The Spirit FALL 2015

CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org

Partners in Teaching Peace Georgian Court University and Providence House Domestic Violence Services team up for peace in all homes.

The informal yet powerful partnership between Providence House Domestic Violence Services and Georgian Court University (GCU) was established more than a decade ago. One of the most compelling s Current GCU students and alumni demonstrations of this is the working for PHDVS (l to r): Patricia large number of students who Pagan, Cara Lanza, Ellen Solley and choose to intern at Providence Crystal Bracero. House. Moreover, a large percentage of these GCU s Ellen D’Elia (left) and Deborah Stellhorn student interns later choose (right) are two examples of PHDVS staff to work at Providence House members who give back to GCU. upon graduation. Providence House played a pivotal role violence for dormitory Resident in GCU internships as the Assistants. Pettrow has also served program served as the pilot for the Service Learning as the keynote speaker at several of the Women’s component of the school’s curriculum, now a Studies conferences and several Providence House staff graduation requirement for all students. have been guest speakers in classes. In addition, various Providence House staff have A WIN-WIN conducted the “In Their Shoes” program many times But it is a two-way street, as several Providence House a year for the WILD group (Women in Leadership employees have returned to GCU to contribute as Development). This is an especially compelling educators and Board members. Deborah Stellhorn, presentation that puts a face on domestic violence. Providence House Resource Development Supervisor (and GCU alumni) is currently an adjunct professor in PROMOTING PEACE Psychology at GCU. Ellen D’Elia, Program Director in Presently, Providence House employs four GCU Ocean County, sits on the GCU Advisory Board. Mary students and alumni: Ellen Solley, former GCU intern Pettrow, Associate Director, has provided training for and now Safe House Case Manager; Patricia Pagan, GCU Security and offers yearly trainings on domestic continued on page 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Guardian Angel New Look, A New Approach PHDVS Staff Member 3 Dinner Dance 4 New Website 6 to Housing 8 Sings for the Pope from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR th nnual When I received community. He was all smiles, A the invitation waving at everyone. We were all 26 from Catholic caught up in the moment like little The Spirit is published quarterly by Charities USA children on Christmas day. It was Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, uardian ngel inner ance to attend the Papal Mass at the a wonderful encounter that I will Central Administrative Services. G A D D Basilica of the National Shrine never forget. 383 West State Street, of the Immaculate Conception in Pope Francis’ words and actions Trenton, NJ 08618 Washington, DC, I could hardly were encouraging, soothing to the 609-394-5181 contain my excitement. Pope Francis soul and healing. As I watched him is a model servant leader that I during the Mass, his movements Publisher: Marlene Laó-Collins strive to imitate; his encouragement and words were gentle; he emanated Editor-in-Chief: Lisa Thibault to reach out to the poor and light of love and God’s mercy. I marginalized goes to the core of thought to myself, how much I want Designer: Kim Espenschied the mission of Catholic Charities. to be filled with that same spirit of Contributing Writers: We later learned we would also kindness and gentleness. Joyce Campbell, Kim Espenschied be admitted to the White House In his homily Pope Francis where President Obama would quoted Jesus saying: Photographers: Jeff Anderson welcome the Pontiff to the United “Go out and tell the good news Photography, Kim Espenschied, Lisa States. At the crack of dawn, we to everyone. Go out and in my name Gazzara, Mary Pettrow, Lisa Thibault headed out to the White House embrace life as it is, and not as you Printing: Garrison Printing Company,

to wait on long lines, but the think it should be. Go out to the Pennsauken, NJ Photography Anderson Jeff Photos by atmosphere was electric. Everyone highways and byways, go out to tell Some images used in this publication was enthusiastically awaiting Pope the good news fearlessly, without ©iStock.com. Marlene Laó-Collins, Executive Francis’ arrival. I talked to many prejudice, without superiority, Director of Catholic Charities, people while waiting in line and without condescension, to all those Diocese of Trenton announced that the 26th Annual Guardian Angel learned they came from all across who have lost the joy of living. TOP EVENT SPONSOR GUARDIAN ANGELS Partners in Teaching Peace, Dinner Dance was an extraordinary ith hanks to ur ponsors the US and abroad, both religious Go out to proclaim the good news WInvestors BankT OArcher &S Greiner, P.C. continued from page 1 and lay people. As I waited, I went that error, deceitful illusions and success. Nearly 400 attended the