Category Archives: News

Family and Community Services of Somerset County Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence

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FCSSC Sets a Fundraising Goal of $60,000 for 2020

Bound Brook, NJ – January 2, 2020– Family and Community Services of Somerset County (FCSSC) a 501(c)(3) non-profit community agency that has been providing professional and affordable mental health, family and addictions counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families in need for 60 years. Founded in 1960, FCSSC provides support services to address each of life’s many transitions and problems.

FCSSC’s mission is to provide affordable and effective mental health and substance abuse services. These services, provided on a sliding scale basis, include individual, family, and couple therapy, as well as group treatment for people of all ages in English and Spanish. FCSSC offers a Domestic Violence program and recently added a program specifically for U.S. Veterans. 

“Family & Community Services of Somerset County provides essential services to people in the community who might not otherwise receive the help they need.” said Richard Schumann, Executive Director, Family and Community Services of Somerset County. “We may be a small organization, but we have made and will continue to make an impact on mental health and substance abuse services in the community.  Last year we provided over 8,700 hours of mental health and substance abuse services to 780+ clients”

In order to continue for another 60 years of service to the Somerset County and New Jersey community, FCSSC is seeking to raise $60,000 in honor of the non-profit’s anniversary over the course of 2020.  Events planned include; A Night of Comedy at the Villagers Theatre, Handbag Bingo, Golf Outing at Royce Brook Country Club, Taking Strides Towards Wellness 5K run/walk at Duke Island Park and our Holiday Giving campaign.  

“Untreated mental illness and substance abuse are 2 of the biggest problems we face in this country. Indeed, they are the root cause of so many other problems” said Lori Manduley, Board President. “Volunteering for and donating to this terrific agency makes me feel like I am part of the solution.”  Manduley is Family and Community Service’s newest Board President after Howard Hessel served for 9 years.

FCSSC has a positive impact on the well-being of the community it serves.  Listed below is information from the past year’s services: 

  • FCSSC saw 330+ clients for patients suffering an addiction and served 3,000+ hour
  • FCSSC saw 400+ client for patients experiencing a mental health concern and served 5,400+ hours
  • FCSSC supports Spanish trauma groups and served 30+ clients and served 160+ hours

For more information on Family and Community Services of Somerset County and to learn about our events, visit: http://fcssomerset.org

Message from FCSSC Executive Director

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“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you2016091295073727121 have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

On January 5, 2017, Family and Community Services of Somerset County will mark the 57th year since the merger of The Community Service Society of Bound Brook and the Family Counseling Service of Somerset Hills that created, what we now call, Family and Community Services of Somerset County (FCSSC).

The ability to adapt in an ever-changing socio-economic environment is essential to the survival of any small business and it is especially critical to a small non-profit organization.  For the past 20 years, Eric Harris led our organization with professionalism, compassion, skill, and love.  With the support and sacrifices of the staff and the Board of Directors throughout the 20 years, FCSSC managed to stay afloat when many small non-profits struggled and in some cases failed.

I am thankful that not only do I have the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director as FCSSC enters its 57th year but I am also thankful that Eric and the staff of FCSSC enter this 57th year with me.  While we will no doubt encounter both old and new challenges in our journey forward, I remain hopeful that FCSSC can continue to serve our community for many years to come.

In my four short months of employment, there have already been so many notable accomplishments worth mentioning.  In September of 2016, FCSSC had a successful 5K fundraiser.  In November, we successfully launched a new group that provides essential services to perpetrators of domestic violence. In December, we welcomed a new supporter to our organization as we had a local group donate stuffed animals to the children to whom we provide services. Also in December, we had a successful visit by the State regarding our mental health services.  And finally, in October and December, we welcomed a total of two new board members to our team.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful 2017!
Warmest regards,
Richard W. Schumann

Family and Community Services is Grateful to the Hearts of Watchung

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The Hearts of Watchung, led by Cindy Homer, is a group of tremendously caring and generous individuals who donate to families of need throughout the year. Family and Community Services is so fortunate to have this group to donate a multitude of gifts to a tremendous number of its’ lower income families particularly during the Holiday season. This group donates to the clients of several non-profit agencies that serve low income and at risk families.

A couple of weeks ago our full-time Spanish speaking counselor contacted Cindy Homer about one of her families who moved into the neighborhood in the past year and who could barely afford basic needs. This is a single parent family with 5 children who have been subjected to domestic violence in the past.

Cindy and the Hearts of Watchung asked for a needs list for all the family members and last week a tremendous number of brand new gifts, games, books, household needs ,and gift cards (for food and for fans for their apartment) were delivered to the family by Cindy; her children Wade, Jordan, and Harrison; and two F@CS staff. The people of the Hearts of Watchung went way beyond the definition of generosity. It was truly an amazing scene watching the excitement and happiness of the children as well as the appreciation of their mother as they received this tremendous volume of gifts.

