Since joining Somerset County government as the Human Services Director six weeks ago, I have been warmly welcomed into my role by our elected and appointed county leadership, colleagues within County government and the Department of Human Services, and members of the County Human Services community.  I look forward to meeting more of you in the coming weeks to learn about the organizations and staff who are working to make Somerset County a great place to live, work, and play for all residents. 

While I am new to the Department, I have roots in our human services community.  My first job in human services was with the domestic violence services agency in Somerset County, and I later served for six years as the executive director of a local substance use disorder treatment program.  My career then turned in a different direction, eventually moving into state government where I held several leadership positions in the Departments of Human Services and Children and Families. I have been fortunate to have had opportunities to lead program development and implementation, policy, and operations across many human services sectors, including substance use and mental health prevention, treatment, and recovery support; child welfare; child health; and aging and disability services.  My experience has taught me the necessity of centering our work in the guidance of individuals with lived experience, the critical importance of working collaboratively with leadership, colleagues, service providers, and advocates, and maintaining a commitment of accountability to the residents we serve.

We are living in a time of promise and uncertainty. Somerset County was recently rated as the #1 county in New Jersey to live in, with an overall grade of A+. Yet many of our residents are challenged with food insecurity, housing instability, health and behavioral health needs, and limited access to resources to maintain health, well-being, and safety. We have a remarkably robust array of services and concrete support funded through tax dollars and the generosity of residents, businesses, and faith and service organizations who give their time and money to strengthen our social safety net and care for our residents in need. 

At the same time, we are facing the likelihood of significant funding reductions and policy changes in critical federal social services programs many residents rely upon for food, medical and behavioral health treatment, and housing and community development resources. As of this writing, the shape of these changes has not been finalized, but preliminary and reliable modeling indicates that many individuals and families will experience a loss of benefits or challenges to maintaining them. 

Now more than ever, it is imperative that we maintain a thoughtful strategy for the use of resources across our human service systems. We shall persevere through collaboration and a shared commitment to our values – excellence in public service and promoting the well-being of all residents and communities through effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

Mollie Greene

Director, Somerset County Department of Human Services

Disability Pride Month

Submitted by Jill Williamson, Job Coach, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

Disability Pride Month will be celebrated throughout the month of July. The theme for Disability Pride Month 2025 is "We Belong Here, and We're Here to Stay".  The first official celebration of Disability Pride Month occurred in July 2015. July is the month the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, making it a time to acknowledge and celebrate the rights of people with disabilities. More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States—over 70 million people—have a disability. This month calls on everyone to promote inclusion and ensure people with disabilities are accepted exactly as they are. The first Disability Pride celebration was a Disability Pride Day that took place in Boston in 1990. Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004. Now there are events nationwide empowering people with disabilities to take pride in who they are. 

Historically, Disability Pride Month celebrates humanity, the community of people with disabilities, and their contribution to society.  An increasing number of organizations are expanding their labor force to include people with disabilities and impairments.

The disability pride flag’s colors and symbols represent inclusion. The original was designed by Ann Magill, featuring a brightly colored lightning bolt on a black background. After receiving feedback that the original colors could negatively impact people with epilepsy, Magill redesigned it with muted colors, symbolizing the diverse facets of daily life for people with disabilities.

• Charcoal gray background: In memory of the victims of ableist abuse and violence, including children or those killed, suicides, or individuals who suffered from negligence
• Diagonal band: Cutting across the barriers blocking people with disabilities from full participation, integration, and inclusion in society
• Red stripe: Physical disabilities (chronic pain/fatigue, mobility impairment, loss of limbs)
• Gold stripe: Neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, dyslexia)
• White stripe: Undiagnosed and invisible disabilities
• Blue stripe: Psychiatric disabilities (depression, PTSD, anxiety, etc.)
• Green stripe: Sensory disabilities (hearing loss, visual impairments, etc.)

How to honor Disability Pride Month and the people it celebrates

1.Educate Yourself

• Learn the appropriate terminology: two phrases often describe people in the disability community:  disabled people and people with disabilities. Always use “people with disabilities” because they’re people first. By contrast, the phrase “disabled people” identifies a person by their disability. In other words, a person isn’t a disability—they have a disability.
• Read up on the subject

2. Embrace & integrate digital accessibility

• Many assistive technologies are available to help make websites and digital assets inclusive of everyone. This technology empowers people with disabilities with access to an equitable web and digital experience. 

  3. Participate in Disability Pride Month

• Find the parade or celebration and join the fun!

  4. Spread the Word on social media

• Help people with disabilities connect while raising overall awareness. Notable disability pride hashtags include #TheBarriersWeFace, #WheelchairLife, and #ActuallyAutistic.

