Anchor House Shelter Through the Department of Children and Families

To Whom It May Concern:

I am emailing to ask that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country. I became involved at Anchor House as a fund raiser annually riding 500 miles each year in the Anchor House Ride for Runaways to support Anchor House’s work. While the Ride raises a substantial amount of funds it cannot completely support the work Anchor House does or even come close to the amount needed to provide the services that Anchor House provides to our community. Cutting $243,040 in funding will force Anchor House to discontinue serving youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24- hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare. I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony or if you have questions, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxx. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Rich Armington

I am writing in response to the state's budget cut to the Anchor House Shelter in Trenton, NJ. I am a former employee of Anchor House and have worked as a social worker in NJ for the past 20 years; I have seen the many changes to the child welfare system over this time. I am well aware that the state has been trying to reduce the use of residential or congregate care for years now. I appreciate that the goal of caring for our youth is to resolve issues at home or provide quality foster care while resolving those issues. Unfortunately I believe there are too many gaps in the system and closing down the shelter will leave a larger gap than before. Finding foster care for teens is difficult, period. And until there are more foster care homes in Mercer County, you will be displacing youth further from their homes and schools. Anchor House truly becomes an Anchor to the kids in Trenton because even once they go home, the dedicated staff at Anchor House continue to work with the youth in whichever capacity they can in order to help the youth. Anchor House has always gone above and beyond to work with youth and I was always proud to be a part of an organization that was always willing to do what was right for the kids. I am appalled at these budget cuts when I can open the paper daily and read about another shooting in Trenton. Cutting much needed services to youth in this community at this time is completely irresponsible of the State. Sincerely, Stacy Basara, LPC Former Therapist at Anchor House Inc.

I am writing to plead with you to reinstate the $243,000 funding that was given annually to Anchor House in Mercer County. Anchor House, as I am sure you’re aware, is the ONLY emergency shelter in the Mercer County area for teens who are in crisis. This funding is crucial to the continued excellent operation of this worthy organization. Please reconsider.

Ilene M. Black Executive Administrator Presbytery of New Brunswick

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Michael Broadhurst and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

My involvement at the Anchor House began in 2007 and I have been a rider participant in the annual Anchor House Ride for Runaways and a donor myself ever since. I come back year after year to support this amazing organization because it provides a need to kids who have nowhere else to turn.

This $243,040 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor House to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare.

I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony or if you have questions, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael Broadhurst Veteran Anchor House Rider Participant

To the New Jersey Legislative Budget and Finance Office:

My name is Russell Buckley, and I'm writing to submit testimony via e-mail today asking for funding to be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families.

Anchor House is a low overhead, highly effective organization that lends a helping hand to some of the most vulnerable segments of our population. It’s all about the kids. This year, the pandemic caused a huge shift in how they operate. Masks, plastic barriers, and social distancing were rapidly implemented. Many young people lost their seasonal work, and all students shifted to online classes. For a population with existing traumas, the additional isolation resulting from the pandemic made Anchor House’s counseling, therapy and services that much more critical. 80% of the young people Anchor House serves are African American. The recent Black Lives Matter protests have only increased the need for spaces to talk, cope, and connect. Anchor House serves a vital role for the youth in the Trenton, NJ area.

Cutting it's funding in the midst of a pandemic would greatly hinder it's ability to provide much needed services in the community. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter.

I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF, including funding the shelter contract, by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony or if you have questions, please contact me at the contact information provided below. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Russ

-- Russell A. Buckley, CPA.

Please it is urgent that the State continue to support and not take away funding for Anchor House. Anchor House is needed to provide a safe haven for DCP&P youth. It is the only emergency shelter in the Mercer County area for teens who are in crisis. They are advocating for the proposed $243,040 so they can maintain their doors open.

This are unprecedented times and places like Anchor House are needed more than ever. Do not turn your back on the most vulnerable youth.

Praying for your continued support, Carmen Carnicero

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Michael Crismali and I a Mercer County resident for the last 16 years, and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As I am sure you are aware Anchor House is the ONLY Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, and they are relentless in their pursuit to provide a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth in a world where so many others turn their backs on them.

We currently live in unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped the country for the better part of the last 6 months. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the selfless service that Anchor House and its people provide as tensions rise to a fever pitch and violent crimes increase at an alarming rate in the Trenton area. And COVID-19 is not the only pandemic happening in this country right now. Turn on the news on an almost daily basis and you will see countless examples of racial injustice and tensions running high among opposing viewpoints. While no time would be appropriate to turn your backs on these children and young adults, it is particularly cruel in this environment where there are even less people equipped or willing to help.

I became involved at Anchor House in two capacities

I was first introduced to this organization by a close friend of mine who is a director there. The first time I realized the caliber of the people at Anchor House and the work they do was when I was introduced to the annual “Ride for Runaways”. This amazing group of individuals, who ALREADY devote their life in the service of others take a full week out of their lives and away from their families to call attention to the work that they do during a 500 mile, 1 week bike ride in an effort to fund raise, but also to call attention to their mission.

