Center for Hope & Safety: Rebuilding lives beyond Domestic Violence

Posted on April 25, 2019 by jwatrel

Center for Hope & Safety: Rebuilding lives beyond Domestic Violence

24 Hour Confidential Hotline

(201) 944-9600

Center for Hope and Safety: assists women and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse. Available 24 hours, seven days a week, Center for Hope and Safety is Bergen County’s only non-profit organization providing temporary safe housing, hotline counseling and life-changing support services to women and children every year.

Since 1976, Center for Hope and Safety’s mission is to foster healing and change. We provide emergency and transitional housing, emotional support and a diversified continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment and self-sufficiency. Through community partnerships and group and individual contributions. Center For Hope And Safety raises awareness, provides critical services and educates community members about domestic violence.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic Violence (DV) is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used by one partner to gain power and control over another intimate partner. DV can be physical, sexual emotional or psychological actions or threats of actions. This can include:

*Emotional abuse

*Harassment

*Physical abuse

*Bullying

*Verbal put-downs

*Threats of physical

*Forced sexual relations

*Financial Control

Are you affected by Domestic Violence?

*Do you live with or date someone who is excessively jealous, overly controlling, angry or badgering?

*Does your partner blame you for “all” the problems in the home?

*Does your partner ever humiliate you, slap you, curse you or threaten you?

*Has your partner alienated you from your friends and family?

*Do you ever feel like you are walking on eggshells?

*Do you feel isolated?

*Do you think your partner has two personalities?

*Does your partner control all of the money?

*Are you afraid for your own or your family’s safety?

*Did you know: Children from violent homes suffer from emotional and often physical abuse.

*If the answer is “Yes” to any of the above questions, there is help. Call our confidential hotline at (201) 944-9600 and speak with one of our counselors.

Counseling and Support:

*Safety planning

*Individual and group counseling for women and children

*Parent support groups

*Project Self-Sufficiency (job-readiness training)

*Community referrals and housing searches

*Bilingual services for Hispanic families Services in other languages can be arranged

*Court accompaniment and legal advocacy

*Skills building for empowerment

*Educational and employment guidance

Emergency Shelter Support

*Safe, confidential, emergency shelter 24 hours a day for woman and children

*Specially trained domestic violence counselors available day and night

*Families reside together

*Three nutritional meals every day

*Creative arts therapy for women and children

*Preschool activities and tutoring for children

*Recreation

*Child Advocacy

*Did you know four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime?

Transitional Housing:

*Post-shelter housing

*Homes located throughout Bergen County

*Counseling services

*Financial literacy support

*Assistance with securing permanent housing

Community Children’s Program:

Project CHILD builds Confidence Hope Independence Love and Direction

*Individual and group are, play and music therapy

*Case Management

*Counseling for the non-abusive parent

*Transportation available

For project CHILD services call (201) 300-6666.

Community Services:

*Case management for victims not seeking shelter

*Information and referrals

*Follow-up services for former residents

*Community education and training

*Support services for men, elderly and disabled victims and individuals with multicultural needs

For Community Services call (201) 527-6222: Services in Spanish are available and can be arranged in other languages.

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can text us at (201) 587-4734.

Safety: Help in Crisis 24×7 Confidential Hotline/Crisis Counseling/Court Accompaniment/Food and Shelter/Children’s Services/Job Readiness Training

Short Term

Strength: Transition to Self-Sufficiency: Supportive Counseling/Education/Vocational Assistance/Transitional Housing/Mentoring

Long Term

Hope: Sustaining a Life Free from Violence: Follow up Program/Creative Arts Therapy/Community Outreach Services/Community Education

Ongoing

All victims at any stage: 24×7 Confidential Hotline/Counseling/Legal Advocacy/Housing Support/Community Referrals/Bilingual Services

All stages

Donors & Volunteers: We need your help!

Much of the funding for our services is through the benevolence and charity of donors. This includes individual contributions, family foundation gifts, the purchase of personalized bricks in our “Pathway”, a bequest in a will or other planned giving opportunities. To make a gift or join our mailing list, call our administration office at (201) 498-9247

Our agency has an extensive volunteer program, which is integral to our success. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers, who contribute their time and skills. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call our Director of Volunteers at (201) 836-1075 or email volunteer@hopeandsafetynj.org.

Administrative Office:

12 Overlook Avenue, Suite A

Rochelle Park, NJ  07662

Office: (201) 498-9247

Fax: (201) 498-9256

Hotline: (201) 944-9600

Email: info@hopeandsafetynj.org

http://www.hopeandsafetynj.org

Center for Hope and Safety is a private, non-profit incorporated agency in Bergen County, NJ. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Center for Hope and Safety pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the numbers above for more information.

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Center for Hope & Safety: Dating Violence: Information for teens and young adults about violence or controlling relationships

Posted on April 23, 2019 by jwatrel

Center for Hope & Safety: Dating Violence: Information for teens and young adults about violence or controlling relationships.

