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National Gratitude Month

Submitted by Reyna Post, LSW, Clinical Supervisor, Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center

November is National Gratitude Month. Gratitude helps us appreciate what we have, instead of what we don’t.  Research has shown that individuals who practice gratitude every day are not only happier but healthier. Learning to be grateful can help people appreciate the little things in life that are often taken for granted.

Gratitude is a quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful. People can express gratitude for other people, for things, even experiences in their lives. Expressing gratitude is associated with both mental and physical health benefits. Studies show that gratitude can improve emotional wellbeing, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, increase resilience, improve sleep, and even lead to a longer and healthier life.

There are many ways to practice gratitude. One of the most popular, is to start a gratitude journal. Setting aside time each day, to relax your mind and reflect upon your day. Write down the things that went right, maybe you heard your favorite song on the radio, or you didn’t get stuck in traffic on the way home from work. Try writing down as many things as you can. When focusing on the positive, we then focus less on the negative. By developing the habit of gratitude, individuals can minimize negative habits, reduce unhealthy patterns of thinking which often magnify feelings of depression, panic, and fear.

Other ways to practice gratitude:

1. Morning or Evening Reflection – Begin or end your day by mentally listing what went well or who you appreciate.

2. Gratitude Jar – Write notes of gratitude on slips of paper and collect them in a jar; revisit them when you need a lift.

3. Mindful Moments – Take a pause during the day to notice something positive (the weather, a smile, music).

4. Affirmations – Start the day by saying out loud what you’re thankful for and what you’re looking forward to.

5. Gratitude Walk – While walking, intentionally focus on what you’re thankful for in your surroundings and life.

6. Write Thank-You Notes – Handwritten or digital, these make a huge impact.

7. Verbal Appreciation – Tell someone directly what you appreciate about them (“I really value how you always bring calm to our meetings”).

8. Share Gratitude Publicly – Start a gratitude moment in team meetings or family dinners.

9. Pay It Forward – Do something kind for someone else as an expression of your gratitude.

10. Reconnect – Reach out to someone who’s made a difference in your life and let them know.

Behavior can change biology. Positive gestures such as expressing gratitude can help you by releasing a hormone known as oxytocin, a hormone that helps connect people. The Mayo Clinic has a month long Discover Gratitude program. It is a virtual program that consists of daily journaling about thankfulness, mindfulness, and kindness.

Practicing gratitude and incorporating it into your daily life takes time. There are common obstacles in practicing gratitude, including negative thought patterns, chronic stress, and lack of time. Gratitude is a skill which takes time to cultivate, but it is a worthwhile way for us to better care for ourselves.

Thanksgiving is in November and is a perfect time to begin your journey of gratitude.

References

Gratitude enhances health, brings happiness – www.health.harvard.edu/blog

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain

Gratitude improves wellbeing – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/newsfeed-post/gratitude-practice-improves-wellbeing/

Research.com/education/scientific-benefits-of-gratitude

The positive impact of gratitude on mental health – www.psychologytoday/com/us/blog

November is National Education Month

Submitted by the Somerset County Youth Council Education Committee: 

Anvita Udeshi, Arianna Patel, Daniela Hartmann, Katherine Karam, Neel Tandon, Ovia Dushyanthan, Sarai Styles

The Somerset County Youth Council is an organization composed of students from grades 7 through 12 who work towards bringing about impactful change in their community. Within this Youth Council are several sub-committees, including the Education Committee, which focuses on issues affecting teens and students in Somerset County schools. In light of National Education Month this November, the Education Committee will share its goals for addressing issues that affect teens in the educational setting for the 2025-2026 school year.

Teenagers often struggle with a variety of problems, ranging from mental health to time management. As members of the Education Committee, our goal is to educate teens on these issues and connect them with the proper resources to receive help. One method of achieving this is by posting infographics throughout Somerset County schools on various topics, such as coping with stress/anxiety, overcoming depression, the effects of social media and cyberbullying, time management, and how to use AI appropriately in an educational setting.

Another important issue within Somerset County school districts is financial inequities between different students and schools. Oftentimes some students or school districts are placed at a disadvantage because they don’t have access to the same resources that others offer. To advocate for this issue and help bridge the financial gap, the Education Committee plans on hosting book and supply drives within Somerset County schools.

However, the Education Committee isn’t just committed to providing equal resources to those who experience financial inequities, but also to students who have intellectual or learning disabilities. Oftentimes, the transition between middle school and high school, or high school and college, can be especially daunting to students who might face these challenges. To aid these students in educational milestones, Youth Council members can offer support in the form of a mentoring partnership program, which would connect these students to peers their age who can provide guidance, as well as companionship. The Education Committee also plans to create presentations and other resources, such as pamphlets or flyers, that can be referred to for additional support.