FLORAL AND BAND SPONSOR Atlantic Lining Co., Inc. through my Facebook newsfeed falsehoods do not have the last word event in October, raising $180,000 current GCU intern and J. Mark and Ann D. Baiada Lammey and Giorgio Architects where I saw that Catholics and non- in a person’s life. Go out with the Midnight Case Aid; Cara Lanza, in operating funds, according to St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Catholics alike were excited about ointment which soothes wounds and former GCU intern and now Laó-Collins. VIDEO SPONSOR Spring Lake Pope Francis’ arrival. heals hearts.” Domestic Violence Liaison to the Riverview Studios The Church of Our Lady of When the moment finally arrived Amen! Department of Child Protection BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Good Counsel, Moorestown at the White House, it was amazing It was profoundly moving for and Permanency; and Crystal SERVICES SPONSOR ANGELS how thousands of people became me to be in the same space as Bracero, a former GCU student Reilly Financial Group, Brewer Direct, Inc. silent and all strained to hear the Pope Francis, to be a part of this now serving as Safe House an office of MetLife Georgian Court University Pope’s words. When his voice came historic moment, and to listen to his Coordinator. CHILDREN AND FAMILY Jeffrey and Megan Gordon over the speakers, it was soft and message of love — an experience Longtime Community Affairs SERVICES SPONSOR Peter J. and Mary Ellen Griffin gentle, speaking in English and his of a lifetime. Let us keep the Program Supervisor Marcia Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Pete and Lori Haas Herbert Van Ness Cayci & Goodell first comments acknowledged he is momentum going and live out what Fishkin (also a GCU alumni) has "I would like to thank all of our Bank of America Corporation Hyatt Regency Princeton the “son of an immigrant family,” Pope Francis has encouraged us to event sponsors, attendees, auction COMMUNITY SERVICES SPONSOR continued to work closely with NJM Insurance Group donors and the volunteer committee Honorable Anthony J. and and that he was “happy to be a do, especially our work with the her alma mater on the annual New Jersey Natural Gas who made this event a success. Our Judith M. Persichilli guest in this country, which was poor and vulnerable. Let us rejoice fundraiser held at GCU for the St. Paul Parish, Princeton partners are vitally important in largely built by such families.” This in the Lord always and go forth! last 10 years. PROVIDENCE HOUSE DOMESTIC Robert and Karen Tanzola was met with applause and cheers The lessons that Providence helping Catholic Charities meet the VIOLENCE SERVICES SPONSORS TD Bank and my heart was full. Warmly, House staff have imparted to needs of the 100,000 people who NJ SHARES/Verizon NJ and The Parish of Saint Mary, Colts Neck Later, at the Basilica, as the GCU students, interns, faculty reach out to us each year for help St. Francis Medical Center USI Consulting Group Pope arrived, the crowd greeted and residential/security staff will through our 58 programs — mental ARCHANGELS V.J. Scozzari & Sons, Inc. him with cheers, “Viva Papa, Viva ripple forth for many years to health and addiction programs, Amboy Bank Margaret and Pat Walsh Papa!!” and applause. It was an come, helping to raise awareness basic needs such as food, clothing J. Knipper and Company, Inc. Willis North America overwhelming moment and a Marlene Laó-Collins of domestic violence and and housing and children and New Jersey Hospital Association great celebration for the Catholic Executive Director promote peace in every home. family services including domestic Phoenix Packaging & Fulfillment violence services, says Laó-Collins. St. Robert Bellarmine Church 2 CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org The Spirit — Fall 2015 3 news from CHILDREN + FAMILY SERVICES New Look, New Website Reflect Strategic Initiatives

While Catholic Charities has not altered its core mission or principles since its incorporation in 1913, Finally Feels Like Home it has remained relevant and sustainable over the last century by responding to changes in its communities Catholic Charities’ Disaster Response Program and providing the types of services most in need. welcomes back another family. Faced with dramatic changes in the way that behavioral healthcare services will be funded, as Jackie and Michael Terefenko day, a friend suggested that Jackie well as a cascade of related changes such as the spent nearly three years living get out of the house and go hear emergence of new “competitors,” we seized the in challenging conditions while Governor Christie talk to Sandy FAMILY GROWTH opportunity to respond. ELAINE MURL RETIRES their house was undergoing major survivors on Long Beach Island. She PROGRAM EXPANDS Working with a digital marketing firm, External Affairs and other agency MARKING END OF ERA renovations. For much of the time, did get to speak with the Governor staff collaborated to identify key messages that need to be promoted in only two rooms were habitable, who hugged