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

Community Police Alliance of Somerset County

Since its inception in September 2021, the Community Police Alliance (CPA) has played a vital role in strengthening the bond between law enforcement and residents throughout Somerset County. The program began as a pilot in Bridgewater Police Department and has since expanded to Bound Brook Police Department, with the latest addition in South Bound Brook Police Department, reflecting our dedicated effort to bring mental health and community support closer to those we serve.

The CPA is staffed by a team of three committed professionals: Ruby Ofori-Arthur, the newest Community Police Alliance Coordinator (CPAC); Victor Flores-Lopez, and Dameon Stackhouse. All are Licensed Social Workers (LSWs) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), enabling the team to offer a well-rounded approach that combines law enforcement, mental health, and community support.

Notably, the CPA represents one of the first co-response models in the state of New Jersey, integrating mental health professionals directly alongside police officers to provide more compassionate and effective crisis response. As part of our ongoing growth, we are actively recruiting for an additional CPAC to facilitate the expansion of mental health support within every police department across Somerset County. This initiative aims to enhance crisis intervention, offer vital resources, and foster safer, healthier communities.

Recently, the CPA teamed up with RideWise for a successful bike safety event. The event garnered positive community engagement, highlighting our ongoing efforts to promote safety, education, and active lifestyles among residents of all ages. These community outreach efforts reinforce our commitment to collaboration, safety, and well-being.

We are excited about our continued growth and look forward to building stronger connections across Somerset County to better serve our residents and support a safer, healthier community for all.

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

FREE SERVICES

CJHRC offers FREE counseling services for financial literacy, pre-purchase, rental, post-purchase, mortgage default/foreclosure, fair housing issues/questions and homeless counseling. 

Schedule an appointment to meet with a CJHRC counselor to obtain a tri-merge credit report with scores (same as what a landlord or lender would review). At this appointment an authorization form must be executed and a budget is also completed.  CJHRC provides this soft pull report at no cost to the client(s) - $40 value. 

To get started, click here, use the QR code, or call (908) 446-0036

STAY INFORMED! Get important housing announcements, resources and information by liking us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or following us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing)

4-H:

• 4-H Alumni Career night

• 4-H Fair: Save the Date! The Somerset County 4-H Fair returns to North Branch Park in Bridgewater on August 6, 7, and 8, 2025, 10am-10pm! As always, the Fair is FREE! 
• Book donation drop box info: Cleaning out this summer and don’t know what to do with old books? Somerset County 4-H has a book donation box in our parking lot at the Ted Blum 4-H Center! Please consider dropping off those old books in our book donation box. Located in the parking lot at 310 Milltown Road in Bridgewater, box accessible during and after regular business hours.

Family and Community Heath Sciences:

• NJEP: We are enrolling for October’s cohort of 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: June 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 April’s webinars, please visit: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/wellness-wednesdays/

ANR/Rutgers Master Gardeners:

• Speaker’s Bureau Talks: The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County are pleased to offer the following Speaker’s Bureau talks that are open to the public this July:
• 7/23/2025         2-3pm  Bridgewater Library    Houseplant Basics: talk followed by a plant swap https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/12977523
• 7/28/2025         1-2pm  Hillsborough Library  Houseplant Basics: talk followed by a plant swap https://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/12977413 

• Bedminster Farmer’s Market: The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County will be at the Bedminster Farmer’s Market on July 5th! Bring your plant and horticultural questions and one of our experts will be able to help.

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

Central Jersey Housing Resource Center

Housing Resource Center (HRC) Program Assistant/Housing Counselor

(37.5 in office work week (not remote)

The HRC Program Assistant/Housing Counselor, will report directly to the HRC Program Manager.  Must be committed to the agency’s mission, able to assist with multiple projects simultaneously, work effectively & efficiently under tight timelines, and be able to prioritize projects & tasks.  This position requires becoming a HUD Certified Housing Counselor within 18 months of date of hire.  Will assist clients in-person, by phone, virtually or at a group program & ensures all programs, projects, HRC materials & other services are completed in a timely manner.  Will greet & communicate with clients/walk-in visitors, route incoming phone calls, assist clients by gathering intake information, retrieve calls regularly throughout day & communicate with appropriate staff issues/and pertinent information.

Link for full job description:  HRC_Program_Asst-full_time.pdf

Email resume to susies.cjhrc@gmail.comvisit www.cjhrc.com

Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

Case Manager – AOTS (P/T)

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

Case Manager – R4R

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2205/2372

Case Manager – STAR

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2213/2372

CCBHC Project Director

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2201/2372

Clinical Supervisor – CARE

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2189/2372

Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2109/2372?npage=2

Peer Recovery Support Specialist CCBHC

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

Recovery Support Specialist – Harm Reduction

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2155/2372?npage=2

Senior Intake Triage Specialist

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2221/2372?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.