But it is my other interaction with Anchor House that has had the greatest impact. I volunteered some of my time at a couple of holiday events that Anchor House runs. The purpose of these gatherings is to celebrate the holidays with the youth that they serve and show them that they are special too. The men and women who make these events possible and the youth who attend get together like family and on that night, break bread and are on equal footing. I came to love going to these events because my interactions with the youth that Anchor House served was proof positive of the impact they are having. These kids, most of whom have no one else to turn to, were happy. They had smiles on their faces when most of us in similar circumstances would not.

This $243,040 cut in funding will eliminate Anchor House’s ability to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter. This includes ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment AND are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day, WITHOUT fail.

In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but not limited to:

 Food  Clothing  Crisis Intervention  Case Management,  Counseling (individual, group and family)  Access to medical, dental and mental health care (including physicals)  Life Skills education  School Outreach  Transportation and aftercare

To whomever is reading this, I implore you. Look at this list. Look at the power that this funding you intend to take away has and look at all of the vital services that would no longer be available and ask yourself this question…..”what if it were someone I cared about who needed their help?” Anchor House and it’s people are making a real and tangible difference and you MUST NOT inhibit their ability to do so. It would be detrimental to the community they serve, but more importantly than all of that, would be destroying the young people who need them, in many cases, irreparably.

I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF, including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program. Allow them to remain viable with its doors open, its beds available and all of the vital services listed above intact. There are a lot of lives at stake here….present and future. Please take that into consideration.

Thank you for your time.

------Sincerely,

Michael V. Crismali

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Justine Daugherty and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country. I became involved at Anchor House as a walker participant this year. A friend has been a ride participant for almost 10 years I always donate because I believe Anchor House is an invaluable service in our community. This year I was able to see the transformations of the clients that they have helped and see what they are doing during these present circumstances to keep this youth engaged and protected. I believe that this is a great resource for our community, and it can use all resources that are available. This $243,040 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor House to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare. I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony or if you have questions, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Justine Daugherty

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Peter Downey and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

I became involved at Anchor House as a bicyclist in the Anchor House Ride for Runaways, and quickly came to realize how my participation in this event impacted real people, not just an organization. Those people, those children in need, are given things that you and I take for granted on a daily basis: food, shelter, clothing, medical care, a sense of self-worth, and love. Throughout the last 14 years of my participation, I have been inspired by these children to take a more active role in helping the Ride for Runaways succeed, and have heard of and witnessed truly astounding success stories from these children.

This $243,040 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor House to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but not limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare.

I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. This is an opportunity for our leaders, our community and volunteers, and those who represent the people of the state of New Jersey, to work together in helping Anchor House provide a safe haven for children in need, and to help ensure they have a bright and successful future.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Peter Downey

To our NJ Legislatures,

Anchor House provides the only shelter in Mercer County and the mission for over 42 years has been committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children. It is vital that the NJ Legislature restore the $243,040, the amount provided annually to our agency for the Shelter to provide a safe haven for youth who are in the child welfare system. It is imperative that these youth already in the welfare system continue to have a place like Anchor House to be safe.

I have worked at the Anchor House Foundation since 1991 and see first hand the important work done. Please do not shut the door on this funding.

Sincerely,

Kathy Drulis COO, Anchor House Foundation

Kathy Drulis [email protected] Anchor House Foundation 609-278-9495 (o)

Governor Murphy announced his proposed FY 2021 Budget that included an astounding $66 million in cuts to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) that directly impacts our most vulnerable youth. This resulted in DCF eliminating its funding to Anchor House’s Shelter Program, effective October 1, less than one month away. We are imploring that our state legislators restore the $243,040, the amount provided annually to our agency. Anchor House Shelter is the only emergency shelter in the Mercer County area for teens who are in crisis.

We appreciate and need your support!

Nancy Faherty

To Whom It May Concern:

In October 2019, I was recognized by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey for my 30 years as a volunteer at the Anchor House Shelter in Trenton. I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

As a volunteer I have the privilege of working with youth at the shelter who are suffering from abuse, neglect, and uncertainty. It is my honor to be part of an organization that is instrumental in providing a place for homeless youths who would otherwise be vulnerable to exploitation and gang activity. Over my many years of work at the shelter I have seen countless cases of young people whose lives were changed by the existence of Anchor House. Recently we had the pleasure to speak with one particular young person who had been completely homeless before entering Anchor House’s Anchorage program. While he lived there, he was encouraged to continue school, where he graduated from Montclair State University. Today he is completing his Master’s degree in Cyber Security at the University of Delaware.