her and told her, The Family Growth Program order to make our services and giving opportunities easier to access. These IN HUMAN RESOURCES including their bathroom which “You’re a fighter, remember that. in Monmouth County recently messages provide the structural support for the agency’s refreshed look was turned into a makeshift expanded to provide counseling For close to four decades, Elaine You’ve got Jersey strength.” which will be implemented in our print materials in 2016 and can now be kitchen. services in Ocean County for child Murl managed the benefits and At the “welcome home” seen on our redesigned website: CatholicCharititesTrenton.org When Laura Cuviello, Catholic survivors of abuse and trauma. many other facets of human celebration, surrounded by friends, Visitors to our new website will find that there is “no wrong door,” Charities’ Disaster Response Services are offered in Whiting at resources at Catholic Charities. neighbors and the many advocates making it easier to connect with services or events. Other new features Program Case Manager, first the Providence House Outreach Her tenure saw three executive who helped with her home rebuild, include better integration with social media and improving our arrived at the Terefenko’s home in Counseling Center. The program directors, two of whom attended Jackie said, “My husband Michael accessibility to teens and young adults. Manahawkin, she was astounded also offers counseling services in her retirement breakfast, and she and I were very blessed to have The new site has also been “responsively designed” simply meaning that by the conditions: only two rooms Keansburg and Keyport. also saw the human resources all of you as our partners in this whether a visitor reaches us on a smartphone, tablet or desktop, the same in the home were habitable because department grow from just two to recovery. You have all become information will be provided in an easy-to-navigate format. a supporting wall had collapsed members of our family. But I want FOR INFORMATION, contact the seven employees, while the agency Access, Help and Information and with every wind gust, the entire all of my friends to be back in grew from 200 to more than 600 Center at 800-360-7711. house swayed. The couple’s private employees. their homes too, I want my village insurance carrier denied that the restored.” 2015 APN Summit: Among her many professional catastrophic damage to their house skills, Murl possessed the ability was caused by Hurricane Sandy, so FOR MORE Weeding Out Poverty to maintain the difficult balance the Terefenkos hired a builder to INFORMATION between protecting the interests of elevate and repair their home. on the Disaster The Anti-Poverty Network of NJ the organization while also serving Unfortunately, the elevation Response (APN) held its annual summit, as a strong advocate for employee was done incorrectly, causing two Program, contact 877-510-6762. “Weeding Out Poverty: Uncovering benefits. Murl’s sense of humor, walls to collapse. After contacting the Roots of Racial and Economic fierce dedication and work ethic will Catholic Charities’ Disaster Injustice” in October. Catholic be missed, but everyone at Catholic Response Program, the Terefenkos Charities staff and consumers Charities wishes her all the best in were soon joined by an army of attended workshops on related her retirement. volunteer and professional recovery advocacy issues and participated specialists. At times, the obstacles in skill building sessions as well. were overwhelming — Jackie Joyce Campbell, Associate Executive was battling cancer in addition to Director, External Affairs and Vice through the legislature. fighting to save her home. More President of APN, facilitated “How The summit was the focus than two years later, her home has to Talk to Legislators” with Kevin Drennan, Director of a NJTV news story, featuring Susan Parker, Peer been restored and now even has of the Senate Majority Office, and Christine Shipley, Advocate for Catholic Charities and APN Board a chair lift to help her navigate s Jackie Terefenko (left) with Catholic Director of the Senate Minority Office. Member. Parker shared that a divorce left her hungry between floors as the house was Charities’ Disaster Response Case The highlight of the summit was a panel of and homeless. “You really can’t even describe the level elevated nearly 12 feet. Better still, Manager Laura Cuviello. “experience experts” — five individuals who bravely of devastation you feel when you don’t have a place Jackie’s doctors reported that her

shared their stories of the challenges of living in to sleep, you don’t have a place to take a shower,” she cancer is in remission. s Jackie and Michael Terefenko take a poverty (pictured above). Assemblyman Vincent Prieto said. We applaud Parker for sharing her journey out On one particularly challenging moment to relax with their dogs. responded, thanking them for their willingness to tell of poverty and for dedicating herself to advocating for their stories, and voiced his interest in seeking solutions others.

