The Somerset Reporter
Thursday, June 22, 2006
BRIDGEWATER -- New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Kevin Ryan visited Somerset Home's three transitional living programs recently to see the latest enhancements to the facilities and services.
The Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children, which has been helping abused, neglected and runaway youth for more than 30 years, has developed a model for providing support to homeless youth as they make the transition from the child welfare system into adulthood.
Ryan, who has worked with Somerset Home staff in the past on statewide initiatives, was interested in the progress the agency has made since his last visit.
"Somerset Home had the foresight to develop a model program for youth aging out of the system to give them the skills they need to become productive members of the community," said Ryan. "Over the last few years, it has expanded its programs, and I'm delighted to see how many more teens they are able to help."
Passages, which opened in 1987, provides youth ages 16 to 21 a supportive home-like environment. In addition to finishing school and working part-time, they learn about applying for college, finding an apartment, handling their finances and other tools they will need to live independently.
My Place and Whitney House are similar group homes for 18- to 21-year-old males and females, respectively.
Ryan, who has spent his career protecting the interests of abused and neglected children, talked with a few of Somerset Home's residents over lunch.
Danielle, who asked her real name not be used, told him about her busy schedule, including studying biology in college and working part-time. "I especially like the feeling of being part of a team at work," she said.
Carol, who also asked her real name not be used, was just moving in to her new room at Whitney House.
"I've decided to become a social worker," she told Ryan, "because I've seen how much they can help people like me."
Somerset Home's Executive Director Jeffrey Fetzko explained: "This kind of optimism about the future is exactly what we try to develop. We want to give these youth both a home and some hope."
Somerset Home, incorporated in 1970, is dedicated to meeting the needs of abused
and neglected youth. The non-profit corporation provides six programs to adolescents
and their families: Brahma House; Passages, My Place and Whitney House transitional
living programs; Pathways independent living skills program; and Street S.M.A.R.T.
street outreach program.