Thomas Florek Lead Research Programmer Educational Testing Service

This is to voice my hope that NJ state legislators will restore the $243,040 funding amount provided annually to Anchor House for the Shelter to provide a safe haven for DCP&P youth. Anchor House is the only emergency shelter in the Mercer County area for teens who are in crisis. I personally support Anchor House and believe it provides a very important service in providing a safe environment for runaway, abused, or homeless youth between the formative ages of 12 and 21 years of age. This funding amount is a tiny portion of the state budget that reaps profound benefits to many of our youth. Please do not eliminate this important funding. Art Kranzley Mercer County resident

Hello,

I understand you are eliminating the funding for Anchor House. Please reconsider! They fill a need that no one else in the area does. Kids are the most vulnerable. The work they do is essential.

I donate to their ride every year, please reconsider, it's a matter of life of death for some poor child.

Christine Hall Grovevile, NJ

I am deeply disturbed by the budget cuts proposed for the Department of Children and Families. This will result in Anchor House, a shelter for Runaway and Abused Kids in Trenton, to lose funding of $243,040. I have been involved with the House for over 30 years, including doing the Ride For Runaways for 31 years, helping to raise funds for the House. Children are our National Treasure, and Anchor House has been a Godsend to Trenton and all of New Jersey. The House provides a safe haven where abused, runaway, homeless, aging-out and at-risk youth and their families are empowered to succeed and thrive. They offer trauma-informed,residential, and community based programs for young people ages 10-24. Losing their funding would be a tragedy, and would put the House and the clients they serve at great risk. Please consider restoring the funding for the sake of the youth that they serve. Thank you.

Barbara Keener

I am aware that Governor Murphy announced his proposed FY 2021 Budget that included $66 million in cuts to the Department of Children and Families that directly impacts our most vulnerable youth, followed by DCF proposing to eliminate funding to Anchor House for its Shelter Program.

Anchor house provides a safe haven for DCP&P youth and is the only emergency shelter in Mercer County for teens who are in crisis. Lives have been saved as a result of Anchor House and lives will be lost without it. I don't normally write this sort of email, but our youth and most vulnerable have no political voice and rely upon resources like Anchor House to intervene on their behalf. I wish to advocate for the voiceless, at-risk youth Anchor House Shelter needs to serve - especially in these unprecedented times. I have read testimonials by youth that clearly articulate how their lives were saved and ever changed because Anchor House Shelter was available to them. The need continues and the $243,040 is required to ensure that these youth have a chance at the life they deserve.

I implore you to keep the $243,040 funds in place for Anchor House Shelter Program so that our youth may have an opportunity to find a safe haven in their most vulnerable time.

Regards, Jean Larkin

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Kathryn Lilly and I am emailing this testimony asking that the funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Family Services. As the only shelter for teens in the Mercer County Area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years there has never been a greater need for the shelter as during the Covid 19 pandemic, as well as the rise of violent crime in the Trenton Area.

I have been involved with Anchor House for over 20 years giving financially as well as participating in their Annual Bike/Walk fund raiser. The kids in the Trenton Area need this organization in order to survive and Trenton needs this organization to survive! Anchor house is an asset to the Trenton area. It is a place where kids/teens can get shelter, food, education and much needed guidance from caring, responsible advocates. These kids have no place to turn, many are aged out of the foster care system and need roofs over their heads-we do not need any more homeless on the streets of Trenton. These kids/teen are given a chance to help themselves and develop into responsible adults through the caring people at Anchor house.

The $243,040.00 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor house to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are hard to place in foster care because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of care for these kids -including medical, crisis management, counseling, life skills and much more. As, stated previous, Anchor House helps these teens to become responsible members of society, which in turn helps the Trenton area.

I ask you to restore this funding to DCF including the shelter contract by reinstating the $243,040 needed for the Shelter to remain viable with its doors open and beds available.

Thank you for your attention to this matter of grave importance.

Sincerely, Kathryn Lilly

September 9, 2020

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Jill Lissa and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

I became involved at Anchor House funder because I believe so strongly in the valuable services they perform. Anchor House a small organization that performs an extremely valuable service to the community.

Sincerely,

Jill Lissa September 5, 2020

Dear Governor Murphy and New Jersey State Legislators,

I implore you; please do not allow the FY 2021 Budget cuts to effect Anchor House. Anchor House is the only emergency shelter in the Mercer County area for teens under 18 who are in crisis. I am pleading to you to restore the $243,040, the amount provided annually to Anchor House for the Shelter, to provide a safe haven for the area’s youth. The proposed FY 2021 Budget will directly impact our most vulnerable youth. The resulting cuts will cause the DCF to eliminate its funding to Anchor House.

Youth under 18 have no political voice. They depend on resources from Anchor House to intervene on their behalf. I hope that you reconsider and restore funding for the voiceless, at-risk youth that have found hope and help in the last 42 years at this unique and amazing beacon in the community.

Thank you for allowing me to express my hope that you will continue to support Anchor House. God bless you!

Very truly yours,

Nancy Loretangeli

Good afternoon,

I’m writing in support of the proposed $243,040 allocation to Anchor House. The mission and actual work performed by this organization speaks volumes about the neglect of our at risk youth. We are fortunate that Anchor House exists and does the hard work that we can’t seem to accomplish otherwise.