4 CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org The Spirit — Fall 2015 5 news from COMMUNITY SERVICES

* help can prevent New Approach Shows Promise people on the edge of Rapid Rehousing is ending homelessness, one family at a time. from falling over it. It started *Article excerpted with permission from Stateline, a publication of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Reported by Tim Henderson. with a few local experiments 30 years ago, worked Two years ago Jenaie Scott had a she turned for help last year. With well in pilot $20 an hour cleaning job, which her strong history of work, she programs, and was plenty to cover the rent for a qualified for Catholic Charities’ went national in 2009 as part of the federal economic At left: Jenaie Scott recently shared her story at a Catholic modest apartment on the west side Rapid Rehousing program, which stimulus package. Now used in every state, rapid Charities event for donors. of Trenton. put her and her son in an apartment rehousing is considered to be particularly effective At right: Kathleen Francois and Mosudi Idowu oversee But Scott lost the job in a 2013 within a month. for homeless families because it provides stability for Catholic Charities’ Rapid Rehousing Program. downsizing, setting off a downward The program paid her first children. HOMERUN FOR spiral that led her and 5-year-old month’s rent; Scott paid a share of Mercer County and other communities have found to $16,000 by skipping the intermediate step of HEROES GRANT son Jyaire into homelessness. the rent for the next two months the program produces faster results than the previous transitional housing and moving people directly from “I had other jobs, but they just and now is paying it all. She got strategy, which moved the homeless from shelters to homeless shelters to permanent housing. Families had Catholic Charities’ Community didn’t pay enough, and eventually a job at an Amazon warehouse, transitional housing before giving them a permanent been staying in transitional housing an average of 253 Services Programs in Ocean they put an eviction notice on where she filled orders so fast her roof over their heads. And it costs less. days. “We were actually managing homelessness, not County recently was awarded my door,” Scott recalled. She and bosses made her a full-time coach The number of homeless families has dropped by trying to end homelessness,” Billek says. a grant from the OceanFirst Jyaire moved in with relatives, then for other workers. “Without this 75 percent to 71 families since 2007, before the Only about 6 percent of Mercer County families . The generous $3,000 begged for space in the back room I don’t know where I’d be,” Scott program started, according to Marygrace Billek, helped by the program have returned to homelessness, grant was presented as part of the of a church and finally started says of the housing program. Mercer County’s Human Services Director. compared to 21 percent under the old program, she says. Foundation’s “Home Runs for Heroes sleeping in her car. Grants” program. “I came here crying. I was so FAST RESULTS COST EFFECTIVE FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Rapid Rehousing The grant assists our Lakewood upset,” Scott says from the offices The rapid rehousing strategy is Mercer County was able to lower the cost of getting program, contact Mosudi Idowu or Kathleen Francois at program to meet the basic needs of Catholic Charities Community based on the idea that in a majority a family into permanent housing from about $32,000 609-394-8847. of veterans and local service men Services program in Trenton, where of cases, a little temporary housing and women (active and retired) and their families that are struggling financially. CHURCH & DWIGHT EMPLOYEES Pictured above: Carmen Pagan, Spreading the Word Ocean Community Services Program RAISE $12K FOR PROJECT HOPE Director with representatives from the to Fight Hunger is a SNAP Special thanks to Church & Dwight Co., Inc., who recently raised $12,000 OceanFirst Foundation. through their Employee Giving Fund for Catholic Charities’ Community For the second consecutive year, County office in Trenton on the Services’ Project Hope Initiative. NJM GRANT Catholic Charities’ Community third Thursday of each month. Through participation in Project Hope activities, people learn skills needed Services provides outreach, education Jackson will also be conducting to get and maintain employment, effectively manage the families’ financial Recently, the NJM Insurance Group and enrollment assistance to residents outreach and enrollment to serve resources, live healthy generously awarded $2,500 for in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and clients of other Catholic Charities’ lifestyles, nurture positive Community Services of Catholic Ocean counties who are interested in programs and other community- relationships and develop Charities’ Project Hope Program the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance based organizations in Burlington positive communication in Mercer County. Project