Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEWS
Jeffrey Fetzko, ACSW, LSW, CFRE
Vol. 2, No. 12, June 3, 2004
The executive director news is published specifically for the employees of the Somerset Home. This issue and past issues of this newsletter are available on our web site at http://www.somersethome.org/main/pages/employee_newsletter.htm.
Somerset Home supports 4% 'Cost of Care Rally' in Trenton
Somerset Home staff attend the 'Cost of Care' rally in Trenton
Ratcheting up the pressure on lawmakers, more than 2,000 people demanding the state give social service agencies a 4 percent raise in the coming year gathered in front of the state house on Thursday May 27, 2004.
The intense lobbying effort by the nonprofit organizations already has prompted Governor James E. McGreevey to double the raise he originally recommended in the next state budget from 1 percent to 2 percent, tapping into improving tax revenues. The workers help run group homes and social service programs for people who are mentally ill, wards of the child welfare system, or physically or developmentally disabled. Yesterday's protest was largely aimed at the legislators who control the fate of the $26.3 billion 2005 fiscal year budget.
"I'm afraid our legislators and governor aren't listening to our message," said Martin Seymour, the parent of a son with disabilities living at a group home run by the nonprofit Spectrum for Living. He predicted that soaring health insurance and utility bills the agency is struggling with would ultimately lead to the "unintentional cost saving shortcuts that will put our sons and daughters in danger."
A chanting crowd that closed down a swath of West State Street, waving signs that read: "Cost of Care 4%" and chanting "We Need 4%".
Legislators in large number attended the rally, and an official from McGreevey's office issued a statement, all offering support. But none would commit to the 4 percent raise. "We are going to do everything we can to get the increase for you. We know you need it," Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-Hudson), a budget committee member, told the crowd. "But you're taxpayers too, and we have to find the 4 percent without raising the taxes you pay."
Somerset Home trustee Ray Fantuzzi and staff deliver the message.
"Mrs. Bender", a shining star...
The Transitional Learning Center without question saw its greatest year since being established 22 years ago under the direction of Patti Bender, our education coordinator. The classroom environment created by her is exciting, challenging, creative and professional. The youth in our Somerset Youth Shelter program have benefited greatly from her leadership and as our school year comes to a close we wanted to celebrate these accomplishments with her. Congratulations on a great year!!
As always, thank you all for your continued hard work on behalf of our youth.