Please register my endorsement of this allocation.

Kind regards, Peter

Peter Macholdt

Governor Murphy. Please reconsider cutting money from AnchorHouse in Trenton,NJ. As the governor of this state I’m assuming you are familiar with the great work that AnchorHouse does for the at risk youth in the tri state area. As a 22 year participant in the AnchorHouse ride for runaways I can assure you of the great work that they do. I have heard so many testimonials from kids over the years that may not be alive today if it weren’t for AnchorHouse. Hundreds of of people have ridden their bikes millions of miles collectively over the past 42 years to support the amazing work that AnchorHouse does. That alone should tell you the committee people of our community and even those outside of our community have for the amazing work and services provided by AnchorHouse. Please do not cut the budget. Where will these kids turn in their greatest time of need if AnchorHouse is not able to offer the services that they have for so many years. Please for the life of our youth do not cut their budget. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. I know you will do the right thing in supporting our at risk youth. Sincerely Karen Malone

Please restore $243,000+ in funding for Anchor House Shelter, the only emergency shelter for teens in Mercer County. As as former NJ resident and supporter of their annual fundraising bike ride, I have seen firsthand the good things this organization does for the community. It would be a travesty for the state to forego funding to this organization focused on helping troubled youths in NJ.

Sincerely Ernest H. Martinez II, DVM MBA

Please consider funding to Anchor House as an investment in at risk youth that will save millions in services to them after they get into trouble. The youths that come to this place are vulnerable and willing to do what it takes to get a solid education and succeed. Without this support their lives will take a completely different path rather than moving on to be pillars of a healthy community. Think very very carefully before any cuts to this program, as it is an investment in a productive future rather than one filled with needs for services and continuing the ongoing cycle of need.

I am writing in response to the FY2021 proposed budget and to the unprecedented cuts to the Department of Children and Families budget. While I acknowledge that the state must make hard decisions due to decreased revenue, these cuts will have a devastating impact on vulnerable children and youth. I have been a development professional for over 25 years and wrote grants for Anchor House for the last twelve years. I can attest that Anchor House Shelter uses all funding wisely, and depends on state funding to help shelter abused, homeless, runaway and at risk children and youth. I saw firsthand how youth sought safety at the Shelter, as they often felt unloved, unheard and invisible. I used many of their testimonials in grants. The common theme was they felt cared for and safe at the Shelter. This decision to not fund the safe haven of the Shelter reinforces the idea that their well-being is not a priority.

I ask that the line item for Anchor House Shelter in Trenton be put back in the budget for the coming fiscal year. While I am no longer writing grants for Anchor House, I have the upmost respect for the work they do and the positive outcomes they achieve to better the lives of youth in our community. I could attach multiple grants, reports and statistics, but realize that the numbers do not illustrate the deep impact the program has on each youth.

Robin M. McGovern

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Brian McLaughlin and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

I became involved at Anchor House as a participant in their annual fundraising event – the Anchor House Ride for Runaways. Although I knew nothing about the mission of the shelter when I got involved with it 24 years ago, I have become aware of the need for a safe harbor for at-risk youth in Central Jersey, and how these kids are underserved by government agencies and private groups that deal with younger at-risk children. The efforts of the staff at the shelter and the courage and drive of the kids they serve has never failed to awe me whenever I am there.

Sincerely,

Brian McLaughlin

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Janet McLaughlin and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. Int its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as due to a rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

I became involved with Anchor House as a participant in their annual fundraising event - the Anchor House Ride for Runaways. Although I knew nothing about the mission of the shelter when I got involved with it 18 years ago, I have become aware of the need for a safe harbor for at-risk youth in Central Jersey , and how these kids are underserved by government agencies and private groups that deal with younger at-risk children. The efforts of the staff at the shelter and the courage and drive of the kids served has never failed to awe me whenever I am there.

This $243,040 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor House to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in a an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care homes due to their age. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youths ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services (including but not limited to) food, clothing, crises intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare.

Sincerely

Janet McLaughlin

To the esteemed members of the NJ Legislative Budget Committee:

I am writing today regarding the proposed budget cuts (specifically to DCF), which will catastrophically impact Anchor House, located in Trenton.

I am a lifelong resident of the great State of New Jersey, I’ve voted in every election since I was 18 years old and I have volunteered in my communities for as long as I can remember. Today I am writing to urge you to reconsider your plans to cut the critical funds allocated to Anchor House. Though Anchor House raises money through private grants, fundraisers and donations, losing over $243,000 with barely 30 days notice would have devastating and non-reversable impacts to Anchor House, the local communities it serves and most importantly, the kids. In 1978, 42 years ago, Anchor House saw a need to help local kids, who had nowhere else to go. Since then, Anchor House has significantly expanded its programs and services and has helped thousands of kids in immeasurable ways. A number of these kids, who are now thriving adults, have sent you personal testimonials about the profound impact Anchor House has had on their lives. I implore you to read these personal testimonials, so that you can understand the catastrophic impact cutting these funds will have on Mercer County and New Jersey.