Hope Program (SNAP). SNAP Case and Mercer counties. styles. provides indigent families and Manager Marvina Jackson is eager This program is funded through a s individuals who are homeless or Community Services to expand participation in SNAP and grant from Catholic Charities USA. facing the threat of homelessness Director Richard Ferreira she encourages all in need of food with opportunities to develop accepts the from assistance to contact her. FOR INFORMATION about SNAP assets and resources needed to Nicole Nguyen, Church & Jackson is at the Burlington enrollment assistance in Mercer s Marvina Jackson is eager to expand achieve an improved, sustainable Dwight Employee Giving Fund County office in Delanco on County call 609-394-8847 and in participation in SNAP and encourages all quality of life. Grant Committee member. Wednesdays and the Mercer Burlington County call 609-764-6940. in need of food assistance to contact her. 6 CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org The Spirit — Fall 2015 7 news from PROVIDENCE HOUSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES (PHDVS)

Using Her Voice The Sweet Taste of Success

PHDVS staff member sings for Pope Francis. This year’s Taste of Burlington County event raised nearly $55,000. Natalia Alvarez-Figueroa grew up in Approximately 400 Puerto Rico and came to the US to guests attended the 21st attend college at Temple University. annual event — one of She received both her undergraduate two significant annual and graduate degrees from Temple, fundraisers for Providence specializing in music therapy. She joined House. This year’s event Catholic Charities two years ago and featured nearly 150 gift is now the Supervising Case Manager baskets and several 50/50 at the Providence House Safe House in VERIZON WIRELESS raffle options. More than Burlington County. s b. good of Marlton, participating 20 local restaurants participated offering DONATES TABLETS Growing up, Alvarez-Figueroa’s s Natalia Alvarez-Figueroa anxiously for a second year, served up their a wide variety of savory and sweet grandfather encouraged her to pursue awaits Pope Francis’ arrival in her seat on TO SAFE HOUSE signature kale and quinoa salad. options for all those in attendance. music at an early age. When she was the main stage at the Benjamin Franklin RESIDENTS 7, she started to receive classical music Parkway concert. training. As a young girl, she sang in a Verizon Wireless, a longtime advocate of Domestic Violence well-known choir in Puerto Rico that in such an amazing setting,” Alvarez-Figueroa says. travelled all over the world performing. “Being a part An Evening to Celebrate Awareness and Education, donated Besides sitting in close proximity to Pope Francis, She 20 Ellipses 8 tablets (valued at of that group taught me a great deal of discipline at an In October, Providence House hosted its annual Celebration of Survivor says the view of the crowd on the Parkway was simply $250 each) to be shared among early age,” she says. events in Burlington and Ocean counties. Survivors courageously shared amazing. “Sitting on the stage with the Pope and the two Safe Houses at Providence However, nothing could have prepared Alvarez- their stories with audiences at both events. Guests at the Burlington looking down the Parkway and seeing the incredible House so that residents could view Figueroa for the amazing experience she would have County event were surprised with a choreographed flash mob dance amount of people gathered … it was just surreal.” the visit of Pope Francis to the during Pope Francis’ recent visit to Philadelphia. routine that featured survivors and Providence House staff. Philadelphia area. GAINING CLEARANCE PERFORMING FOR THE POPE While Alvarez-Figueroa had no concerns about There was special interest in A few weeks before the Pope’s visit, Alvarez-Figueroa obtaining clearance through the Secret Service in viewing the Philadelphia visit was approached by some old friends that she knew order to perform, she was worried about coverage for because a Providence House through her connections at Temple to take part as a her shift at the Safe House. “I’m the one in charge of Supervising Case Manager Natalia soprano in the newly formed Philadelphia Heritage scheduling and the calendar and I realized I had missed Alvarez-Figeroa (see story on page Chorale — a group composed of 52 members who the deadline for requesting a day off,” she says. 8) was selected to sing in the main were specifically put together to show the diversity of When she sent out an email asking if anyone would backing choir of the Saturday singers in Philadelphia. be willing to cover her shift so she could perform, her concert during the Pope’s visit. “Things came together very quickly,” Alvarez- co-workers jumped to cover it for her and also had a Providence House clients have Figueroa says. With about 3 weeks to form and few laughs over the fact that she was worried about continued to make use of the rehearse, the choral group received some of the finding coverage. tablets to conduct job searches, pieces they would sing