Celebrating Pride & Juneteenth — A Time to Remember, Resist, and Reimagine

As we move through June, we are called to reflect on two powerful commemorations: Pride Month and Juneteenth. Each marks a vital struggle for liberation—one rooted in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights, the other in the celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. Together, they remind us that justice is not a destination, but a continuous journey.

Under the current administration, the landscape for both LGBTQ+ individuals and Black Americans remains complex. While we’ve seen historic moments of visibility and resilience, we also witness rollbacks in protections, threats to bodily autonomy, and attempts to erase hard-won civil rights.

• For the LGBTQ+ community, there has been a troubling surge in anti-trans legislation, book bans targeting queer voices, and attacks on inclusive education. Pride is not just a celebration—it's an act of resistance.
• For Black communities, Juneteenth stands as both a reminder of delayed justice and a call to action. Structural racism continues to manifest in policing, healthcare disparities, economic inequality, and voting rights suppression.

And yet, we continue. Across the country, communities are organizing, educating, and advocating for equity. Grassroots movements, mutual aid networks, and everyday acts of care are building the world we want to see.

Let us celebrate boldly and protest fiercely. Let us remember that Pride and Juneteenth are not just symbolic, they are roadmaps for resistance.

Take Action This Month by:

• Supporting Black- and LGBTQ+-led organizations.
• Educating yourself and others about the history behind these commemorations.
• Contacting your representatives about legislation impacting civil rights.
• Showing up—in your community, at the polls, and for each other.

In closing I am pleased to announce that Mollie Greene has been appointed as the new Somerset County Director of Human Services.

Mollie comes with over 30 years of executive leadership experience in human services as a community provider and within the New Jersey state government.  She has worked with state and county human services colleagues on service planning, contracting, and the coordination of state and county operations to promote access to health and behavioral health services.  She has a deep operational understanding of a broad range of human service practice areas including child welfare, domestic violence, juvenile justice, intellectual and developmental disabilities, aging, and housing. 

We are excited to welcome her expertise, insight, and leadership as we move forward with the ongoing and exceptional work of the department and look forward to learning from her experiences, working together to drive meaningful progress in Somerset County.

Nicci Spinazzola, Ed.S., LMFT, LPC

Executive Director, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center         

Peapack-Gladstone Police Department Coordinates Bedding and Linens Drive

The Peapack and Gladstone Police Department as well as the Far Hills Police Department conducted a towel and linens drive from April 7th  2025-May 9th 2025 with the goal to help families in need with new or  gently used towels and linens. Thanks to the generosity of the community, nearly 900 Turkish Towels, several pillows and comforters, as well as numerous sets of linens,  were donated to the corresponding police departments and dropped off at the Somerset County Department of Human Services to be distributed to residents at the May 16th and 17th Free Community Event that took place in Somerville. Thank you to those who donated! 

Building a Stronger Somerset—One Recovery-Friendly Workplace at a Time

Submitted by David Martinak, Program Director, Community in Crisis

The Somerset County Building Recovery Capital: Recovery-Friendly Workplaces (RFW) initiative is redefining what it means to support employees. Guided by the Department of Human Services and funded through opioid settlement dollars, this innovative program equips local employers with the tools to create inclusive, stigma-free environments for individuals and families impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns.

The need for such support is urgent. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 46 million U.S. adults met the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD). Of those, more than 70% are employed. This means millions of Americans are navigating recovery—or coping with a loved one’s addiction—while managing their responsibilities at work, highlighting the far-reaching implications of addiction on workplace well-being.

Substance use and co-occurring behavioral health challenges are often interconnected and occur simultaneously. Without adequate support, individuals with these challenges face heightened risks—especially in high-pressure environments. A recovery-friendly workplace can offer the critical support needed to improve both health outcomes and job performance.

By becoming recovery-friendly, employers can:

• Reduce turnover by up to 23%
• Lower healthcare costs
• Improve productivity and team morale
• Strengthen employee engagement and trust

But the benefits extend beyond economics. Embracing recovery-friendly practices helps build recovery capital—the personal and community-based resources individuals need to initiate and sustain recovery. This approach fosters stronger families, safer communities, and a more resilient local workforce.

The Somerset RFW initiative supports employers on this journey through tailored training, policy development, peer support strategies, and leadership engagement. Organizations that commit to creating recovery-supportive environments are not only doing the right thing—they’re making a smart, forward-looking investment in their employees, their business, and their community.

As Somerset County leads the way in this transformative effort, the message is clear: A workplace that supports recovery supports everyone.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2025 | Bernardsville, NJ – CiC has been awarded a contract by the County of Somerset, New Jersey, to launch the Building Recovery Capital: Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW) initiative. Funded through opioid settlement dollars, this program is designed to close critical gaps in recovery support by fostering inclusive, supportive workplace environments for individuals and families impacted by substance use
disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions.