I first became aware of Anchor house in the mid-1980s when I read about their annual fundraiser (the charity bike ride called the “Ride for Runaways”. Several years later I became a participant in the ride and this year marked my 15th year as a volunteer for Anchor House. Ten years ago I joined the Anchor House Foundation Board of Directors and I am now the vice president on the Anchor House Board of Directors. It didn’t take me long to realize that Anchor House is truly making a difference in our community and is doing so in a very fiscally responsible way. I personally make a substantial donation each year, because I know every dollar is going to help the kids and the community. Anchor House has been a mainstay in the community. It is valued, because people like me make personal donations each year, but we need you to restore the funding that has been cut.

I have had the great pleasure and honor to meet many of the kids Anchor House serves. These kids need and deserve a helping hand. Anchor House provides these vulnerable kids with a soft place to land and is staffed with dedicated and compassionate professionals. Anchor House has made a positive impact on the lives of innumerable kids in ways that are immeasurable. Anchor House teaches these kids life skills, helps them with school, finding jobs, getting accepted into colleges and universities and ultimately gives them the support and help they need to become thriving members of their communities. Anchor House is a family and is there when their own families and the system has failed them. Many of these kids are now adults giving back to Anchor House.

I’ve met a woman, who had no where to turn and Anchor House saved her life. She is now a parent, who owns her own business to help kids and families with autism. Anchor House helped another young man enroll in a university her in NJ. He graduated with honors and a double major in three years. These are the kinds of kids the funding is helping. The funds are repaid to the community by kids who ultimately become thriving and independent adults.

I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony or if you have questions, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Beth Mowery

Following are two links to videos on YouTube, that will give you a small sense of what Anchor House does. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEnaBqxP_QQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L88cQYR6jZE&t=3s

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is John Noon and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country. I became involved at Anchor House as a participant in the annual Anchor House Ride for Runaways. As a teenager, I could not imagine being homeless or being rejected by my family and not have a place to live. I saw the annual ride as an opportunity to ensure that Anchor House would continue to provide the necessary services the homeless and abused youth of Mercer County need to survive. When I heard that the State of New Jersey was going to deny funds for this necessary program, I was appalled. The Ride participants, volunteers and staff of Anchor House do everything possible to ensure the safety of these youth and the State of New Jersey is turning their back on them. This $243,040 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor House to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare. I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony or if you have questions, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, John M. Noon

September 9, 2020

Dear Legislators,

My name is Richard F. Ober, Jr. and I am asking that the $243,040 DCF funding be restored or increased to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. I just finished riding over 250 miles in 5 weeks on my exercise bike where I live in my continuing care retirement community for Anchor House Ride for Runaways to raise $2700.

As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter with the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

Anchor House provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare.

I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the Anchor House shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available.

Sincerely,

/s/ Richard F. Ober, Jr Richard F. Ober, Jr.

Governor Murphy's proposed FY2021 budget includes a $66 Million cut to the Department of Children & Families. This funding cut will severely affect the most vulnerable citizens of the state. These cuts will include a $243,040 cut to Anchor House. Anchor House is the only shelter for homeless, abused, and neglected children in the capital region. This cut is a heartless move by our Governor in a poor attempt to provide property tax relief on the backs of children in need. Please restore this funding. I look forward to your response. Thank you.

Best Regards, Brian O'Mara

I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country. I became involved at Anchor House as a personal testimony here. Ideas: – If funder or ride participant why you chose to donate to Anchor House and why DCF needs to invest too in the Shelter – If client share what Anchor House means to you – As partner share how you have collaborated with Anchor House and impact witnessed – If volunteer share why you chose to spend your time volunteering at Anchor House, what you have witnessed during your time there This $243,040 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor House to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare. I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

Judy Papiez

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Jennifer Rager and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

I became involved at Anchor House as a fund raiser and participant in the Anchor House 500 ride for runaways. I chose to support this charity over others because it serves a population of people that is mostly ignored by society. Anchor House provides a stable environment for kids at a point in their life when they are at risk of taking a path of crime. This charity strengthens our community because it gives kids a hand up in life not just a hand out.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Rager

Dear Legislative Budget and Finance Office Members:

For the last five years, I have had the opportunity to volunteer with Anchor House. This is an incredible organization that supports youth who are experiencing major life challenges. Anchor House provides counseling, transportation, and shelter to young people who often have nowhere and no one else to turn to. I have been to their facilities, spoken with their clients, and seen firsthand Anchor House's life-changing work.

Knowing that Anchor House's shelter program provides vital services and refuge to vulnerable youth, I urge New Jersey's legislators to restore the proposed $243,040 annual financial allocation. I speak on behalf of the young people whose lives have been positively impacted by Anchor House over the last four decades and for the future struggling teens who NEED Anchor House to survive.

With 20+ years in the education field, I am acutely aware that young people must have a soft place to land in order to grow, learn, and thrive. Please help create more of these soft landings by supporting Anchor House.