Rebuilding lives beyond domestic violence

24 hour hotline

(201) 944-9600

http://www.hopeandsafety.org

12 Overlook Avenue

Rochelle Park, NJ  07662

(201) 498-9247

A Message from the Department of Community Affairs:

Being in a dating relationship doesn’t mean you have to deal with physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse. Although you may want to be committed and supportive of your partner, there is no excuse for this kind of behavior.

This brochure is designed to help you recognize if you are being abused or if you are abusive in your relationship. It’s important to identify problems if they exist and do what is necessary to make sure the abuse stops.

Please read through these checklists and take some of the suggestions outlined here. If you think you are in an abusive relationships, you should end the relationship, get help from an adult that you trust or go to your counseling center at school. There is help if you are in an abusive relationship and it is only a phone call away.

Are you Abusive?

*Do you constantly check up on your partner and accuse her or him of being with other people?

*Are you extremely jealous or possessive?

*Have you hit, kicked, shoved or thrown things at your partner?

*Do you constantly insult or criticize your partner?

*Do you become violent when you drink or use drugs?

*Have you threatened your partner or broken thing in your partner’s presence?

*Have you forced your partner to have sex with you or intimidated your partner so that he or she is afraid to say no?

*Have you threatened to hurt your partner?

*Have you threatened to hurt yourself if your partner breaks up with you?

If you checked one or more of these boxes, realize that you are inflicting physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse on your partner.

If you do any of these things, you:

*Must take responsibility for your actions.

*Can’t blame your behavior on your partner or drugs or alcohol.

*Can change the way your act if you get supportive counseling.

*Can call 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) or go to the counseling center at your school and your violence will increase.

*Must do something about it or it’s going to get worse and your abusive behavior.

Are you being Abused?

*Are you frightened by your partner’s temper?

*Are you afraid to disagree with your partner?

*Are constantly apologizing for your partner’s behavior, especially when he or she has threatened you badly?

*Do you have to justify every place you go, everything you do or every person you see just to avoid your partner’s anger?

*Does your partner constantly put you down and then tell you that he or she loves you?

*Have you ever been hit, kicked, shoved or had things thrown at you?

*Do you not see family or friends or do things just because of your partner’s jealously?

*Have you been forced into having sex when you didn’t want to?

*Are you afraid to break up because your partner has threatened to hurt you or himself/herself?

If you checked one or more of the above boxes, your are in an abusive relationship.

You can:

*End the relationship and choose not to see your partner.

*Get help from someone your trust, preferably an adult.

*Go to your counseling center at school.

*Call 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) for referral to a local support program in your area.

Myths about Dating Relationships:

All these excuses are excuses. There is no excuse for any kind of violence in a dating relationship.

Your rights in a Dating Relationship:

In your relationship, you have the right to:

*Express your opinions and have them be respected.

*Have your needs be as important as your partner’s needs.

*Grow as an individual in your own way.

*Change your mind.

*Fall out of love and break up with someone and not be threatened.

*Have a relationship free from physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

*Not take responsibility for your partner’s behavior.

Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-572-SAFE (7233)

TTY: 609-392-2990

For further information on the video and its accompanying study guide, contact:

Intermedia Inc.

1165 East Lake Avenue

Suite 400

Seattle, Washington 98109

1-800-553-8336

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Center for Hope & Safety pamphlet and I give them full credit on the information. Please call them directly for more information. (201) 498-9247.

 

 

 

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How to Apply for a NJ Child Care Subsidy

Posted on April 23, 2019 by jwatrel

How to Apply for a NJ Child Care Subsidy:

There is so much to think about when choosing child care. Balancing location, cost, quality and just feeling good about the child care provider can make this important decision challenging. New Jersey’s child care program under the Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development can provide you with valuable information to help you make that selection. The state’s child care program can support you with information about applying for child care assistance, where to find child care, licensing and complaint data and what makes a quality program.

As so many families know, child care costs can take up a lot of the monthly budget. The Child Care Subsidy Program can help lower-income families who are working, in training or in school or a combination of these activities to pay a portion of their child care.

If you are thinking about or are applying for a child care subsidy, here’s what you need to know.

Applying for a Child Care Subsidy:

As an applicant/parent seeking a child care subsidy, you will be required to provide proof of income, training/school hours and household size to help determine eligibility. All required documents must be submitted to be considered for a subsidy.

Applicant(s)/Parents Eligibility Requirements:

*Must be a New Jersey Resident

*Must meet income requirements and not have assets that exceed $1 million

*Must be working full time (30 hours or more), attending school full time (12 credits or more) or in job training (at least 20 hours a week)

*Depending on family size and income, may have to contribute to the cost of care ( co-pay)

Child Eligibility Requirements:

*Up to the age of 13 or less than age 19 if under the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency’s protective supervision or mentally or physically incapable of self-care

*Must be a US Citizen or qualified non-citizens

*Must reside with parent(s) or individual(s) acting as parent(s) (in loco parentis)

Provider Eligibility Requirements:

*Providers must be either a licensed child care provider, a registered family child care provider or a home or summer camp that is approved by the state

*All providers must complete numerous health and safety trainings and required criminal background checks.