The RFW initiative represents a key pillar in the county’s broader recovery efforts, engaging local employers— across private, public, and nonprofit sectors—to create and sustain workplace cultures that promote recovery,
reduce stigma, and boost employee well-being.

“This initiative meets people where they are—in this case, the workplace,” said David Martinak, Program Director of RFW at CiC. “It’s not only a compassionate approach—it’s a smart business strategy. Employers
who embrace recovery-friendly practices see measurable improvements in productivity, retention, absenteeism, safety, and overall morale.”

Research from the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago and the National Safety Council (NSC) supports this. Employers spend an average of $8,817 annually per employee with an untreated SUD, but can save more than $8,500 per employee when recovery is achieved.

As the first initiative of its kind in New Jersey, Somerset County and CiC are positioning themselves as state leaders in innovative, community-centered responses to the opioid crisis.

The RFW initiative is grounded in the four pillars of recovery—Home, Health, Purpose, and Community— with a focus on Purpose as a key driver of long-term recovery. By helping workplaces become recovery friendly, the program builds recovery capital at both the individual and organizational level, sparking a ripple effect of support and resilience throughout the community.

Key statistics from NSC and NORC research:

• 1 in 12 employees lives with an untreated substance use disorder.
  
• Industries like construction, mining, and services have the highest rates of SUD—often in safety sensitive roles.
•  Jobs with a high proportion of male and younger workers tend to show elevated rates of substance use.
•  Workers in recovery take fewer sick days (8 per year vs. 11.6 for average workers), stay longer in their jobs, and utilize healthcare less frequently.

For more information about the Building Recovery Capital: Recovery Friendly Workplaces initiative, please contact:

David Martinak
Program Director, RFW | CiC
dmartinak@communityincrisis.org

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) is HUD-certified agency in Somerville, providing free housing counseling programs and services.

What to get started with help from CJHRC? 

Use this QR Code and submit your intake form with your question(s) or area of help you are seeking.

Email: 2cjhrc@gmail.com

Phone: (908) 446-0036

Visit: https://www.cjhrc.org/ to access helpful resources

 To stay connected: Like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) & follow us on Instagram (@cjhrc_housing).

Supporting the Supporters: Caring for a Loved With Mental Illness

Submitted by by Reyna Post, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor

Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

In 2021, 22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness—an estimated 57.8 million people, or about 1 in 5 adults. Behind each of those individuals are families, friends, and caregivers deeply affected by their loved one’s mental health challenges.

At least 8.4 million Americans provide care to an adult living with a mental health condition. When someone is diagnosed with a mental illness, the ripple effects extend to those closest to them—family, friends, coworkers—often bringing up emotional, financial, and medical concerns.

Despite the widespread impact, caregiving for someone with mental illness remains a topic rarely discussed openly. Stigma, fear, or the desire to protect a loved one’s privacy can make it difficult for caregivers to seek help. This silence often leaves caregivers feeling isolated and unsupported. So where can they turn for guidance? How can they care for themselves while supporting someone they love?

Here are a few essential reminders for caregivers:

1. You are not alone.
Many families are walking a similar path. Finding a support group can be incredibly valuable. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI - www.nami.org) offers support groups led by people who have lived experience with mental illness in their families. These communities offer understanding, resources, and hope. Another helpful resource can be the Mental Health Association of New Jersey – www.mhanj.org.

2. Prioritize your own mental health.
Supporting someone with mental illness can be stressful and emotionally draining. It’s important for caregivers to recognize signs of stress and seek professional help if needed. Your mental well-being matters, too.

3. Take care of your physical health.
A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and making time for physical activity are critical steps to maintaining your own health while caring for others.

Mental illness can feel scary, overwhelming, and isolating—not just for the person diagnosed, but for those who love them. Caregivers must remember you matter, too. Your health, emotions, and well-being are just as important, and you deserve support, compassion, and care.

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

4-H:

• TOPS Camp 

• Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters Spring Train Show

• Science of Horology: The Study of Mechanisms for Timekeeping

Family and Community Health 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/

• We would like to congratulate our 10 Rutgers Environmental Stewards participants from Somerset County that finished the RES program and are moving on to complete their certification projects!
• The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County will have a plant Helpdesk at the Summer Kickoff event at the Hillsborough branch of the Somerset County Library System: Monday June 16, 5-7pm. Come stop by and bring your plant questions!
• The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County will be at the Bedminster Farmers Market on Saturday, June 14, 9am-1pm 

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

Art Therapist

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2113/2372

Case Manager – AOTS (P/T)

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

Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

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

Licensed Practical Nurse

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2153/2372?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

Recovery Support Specialist – Harm Reduction

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