Sincerely, Shara Reichwald

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Deanna Nash and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country. I became involved at Anchor House as a ride participant. I’ve done the ride for 8 years and I’ve seen the impact Anchor House is to young children and youth in Mercer County. I pledge and donate to Anchor House so that these services can continue. This $243,040 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor House to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare. I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony or if you have questions, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Deanna Nash

Please restore funding to Anchor House, an organization I have supported for many years and know to do excellent work in supporting at risk youth. I do not believe funds should be cut for the most vulnerable though I know these are difficult times. Mary Schedl

Dear NJ State Legislators,

I am writing today regarding the FY 2021 Budget that included $66 million in cuts to the Department of Children and Families that directly impacts New Jersey's most vulnerable youth.

I ask you to please restore the $243,040 DCF funding to Anchor House for its Shelter program to provide a safe haven for youth in the child welfare system. Anchor House Shelter, located in Trenton, is the only shelter in the Mercer County area for teens who are in crisis.

Anchor House has been providing a safe refuge for youth since our founding in 1978 and has a proven record of success in helping youth leave the streets of Trenton by reuniting them with their families or finding appropriate alternative living arrangements.

Anchor House never turns anyone away. When Yvette had nowhere to go and no food to eat Anchor House was a haven that took her in, addressed her immediate needs, and placed her swiftly: “I know how it feels not to have and I know how it feels to know someone like Anchor House will always have my back and anyone else who needs help,” she praises her experience.

On behalf of the youth and families served through our Shelter Program, thank you for your consideration in helping Mercer County's most vulnerable youth by restoring funds to Anchor House Shelter.

Sincerely,

Karen Schoenitz Director of Development Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Anchor House, Inc. 482 Centre Street Trenton, NJ 08611 (609) 439-4215 x 100 www.anchorhousenj.org www.facebook.com/AnchorHouse,Inc. "The mission of Anchor House is to provide a safe haven where abused, runaway, homeless, aging out and at risk youth and their families are empowered to succeed and thrive."

To Members of the Budget Committee:

Attached is my testimony on behalf of DCF funding for the Anchor House Shelter. The text, sans signature, also appears below:

I am writing to ask you to reconsider the proposed $243, 000 cut in funding to the Anchor House shelter for FY 2021. Anchor House provides a safe harbor for abused, runaway, and homeless youth in Mercer County. These minors in crisis have absolutely no other sources of support, particularly as domestic abuse increases during the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding rise in racial tension and violent crime in Trenton.

I am a teacher and adjunct professor who began my career in community service agencies. I became involved with Anchor House because young people in my programs sought help there; I saw first-hand how the opportunity for safe shelter, personal support, and life skills guidance enabled them to overcome homelessness and abuse, manage their circumstances and move on to finish school and find jobs or attend college. I have been an Anchor House Ride for Runaways fundraiser for 13 years because I have seen the commitment of the staff and the effectiveness of the programs.

It is imperative for the Department of Children and families to support this work because there is no other agency in Mercer County that provides abused and homeless youth with comprehensive services—including food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling, access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare services—with the level of success that Anchor house does. Although the staff does much with a limited budget, a cut of this magnitude will force Anchor House to close its doors to youth in the child welfare system who cannot remain in abusive home environments but are hard to place in foster care homes because they are older.

I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF and reinstating the eliminated $243,000 for the Anchor House Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony please contact me.

Thank you,

Sherry L. Schweighardt, Ph.D.

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Sally Simonian and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven forabused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country. I became involved at Anchor House 15 years ago when my husband became a ride participant. I personally became a ride participant 2 years ago and also a ride committee member. I see firsthand how my husband and I raising money to help the children of Anchor House helps the children in need and the Trenton community at large. Most every child that enters the Anchor House program benefits profoundly by being able to finish their education and reconnect with family members and by having adult support they can trust. Without the Anchor House, these children will have no place to turn and will most likely end up on the street and most certainly run into trouble. With the Anchor House services they receive, they have a very good percentage of finishing their education, having a sense of self worth and most always become productive citizens. The funding by the state directly helps the children of Anchor House and all the vital support services they need. Please don’t turn your backs on the children. This $243,040 cut in funding is unimaginable as it will force Anchor House to be unable to serve youth in the child welfare system at the Shelter, ones that may no longer be able to stay in an unstable home environment and are harder to place in foster care home because they are older. The Shelter provides a full spectrum of services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 12 to 17, and their families, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. In addition to basic shelter, Anchor House provides these youth with needed services including but limited to food, clothing, crisis intervention, case management, counseling (individual, group and family), physicals and access to medical, dental and mental health care, life skills education, school outreach, transportation, and aftercare. I ask that you support the restoration of funding to DCF including funding the shelter contract by reinstating the eliminated $243,040 needed for the Shelter program to remain viable with its doors open and its beds available. If I can provide additional testimony or if you have questions, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sally Simonian

To Whom It May Concern:

To all: As an educator, parent, community member and American please restore the allocation necessary to continue the work of places such as Anchor House, shelter for teens and youth in Trenton, NJ. They have a far reaching affect to provide assistance and support to many in need. As our cities continue us to become dangerous places for a child to live, families continue to suffer hard times and break apart. Poverty rises as well as crime that children are forced to live in environments not conducive to a bright future, Anchor House and its shelters are needed more than ever. As brutal murders, drug harvests and violent crimes rise, where do you expect our youth to go for hope? We need to stop this and while other systems are fai,Inc, let this one survive. I implore you to restore monies and assistance to agencies. Stop hurting the hurt!