Completing and Submitting an Application:

To get started, you must first complete, sign and submit an application with the required documents to the Child Care resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency in your county. For a complete list of required documents, contact your CCR&R or visit http://www.ChildCareNJ.com.

The CCR&R will review application within 10 business days of receiving them and a final determination of eligibility will be made within 45 calendar days. You will receive a letter from the CCR&R telling you if you are eligible, not eligible or if additional information is needed.

You can request an application by visiting or contacting your local CCR&R or printing one at http://www.ChildCareNJ.com.

Payment:

Before payment can start, you must first be approved and sign the Parent/Applicant and Provider Agreement (PAPA) and e-child Care agreement (ECC).

Parent Co-Payment and Additional Provider Fees:

Families eligible to receive a subsidy are required to share the cost of child care; known as a co-pay. The co-payment is based on your family size, gross annual income, hours of care needed and the number of children in care. Co-pays are paid for the first two children only. The co-pay for any child thereafter will be zero.

Selecting a Child Care Program:

Once your family has been determined eligible to receive child care assistance, you must choose a provider. To make the process move quickly, it is recommended that you find an eligible, quality provider prior to being approved. That means the provider must be licensed, registered or approved by the state.

If you need help finding a child care provider, the CCR&R can provide a list of providers that meet your family’s needs. For a list of CCR&R, visit ww.ChildCareNJ.com or call the NJ Child Care Hotline 1-800-332-9227.

Finding Quality Child Care:

Look for a Grow NJ Kids participating program. Research shows that children who are in quality child care and early learning programs when they are young are better prepared for kindergarten with better reading skills, more math skills and larger vocabularies.

Grow NJ Kids is New Jersey’s program to raise the quality of child care and early learning across the state. It offers child care and early learning providers access to training, professional development, grants for equipment and materials and staff scholarships for continuing education. Professional raters visit the program to review quality standards and then programs receive ratings-up to five stars-by meeting an extensive list of quality benchmarks. Go to GrowNJKids.com to find a participating provider near you.

Social Service Programs with Child Care Components:

There are certain social service programs that include child care. To receive child care through one of the program listed below, you must be participating in that program/service.

*Child Protective Services (CPS)

*Kinship Child Care

*Work First New Jersey (WFNJ)-welfare

*Transitional Child Care (for former WFNJ recipients)

*Post Adoption Child Care

If you are participating in one of these programs and need child care, contact your CCR&R.

Important Information and Community Resources:

The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) works in partnership with service providers and other state and municipal agencies throughout the state to help families access quality programs and services that meet their needs. You can find more information by visiting http://www.ChildCareNJ.com or at http://www.NJ.gov/humanservies.

Bergen County Office for Children

One Bergen County Plaza

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 336-7150

co.bergen.nj.us/officeforcechildren

NJ Department of Human Services

Disclaimer: This information comes from the Bergen County Office for Children and was produced by the NJ DHS Publications Unit and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

 

 

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Bone Mass Measurement: What the Numbers Mean

Posted on April 21, 2019 by jwatrel

Bone Mass Measurement: What the Numbers Mean:

*What is a bone density test?

A bone mineral density (BMD) test can provide can provide a snapshot of your bone health. The test can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures (broken bones) and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The most commonly used BMD test is called a central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or central DXA test. It is painless-a bit like having an x-ray. The test can measure bone density at your hip and lumbar spine.

Peripheral bone density tests measure bone density in the lower arm, wrist, finger or heel. These tests are often used for screening purposed and can help identify people who might benefit from follow-up bone density testing at the hip and lumbar spine.

What does the test do?

A BMD test measures your bone mineral density and compares it to that of an established norm or standard  to give you a score. Although no bone density test is 100 percent accurate, the test is an important predictor of whether a person will have a fracture in the future.

The T Score:

Most commonly, your BMD test results are compared to the bone mineral density of a healthy young adult and you are given a T-score. A score of 0 means your BMD is equal to the norm for a healthy young adult. Differences between your BMD and that of the healthy young adult norm are measured in units called standard deviations (SD’s). The more standard deviations below 0, indicated as negative numbers, the lower your BMD and the higher your risk of fracture.

As shown in the table on page 2, a T-score between plus one and -1 is considered normal or healthy. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates that you have low bone mass, although not with osteoporosis. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates that you have osteoporosis. The greater the negative number, the more severe the osteoporosis.

Low bone mass versus osteoporosis:

The information provided by a BMD test can help your doctor decide which prevention or treatment options are right for you.

The World Health Organization definitions based on bone density levels:

Normal: Bone density is within 1 SD (*1 or-1) of the young adult mean

Low bone mass: Bone density is between 1 and 2.5 SD below the young adult mean (-1 to -2.5 SD)

Osteoporosis: Bone density is 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (-2.5 SD or lower)

If you have low bone mass that is not low enough to be diagnosed as osteoporosis, this is sometimes referred to as osteopenia. Low bone mass can be caused by many factors such as:

*Heredity

*Low body weight

*A medical condition or medication to treat such a condition that negatively affects bone.