Family and Community Services and so many of its’ clients and families of great need are so appreciative of this collaborative relationship with these exceedingly caring group of people!

Note: Due to confidentiality we were unable to take pictures of the family.

Helping Your Long Term Relationship Succeed

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160463-164847“They got married and lived happily ever after”. Wouldn’t it be nice if life was truly like a fairly tale?

Unfortunately, in reality this does not happen. The divorce rate for first marriages has been very close to 50% for the past several years, and the rate increases to over 50 % for subsequent marriages.

What contributes to such high rates of marital or relationship breakdown? Unrealistic expectations are a major contributing factor. There are a number of misconceptions that people have when they marry including “love lasts forever”, “if she/he loves me then she/he will ….”, “once we get married (or have children), things will get better”, “he/she will change”, “I will be happier and have my needs fulfilled when I’m married”.

We were never told that marriage or living with someone is very challenging and requires a great deal of “work”, compromise, and acceptance. We are often seeking easy solutions in life and magical happiness. There is a general attitude that “I have to work at school, I go to my job and have to work, and I have to work on this too???”

People in relationships or marriages don’t realize how their partners often think, see things, communicate, and react quite differently. We often expect our partners to understand everything we feel, to understand our needs, and/or to always change. In addition, marriage or long term relationships continuously change over time as new stages of life and stressors develop. Having children could be a wonderful experience but it certainly alters the marital relationship in a number of ways including time alone and together, energy levels, the sexual relationship.

Another factor that contributes to marital or relationship breakdown is lack of commitment. Many time partners are looking for a new spark, the perfect relationship, or fall into the mythical trap of “the grass is greener on the other side”. Often, partners are not willing to work at the relationship, compromise, negotiate, or communicate.

A successful marriage or long term relationship can also be a very rewarding experience. Some helpful hints to a successful relationship:

  • Be realistic. Realize marriage can be challenging and that it’s not just about love, sex, and common interests. Marriage often needs to include such things as friendship, respect, consideration, compromise, communication, effort.
  • Pick and choose your battles. Prioritize what issues in the relationship (or about your partner) might need to be changed while accepting some of the others.
  • Realize that there are definite differences between you and your partner, don’t always try to change them, and try to understand where your partner is coming from.
  • Don’t always expect your partner to do the work or change. “Ask not what your partner could do for you (or your relationship), ask what you could do for your partner (or relationship)”.
  • Stay committed to the relationship (don’t fall for the grass is greener on the other side trap) unless your relationship is truly harmful or destructive.
  • Make the time to spend quality time with your partner. This includes time for communication and for enjoyable activities.

Written by: Eric Harris

Richard Schumann Hired as Executive Director at Family and Community Services of Somerset County

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MEDIA ADVISORY: NEW HIRE ANNOUNCEMENT

Richard Schumann Hired as Executive Director at Family and Community Services of Somerset County

2016091295073727121WHAT:            Family and Community Services of Somerset County (FCS) has announced the appointment of Richard Schumann as the Executive Director.

WHO:              Mr. Schumann will be replacing Eric Harris who has been with the organization for 22+ years. In his role, Mr. Schumann will manage the day to day operations, manage grants and fundraising initiatives, and report to the FCS Board.

WHEN:            Mr. Schumann began at FCS on Monday, September 12th. Mr. Harris will continue to support Mr. Schumann and will offer his services to the FCS as a clinical role.

WHERE:          339 West Second Street Bound Brook, NJ 08805

Mr. Schumann joins FCS from the Somerset County Office of Aging and Disability Services where he was the Contracts and Fiscal Planner for the past three years. Prior to his employment in county government, Mr. Schumann worked at Easter Seals New Jersey for over 20 years where, among many other responsibilities, he provided care management services to adults who have a severe and persistent mental illness, developed and implemented quality improvement policies and procedures for substance abuse programs, and managed camping and recreation programs for consumers with developmental disabilities in his role as Assistant Vice President.

Mr. Schumann received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Stetson University and his Master of Business Administration in Health Administration at Eastern University.

Family and Community Services of Somerset County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community agency by providing professional and affordable mental health, family and addictions counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families in need. We provide support services to address each of life’s many transitions and problems.

For more information on Family and Community Services visit: http://fcssomerset.org

Contact: Rachael Wolensky Rachael.wolensky@gmail.com

 

AmazonSmile

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SMILE
Are you an Amazon Shopper? Why not help Family & Community Services of Somerset County and shop at the same time!

Amazon is one of the most widely used websites in the world and provides nonprofit organizations a way to earn additional support and a way to give through their program AmazonSmile. Amazon has donated over $192,000 to other charities and is now helping FCS!

AmazonSmile allows customers to donate to a chosen charity of their choice with no extra cost and provides the same shopping experience we are all used to on Amazon, including the same products and prices. By using AmazonSmile 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases is donated to FCS once you register.

