We are deeply grateful to all of you – our supporters, volunteers, foster and adoptive parents and dedicated staff. Because of everyone’s efforts, we helped over 13,000 vulnerable children, adults and families in our community in 2018. I’m pleased to share highlights from the year with you.
Helping Families Heal
131 children were helped to manage the grief, loss and trauma related to adoption and foster care through our pre- and post-adoption counseling.
Our counseling and therapeutic programs provided treatment to more than 230 children and families.
Zoe’s Place provided safe, supervised housing and support services to 19 young mothers and babies.
80% of parents in our Therapeutic Supervised Visitation Program showed improved parenting skills.
Our WISE Families Program diverts children from the juvenile justice system, works to prevent the placement of children into foster or residential care, and promotes healthy relationships and family well-being. The success rate of the program is 98%.
156 families were provided with free nutritional formula and diapers in our Baby Basics program, a 17% increase from 2017.
295 survivors of opioid-related overdoses agreed to meet with our Recovery Specialists while in the hospital.
98% of individuals who voluntarily sought help for their opioid use disorder received treatment.
Educating and Strengthening the Community
Through our NJARCH and KinKonnect websites we provided educational resources and linkages to more than 500,000 individuals and families touched by adoption and kinship care.
Over 200 parents and 100 youth participated in our parent and family programs resulting in increased communication, understanding of others’ needs and ability to establish boundaries and have fun.
Over 2,100 middle school students participated in the Second Step life skills education program, where results indicate a decrease in the acceptance of bullying behaviors and an increase in the use of positive communication, coping and decision-making skills.
884 volunteers shared over 22,000 hours of their time and talents with those we serve.
Over 500 faculty, parents and community members learned about vaping, how this popular trend among teens is impacting health, and ways to prevent use.
Approximately 200 adults attended The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources’ fifth annual “Tree of Addiction” conference.
With 45 active student volunteers, the successful Empower Peers, Inspire Change peer leadership group was featured at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) mid-year conference as a model that can be replicated nationwide.
Empowering Individuals to Reach Their Fullest Potential
31 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were given the full support they need to live more independent lives in our community homes.
A total of 28 young people received scholarship monies and emergency funding from Mobility Mentoring and the Thomas R.S. Burgin programs. Often these funds are indeed lifelines as they help the young adults avoid homelessness.
We launched STRIVE Day Program and After School Respite for individuals with special needs to meet the emerging needs in the community.
To make STRIVE the best program possible, we listened to our members, their families and community partners. We incorporated their feedback in remodeling our space to include a sensory room, creative connections space, café, media room and life skills simulation room.
STRIVE members volunteered over 1,400 hours in the community at local libraries, zoos and restaurants throughout 2018.
Giving Children and Teens a Second Chance at Life
This past year, the adoptions of six special needs children were finalized. These included an 18-year-old boy adopted by his mentor and a 12-year-old girl — who spent more than half of her life in foster care – and was adopted by her foster parents.
Our therapeutic foster parents cared for 23 children who suffered from abuse and neglect.
83% of our teens who have aged out of foster care and young mothers at Zoe’s Place, who are participating in our Mobility Mentoring program, are working, going to school or both.
WE helped 21 youth find permanent connections with stable adults who are committed to offer long term relationships to young persons who have not achieved placement with a permanent family. These “Life Coaches” offer support and concrete help as the young person navigates life’s journey.
Our recruitment team worked with 40 children to help them find families – or in the event they are not adopted — adults they can rely on as they leave foster care at age 18.
We are celebrating our 120th anniversary in 2019 and we look forward to helping many more children and families build brighter futures. We couldn’t do our work without your support. Thank you!