National Education Month reminds us to think about the importance of learning and teachers in our lives. November is also known for Thanksgiving, a time to be grateful for everything and everyone around us. This November, the Education Committee wants to shine a light on the hard work, energy, patience, and commitment that educators put in daily to support students and help them reach their goals. Instead of limiting the efforts to our committee, we expanded the project to schools across Somerset County, giving every student the chance to brighten an educator's day. The Education Committee designed and posted flyers throughout Somerset County schools that contained QR codes linked to a Google Form, where students could type their heartfelt messages. It was truly amazing to see how many students took the time to show their appreciation for their teachers and staff members in this small way, just as they do for us every day.

The Community Hub, 9 Church St., Bernardsville, NJ 07924

CiC for Prevention & Recovery is Proud to Announce Somerset County's First Recovery Friendly Workplaces!

The Building Recovery Capital: Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW) initiative, awarded by the County of Somerset, New Jersey and funded through opioid settlement dollars, is a program 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 Franklin Foodbank, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Mannion's Pub & Restaurant, Home of Somerset County, Floors Direct, Coqui, and CiC are some of the first employers in Somerset County to engage in the RFW program.

The RFW initiative represents a key pillar in the county’s broader recovery efforts, by 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.

And here is the best part; there is no cost to receive this designation, and it’s good for the bottom line by improving productivity, employee retention, and presenteeism. CiC provides all of the guidance and connects participating employers to our extensive network of county resources.

CiC recently partnered with Shatterproof, a national non-profit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis by increasing access to prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Through this collaboration, employers can more effectively embrace the RFW culture and strengthen support for employees, families, and the broader community.

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)

READY TO BECOME A HOMEOWNER?

Don’t miss CJHRC’s FREE 2-Day Homebuyer Webinar—your opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate the homebuying process. Attendees who register and complete both sessions will earn a Homebuyer Certificate, valid for one year.

 Why does the certificate matter? 

• It’s often required to qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance;
• May unlock reduced-rate mortgage programs;
• Could help you access discounted attorney fees;
• Most importantly, it empowers you to make informed decisions about homeownership.

2-Day Virtual Homebuyer Webinar

November 17 & November 19, 2025  

5:30 - 8:15 pm each night      

Click here to register

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR CJHRC’S 2026 UPCOMING WEBINARS:

Empower your journey to homeownership and financial wellness!

Questions?

Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 and/or visit www.cjhrc.org for resources.  Appointments are required to meet in person with CJHRC staff.

CJHRC posts weekly on our social media accounts helpful and important information, please like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or follow us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing).

Somerset County Reserve Volunteer (S.E.R.V) Program

One of Somerset County’s best resources is its employees, and they have a variety of skills to use in support of County residents through the Somerset Employee Reserve Volunteer (S.E.R.V.) Program. This initiative, which was created and managed by a team of county employees from October 2016 until 2020 when COVID made it unfeasible, provides volunteer service opportunities that allow employees to use their skills and creativity to support county residents and experience the benefits of volunteerism. 

Somerset County employees volunteering their time on October 18 for a fall clean up at MLK Youth Center in Bridgewater 

Somerset County employees volunteering their time after work on October 16 to clean and organize a storage closet at Visions and Pathways 

4-H:

• Somerset County 4-H Wreaths For Sale:

4-H Wreaths are fresh, handcrafted wreaths sourced from Maine. Each wreath is a 12-inch ring of double-faced balsam that makes the wreath 22-24 inches across the middle.

Plain wreaths are $20. Decorated wreaths are $25 and come with 3 groups of 3 pinecones and a red ribbon.

Payment can be made via cash or check made payable to "Somerset County 4-H Association" and is due upon delivery.

All wreaths will be delivered to you on Saturday, November 29th as long as our delivery is on time. If there is a delay, we will contact you.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at sc4hwreaths@gmail.com

Please place your order by November 1, 2025

2025 Somerset County 4-H Association Wreath General Public Order Form

• Somerset County 4-H Ag-Venture Days-Fall Harvest:

4-H Ag-Venture Days program, taking place on November 6 and 7, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Somerset County 4-H Center, located at 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ. This engaging and interactive program is open to youth in grades 1 through 5 and offers a fun, hands-on exploration of the farm-to-table process while highlighting the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. Participants will take part in a variety of educational workshops focused on topics such as potatoes, honey, cranberries, corn, dairy products, fall florals, apples, pumpkins, fall-themed agricultural art, community service, and much more. Registration Due: October 27. For more info visit: https://4histops.org/events/ag-day-fall 

• Mozzarella Making - A Farm to Table Program:

6:30 PM-7:30PM | Wednesday, November 12th 2025

Ted Blum Somerset County 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Rd, Bridgewater, NJ

Learn how milk ventures from the farm to your table and get hands- on experience making homemade mozzarella! This engaging workshop is open to youth in grades 5-13. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to the first 25 participants-first come, first served. Once the maximum is reached, a waitlist will begin. The cost is $20 per participant, and registration is due by November 5th. Don't miss out on this fun and educational opportunity! Registration and more info at: https://4histops.org/events/mozzarella-making-25 

• Building a Better YOU!:

Saturday, November 15th | 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Ted Blum Somerset County 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Rd, Bridgewater, NJ

This engaging and interactive program is open to youth in grades 8 through 13 and focuses on developing essential life and career skills, including team building, résumé writing, cover letter writing, public speaking, interview skills, and professionalism.