In order to help FCS provide support to our Somerset community, you must simply select Family & Community Services of Somerset County as your charity of choice by visiting our link here

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Customers cannot make direct monetary donations to FCS through AmazonSmile but  if you are interested in making a direct donation visit the donations page on our website by using Paypal or a credit card.

Don’t forget to change your Amazon bookmark to smile.amazon.com and tell your friends and family by sharing this information by word of mouth and your various social media channels!

Save the Date for FCS 4th Annual “Don’t Fall…Let’s Run 5K”!

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1384383_435718579871997_20231832_nSave the date….Our 4th Annual “Don’t Fall…Let’s Run” 5K run/walk & kid sprint will be held on Saturday, October 24th at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. This day is A New Jersey Grand Prix Event and is on a USATF-NJ Certified & Sanctioned Course. Registration and Packet Pick up will start at 8 AM, with kid sprints and walkers events starting 9 AM and runners starting around 10 AM. Free shirts to all pre-registrants. Registration will be available shortly. There are many ways your business or family can be recognized at this event. Your chosen name can be placed on a banner, mile mark sign, or on the official 5K T-shirt.   You can also be recognized by sponsoring runner’s prizes, water and cups, post-race food or goody bag items. Register for the event now using the 2015 Race Application.

Tickets are in the process of being printed for our annual GRAND Raffle! Our Grand Raffle will be pulled during the awards ceremony of our 5K Don’t Fall…Let’s Run event on October 24, 2015 at approximately 11 AM. Tickets for the Grand Raffle will be on sale soon where first prize will be 30% of gross tickets receipts, 2nd prize is 15% of gross ticket receipts and 3rd Prize is 5% of gross ticket receipts.  Good luck to all of our future winners!!!

Thank you Donors!

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This past year, several organizations and/or individuals donated and supported the FCSSC programs. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide the resources and care our clients deserve.

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Johnson & Johnson Somerset County Companies – $10,000

Investors Bank – $10,000

United Way – $9,000

Novartis US Foundation – $8,800

Board of Friends of Somerset County Youth, Inc. and the Board of Children’s Hope Initiative – $4,000

Suplee Clooney & Co – $3,500

Magyar Bank – $2,000

Dr. Jim Bremner, D.C.

Special acknowledgement to the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders for their unwavering support of our organization.

7th Annual Charity Golf Event

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232323232fp93232>uqcshlukaxroqdfv3-;nu=3237>6-->6-->WSNRCG=3762683369338nu0mrjHave we got a great Mother’s Day(and Father’s Day) idea for you!  Give the gift of golf!!!

Monday, May 15, 2017

Royce Brook Golf Club “West”

201 Hamilton Road, Hillsborough

Come enjoy a day of golf and give back to YOUR community by supporting Family & Community Services of Somerset County.  Each Golfer will enjoy lunch, a great day of golf, and an awards dinner that features many silent auction items. There are many ways to advertise your business at this event by becoming an event sponsor, hole-in-one sponsor, driving range sponsor, putting green sponsor or a single hole sponsor.  11:30 AM registration, driving range, putting & grilled lunch.  1 PM shotgun start.  6 PM Dinner, Silent Auction & Awards.  Hole-in-One, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin Contests.

Foursome- $650, Individual(each) $175, Dinner $60.

Event Sponsor $3, 000, Hole-in-One Sponsor $1,500, Driving Range Sponsor $1,500, Putting Green Sponsor $1,500 or Individual Hole Sponsor $150.

Contact our office to register or for more information:

Family & Community Services of Somerset County, 339 West 2nd Street, Bound Brook, NJ  08805.  Attn.:  Amy Herrick, aherrick@fcssomerset.org, (732) 356-1082

 

Depressive Disorder

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FCS treats patients who experience depression. Take a look at some information about depression disorders and contact us if you feel you need help or have any questions.

Symptoms:

  • Persistent sad or empty mood; low self esteem
  • Feelings of pessimism, hopelessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure, lack of motivation
  • Sleep issues – insomnia, disrupted sleep/restlessness or oversleeping
  • Loss of appetite or overeating
  • Loss of energy, increased fatigue
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Persistent negative thoughts
  • Difficulties functioning, Difficulties making decisions
  • Persistent somatic symptoms such as headaches, chronic pain, stomach problems
  • Self Harming

Depressive Disorder Types/Diagnoses:

  • Major Depression
  • Dysthymia
  • Adjustment Disorder with Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder

Contributing Factors:

  • Environmental Factors – trauma, loss, grief
  • Genetic Predisposition
  • Brain or Chemical Imbalances
  • Substance Abuse

Treatment:

  • Counseling/psychotherapy
  • Medication
  • Alternative Supplements
  • Lifestyle changes, nutrition, exercise