April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Submitted by Ariela Venezia-Zahemski, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

Every April, our county joins the rest of the country to raise awareness about sexual violence. This particular year is the 25^th year of bringing awareness to this important issue. This year’s theme focuses on prevention and digital safety, reminding us that everyone—regardless of age or gender—deserves to feel safe in their relationships and online.

Whether we know it or not, sexual violence affects our whole community. New data from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) shows that sexual harassment and abuse are more common than many realize. By understanding the numbers, we can better support our friends, family, and neighbors.

• Women: About 1 in 2 women will experience some form of unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime.
• Men: About 1 in 6 men will experience unwanted sexual contact. It is important to acknowledge that boys and men are affected too, though they are often less likely to speak out.
• Digital Safety: In our connected world, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced "tech-based" harm, such as the sharing of private photos without permission or digital harassment. 

Why We Start Young

The data shows that for the vast majority of people, these experiences happen early in life. Prevention education needs to start early so that young people have the tools to set boundaries and respect the boundaries of others. 

• Before Adulthood: Over 80% of survivors report that their first experience occurred before the age of 25.
• Teen Years: For about 40% of survivors, the first instance of abuse happened before they turned 18.
• Early Childhood: Significant numbers of people report their first experience occurring at age 10 or younger.

How You Can Help This April

1. Wear Teal: Teal is the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Wear a teal ribbon or shirt to show your support for survivors.
2. Start the Conversation: Talk to the teens in your life about what "consent" looks like in friendships and dating. Talk to younger kids about boundaries using age appropriate language and teach them how to tell their important adults if someone breaks those boundaries.
3. Share the Help: Post local resource numbers on your social media or in your school’s common areas.

Local & National Support

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Online Chat: rainn.org
• Online Support for Male Survivors: https://1in6.org/
• Somerset County Sexual Assault 24 Hour Hotline 866-685-1122
• Somerset County Family Crisis Intervention Unit 908-704-6330
• Sexual Assault Hotline of NJ 800-601-7200

If you need immediate help always call 911

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance use or gambling challenges, please call our ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165. If this is a psychiatric emergency call PESS at 908-526-4100 OR

CALL the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

April is National Fair Housing Month & Housing Month in Somerset County! 

April will commemorate 58 years since the passage of the Fair Housing Act. This landmark legislation protects individuals and households from housing discrimination. In recognition of the ongoing importance of fair and equitable housing, the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners has designated April as Housing Month in Somerset County, emphasizing that safe and affordable housing is a fundamental right for all residents.

Somerset County is fortunate to offer a variety of programs and services that support housing stability, financial well‑being, and the ability to overcome challenges that households may face.

Explore available resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know:

Click here  to view the April 2026 Housing Month Calendar of Events & Resources, or

visit www.cjhrc.org; click on Upcoming Webinars & Events tile; then Community Events

 CJHRC is offering the following FREE webinars

• FAIR HOUSING WEBINAR

  Attend and learn your housing protections under the Fair Housing Act.

             April 9, 2026                                3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
           🔗 To register and more details, click here

   

• DISASTER PLANNING & RESOURCES WEBINAR

This FREE webinar will cover the importance to prepare, prevent and protect yourself in the event of a natural disaster

           May 6, 2026                                 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
         🔗 To register and more details, click here

If you need immediate assistance:

• Click here to complete an intake
• Call a counselor – 908-446-0036
• Visit www.cjhrc.org
• Email 2cjhrc@gmail.com
  

Grief Weekend Camp: Enrollment Now Open 

Comfort Zone Camp, a 501(c)3 nonprofit offers upcoming overnight weekend grief camps for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver, or close friend. Since 1998, Comfort Zone Camp has helped over 27,000 children – all at no cost to families.

We have several camps serving the NJ/NY area and enrollment is now open:

• May 15-17 – Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center (Johnsonburg, New Jersey)
  • For families impacted by suicide loss
• June 5-7 - Camp Mason (Hardwick, New Jersey)
• July 31-August 2 – Camp DeWolfe (Wading River, New York)
• Sept 18-20 – Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp (Copake, New York)
  • For families impacted by overdose loss
    • October 23-25 – Camp Mason (Hardwick, New Jersey)

At camp, children experience traditional camp activities while also building coping skills and connecting with peers who understand their grief.