The registration fee is $10, which includes drinks and snacks. You do not need to be a 4-H member to attend. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a permission form to complete. Payment must be made by cash or check (payable to Somerset County 4-H) and either mailed or hand-delivered to the Somerset County 4-H Office at 310 Milltown Rd Bridgewater, NJ 08807 by November 7th.

Please note that registration closes on November 7th. We look forward to seeing you there and helping you build a better you! Any questions - you can call 908-526-6644.

Registration and more info at: https://4histops.org/events/better-you-25 

• 4-H Gives Thanks

Share gratitude and service with us this fall! 

4-H clubs will be hosting interactive tables where your family can take part in quick hands-on, make-and-give community service activities. Each completed project will be donated to a local organization chosen by the club.

Sunday, November 16th

9am- 11am

• 4-H Gingerbread Contest

FCHS:

• 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: November 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 November! 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! 
• Art of Making Soup Workshop:

November 20 | 6:00 - 7:30pm

Ted Bum 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater

Explore different soup varieties from around the world with FCHS! Class includes soup tasting, discussion on key soup ingredients and techniques, a collection of new recipes, take home samples, and much more!

Register Here:   https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87cAXag8YOo9dKS 

Cost: $20

Check’s payable to Rutger’s, The State University of NJ

Space limited to first 30 paid registrants. Registration deadline 11/10.

ANR/Rutgers Master Gardeners:

• Rutgers Environmental Stewards - Registration Open

Hello, my name is Ashley De Jesus Torres. I recently joined the Somerset County Department of Human Services team as the new Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) Program Specialist. I’m a recent graduate of Rutgers University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, and I also hold an Associate’s degree in Health Science from Raritan Valley Community College.

My passion lies in helping and advocating for the safety, health, and overall well-being of individuals. In my free time, I enjoy staying active through hiking, going to the gym, and expressing my creativity through painting. Some of my favorite TV series include Suits and Scandal.

I look forward to having a great learning experience with the Somerset County team and contributing positively to my 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:

Care Navigator

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-101J1314

Case Manager – AOTS (P/T)

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

Case Manager – STAR

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

CCBHC Peer Specialist

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-016J1450

Gambling Clinician

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-099P750

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

Licensed Practical Nurse

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-096J1315

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

Name of agency/organization:
Visions and Pathways

Job title:
LCSW / LPC Therapist

Job Description:
Visions and Pathways is seeking a full-time LCSW or LPC Therapist to provide individual, group, and family counseling to youth in our care. The therapist will offer crisis intervention, facilitate weekly therapeutic groups, complete psychosocial assessments, and collaborate with case managers to coordinate care. Ideal candidates have a Master's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling, and at least two years of experience with youth behavioral health. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. Salary range: $65,000–$70,000.

Job Posting PDF

Link to website for full details:
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b2b4dbce/5atw0FNt00K_TJ2CTekVuQ?u=https://visionsandpathways.org/

Name of agency/organization:
Visions and Pathways

Job title:
Youth Empowerment Specialist

Job Description:
Visions and Pathways seeks a full-time Youth Empowerment Specialist to support youth ages 14–24 transitioning to independent living. This field-based role involves conducting home visits, facilitating life skills workshops, and helping youth build individualized plans for success. The ideal candidate brings empathy, strong organizational skills, and experience engaging diverse youth populations. A bachelor’s degree (or relevant experience), a valid NJ driver’s license, and Spanish fluency are required. Salary range: $45,000–$50,000.

Job Posting PDF

Link to website for full details:
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b2b4dbce/5atw0FNt00K_TJ2CTekVuQ?u=https://visionsandpathways.org/

Name of agency/organization:

North Plainfield School District

 Job title:

21st Century Community Learner Center (CCLC) Program Director

Job Description:

We are seeking a Project Director to lead our 2025-2026 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC)
Program. This is a 12-month, benefit-eligible position with a salary range of $65,000 to $80,000, based on
experience. The Project Director will be responsible for the overall success and sustainability of a high-quality
expanded learning program for students and their families. This role reports to the Assistant Superintendent.

Job Posting PDF