Although not everyone who  has low bone mass will develop osteoporosis, low bone mass is an important risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures.

As a person with low bone mass, you can take steps to help slow down your bone loss and prevent osteoporosis in your future. Your doctor will want you to develop or keep healthy habits such as eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and doing weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging or dancing. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, these healthy habits will help but your doctor will probably also recommend that you take medication. Several effective medication are available to slow or even reverse bone loss. If you do take medication to treat osteoporosis, your doctor can advise you concerning the need for future BMD tests to check your progress.

Who should get a bone density test?

The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women age 65 and older should have a bone density test. Postmenopausal women who are younger than age 65 and at increased risk of osteoporosis as determined by a formal clinical risk assessment tool should also have a BMD test.

Due to a lack of available evidence, the Task Force did not make  recommendations regarding osteoporosis screening in men.

Resource:

For more information on osteoporosis, contact the: NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.

Website: https:/www.bones.nih.gov

If you need more information about available resources in your language or another language, please visit our website or contact the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases-National Resource Center.

For your information:

This publication contains information about medications used to treat the health condition discussed here. When this publication sheet was developed, we included the most up to date (accurate) information available. Occasionally, new information on medication is released.

For updates and for any question about any medications your are taking, please contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) toll free at 888-INFO-FDA (463-6332) or visit its website at https://www.fda.gov. For additional information on specific medications, visit Drugs@FDA at htts://www.acessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf. Drugs@FDA is a searchable catalog of FDA-approved drug products.

NIH Pub. No 18-7887-E

National Institute of Health

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases-National Resource Center

2 AMS Circle

Bethesda, MD 20892-3676

Phone: (202) 223-0344

Toll Free- 800-624-BONE

TTY: (202) 466-4315

Fax: (202) 293-2356

Website: https://www.bones.nih.gov

Email: NIHBoneInfo@mail.nih.gov

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the NIH Osteoporosis pamphlet on Bone Mass Measurement and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What YOU can do to Prevent Falls: STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries)

Posted on April 17, 2019 by jwatrel

What YOU can do to Prevent Falls STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries)

Four Things YOU can do to prevent falls:

  1. Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risks & prevention:

Tell a provider right away if you fall, worry about falling or feel unsteady. Have you doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and cause you to fall. Ask your provider about taking vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle and nerve health.

2. Exercise to improve your balance and strength:

Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger, lower your chances of falling. It also helps you feel better and more confident. An example of this kind of exercise is Tai Chi. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

Talk to your doctor about fall prevention.

3. Have your eyes and feet checked.

Once a year, check with your eye doctor and update your eyeglasses, if needed. You may have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Also, have your healthcare provider check your feet once a year. Discuss proper footwear and ask whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.

4. Make your home safer:

*Remove things you can trip over (Like papers, books, clothes and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.

*Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.

*Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.

*Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub and next to the toilet.

*Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.

*Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hand light weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.

*Have handrails and light installed on all staircases.

*Wear well-fitting shoes with good support inside and outside the house.

Many falls can be prevented.

By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling.

Four things you can do to prevent falls:

*Have your healthcare provider review your medicines.

*Exercise to improve your balance and strength.

*Have your eyes and feet checked.

*Make your home safer.

For more information, contact Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1-(800) CDC-INFO (232-4636) or visit http://www.ced.gov/steadi

For information about fall prevention, visit go.use.gov/xN9XA.

For more information about hypotension, visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/www.webmd.com.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the STEADI pamphlet and I give them full credit for it. Please call the above number or email for more information.

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Mind-Hacking Alert for Seniors

Posted on April 11, 2019 by jwatrel

Mind-Hacking Alert for Seniors: Protecting yourself and your loved ones from undue influence and Elder Abuse.

Protect you assets, your relationships and your well being:

You’ve worked hard to achieve financial security, nurture family and community ties and safeguard your health. But keeping up with the hectic pace and daily challenges of modern life can be overwhelming. That makes it important to be on guard against people or groups that might take advantage of any vulnerabilities or insecurities to gain an undue amount of influence over you-to override your independence and take over your life.

Just as a hacker can gain unauthorized access to a computer and the information it holds, an unscrupulous person can hack into your mind through undue influence. Like a computer virus, mind-hacking can corrupt memories and create false ones.

Think mind-hacking can’t happen to you? Think again!

You’re a prime target for mind-hackers because of your accomplishments and age. Studies have shown that those over age 50 control most of the nation’s wealth and older Americans lose billions of dollars each year to people who take advantage of them. In the process, family bonds and friendships can be broken and the victims health ruined as well.

Sadly, life experience and formal education do not guarantee immunity from mind-hacking. Familiarizing yourself  with the deceptive, high-pressure tactics that mind-hackers use and recognizing the circumstances when you’re most likely to be at risk are your best defense.

Mind-Hackers are most harmful when they do these things:

*Isolate you by convincing you to cut off your trusted family, friends and others in your support network.

