Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"^[12]

-"The New Colossus”, Emma Lazarus (She wrote the poem in 1883 to raise money for the construction of a pedestal for the Statue of Liberty)

I have tried to write something wise and reassuring, After the fifth draft, I am throwing in the towel and truly leaving you with a few of my thoughts:

Human being is not a legal status.

If humans actually could be illegal, every one of us non-native American citizens of these United States currently squats on stolen land.  Felony trespassing?  Eviction pending back rent?  The fact that none of the country’s my ancestors emigrated from like or want American’s?  These are serious concerns… or perhaps we should just stop demonizing and scapegoating our fellow humans.

A person who targets vulnerable people and picks on those who are “different” is, by definition, a bully.  Bullies can be dangerous but, in the end, they are mainly frightened and insecure people with maladaptive trauma responses.  I’m working hard to muster compassion for their wounded inner children right now.

In my many years of working with and in diverse communities to solve shared problems, immigrant residents almost always comprise a majority of the participants. What is citizenship besides showing up and working for the common good?

How was your day?

Submitted by: Kristen Wavro, MA, LPC, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

This question is often met with a simple one word answer such as fine, okay, or good.  A child might not tell you that they are feeling overwhelmed with their assignments or that their friends left them out of a game.  A teenager might not respond with sharing the pressure they are failing to get good grades or that they have been experimenting with substances.  The next time your child comes home from school, try asking questions that illicit more of a thoughtful response.  Some examples are: tell me what your favorite part of the day was, what are you grateful for today, or what was difficult for you today?  Asking open-ended questions differently can help improve a child’s ability to express their emotions and be more effective in communication in their daily lives.  Learning how to express feelings appropriately can lead to reduced stress, improved problem solving, effective boundary setting, and an increase in self-esteem and self-confidence. 

Social media, peer pressure, anxiety, dating, bullying, sexual activity, drug use, alcohol use, depression, body image concerns and academic struggles are some of the issues that could be impacting children in our lives.  Children need our support and resources to manage these and other stressors as their brains are bodies are changing and developing.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, different parts of the brain develop at different rates and can take up to 24 years to fully mature!  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, (NIMH), an estimated 5 million adolescents in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode.  The National Bullying Prevention Center reports that nearly one in four teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 report being bullied each year. 

Resources available to children and their families can be found through National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) by texting NAMI to 741741 or by calling 1-800-950-6264.  Support specific to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) youth who are in crisis and feeling suicidal or need a confidential place to talk can be found with The Trevor Project, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-488-7386 or by texting 678678.  Also, New Jersey Department of Children and Families has launched an App available on the App Store or Google Play called “2^nd Floor” that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week available to youth and adults by calling or texting 1-888-222-2228. 

Locally, the Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center is available for mental health treatment of children by calling the ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165.  In the event of a mental health emergency, Bridgeway Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) is available at 908-526-4100 to request mobile outreach emergency services.

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 Bridgeway PESS at 908-526-4100 OR

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

 Human Services Navigators: A First Month's Recap

Submitted by Brittany Lopez-Cruz & Natasha Joseph-Williams, Human Services Navigators

Since starting on January 6, 2025 at our respective food banks, we have been busy engaging with our neighbors and raising awareness about the resources available to them. We’ve worked on addressing a range of needs, including housing assistance, utility support, and application help. The role has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re proud to be connecting individuals with community resources that can improve their lives.

We also want to acknowledge the warm welcome we’ve received from the staff and volunteers at our partner food banks. They’ve been extremely accommodating and supportive as we navigate our new roles, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their partnership. Moving forward, we’re excited to continue building trust within our communities, fostering relationships with local organizations, and expanding our impact in the months ahead.

                            CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

                             FREE UPCOMING WEBINARS FOR THE COMMUNITY!!!

Contact a CJHRC at 908-446-0036 or visit our website at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/0743d3cc/yCguiuFqQ0qL6wtwM5yOkA?u=http://www.cjhrc.org/  for assistance.

4-H:

• Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters Winter Train Show: TED BLUM 4-H CENTER, 310 MILLTOWN RD, BRIDGEWATER NJ - Join us for the annual Trainmasters Winter Train Show! See the incredible display the Somerset 4-H Trainmasters put together! Over 1,000 feet of track, more than 30 unique train displays, hands on displays and crafts, and all types of vendors and crafters. Admission: [CASH ONLY!!] Adults-$4, Children Under 12-$2, Children 2 and Under-FREE. Proceeds benefit Trainmasters' various college scholarship funds. The event will run from 12-7pm on Saturday 2/1, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday 2/2.

• TOPS Camp Registration NOW OPEN!: June 30-July 3, 2024 Somerset County 4-H TOPS Camp - TOPS Camp is a 4-day week of fun, friends, and fascination! With a combination of outdoor activities, educational workshops, experiments with science, and making new friends – this is the perfect week-long Summer Day Camp! Experience opportunities like woodworking, arts, theater, nature, animals, geology, Olympics, water fun, games, a field trip, guest speakers, dancing, cooking, tie-dying, leadership, and bonding! Ages: Completed Grades 1-5. Registration info can be found at: https://4histops.org/events/tops-camp-2025

FCHS:

• February 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 February’s webinars, please visit: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/wellness-wednesdays/   
• NJ Empower to Prevent: the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP)
• Cheese Making Workshop

The NDPP is an evidence-based, lifestyle change program, shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. The year-long virtual program focuses on modest weight loss, healthy eating and physical activity, stress reduction, and healthy coping.

Sessions are enrolling for May 2025. For more information on NJ Empower to Prevent program and eligibility for the program, contact fchs@co.somerset.nj.us

ANR/Rutgers Master Gardeners:

• Bring your plant questions to your library! A Rutgers Master Gardener will answer them for you. This is a walk-in program at the Manville Branch on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 11am – 12 pm and Somerville on Thursday, March 20, 1 pm – 2 pm. For more information on the March 11^th date, please visit https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/11707576, and for more information on the March 20^th date, please visit https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/11702210. If you are unable to attend these dates at the library, there are many ways to have your questions answered. Visit https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/ask-a-master-gardener/

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

Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

Case Manager – AOTS

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/871/2372

Harm Reduction Case Manager

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2037/2372

Harm Reduction Case Manager Bilingual

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2041/2372

Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/1834/2372

Licensed Practical Nurse

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2025/2372

Medical Records Specialist

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/1981/2372?npage=2

Peer Recovery Support Coach

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2027/2372?npage=2

Peer Recovery Support Specialist CCBHC

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2031/2372?npage=2

Psychiatric Nurse

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/1975/2372?npage=2

Substance Use Counselor

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/1345/2372?npage=2

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 Project Director

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the program’s operations, ensuring alignment with district goals and grant requirements.
• Foster positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and community partners.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and compliance with grant and reporting requirements.
• Drive program sustainability through staff retention and community involvement.
• Organize professional development for staff and participate in required training and conferences.
• Build and maintain program advisory boards and student committees to ensure continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; bilingual skills preferred.
• Experience in program management, staff leadership, and partnership building.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to the success and well-being of students and families.

Compensation:

• Salary up to $65,000 (based on experience).
• Full-time, 12-month position.

Other:

• Medical, Dental and Paid Time Off

If you're ready to make a difference in the lives of students and families, we want to hear from you! Apply through our district website: nplainfield.org

How To Apply