Here are a few quick resources:

• Watch a short video about camp: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/566d5a78/rmjL8OPykEmEkYgEj893Aw?u=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRiq8loFDec
• Shareable Flyer: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/e7cb88af/9cOr_4Zmm0iU0qE7aVxSDw?u=https://comfortzonecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-New-York-New-Jersey-Camp-Flyer.pdf
• Refer a camper family here: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6323d2e1/LIiwif5PtU6uZG9jfJ2PJQ?u=https://comfortzonecamp.org/camper-parents/
• Family inquiry form: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6ccbebb9/CWZrY72qokqGyktyChtcsg?u=https://comfortzonecamp.campintouch.com/v2/family/inquiryForm.aspx
• Volunteer opportunities: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/2c667c32/j2mTimP59k6xtyw6Erlbxg?u=https://comfortzonecamp.org/volunteers/

The Somerset County Commission on Child Abuse and Missing Children will host the April Forum on Child Abuse Prevention: De-Escalating Conflict on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) at Bridgewater Manor.

This interactive training will focus on practical strategies for recognizing distress, managing anger in challenging situations, and using effective de-escalation techniques. Participants will learn skills to regulate their own responses, better understand underlying concerns behind anger, and navigate difficult interactions with greater confidence. The session will be presented by Amy Saville, LCSW, and will include opportunities to practice real-world techniques that can be applied in professional and community settings.

All are welcome to attend, but space is limited. Please register using the QR code on the flyer or contact Olajumoke Odedele at oodedele@somersetcountynj.gov.

4-H

• 4-H Spring Carnival

• TOPS Camp

• Touch a Truck

• NJEP: We are enrolling for NJ Empower to Prevent, a virtual National Diabetes Prevention Program. If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with prediabetes, register for this FREE, year-long program by contacting us or completing the registration link https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2soUa9t5kfhGfIO  
• Wellness Wednesdays: April Wellness Wednesdays: Join us for this month’s series of FCHS Wellness Wednesday webinars! These webinars take place every Wednesday at 12:30pm. Registration is required, but is free. To see all webinars, please visit: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/wellness-wednesdays/
• Tune in to the Facebook Live videos from Somerset County Family & Community Health Sciences (RCE) this April! By doing so, you can earn up to 5 LiveWell points (Metric 14)! Be sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/SCNJFCHS/ for updates and videos! 

Speaker’s Bureau Upcoming Presentations:

• 4/7/2026 | 6-7pm | Hillsborough Library
  • Your First Orchid… Now What?: https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/14740083

• 4/14/2026 | 2 or 3 pm | Bridgewater Library
  • Herb Gardening Basics: https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/14742907

• 4/18/2026 | 1-2pm | Warren Township Library
  • Garden Favorites that Deer (almost) never eat: https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/14918575

• 5/6/26 | 7-8pm | SCLS Zoom
  • The Tick Talk: https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/14549781

Vollers Joins Somerset County’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Movement

CiC for Prevention and Recovery is proud to announce that Vollers has joined Somerset County’s growing network of Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW). Headquartered in Branchburg, Vollers construction companies, including Vollers Excavating & Construction Inc., HVI Services LLC, and Layout Inc., are recognized industry leaders and a valued Somerset County employer

The construction industry has been particularly impacted by the opioid epidemic, making workplace support and proactive policies more important than ever. Vollers has demonstrated strong leadership in prioritizing employee well-being, recognizing that retaining a healthy workforce is essential to long-term success.

The Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative funded through opioid settlement dollars helps close critical gaps in recovery support. By partnering with employers across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, the program fosters inclusive workplace environments that support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Vollers joins a growing cohort of early adopters in Somerset County, including The Franklin Food Bank, Empower, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Mannion’s Pub & Restaurant, Home of Somerset County, Floors Direct, and Coqui Insight. Together, these organizations are helping to build a culture of recovery, reduce stigma, and strengthen employee well-being across our communities.