Sincerely, Cherie Smith

Dear NJ Legislators,

I ask that you restore the $243,040 funds for this year to Anchor House Inc (482 Centre St, Trenton JN 08611).

For more than 12 years, I have witnessed first hand the good that this organization has done for the at risk youth of Mercer County, NJ.  As an active volunteer on the Anchor House Ride for Runaways, I come to the house to help prepare for the ride and work along side of the youth as they help organize the supplies and load the truck for the week long journey.  My family has worked side by side the youth at Anchor House as we cleaned a building that eventually became housing for the 18+ youth.  We have listened to the children that seek shelter at Anchor House and how it has put them on a path to help other children in need. Some have become youth advocates and give presentations at national conventions. The youth explain how important the house counselors were in shaping their future for the better.  At the Cory’s Ride fundraising event, I was talking to the mercer county park employee and he was explained how grateful he was to have been at the shelter as a young teenager and how the Anchor House program helped him turn his live around and now he is a tax paying adult with a career that takes care of the grounds for the community.  We have been in Pennsylvania at one of the Anchor House Ride rest stops when a women in her late 30s brought her children to greet riders by waving handmade thank you signs. She was at Anchor House as a teen and wanted to show her immense gratitude for how her stay at the shelter turned her life around. Pure excitement and tears of joy occurred when one particular Anchor House Rider road into the rest stop. It was the counselor (now a volunteer) who helped this grateful women when she was a young girl. I still tear when I try and explain this special moment.

As these examples show, Anchor House staff and the youth that attend are forever touched by the experience.

It takes a village to raise children and we (and 200+ volunteers) continue to do what we can to help. However our volunteer fundraising is still not enough to fully support the needs of the youth of NJ. The children and families that enter Anchor House for services leave with a sense of hope and carry that hope forward to others. I realize funding is tight, but the children’s village is the foundation for the future. Please be part of the village and restore the Anchor House Inc funds so desperately needed to give youth hope!

Sincerely, Kathy Sonnenfeld-Squires

About my family. I lived in NJ from 1980 to 2014, now live in Maryland and am still active volunteer for Anchor House! This year, I sewed more than 50 masks in the first weeks of the pandemic so that Anchor House staff could distribute to the youth on the streets! This years virtual event, I walked 128 miles and my husband road 251 miles to raise funds. I was fortunate to attend The College of New Jersey (as a TSC student). My husband and I worked, lived in Mercer County and raised our two children. We are active Anchor House Volunteers and fundraisers (as Ride & Walk participants, garage sales, talent shows, lemonade stands). Our son is in the Navy and daughter completed her BS and is now working on her Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification. Both have seen the importance of Anchor House and are part of the solution to help others.

Kathy Sonnenfeld-Squires, Rick Squires Jake Sonnenfeld (lives in Los Angeles, flew back 2 years to volunteer on the Anchor House Ride) Jessie Sonnenfeld

To Whom it May Concern,

My name is Rick Squires and I am asking you to restore the funding to the Anchor House Shelter through the department of Children and Families. In the 42 years of this organization, there has never been a greater need for the services provided by the only shelter for teens in the Mercer County Area. With COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the rise in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country, the community NEEDS Anchor House.

My wife (Kathy Sonnenfeld-Squires) and I have been associated with Anchor House for 12 years. If was back in 2008 that we first became volunteers and participated in the yearly Ride for Runaways fund raiser event. I was 1 of 250 who rode the 500 miles on my bicycle for a week, and Kathy and many others provided the needed support to pull of such an effort. In the 12 years, our son and daughter has also participated in the ride, making it a family event.

For 1 week a year, more that 400 people dedicated there time, money and sweat, because of an organization that has touched their hearts, an organization that we have seen first hand the help it has provided. When we do the ride, the phrase "for the kids" can be heard all week.

When COVID-19 hit in February, the concern was the yearly ride would be cancelled. NO WAY!!! You had a bunch of hard working smart thinking folks coming up with alternative, and the VIRTUAL Ride for Runaways was born. WE DID NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER, and we raised as much money as we would have during a regular year. Thanks to hundreds of volunteers and generous donations.

I am asking you to do the same, do not take NO for an answer, and find a way to fund the $243,040 that is desperately needed to keep this organization providing the excellent services it does, because lives are saved!

