the Center and for demonstrating interest in learning more about their child. The parents enrolled in a weekly Parenting Skills class. "Mr. Quinones" accompanied "Mrs. Quinones" as often as he could - he is the sole household provider and could not take off work to attend all of the classes. Throughout their participation the mother has expressed her relief to find out that her child has challenges, but they are not alone. We connected the family with several resources that would benefit the child and assist the family with some of the stress that has developed in the family with the arrival of their new sibling. The mother and her child have become regular participants at our Family Success Center and have expressed their appreciation for educating and directing them in the right direction. The father and the other siblings also take part in weekly activities, such as computer literacy, yoga, and performing arts. They also help organize activities at the Center. Through the mother they have learned to cope with the disabilities of the child. In a recent group meeting the "The Quinones" family shared that they no longer feel isolated - they know they are blessed. They refer to their family as a "normal" family and seem much more confident of themselves.
Address: 131-185 Bergen Street
Phone Number: 973-565-9500
Contact Person: Joann Williams-Swiney
Community Event
New Community's Family Success Center recently held its first Community Advisory Council meeting. The Council is comprised of a group of concerned volunteers including parents, educators, NCC employees, seniors and mature workers.The Council will help plan strategies to assist the Family Success Center in creating exciting activities and special events. The Council will also provide insight and information on major issues within the community, serve as a resource, and review and advise the Center policies. Meetings will be held every third Thursday of the month at 5 p.m.
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 April 28th, an informational session turned into a family celebration! In observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month CWW Family Success Center hosted a presentation to aid parents with issues regarding abusive behavior toward family offspring. Penny Dragonetti, Director of the Partnership for Family Success, discussed anger management techniques and how to establish a better relationship between children and parents. While parents listened intently to the presentation, the children were entertained by "Andy the Clown", who mesmerized them with magic tricks and funny stunts. At the end of the evening "Andy the Clown" played music for all in attendance and everyone danced the night away. Everyone took home royal blue and silver balloons and "prevent child abuse" mementos reminding them of the fun time they had learning about what makes a healthy and happy family.
Success Story
In May of 2009 "Joe" came to CWW Family Success Center - he was living with his mother who could no longer help him with housing arrangements and had no job. "Joe" didn't know where to start or what he could do at this point. His only concern was for his 1-year-old son; "Joe" wanted to provide a comfortable place for his child when he visited with him on the weekends. He heard that the CWW Family Success Center helped families through a friend. He decided to come down on a whim, not sure of what CWW Family Success Center could do for him.
The CWW Family Success Center Family Partner talked to "Joe" about his concerns. After talking with him for a while, a Family Development Plan was used and a powerful brainstorming session ensued. "Joe" relayed all of his hopes and dreams through creating short term and long range plans, which included returning to college one day (he attended Essex County College for two semesters in 2005). "Joe" was told once he established himself he could do anything. He looked at the CWW Family Success Center Family Partner and said "You mean, you will help me find a place to stay and a job - I won't do this alone?" The Family Partner assured "Joe" that we would do our best and be with him every step of the way.
The first item we needed to tackle was immediate temporary housing. CWW Family Success Center called Covenant House on his behalf and was able to find short-term shelter placement there. The second most important thing to "Joe" was tracking down a job. Our Center referred him to the City of Newark One-Stop for job counseling and placement as well as Newark Emergency Services for Families' (NESF) Workforce Development and Life Skills Administrator. He was able to take the TABE exam (a skills ability test) and pass it with flying colors; within a month, after interviewing for several positions, he located a job opening at the airport and was hired at $8.00 an hour.
With a job in place "Joe" was able to concentrate on obtaining permanent housing. CWW Family Success Center staff and "Joe" contacted several realty companies and private owner listings, as well as other Newark Family Success Centers. It was perfect timing when the City of Newark announced the formation of the Rapid Re-housing Program instituted by the Federal government; NESF was one of 3 agencies within Newark to administer the program. He applied to the program and was told it would take approximately 4 weeks to be approved.
Things seemed to be going extremely well for "Joe". He came by the Center once every two weeks to check in, receive words of encouragement and go over his development plan; if he couldn't stop by the Center he would call. "Joe" was very pleased with his accomplishments thus far and he thanked CWW Family Success Center constantly for its support.
Then the worse thing that could possibly happen to a parent materialized: Due to a freak accident, "Joe's" 2-year-old son died in December 2009. We knew this was devastating news for "Joe", whose whole existence revolved around his son. CWW Family Success Center staff attended the funeral and collected a donation on his behalf. We were concerned that "Joe's" determination to finish his mission would diminish; so, the staff worked overtime keeping in touch with him and letting him know we would be there for him.
We are happy to report that "Joe", even though still in pain sustained by the loss, continued on with his plans. He said: "My son is my guardian angel now and I know he would want me to press on, no matter what." "Joe" received approval from the Rapid Re-housing Program and is set to move by the beginning of June 2010. He also plans to apply to Essex County College again to major in Criminal Justice, hopefully entering the semester of September 2010 or January 2011. By allowing CWW Family Success Center to be his second home "Joe" was able to stay on track and accomplish his immediate goals.