Organizations interested in joining the Recovery Friendly Workplace movement are encouraged get involved.

Contact:  David Martinak at dmartinak@communityincrisis.org or 973-722-5333.

Why Somerset County Needs More Affordable Housing

Submitted by the Community Development Office

There is much information and literature about the fact that Somerset County is a great place to live, work and play. Located in between New York City and Philadelphia, Somerset County’s residents enjoy a beautiful landscape with easy access to several major highways and all the conveniences that come with living in a modern, fast-paced metropolitan area. In addition, because there are several well-known universities in the immediate area, the region attracts corporations and retailers who are drawn to an educated workforce here that can positively impact their bottom line.   While all these factors make for a very desirable community, the unfortunate consequence is an inflationary effect on the cost of housing.

The Out of Reach 2025 Report identifies Somerset County as one of the most expensive counties in NJ, where the housing wage (the amount a household must earn per hour working 40 hours per week, 52 weeks a year to pay less than 30% of their income on rent) is $39.99 per hour.  The report goes on to mention that in NJ, one person must work 103 hours per week at minimum wage to afford a 2-bedroom apartment at the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,079.  This number is even higher in Somerset County, where the FMR for the same unit is $2,176.  If you’ve spent any time looking at what it costs to rent in Somerset County recently, you already know how hard it is to find a unit at these prices.  A survey of Apartments.com listings from March 2026 found that the average rent listed for a 2-bedroom apartment in the southern portion of Somerset County is $2,817. This figure is based on listings for 196 apartments located in Bound Brook, Branchburg, Bridgewater, Franklin, Hillsborough, Manville, Montgomery, North Plainfield, Raritan, Somerville, and South Bound Brook.

Fair Market Rents, which are calculated by HUD, are defined as estimates of  the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard quality units within a metropolitan area or nonmetropolitan county.  HUD uses FMR as the rent ceiling for Housing Choice Vouchers and other programs.  Recipients are not allowed to rent a unit that costs more than FMR.  In 2025, while rents were still steadily rising in Somerset County, FMR dropped.  During the March 2025 rent survey, focusing on 1- and 2-bedroom rental units, only 20 units were at or below FMR.  However, in 2026, FMR was raised, such that 89 of these units are at or below FMR.  While this news is helpful to voucher recipients, it also reflects the higher cost of living.

The New Jersey True Poverty Tracker, published in September of 2022 by Legal Services of New Jersey, emphasizes that high housing costs, along with high childcare, food, transportation, and health care costs, means that many people with incomes that are significantly above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) experience the kind of depravation that is typically associated with poverty.  For example, consider a family of three, one parent and two children.  According to the FPL, this household must have an income below $20,598 to be designated as living in poverty.  However, the New Jersey True Poverty Tracker calculates the True Poverty level (defined as the lowest amount a family requires to avoid deprivation in any one critical life area) for this family in New Jersey at $70,372, which is a difference of $49,774 annually.  Because housing costs are typically the largest financial burden, half of all rental households that live with an income below the True Poverty threshold spend more than 46% of their gross income on rent.

Many of the people that we need to have in this community because of the work that they do cannot afford to live in Somerset County.  Based upon www.careeronestop.org average salaries from March 2026 for the Somerville area and budgeting 30% of income for housing costs, a.k.a. housing allowance, an Emergency Medical Technician with an annual salary of $48,000 has a housing allowance of $1,200 per month and a Childcare Worker with an annual salary of $36,540 has a housing allowance of $914 per month.  Where can they afford to live?  How about a Social Service Assistant with an annual salary of $47,390 and a housing allowance of $1,185 per month or a Home Health Aide with an annual salary of $37,990 and a housing wage of $950?  Where would they live in Somerset County?  Is it realistic to think that a person should commute from out of state?  Because this is not feasible, what actually happens is that people live from paycheck to paycheck, going without necessities like medicine and food so they can pay their rent.  In the worst-case scenario, they lose their housing and experience homelessness.  As you consider this information, think about the people in your life and how much they earn.  How challenging is it for them to find housing that is affordable?  How do you think they are managing?