*Magnify your fears or insecurities to create a “siege mentality”-the illusion of enemies everywhere.

*Fuel Feelings of guilt or shame

*Comprise your health or meddle in your medical decision making

*Intimidate you to stop asking questions

*Assume  control of your savings and/or medical power of attorney

*Insist on communicating with your lawyer or other advisors on your behalf

*Persuade you to change your will in their favor

*Force you to commit crimes

How do mind-hackers worm their way into your life?

Disguising their cruel intentions with a friendly demeanor, con artists, thieves, destructive cults, unethical caregivers and other devious individuals and groups may use any of the following tactics to gain your confidence:

*Pretend to be your new best friend, soul mate or ideal caregiver.

*Come across as an ordinary family, absorbing you into theirs

*Masquerade as a club, self-help group or religion

*”Love bomb” you-repeatedly flatter you and pay you an unusual amount of attention

*Lure you with sex, companionship or gifts after knowing you for only a short time.

*Claim they’re the only ones who understand you and can solve your problems

*Make you believe you have an illness only they can cure

*Promise you a way to “get rich quick”

How do mind-hackers maintain their control over you?

Once they have your trust, mind-hackers may use exaggerated claims or scare tactics to trap and exploit you. To tighten their control, they may:

*Force you to schedule all your activities around them

*Restrict your access to media and other objective sources of information.

*Check in with you excessively, even late at night or when they know you’re busy-and expect you to do the same

*Label those you previously trusted and loved as “negative”, “contaminated”, “toxic” or “unenlightened”

*Insist that they’re your new family

*Demand that you stop communicating with or keep secrets from others

*Convince you that they’re entitled to your savings or other assets

*Tell you that thinking for yourself interferes with finding happiness or “truth”

*Disrupt your eating and/or sleeping habits

*Trivialize or make you give up social, recreational, religious, political or other activities that are important to you

*Shun, shame or hurt you if you raise questions or express doubts

*Rush you into marriage or another serious commitment

All these tactics increase the mind-hackers undue influence over you, emotionally manipulate you, short-circuit your ability to think critically and undermine your previous relationships so that you become dependent on the mind-hackers.

When are you most vulnerable?

You’re most likely to fall for mind-hacking during times of transition, particularly when here are changes in your support network-the family and friends you’ve always relied on to celebrate life’s joys and get through tough times. A mind-hacker can more easily over come your natural defenses and infiltrate your life to an unhealthy degree when you are:

*Worried about finances or seeking advice on estate planning

*Downsizing/moving

*Concerned about someone who’s desperate for money

*Trusting or charitable by nature

*Unaware of the value of your asset

*Inexperienced in using new technology

*Lovely

*Mourning the death of your spouse or another loved one

*Sad about divorce, illness or other loss

*Looking for a new way to occupy your time

*Searching for spiritual direction or new place or worship

*Fearful of aging

*Ill or experiencing impaired hearing vision or mobility

*Taking medication that makes you depressed, confused or tired

*Dependent on others for transportation

*Becoming forgetful or distrustful of your memories

*Not getting proper nutrition or sleep

The Spectrum of Influence: There are various degrees of social influence all around you. Learning to recognize them is key to protecting yourself from exploitative relationships.

Safe to Continue:

*Nurtures your independence

*Respects your other relationships and interests

*Encourages access to information

*Leaves you in control of your choices

Caution-Early signs of Mind-Hacking:

*Disregards your personal boundaries

*Pressures your thoughts, feelings and behavior

*Begins to isolate you

*Leaves you feeling confused

Danger-Undue Influence:

*Fuels fears

*Controls your time and keeps you isolated from others

*Demands unquestioning commitment

*Leaves you obligated to get permission before making decisions

Reality Check to stay safe and secure:

*Be skeptical of anyone you’ve recently met who lavishes you with attention, compliments you excessively, monopolizes your time or tries to alienate you from your trusted support network.

*Don’t reveal information about your (or your family’s) medical history, finances or other very personal matters to someone you’ve known for only a short time or in response to an unsolicited phone call.

*Verify any information that you’ve given, including references from potential advisors and caregivers with an independent authoritative source.

*Refuse to sign up for anything that you haven’t had time to carefully investigate.

Don’t turn over a large amount of money-even to a relative-without a signed and dated receipt or contract.

*Speak up if you’re unhappy with your care, whether at home or in a facility.

If you think you’ve being targeted….

Get advice from someone you’ve known for a long time who is not involved with the person or group that you’re concerned about.

Report your concerns to law enforcement and ask to be directed to the appropriate medical or social services agency for help.

NJ Safe & Sound

njsafeandsound.org

facebook.com/njsafeandsound

P.O. Box 494

Teaneck, NJ  07666

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the NJ Safe & Sound pamphlet and give them full credit for it. Please call the above numbers for information if you feel you might be going this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Health and Life Support Services, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

When kids care for their parents-for pay: The whys and hows of drawing a salary for helping mom and dad. By Jane Bryant Quinn

Posted on April 9, 2019 by jwatrel

When kids care for their parents-for pay: The whys and hows of drawing a salary for helping mom and dad.