literally the night before “My coworkers were super excited and supportive,” “MY FAMILY IS BLESSED” WHAT’S NEXT? help their children with homework, their performance at the Saturday night event on the Alvarez-Figueroa says. “The night of the performance Aside from Alvarez-Figueroa Alvarez-Figueroa will continue set up email accounts to receive Benjamin Franklin Parkway. “We had to be incredibly I received 136 texts on my phone and I think 100 of performing for Pope Francis, she singing with the Philadelphia correspondence about resumes flexible and learn the music very quickly,” she says. them were from Providence House staff!” learned a few days before that her Heritage Chorale and is looking and — because many have fled The group, who stayed on the main stage for the As a new mother of a four-month-old, Alvarez- cousin, who had just arrived in the forward to reintroducing a musical their hometowns — they have also entire event, performed The Lord’s Prayer with Andrea Figueroa was grateful to her mother who had flown in US to attend college in Washington, support group back into the Safe used the tablets to access maps Bocelli, Nessun Dorma and Amazing Grace with from Puerto Rico especially to take care of her son so DC, had also randomly been House as part of case management and driving directions. Aretha Franklin and a song sung in Spanish and written she wouldn’t have to worry about being away from him selected to attend a special mass for adult residents. “I’ve just gotten specially for the event by Columbian artist Juanes. with the Pope at the White House. back from maternity leave, but soon Pictured above: John O’Malley, all day. “I can’t wait to show him the security badge one Public Relations Manager for Verizon “It was such an amazing experience not only to sing day, show him pictures and tell him that I was there and “It was such a strange coincidence, I hope to restart a musical group for the Pope, but to sing with artists that I so admire that I can only believe our family is of some kind to help our residents Wireless and Mary Pettrow, Associate a part of this monumental event,” she says. Director of Providence House. s blessed.” work through their issues,” she says. continued 8 CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org The Spirit — Fall 2015 9 news from BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES RECEIVE LIFETIME INCOME owe tax on its appreciation. FROM YOUR GIFT If the property’s value is now 3 TAX SAVVY Whether you’re still working or below your original purchase price, retired, you may decide after assessing you can sell it to take a capital STRATEGIES TO your finances that you need more loss to the extent allowed by law, Behavioral Health income. Consider setting up a life thus reducing your taxable income. USE THIS YEAR income gift to benefit Catholic Then donate the cash to Catholic Welcomes New Program Charities, Diocese of Trenton. In Charities, Diocese of Trenton. exchange for your gift of cash or Either way, it’s a win-win situation securities, or possibly real estate, you — you help us while smartly A new program, designed to meet the needs of up to to fully or your designated beneficiary receive managing your taxes. five consumers with chronic mental illness has been participate in income for life. Plus, you get a partial integrated into Catholic Charities’ Behavioral Health their recovery charitable tax deduction the year DON’T FORGET THIS AT YEAR-END Services on the grounds of Ancora State Psychiatric process you make the gift. Once the payment The end of the year is also an ideal Hospital. The Forensically Involved Supportive through the period ends — or you or your time to review your estate plans. If Housing (FISH) Program is designed to provide implementation beneficiary passes on — the remaining any of the following have occurred permanent housing and specialized forensic services of evidenced value of your gift goes to us. in the past year, you’ll want to pay for consumers on Conditional Extension Pending based practices particular attention to: Placement (CEPP) status being discharged into the such as Illness s Front (l to r): Mario Fanfarillo and USE TAX-SMART STRATEGIES n Major life events, such as community from Ancora Psychiatric Hospital. Management and Dorthea DeAngelo. Back (l to r): TO MAKE GIFTS marriages, divorces, births or Recovery. Kim Holshue, Barbara DuBois, Instead of cash, consider donating deaths PROGRAM BENEFITS Angela Palladino appreciated property. If you give n A rise or fall in income or net worth The major goal of the FISH program is to provide GIVEN A VOICE Catholic Charities, Diocese of n A move to another state, as each support and encouragement to mentally ill adults with Consumers will also be assisted in utilizing generic Trenton property you have owned state has its own laws about valid involvement in the justice system in the development of community supports, where available, to meet physical, for more than a year, the amount wills life skills required to sustain successful living within the psychological and social needs to promote an