Bradley Court Family Success Center
Address: 48 Munn Avenue, Suite 12
Phone Number: 973-991-1290
Contact Person: Sharmine Williams
Georgia King Village Family Success Center
Address: 250 West Market Street
Phone Number: 973-621-2221
Contact: Aliya Myrie
Community Event
Our Family Success Centers allow our children to "really get their hands dirty" building starter gardens with Greater Newark Conservancy. The children learn how to plant small flower gardens of their own. They learn about the development of seeds and bulbs and the process taken to nurture and provide for the plants that they grow. Children enjoy fruit and vegetable snacks and learn about agriculture and "greener" alternatives such as water conservation and recycling tips when it comes to disposing of trash and used goods. The program runs once a week at each site within our Centers.
Community Event
As a means of connecting pregnant women to prenatal services and celebrating our mothers-to-be, the Newark Now Family Success Centers hosted a Community Baby Shower in the rotunda of Newark's City Hall. The space was intimate and allowed the women to adopt the baby shower as their own.
Valuable information regarding post partum depression, home health aid services and women's child bearing rights were provided by organizations such as Gateway Northwest and the National Organization for Women. There were several other special contributors, including Wachovia, Walmart, Conway and Gift Card Giver, who donated many baby items that the women took home as gifts. In addition Wachovia hosted an information table to inform the women of opportunities to save money for themselves and their children.
The women truly enjoyed the games, fun and fellowship as did our volunteers from community partners like Supporting Our Sisters. High school students also volunteered to complete community service hours by giving back throughout the event.
Address: 286 Mt. Prospect Avenue
Phone Number: 973-485-5723
Contact Person: Vanessa Bohler
Community Event
More than 100 people came to a women's health fair sponsored by The North Ward Center's Family Success Center in Newark, where they received glucose screenings, body mass and blood pressure screenings, breast exams, and attended workshops on nutrition and breast health.
The event took place on May 8 at Casa Israel Medical Day Care Center, and was held in collaboration with the Newark Community Health Centers and Horizon Blue Cross-Blue Shield of New Jersey. The event was designed to create awareness of women's health issues and kicked off National Women's Health Week from May 10-15.
"The event was a great success," said Vanessa Bohler, the director of the North Ward Center's Family Success Center. "I'm glad that the Family Success Center, Newark Community Health Centers and Horizon could collaborate on such a needed service to the North Ward Community."
In addition to the sponsors, several other community groups hosted booths to distribute information, including the city's Department of Child and Family Well Being's Childhood Lead Poison Prevention Program, SPAN, Newark Now's Financial Empowerment Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's Women's Health Program, the Division of Youth & Family Services, Casa Medical Adult Day Care, the Center for Autism at the North Ward Center and the North Ward Center's Latino Outreach program.
"The people were very excited and interested in the services being offered," Bohler said. "Many came because they don't have medical insurance and wanted to receive assistance. Newark Community Health Center has received 29 follow-up calls for a free medical appointment."
Adrianne Davis, the Executive Director of The North Ward Center, said the health fair was a great way to reach out to members of the community. "The women's health fair provided a great service to the community," Davis said. "We were able to get medical care and crucial information to people who might not otherwise be able to afford it."
Address: 699 Springfield Avenue
Phone Number: 973-373-5045 ext. 220
Contact Person: Michael Tillsley
Success Story
One day "Mrs. Evans" received a call from her daughter stating she needed to meet with her at the local pharmacy and that it was an emergency. As they were walking through the aisle at the store her daughter abruptly stopped and requested that her mother watch her two children while she went to get some papers. 15 minutes passed by and "Mrs. Evans" approached the cashier and asked if she saw her daughter. The cashier said that she saw her daughter leave the store about 15 minutes ago with an older male. This is how "Mrs. Evans" became primary care giver for her two grandchildren (so she thought). Six months later her son was arrested and her grandchildren were going to be turned over to the foster care system. Again, "Mrs. Evans" felt compelled to go to court and rescue her grandchildren. During this time "Mrs. Evans" also lost her job. She applied for government assistance and was denied.
The day "Mrs. Evans" walked into the Grand Family Success Center she had almost given up. Upon arrival at the Grand Family Success Center "Mrs. Evans" was referred to our Benefits Case Manager. He was able to get "Mrs. Evans" the assistance she needed by helping her apply for food stamps, NJ Family Care, crisis and grief counseling and Program for Parents. "Mrs. Evans" then received assistance in obtaining legal guardianship for her children through the Kinship Navigator Program. There she found caring people who helped her gain guardianship and financial assistance for her grandchildren. She is now working and fellowshiping with grandparents in similar situations. Every now and then "Mrs. Evans" drops in to say thank you to her "angels".