By Jane Bryant Quinn

*This article appeared in the AARP Bulletin in the March 2019 issue and I thought it was very important as taking care of a sick parent or loved on can tear a family apart.

About 40 million people are helping to care for older relatives and friends. Some leave their jobs to do so and some end up as live in caregivers. All give up much of their personal freedom. Should they be paid for their work?

That’s a controversial question. Families often think that providing unpaid care comes with the territory of being a daughter or son. That makes sense of we’re talking about a few hours here and there-say, paying the bills and running errands.

But what if the parent needs meals  prepared, medications monitored and help with dressing or bathing? Homemaker or health aide services have a median cost of about $170.00 per eight-hour day, according to Genworth.  Not many of us can write checks like that.

To solve the care problem, an adult child might decide to move in. That may be when the pay issue arises. The caregiver could be giving up job opportunities, Social Security earnings and the chance to add to retirement savings. When the parent dies, the caregiver might be cut loose with no home and no prospects. Pay or some other form of financial settlement, seems fair. The same may be true for adult children of modest means who take an ailing parent into their home.

Older people with limited income might have access to public programs to pay for caregivers, including a family member (although usually not a spouse), says Leah Eskenazi of the Family Caregiver Alliance. For a list of programs available in your state, go to payingforseniorcare.com. Some long term care insurance policies also cover a portion of home care costs. Failing these options, the family has to pay.

Here’s what should not happen: A daughter, say, moves in with Mom, who pays her secretly. There could be blowups when siblings find out. What’s more, without a proper written agreement, Medicaid may regard these payments as gifts-delaying Mom’s access to nursing home coverage if she ever needs it, says Michael Amoruso, President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney’s.

As hard as it might be, the family should negotiate a financial agreement. For a live-in caregiver, is free room and board enough or is payment in cash needed too? Will the family pay for the caregiver’s health insurance? What about time off for the sibling takes Mom into her home? What can the other siblings do? (For answers to many questions about the logistics and finances of caregiving, visit aarp.org/caregiving.

To clarify matters, you need a signed and dated contract listing salary and specific duties. (Search for ‘personal care agreements’ at caregiver.org for advice). Be aware that a paid caregiver is often regarded as the recipient’s employee, earning taxable income and that may require mom to file paperwork and pay employee taxes or hire a payroll company to manage the details. (For more information, see irs.gov/taxtopics/tc756.) Contracts and tax forms might seem excessive but you’ll avoid tears later by doing this the right way.

Disclaimer: This article appeared in the AARP Bulletin March 2019 and I thought it was very important to spread the word on this. In most cases, one child is burdened with this responsibility and should know their rights as well. I give Ms. Bryant-Quinn full credit for this article and credit her on a VERY touchy subject in most families.

Posted in AARP Programming, Child Program Services, Estate Planning Programming, Fraud Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Legal Assistance Programs, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New Jersey State Program, New York City Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Financial Planning, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bergen Volunteer Center

Posted on April 9, 2019 by jwatrel

Bergen Volunteer Center

Redefining Volunteerism (Since 1966)

Volunteering exists across a broad spectrum. It ranges from the casual to the intense; from one day projects to multi-year commitments. It is practiced at every age; from our youngest children to our most mature seniors. But as we endeavor to “redefine volunteerism” for a more complex time, we are learning that the greatest impact comes when volunteers are skilled, trained and focused on serious community needs.

Turning caring into meaningful action by engaging volunteers to meet community needs.

A Brief History:

The Bergen Volunteer Center was founded in 1966 by the Junior League of Bergen County and a group of concerned residents to serve as a clearinghouse, matching volunteers with agencies that needed help. Within a few years, we realized that a thriving community needed more than a matching service. Thus, we dedicated ourselves to more structured ways to turn caring into meaningful action. Over the decades, some programs have ended as community needs shifted and new initiatives have been started. Yet, have always maintained our commitment to volunteerism as the heart of the community. Today, we continue to ensure that anyone with a desire to give back can do so with impact.

Support for the Vulnerable:

Since 1977, the Chore Service has managed senior volunteer handymen and women who provide repairs for the elderly and disabled to help keep them safe in their homes. With approximately 45 volunteers annually. Chore serves over 1.100 unduplicated clients each year, in all 70 Bergen County municipalities.

In 1977, the Department of Child Protection & Permanency asked us to manage their mentoring program. Now called Mentoring Youth, it enlists, trains and supports mentors  who provide friendship, guidance and support for children with social, emotional and behavioral challenges. With approximately 85 mentoring relationships annually, we have provided over 3,800 children with caring mentors.

In 1995, we launched Mentoring Moms, which pairs trained mentors with women whose children are at risk of abuse or neglect. Mentors help moms set and reach goals to provide a safe, stable home. We have provided mentors to over 500 mothers, helping to break the cycle of abuse and neglect.

