Somerset County Consolidated Plan Survey

Submitted by Henry Giron, Office of Community Development

Do you want to help shape the future of your community and influence the way that federal housing and community development funding is spent in Somerset County?

The Somerset County Community Development Office invites you to partner with us in improving Somerset County. While the office does not provide direct services such as rental or housing assistance, Community Development plays a vital role by managing federal and local grants that fund important community projects. These grants include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Program.  The CDBG Program supports non-profit and municipally-sponsored construction and housing projects, as well as human service programs, all primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income families or individuals. The HOME program focuses on expanding the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing specifically for low- and moderate-income individuals. These projects are carried out by Somerset County municipalities and community non-profit organizations. 

In order to allocate these funds effectively, the CD office needs your input because no one knows the needs of Somerset County better than its residents! Therefore, you are being asked and encouraged to complete the Somerset County Consolidated Plan survey. Committee members will use the data collected from the surveys to make funding recommendations for the CDBG and HOME Programs.

Links to the survey are below if you prefer a convenient, electronic method of participation. If you would like a paper version, please email hgiron@co,somerset.nj.us, and we will gladly provide it to you. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.

Your input will help us establish priorities that benefit you and your neighbors. Take the survey today and help us build a stronger Somerset County!

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ConPlanSurvey2025

Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ConPlanSurvey2025-Esp

A WORKOUT AT WORK?

Submitted by Ayeesha Brown, CCBHC Nurse Health Educator, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

Moving your body is important for good health and wellbeing.  It helps to maintain or improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It Keeps bones healthy, Enhances alertness, concentration, and cognitive health. It boosts energy level and mood. It also improves immunity and digestive health. With all the hustle and bustle of life how can we accomplish this?  Incorporating physical activity into your workday can significantly boost both your physical health and productivity. One effective way to achieve this is by integrating mini workouts into your routine during the work say. These small changes can lead to increased energy levels, reduced stress, and improved focus, all contributing to a healthier, more dynamic work environment. We all need to get up and move, but what can we do? Here are a few ways to incorporate movement into your day:

• Use a standing desk when possible, using an exercise ball as a chair can improve posture and engage your core muscles.
• Set a Reminder to stand and move at least once per hour
• Take a walk over lunch
• Walk during phone or conference calls (If possible taking HIPAA into consideration) Park far from store entrances and enjoy your walk to and from.
• Skip the elevator and use the stairs.
• Do a quick set of exercises like squats, lunges, or desk push-ups.
• Desk exercises, such as seated leg lifts or chair dips, can be performed discreetly and help maintain muscle tone.
• Organizing or joining a workplace walking group or lunchtime yoga session Use the activity/exercise room.
• Take a ten minute break and try some meditation or yoga.

4-H:

• Spring Craft Show; March 22

• Ag-Venture Spring Break; April 14-17

• TOPS Camp; registration now open

• March 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 March’s webinars, please visit: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/wellness-wednesdays/
• Cooking with Herbs Workshop

• NJ Empower to Prevent: the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) 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 

• Bring your plant questions to your library! A Rutgers Master Gardener will answer them for you. This is a walk-in program. Dates and locations are as follows: 

Bernardsville Public Library, 4/10/25 at 2pm 

Your First Orchid… Now What? – Presented by a certified American Orchid Society judge. Interesting facts about orchids, pollination, and the breadth of orchid varieties.  Stunning photos of over 30 different orchids followed by practical information on how to take care of your new orchid, which includes potting with proper soil, watering, fertilization, and the best place for it in your home.

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

Contact a CJHRC at 908-446-0036 or visit our website at www.cjhrc.org  for assistance.

For important housing announcements, resources, and updates like us on social media. 

Facebook: Central Jersey Housing resource Center

Instagram: CJHRC_housing

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

Care Navigator

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2043/2372

Clinical Supervisor OP

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2079/2372

CCBHC Advanced Practice Nurse/Addiction

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2057/2372

Data Entry Specialist

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2051/2372

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

Intake Triage Specialist

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2071/2372?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

Security Guard

https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/2081/2372?npage=3

If you require assistance completing the online employment application, you may contact Human Resources at employment@co.somerset.nj.us or 908-231-7120.