Consider some of the more vulnerable within our population.  According to the National Foster Youth Institute, “The child welfare system is sometimes described as a highway to homelessness.  An estimated 20 percent of young adults who are in foster care experience homelessness the moment they’re emancipated at the age of 18.  And nationwide, 50% of the population experiencing homelessness spent time in foster care.” (https://nfyi.org/issues/homelessness/).  The Apartments.com survey referenced above found 167 listings for 1-bedroom apartments in the southern portion of Somerset County.  The average rent from the listings was $2,327 a month.  This also means there is a corresponding average security deposit of $3,491.  The combination of high rent and security deposit creates a substantial barrier for most renters, and it is even more severe for youth aging out of the foster care system, who typically have entry-level employment and a limited support system.

Thankfully, local governments, the faith community, and non-profit organizations are all working together to pool their resources and put forward solutions in the form of affordable housing, emergency assistance, community education, and advocacy.  Information regarding affordable developments can be found on the websites for Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (www.cjhrc.org) and Affordable Homes New Jersey (www.affordablehomesnewjersey.com).  New affordable developments are leased up quickly via fair lotteries.  Some units are made available for people experiencing homelessness.  Even with all this positive news, more is needed as evidenced by the struggles detailed in the New Jersey True Poverty Tracker.

With housing issues being so daunting, what can we do as individuals?  We can take the time to educate ourselves about who would benefit from affordable housing and then take the time to educate someone else.  We can show up at a public meeting and express support for affordable housing.  We can donate to a local organization that is trying to help individuals and families that are struggling with housing or other costs.  We can help someone that we know is struggling.  If everyone does what they can, we can make an impact.

The Hidden Environmental Cost of Everyday AI Use

Submitted by the Environmental Committee of the Somerset County Youth Council

In modern day, generative AI and assistive models have become normal in a student’s day-to-day life. Even if it feels almost effortless to use AI, research shows that it comes with real environmental costs that many people are not aware of.

These systems run on large data centers filled with high-performance servers that consume huge amounts of electricity. This energy output increases carbon emissions, especially when the electricity comes from fossil fuels. Today, generative AI is considered to be used more frequently than regular search input on platforms like Google, even though these searches use less energy than a prompt put into AI.

In addition to electricity usage, these data centers also require large amounts of water to stay cool and prevent overheating. As AI continues to grow in popularity, the demand for both energy and water is expected to increase significantly. This raises concerns about how sustainable this technology will be in the long term, especially as more students and schools begin to rely on it for everyday tasks

While AI is a helpful and powerful tool, students need to be aware of its environmental impact and use it responsibly. Simple actions like limiting unnecessary prompts, using traditional search engines when possible, and being mindful of how often AI is used can help overall impact.

As time goes on, the demand for artificial intelligence continues to grow. However, the increase in water and energy consumption is not the only harm. The rapid expansion has also driven the growth of physical infrastructure. In order to meet the increasing demand, companies build more data centers, which require a large amount of raw materials and land. The production of these materials, such as steel and concrete, creates carbon emissions. Moreover, the constant upgrades of servers and hardware lead to additional waste, which ends up in landfills.

Ultimately, as AI becomes more embedded in everyday life, its environmental consequences can no longer be overlooked. While these tools offer convenience and efficiency, they also contribute to a growing problem. Society as a whole needs to become more aware of the impacts of AI. Together as a society, we can balance innovation with environmental stability.

Explained: Generative AI’s environmental impact. (2025, January 17). MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117

Somerset County Recognizes Outstanding Women of 2026

Leadership Award: Nicci Spinazzola

Executive Director, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

Nicci is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor and New Jersey Disaster Response Crisis Counselor and Team Lead. With over 45 years' of experience working across the developmental spectrum in crisis intervention, recovery from trauma and complex grief following unexpected loss she has spent the last 30 years at the Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center of Somerset County and has been its Executive Director since 2014. 