If I can provide additional testimony or if you have any questions, please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sincerely,

Rick Squires

Dear Legislators, I am writing to express my dismay that the current budget proposal cuts $243,040 in funding for the Anchor House Shelter program. I believe this program is vital to the a-risk children of Mercer County and feel they need to continue to provide the important services they have offered for the past 42 years. Sincerely, Monica C. Stockman

Our foster child, a teen who had lost his mother in tragedy, needed Anchor House. They knew him and gave him some loving discipline with their rules and code of conduct.

We, the foster parents, also needed help. Anchor House was the home of last resort that could take our foster child for a few days when things were just too intense, allowing us to keep going as foster parents by giving us the occasional weekend off or away. I can hardly imagine fostering without a place such as Anchor House to help us, and to help the many runaways and foster children who come through their doors. We found the staff to be warm, structured, and professional.

A budget allocation of $243,040 is a very small price to keep this service operational. From a value perspective, it is a small amount to keep many people safe. Especially with the other large cuts to DCF, there are going to be more emergency situations that arise. Only Anchor House or its equivalent in Trenton can do this.

We urge you to rescind that cut as not a good value or place to cut. It will be hard enough with the cuts to the rest of DCF, and then a good emergency shelter will be even more needed.

Thank you for listening to us.

John and Barbara Vadnais New Jersey Foster Parents

To Whom It May Concern: September 10, 2020

My name is Thomas van de Sande and I am emailing this testimony asking that funding be restored to the Anchor House Shelter through the Department of Children and Families. As the only Shelter for teens in the Mercer County area, Anchor House provides a safe haven for abused, runaway and homeless youth. In its 42 years of existence, there has never been a greater need for the Shelter as during the COVID-19 pandemic as well the rise again in violent crime in the Trenton area and racial injustice across the country.

I became involved at Anchor House through it‘s annual Ride for Runaways as cyclist. Please take the time to confirm the results Anchor House has produced. I chose to participate, over the last 12 years, in this effort because of the continued need to help those youth who arrive at the House for help. I implore the DCF to continue to invest in Anchor House for the same reason, Results.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. van de Sande

It has come to my attention that the budget is going to be trimmed and anchor house which supports our most vulnerable kids will be affected. Please see that this does not happen because our children are our future.

Thank you for your consideration.

ANNETTE VARELA

Hello,

I was stunned and saddened when I learned that DCF has planned to strip Anchor House Shelter of its funding. Anchor House fills a void no other organization does -- providing trauma- informed care and a safe haven for runaway, homeless, abused, and neglected young people. I worked at Anchor House for nearly 7 years and saw many, many lives transformed. Anchor House not only changes lives, it saves them. Kids in need, need Anchor House. Please restore full funding. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Claire Walton

When I was ,in charge of HTPD Juvenile bureau, many years ago. If I could get a first time offender into Anchor House, I would never see him or her again. Putting them into JINS, was like putting them into a revolving door. Anchor House has volunteer councilors who really care about the kids. JINS personell because it is a job, do not give the best counselling, probably because they are over burdened with cases. Please do not cut the funding to Anchor House. It is the only program in the area that really works.

Lt. W. Ward RET. HTPD

A letter to Governor Murphy and staff,

Please reconsider the tax cuts to the Department of Children and Families! While the funds given to this Department are not as sexy or publicity inducing as a baby bond, I can assure you they are doing an undeniable amount of good right here in the now. Your proposed cuts will directly impact services desperately needed for today's at most at risk youth.

This proposal is a shady and hypocritical cut. You claim to be a Governor who is making a change for the POC and BIPOC community. You have proposed one of the most placating government programs I could ever fathom with the baby bond, but would be willing to tear down center's like Anchor House in Trenton. I can promise you the work they, and the only programs like them, are doing is far more valuable than they miniscule amount of money per person this political stunt, the baby bond, will ever accomplish.

I strongly encourage you to reconsider. My voice might not have a far reach, but I will shout your hypocrisy to every person who will listen until this is rectified. I have been a Murphy supporter and proudly cast my vote with my oldest daughter by my side. I believed then that you would be different. Your work up until the pandemic was astounding. The things you were willing to do to make NJ a better place for the people was incredible. You have continued to be an excellent Governor throughout the pandemic and have kept us safe. For that I am immeasurably grateful. However, the quiet dismantling of funding for the Department of Children and Families is deplorable and I will do everything in my power to let that part of your record be known come next November.

Personally I spent the last six weeks walking 5 miles a day to support Anchor House of Trenton as a walking member of the Ride for Runaways, their largest annual fundraiser. Collectively we raised over a half million dollars to support Anchor House. Do not let our efforts be more than yours. We can only do so much for them and certainly can not help the many the jeopardy because of this proposed cut.

I beg you to reverse your course and consider the immediate damage this will do for the families and children of New Jersey right now. They do not have 18 years to wait for a publicity stunt to pay them a menial amount of money. They need to support right here in the now. As humans our one job is to leave this world a better place than we found it. As Governor you should constantly carry the weight of this on your shoulders.

Your constituent, Abbie McCausland Wisniewski