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As a non-profit agency serving Somerset, Hun-
terdon and Warren Counties for over 36 years,
JFS sees that families today are under more stress
than ever before. Families are more likely to
require multiple incomes, work long hours and
have a multitude of other stressors escalating
family strain and the need for support.
Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunter-
don and Warren Counties
provides outpatient
counseling, a variety of support and socialization
groups for individuals and families with special
needs and meaningful volunteer-driven programs
to support families who feel they could benefit
from emotional support in their own home.
The Betty and Arthur Roswell Counseling Center
at JFS is,
a licensed mental health outpatient
provider. We, employ a highly qualified and ded-
icated professional staff. Our counseling center
provides individual, couples, child, family and
group therapy. We can help you address your
problems, explore alternatives, develop new
insights, and find solutions. JFS accepts third
party insurance or provides services on a sliding
fee scale. Payment arrangements can be made to
accommodate your budget.
All JFS Special Needs Programs
have a modest
fee with scholarships available thanks to the
financial support from the Nancy L. and Arthur
E. Lee Family Fund for Special Needs. Special
Needs Programs at JFS are designed to address
current needs of individuals in our community
and include the following:
Social Learning Group -
For children or ado-
lescents coping with Aspergers Syndrome, High
Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders or other
social skills challenges. The group is designed to
assist children in developing and practicing social
skills in a recreational, supportive and playful
environment.
Young Adult Social Club -
A Social Group for
Young Adults, generally ages 18-35 looking to
enjoy activities and practice skills in a relaxed and
supportive environment. The group is specially
designed for high school graduates with develop-
mental challenges or social needs.
Parent Support Group -
Educational and sup-
portive group sessions for parents and caregivers
of children with special needs. An opportunity to
come together and explore the issues most
important to participants.
Sibling Support Group -
Peer Support and
information for brothers and sisters of children
with special needs. Group provides an opportu-
nity to meet other siblings who share similar
experiences.
The Family Mentor Program
is designed to pro-
vide in-home support, information and advocacy
primarily to Somerset County Families. There is
a special focus on families with children under the
age of 10. It addresses the needs of families that
are feeling overwhelmed, by promoting strengths
and capacities within the family unit by matching
a trained community volunteer with each family.
The program supports the family’s ability to suc-
cessfully address challenges, rather than focusing
on problems. The Family Mentor Program’s
major outcome is the promotion of emotional
health of children and adults. The program is free
of charge and open to the entire community,
regardless of religion or cultural background.
Community volunteers from all walks of life,
male and female, are recruited and screened to
become “Family Mentors.” Volunteer mentors
are specially trained and supervised by licensed l
social workers. Once the volunteer is “matched”
through a joint home visit between Program
staff, the family and the volunteer, have an oppor-
tunity to develop a personal relationship with
their mentor and receive information, modeling,
support, and advocacy to optimize the family’s
functioning. The Mentor arranges for home vis-
its at convenient times and with the family plans
activities based on goals the family establishes.
The Mentor visits weekly for 1-3 hours during
the first 3 months, and as arranged and appropri-
ate during the next 9 months (generally at least
bi-weekly) and by phone as needed.
JFS is committed to serving the needs of the
entire community and offers a continuum of pro-
grams and services. Licensed clinical social work-
ers provide individual, couple and family coun-
seling as well as geriatric assessments, supportive
counseling and case management services for
home bound elderly. The Family Mentor Pro-
gram recruits, trains and matches volunteers with
vulnerable young families or with elderly persons
for friendly, supportive, in-home visits; Families
with children with special needs are assisted
through social groups, parent groups and
through the Family Mentor Program. Career
Counseling helps individuals in many aspects of
their job search. Ohr Tikvah-Light of Hope Jew-
ish Healing Services offers presentations, support
groups, and individual spiritual counseling to
address the health, wellness and healing needs of
the community. All information is confidential.
Many programs are at no cost, on a sliding fee
scale or payable through third party insurance.
If you are interested in learning more about JFS’
programs, please contact us at 908-725-7799,
visit our website:
www.JewishFamilySvc.org,
like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of
SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville,
NJ 08876.
For Families Under Stress – Jewish Family Service Is Here
By: Jennifer Walters, LCSW
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PAGE 24
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