Bergen Volunteer Center Programs: Turning your caring into meaningful action

Chore Service:

The Chore Service is a dual impact program. Retired volunteers stay active by performing minor repairs that keep other seniors safe in their homes, such as installing grab bars, railings, better lighting and locks. Five days a week, 50 weeks a year, the Chore vans are serving seniors in the community. All repairs are free, except for the cost of the parts needed for repairs. Call to learn more about volunteering or to schedule Chore repairs for yourself or someone you love.

Cheer Service:

CHEER provides a helping hand to enable isolated, frail elderly people retain their independence. Trained CHEER aides and volunteers visit weekly to help with tasks such as shopping, errands, laundry and light housekeeping. They forge lasting relationships with the elders, offering companionship and whenever possible, creating opportunities for the elders to be engaged in their communities. At home but not alone!

Bergen Leads:

This fast pace, 10 month program introduces participants to the public, nonprofit and private sector leaders who influence Bergen County every day. In addition, Bergen LEADS encourages participants to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the community and offer their ideas and solutions at the Public Forum. Become part of where Bergen County’s Future begins.

Did you know?

The Bergen Volunteer Center Blog keeps our supporters up to date on the great things we are accomplishing through the power of volunteers.  Find out more at bergenvolunteers.blogspot.com. Bergen Volunteer Center Programs (201) 489-9454.

Turning your caring into meaningful action:

Mentoring Youth:

Mentoring Youth recruits, trains, supervises and supports volunteers to mentor children confronted with social, emotional and behavioral challenges. A caring, trusted, reliable adult can help a young person learn to trust again and to take steps toward a brighter future. “He saw potential in me that I did not see in myself”. Become a mentor and change a life.

Mentoring Moms:

Mentoring Moms recruits, trains, supervises and supports volunteers to mentor mothers whose children are at risk for abuse or neglect. Helping mothers set goals and take steps to transform their lives, transforms their families and helps end a cycle of abuse and neglect. “My mentor showed me what love looks like. Now I can show my son.” Become a mentor and change a family.

Youth Engagement-Teen leads-Ready, Set, Serve!

Introducing young people to community service, leadership and local public policy is the goal of Youth Engagement. Designing volunteer fairs and providing group and one to one consultation ensures that young people can find experiences to turn their caring into meaningful action. Preparing the next generation for service and citizens.

Bergen Volunteer Center Programs:

Turning your caring into meaningful action.

Making it Home:

Through donations of new and gently used furniture, Making it Home furnishes homes for individuals and families moving out of shelter and into permanent housing. In partnership with realtors, interior decorators, moving companies and ‘junk’ haulers, Making it Home empowers volunteers to use donations to make a house for vulnerable families. Making a House a Home.

Agency Services-Get Connected Database-Expert Exchange:

To support and empower the nonprofit sector, the Bergen Volunteer Center maintains a searchable database of volunteer opportunities for agency members. Get Connected enables each agency to customize its ‘page’ with photos and videos and puts potential volunteers in direct communication with agencies seeking help. Through the Expert Exchange the local nonprofit community comes together to share best practices and grow professionally. Strengthening the local non profit sector by learning together.

Corporate Engagement:

Corporate Engagement helps business leaders engage their employees in community service that has an impact. The Bergen Volunteer Center works with businesses to create and sustain workplace volunteerism. The Volunteer Center’s Business Volunteer Council hosts networking events for businesses to promote corporate social responsibility and share best practices. Corporate Engagement also provides consultative services to develop volunteers experiences as team building and social responsibility endeavors. Corporate Citizenship at the local level.

The Bergen Volunteer Center:

64 Passaic Street

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 489-9454

http://www.bergenvolunteers.org

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Bergen County Volunteer Center pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call them or email them directly for more information.

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Senior Volunteerism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Bergen Volunteer Center: Redefining Retirement: When Bergen County is where you are spending your Second Act

Posted on April 9, 2019 by jwatrel

The Bergen Volunteer Center: Redefining Retirement: When Bergen County is where you are spending your Second Act.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of retirement:

“Withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from active working life.”

Really? Why?

According to Bergen Volunteer Center’s Redefining Retirement program, the definition of retirement: A time of engagement and adventure; sharing one’s knowledge, interests and passions by volunteering in our community.

You’ve completed Act 1 of your life’s professional story. Over the course of your lengthy career, you developed skills and insight that helped you excel in your field. Now consider using those skills to grow and learn and to benefit your community.

Are you ready for your Act 2?

Redefine your retirement. Turn your experience into meaningful action.

Volunteer! You are needed: Get Involved!

Become a Redefining Retirement Volunteer:

As a Volunteer, you will use your knowledge and experience, as well as your interests, to work directly with a not for profit agency. We will help you find a match utilizes your talents and passion to give back.

Become a Redefining Retirement Matchmaker:

As a volunteer Matchmaker, you will interview prospective volunteers to understand their unique talents, skills and interests. Then you will guide individual retirees and introduce them to Bergen County nonprofit agencies that need particular roles filled, creating regarding opportunities for both.

For more information or to apply, please contact Louisa Hellegers, Manager, Redefining Retirement Ihellegers@bergenvolunteers.org at (201) 489-9454, ext. 205.

