Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children
Jeffrey Fetzko, ACSW, LSW, CFRE
Vol. 4, No. 9, May 4, 2006
The Executive Director's News is published specifically for the employees of the Somerset Home. This issue and past issues are available on our web site at http://www.somersethome.org/main/pages/employee_newsletter.htm.
Whitney House (formerly My Place II) Opens
Resident Advisor Delois Langford welcomes Whitney House first resident
"My Place II" was asked to change its name by the NJ Department of Human Services to reduce confusion among programs. "My Place II" was a working title for the development phase of the project and so it is fitting that the name change on April 19, 2006, opening day.
"My Place I" also becomes simply, "My Place". Last year we renamed the Somerset Youth Shelter, "Brahma House", using the street name.
Whitney Drive is now Whitney Court
In an effort to reduce confusion, the township changed the street sign in front of Whitney House, from "Whitney Drive" to "Whitney Court". The street being mislabeled came to our attention almost immediately after closing on the property. The new sign will also help identify Whitney House for 911 calls.
After a very productive series of meetings with with representatives of Bridgewater Township they helped us come up with a plan for removing surface water from the property, cleaning up the lot at the end of the street, capping two broken sewer clean outs, installing a new street sign and most importantly installing a street light at the end of Whitney Court. The street light is necessary so that we can walk safely in between buildings and will also eliminate the "lovers lane" attraction of a dark dead end street.
Bridgewater Township was great to work with and accomplished everything we asked for. The only item remaining is the street light which will be installed by PSE&G in the near future.
New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Ryan Visits Somerset Home's TLP Programs
On Friday, April 21, New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Kevin Ryan visited all three Somerset Home TLP programs. In the picture above, Nicole Franco, Passages case manager and I explained the details of the treatment planning for each youth who enters Somerset Home's transitional living programs.
Site Work Begins at My Place
Construction has begun on the new parking lot and landscaping project at My Place last week. Our new contractor, Denbar Construction has assured us that the whole project will be completed in about a month. On Friday, April 25th Commissioner Ryan was able to see the work in process as the wood chipper grinded up the trees in preparation for the new construction.
National Starch Earth Day Project
Earth Day Projects
National Starch and Chemical Corporation volunteers came out to Brahma House to weed, mulch, plant flowers and learn about the programs and services offered by Somerset Home. Marshall Christie (above) explains Somerset Home's services to the National Starch volunteers.
Three corporate groups representing more than seventy volunteers have come out to Brahma House, Pasages and Whitney House to help with landscaping projects during the past two weeks.
Volunteers Honored
Last Sunday we held a volunteer recognition event at board member Ray Fantuzzi's home. April is Volunteer recognition month and we salute all those volunteers who make Somerset Home such a special place!
25th year!
This week I start my 25th year as Executive Director of Somerset Home. It doesn't seem possible. I would have never believed this was a possibility when I first started as a youth counselor 33 years ago.
It has been my great pleasure to work with all of you and I look forward to the many challenges that lie ahead.
As always, thank you all for your continued hard work on behalf of our youth.