improved There is no better time than you can write off is the asset’s value community. Housing and services are organized around quality of life and emotional well-being. now to protect your wealth with on the day you make the gift. So if FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact the principle of consumer resident choice, responsibility “With the FISH program, we are giving a voice valuable and often overlooked tax the property has increased in value Nancy Tompkins at 609-394-5181 and participation. to those who traditionally have been silenced and deductions. while you’ve owned it, you won’t x1161 or [email protected]. An integral component of this program is to provide providing hope and a second chance to those who had First, estimate how much income linkages and assistance to consumers in working felt they were forgotten,” says Angela Palladino, IRP you expect to bring in by the end with law enforcement, probation, the courts, the South Program Director. of 2015. Knowing this information municipalities and any other legal entity as well as Staffing supervision is provided in the residence 16 can help you decide how much you providing education on how to appropriately handle hours per day, 7 days per week. However, the staffing may want to give to favorite causes, Making their situation within the legal system. patterns are designed to ensure 24/7 availability to achieve such as Catholic Charities, Diocese The residential program services have a optimum flexibility and responsiveness to the consumers. of Trenton, reducing your income Friends & rehabilitative focus designed to develop and improve tax hit. skills necessary for successful community integration. FOR MORE INFORMATION on the FISH program, contact The following are a few smart a Difference Programming focuses on empowering the consumer Angela Palladino at 609-561-7670. year-end giving ideas that can reduce your potential taxes or even Consider joining one boost your income this year. of Catholic Charities’ COUNSELING PROGRAM DIRECTOR CELEBRATES County Boards. GET AN IMMEDIATE TAX BENEFIT 30 YEARS OF HELPING OTHERS When you support Catholic We need people like s Charities, Diocese of Trenton, you This summer, members of the Monmouth Christopher Mussell, Program programs, ALAD, Familia Latina, and teamwork. you to join one of our not only make a difference in the County Board attended a welcome home Director of Mercer Outpatient school-based programs. four county boards in “Chris’ lives of others, but you also receive celebration for a homeowner helped through Services, is celebrating his 30th Burlington, Mercer, As another demonstration of Mussell’s commitment a tax deduction. You can usually Catholic Charities’ Disaster Response Program. anniversary as an employee with Monmouth or Ocean dedication to improving the lives of to our agency, itemize and write off the amount Catholic Charities. Mussell has counties. Help coordinate events, plan food drives, and raise community others, he has represented Catholic his staff, and you’re donating, resulting in lower been director of the Guidance Clinic awareness of Catholic Charities. There is something for everyone and all Charities at innumerable community the people we serve reminds us all of taxable income. If you are unsure since 1995. He also spent 10 years are welcome! No direct experience required. organizations and community-based the profound impact one can create whether your gift is tax-deductible, as the program supervisor. His events throughout his entire career. As through positive actions every day,” simply contact a tax or financial noteworthy achievements include the a program director, Mussell exhibits says Harry Postel, Catholic Charities’ advisor. FOR MORE INFORMATION about joining a County Board, contact management of outpatient mental both the leadership and consideration Associate Executive Director of Nancy Tompkins at 609-394-5181 x1161, or [email protected]. health and substance abuse treatment to encourage staff achievement and Operations. 10 CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org The Spirit — Fall 2015 11 383 West State St. P.O. Box 1423 Trenton, NJ 08607-1423

BURLINGTON COUNTY 801 Burlington Avenue Delanco, NJ 08075 856-764-6945 x6111 Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM MERCER COUNTY 132 N Warren Street Trenton, NJ 08608 609-394-8847 Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM OCEAN COUNTY Give to Our Christmas Toy 200 Monmouth Avenue Lakewood, NJ 08701 As a child, what could be sadder than waking up Christmas morning and finding nothing under the tree? During these hard times more parents than ever are 732-363-5322 x3225 looking to Catholic Charities’ Community Services for help. Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM Donate an unwrapped toy or item and help light up a child’s face this Christmas! For a complete listing of items needed, contact the program in your county (see list at right). THANK YOU FOR Drop off your at a Community Services location nearest you BRIGHTENING A from December 1 to 18! CHILD’S CHRISTMAS!