Nicci is the co-author of Lifelines, "Postvention: Responding to Suicide and Other Traumatic Deaths," which is part of a comprehensive suicide awareness and response program for middle and high school youth. She was appointed to the Governor's Task Force on Adolescent Suicide Prevention and served on the Clinical and Professional Advisory Board for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. Nicci was also invited to Ireland by the Irish Association of Suicidology (IAS) to train in suicide prevention strategies and was the keynote speaker at their conference one year later, presenting on Suicide Prevention Strategies: Addressing the Needs of LGBT Youth.

Nicci brings with her the love of her family, friends and colleagues; a continuing faith that what is good and kind in this world will eventually rise above all else and guide us forward; a passion for her work and the desire to inspire courage and open potential for each of us to dream and live a full and valued life; and a deep gratitude to all those individuals that have allowed her the privilege of entering their lives at those tender moments when the light cracks open and presents us with an opportunity to heal... after all "It is in the shelter of each other that we live" ~ Irish Proverb ~

Accounting & Special Projects Supervisor – Grants

A graduate of Kean University, she began her career with Somerset County nine years ago and has grown steadily within the organization. For the past three years, she has served in her current tole, where she is known for her strong work ethic, dedication, and drive to deliver results. Her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has made her a valued member of her team. 

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her large family and values the connection and support they share. In her spare time, she can be often found reading, embracing opportunities to learn and unwind.

Human Services Community Liaison

Angelica Sandi has served as the Community Liaison for the Somerset County Department of Human Services for nearly 4 years. Meeting community members, sharing resources, and building relationships are the components that bring most meaning to her work. Her role includes supporting the Somerset County Youth Council where she works alongside youth members to uplift the people and places around the county through community service and volunteering. Since childhood, Angelica knew that whichever career she ended up in, she was destined to be a helper. In her role, Angelica has made it a priority to lead with kindness, connect with compassion, and help people in our community get the assistance they deserve.

Angelica is a first-generation immigrant, proudly serving the community she grew up in. Her passions include everything wellness, live entertainment, and being by the water. Angelica is hopeful to have many years ahead of learning, leading, and loving our Somerset County Community.

Hi! My name is Karissa Vassallo. I have recently joined the Somerset County Department of Human Services as the Behavioral Health Systems Navigator and Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth Coordinator.  I graduated with a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University School of Social Work am a Licensed Social Worker with a pending clinical license. For nearly five years, I have served as a clinician in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs in and around Somerset County.  Throughout the course of my life, I have been passionate about mental health and ensuring all have access to life-changing and life-saving treatment and support. 

Outside of my work, I am passionate about music and all things creative. I enjoy going to concerts, watercolor painting and crafting, playing video games, and cuddling up with my beloved cat, Arya.  

I am incredibly excited to be working with Human Services team in Somerset County and connecting with residents to facilitate and promote healing within our community. 

Below are various job opportunities available within Somerset County including with partner agencies/organizations. For all inquiries, contact the organization directly.

Below are current job openings at Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center:

Access Center Coordinator

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-016P205

Case Manager – STAR

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-124J1125

Case Manager – AOTS (P/T)

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-093J1195

Intake Triage Specialist

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-095J1191

Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-168J124

Psychiatric Nurse

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-004J115

R4R Supervisor -CARE

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-017P957

Substance Use Counselor

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-163J122

If you require assistance completing the online employment application, you may contact Human Resources at employment@co.somerset.nj.us or 908.231.7120.

Program Associate, Recovery Friendly Workplace program- Part Time

The Program Associate Support Staff Member will play a vital role in supporting the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) program. Key responsibilities include measuring program effectiveness, delivering training to employers and stakeholders, and serving as a liaison for businesses participating in the RFW process. The Program Associate will ensure program compliance, maintain detailed documentation, and incorporate best recovery practices into program delivery.

This part-time position is ideal for an individual with lived experience, and professional expertise that include human resources, business development, and data management.

To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to David Martinak: dmartinak@communityincrisis.org

Link to CiC career webpage: https://communityincrisis.org/careers/