Monthly Archives: December 2018

0 Newark Day Center works to get student help he needs to achieve

He is currently undergoing an Individual Education Program/Plan (IEP), which is a written plan that describes the programs and special services a student is required to follow in order to be successful.

The process began after his teacher, Ms. Osborne, reported that Kyle would wander off during large or small group activities. However, he would gravitate toward puzzles, the block and discovery areas of the classroom. When asked cognitive questions he would sit and smile yet never communicate. As time went on, Kyle started to lash out when it came to directives in the classroom.

Ms. Osborne kept anecdotal notes on his actions and she brought her concern to the family workers and the social worker. As a team they communicated with Kyle’s parents and encouraged them to speak with the child study team of Newark Public School. As the IEP progressed, they recommended evaluations that included educational, speech and occupational therapy assessments and an autism consultation.

A variety of therapists were assigned to help, including a personal aide to work with Kyle in the classroom. Accommodations that worked best for Kyle included sitting close to the teacher, prompting, and reminders of rules and routine throughout the day. He began to show progress, which made the teacher and his parents very happy. His tantrums were lessened as therapists, his parents and teacher worked to help him. In time, Ms. Osborne reported that Kyle was improving more every day. He began to communicate and interact more.

He sits in the front with Ms. Osborne as she teaches group activities, which helps him participate in activities.

The IEP process was a success as it helped Kyle and his family prepare for grade school. Those at the Newark Day Center are happy they were able to help get Kyle on track with his learning and child development.   

To make a donation to the Greater Newark Holiday Fund, visit holidayfund.org.

0 Family Service Bureau helps Essex man get his life back together

Like many teenagers, Sean began experimenting with marijuana and became a frequent user; however, it was not until his late 20s that he began using heroin. Around this time, Sean became involved in a relationship that turned abusive. The relationship came to a sudden end when Sean was arrested after defending himself from his abuser.

Upon his release from prison, he was referred to the Family Service Bureau of Newark for substance abuse treatment.

While the transition back into society was not easy, Sean did not use heroin again. Instead, he actively participated in his treatment, attending groups and individual counseling since early this year. During his time at the Family Service Bureau of Newark, Sean has found stable housing and regained employment and he now works to serve his community.

Though there is a strong stigma against counseling within the African American community, Sean has been open to the support and growth that counseling has provided for him. Sean has rebuilt his relationships with his family members and friends and he has started to develop a better understanding of what a healthy relationship looks like.

During his time in counseling, he has faced some recent losses, which has been challenging for him to cope with. Despite these losses, Sean continues to find ways to be a positive person and maintains his recovery. He has been able to see the benefits of attending counseling as he has learned to use it as a form of support in order to prevent himself from relapsing.

To make a donation to the Greater Newark Holiday Fund, visit holidayfund.org.

0 Newark Day Center, Fresh Air Fund help create memories

The sisters are energetic and smart and looked forward to attending camp. They loved learning new things, and meeting and making new friends while reconnecting with their old ones.

A break from the city and into an environment where they can run and play freely is what Janet was seeking for her daughters, but her household income was meager.

She had fond memories of going to camp herself as a child and loving it so much that she was never ready to return home. She wanted that same experience for her children. With the aid of the Fresh Air Fund it was made possible for the girls to have two weeks of day camp.

Niyea and Naziah enjoyed the bus ride every day to the camp site where they were able to see different farm animals and a pond along the way.

Once at camp they interacted with other campers in various activities, such as bike riding, nature/science, swimming, drama, board games, music and so much more. Niyea and Naziah often include their little sister while talking about their day to day activities.

Janet was pleased that her daughters enjoyed attending camp, and for the chance to be out of the city and in the quietness of nature, being a kid and not worrying about their surroundings. The girls would always have a lifetime of memories thanks to Fresh Air Fund.

A contribution to the Greater Newark Holiday Fund will continue to help support children and families during the holiday season.

To make a donation to the Greater Newark Holiday Fund, visit holidayfund.org.

0 Catholic Charities helps woman overcome alcoholism, mental illness

“I recall going to the doctor and my doctor immediately sent me to a detox unit. I got involved in an AA meeting where I learned about my alcoholism and addictions. They showed me what alcohol was doing to me physically and provided educational techniques on how to keep my sobriety,” said Gorrin, who lives in a MCG Residential program.

At the end of November 1990, Gorrin and her husband had gotten divorced and she was having a difficult time adjusting to being the single mother of a teenaged boy.

At the same time, she said, her son was rebelling for reasons that included attending a new school, his parents’ divorce, and new people in his life.

Things soon got worse. She learned that she had breast cancer and would need surgery shortly after Christmas. Following the surgery, she was physically well, but emotionally depressed. She said that before her divorce, she would drink occasionally. But one day she was feeling insecure, picked up a drink, and didn’t stop. Once she completed the MCG Residential program, Gorrin was referred to the CCAN/MCG MICA program, where she met her first case manager.

“She was more than a staff member, she was a good friend, no matter what time I needed her, she was there.  She took me to the hospital for additional support and while I was in the hospital, I was referred to CCAN/MCGBH Partial Care program where I began to learn about my second Illness (bipolar disorder),” Gorrin said.

Today, Gorrin knows more about herself and has an improved relationship with her son. The two speak every day and occasionally see each other on weekends. She also has improved her communication with her ex-husband.

To make a donation to the Greater Newark Holiday Fund, visit holidayfund.org.