Did you know…

*Bergen County’s population is about 930,000. 16.8% are age 65 and up. That means about 156,00 people in Bergen County are older than 65!

*In the United States, 10,000 people turn 65 every day!

*Between 2005 and 2030, the number of adults 65 and older in the United States will almost double, from 37 million to over 70 million!

*”Having new goals is important,which is why I constantly learn new things”-80 year old Chinese cultural icon Wang Deshan.

*”Age is not a number; it is a mindset!”

Redefining Retirement Mission:

To be the go to leader connecting retirees seeking engagement in their communities with nonprofits seeking volunteers, to enable them, together, to turn caring into meaningful action.

For more information or to apply, please contact Louisa Hellegers, Manager, Redefining retirement Ihellegers@bergenvolunteers.org (201) 489-9454, ext 205.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Bergen Volunteer Center pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call or email the above numbers for more information.

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Volunteerism, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Center for Hope and Safety: Rebuilding lives beyond Domestic Violence (formerly Shelter our Sisters)

Posted on April 9, 2019 by jwatrel

Center for Hope & Safety: Rebuilding lives beyond Domestic Violence (formerly Shelter Our Sisters)

24 hour Hotline (201) 944-9600/TTY (201) 836-3071

Center for Hope and Safety assists women and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual and physical abuse. Available 24 hours, seven days a week, Center for Hope & Safety is Bergen County’s only nonprofit organization that provides safe housing, hotline counseling and life-changing support services to thousands of women and children each year.

Since 1976, Center for Hope & Safety’s mission is to foster healing and change. We provide emergency and transitional housing, emotional support and a diversified continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment and self-sufficiency. Through voluntary community partnerships and group and individual contributions, Center for Hope & Safety raises awareness, provides critical services and educates community members about domestic violence.

Did you know?

*Every 12 seconds a woman in the US is beaten.

*Children from violence homes suffer from emotional and often physical abuse.

*1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.

*Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to exhibit behavioral and physical health problems.

What is Domestic Violence?

It is battering of the body, the mind and the spirit and includes: Verbal put downs, Threats of physical harm, Emotional abuse, Harassment, Physical abuse and Forced sexual relations.

Are you living with Domestic Violence?

Do you feel isolated? Is your partner or the person you live with, excessively jealous overly controlling, angry or badgering?  Does your partner blame you for the problems in the home? Does your partner ever humiliate you, slap you, curse at you or threaten you? Does your partner control all of the money? Are your afraid for your own or your children’s safety when your partner is around? If the answer is “Yes” to any of these questions, there is help. Call (201) 944-9600.

Center for Hope & Safety: Here for Victims of Domestic Violence:

Safe, confidential, emergency housing 24 hours a day for women and children:

*Families stay together in one bedroom.

*Three nutritional meals every day.

*Specially trained domestic violence counselors available day and night.

Counseling and Support:

*Individual and group counseling

*Parent support groups

*Project Self-Sufficiency (job readiness training)

*Community referrals and housing searches

*Bilingual services for Hispanic families. Services in other languages can be arranged.

A special focus on children:

*Individual and group counseling

*Creative arts therapy

*Preschool activities

*Recreation

*Child advocacy

*Tutoring

*Community outreach through Project CHILD (Confidence, Hope, Independence, Love and Direction), whereby child victims receive individual and group art, play and music therapy plus case management and transportation.

Transitional Housing for Families:

*Five homes in Bergen County

*Skills building for Independent living

*Educational and employment guidance

*Help with securing permanent housing

Reaching Out into the Community:

*24 hour hotline

*Information and referrals

*Multi-cultural outreach

*Follow-up services for former residents

*Community education and training

Ways for you to get Involved:

Much of the funding for program services is through the benevolence and charity of donors and volunteers. This includes individual contributions, the purchase of personalized bricks in our “Pathway”, a bequest in a will or other planned giving opportunities. We also rely on the generosity of our volunteers, who contribute their time and skills.

To make a gift, join our mailing list or learn more about volunteer opportunities, call our administrative office at (201) 498-9247. Please visit us at http://www.hopeandsafety.org.

Center for Hope and Safety:

Administrative Office:

12 Overlook Avenue, Suite A

Rochelle Park, NJ  07663

(201) 498-9247/Fax: (201) 498-9256

Shelter Program Office:

P.O. Box 217

Hackensack, NJ  07602

Office: (201) 836-1075/Fax: (201) 836-7029

Project CHILD office:

12 Overlook Avenue, Suite C

Rochelle Park, NJ  07662

Office: (201) 300-6666/Fax: (201) 300-6667

Executive Director:

Elaine K. Meyerson, LSW, ACSW, DVS

Hotline: (201) 944-9600/Email: info@hopeandsafetynj.org

http://www.hopeandsafetynj.org

The Center for Hope and Safety is a non-profit, incorporated agency in Bergen County, New Jersey. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Center for Hope and Safety pamphlet and I give them full credit on all the information. Please call or email the above numbers for more information on the service.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Sexual Assault and Violence Help Programming, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment