bergencountycaregiver

DivorceCare: Divorce Support Group

Divorced? Separated? We can help; finding help, discover hope and experience healing.

DivorceCare helps you recover from the pain of separation and divorce.

About DivorceCare: DivorceCare is a network of 13,000+ churches worldwide equipped to offer divorce support groups. The program is nondenominational and features biblical teaching for recovering from divorce or separation. Learn more about DivorceCare at http://www.divorcecare.org.

The Support you need and the information you can trust.

Unless you’ve been there, its hard to understand the hurt that comes from separation and divorce. That’s why many of your friends and family don’t understand what you know how best to help you.

We do. DivorceCare groups are led by people who have been through divorce and successfully rebuilt their lives. We understand how you feel because we’ve been in the same place. We’ll show you how to deal with the hurt caused by your separation or divorce.

What to expect: DivorceCare is support group that meets weekly. You’ll find it to be a warm, caring environment and will come to see you group as an ‘oasis’ in an otherwise difficult season of your life. There are three key parts to your DivorceCare experience.

Video seminar: Dynamic and information-packed videos featuring top divorce recovery experts.

Support group: Small group discussion about the video content and the issues faced by individual group members.

Workbook: Journaling and personal study exercises that reinforce each session’s topic.

DivorceCare Weekly Group:

13 Consecutive Weekly Sessions

Every Thursday from 7:00pm-9:00pm refreshments served.

Start any weekly; Register Anytime.

Total Cost for materials $15.00

For more information, contact: Lou or Cheryl Minichini

(201) 754-8001

BBCDivorceCare@gmail.com

http://www.biblebaptist.net

Weekly seminar topics:

*What’s happening to me?

*The road to healing/finding help.

*Facing my anger.

*Facing my depression.

*Facing my loneliness.

*What does the owner’s manual say?

*New Relationships.

*Financial Survival.

*KidCare

*Single Sexuality

*Forgiveness

*Reconciliation

*Moving on, growing closer to God.

When to begin:

You are welcome to begin attending the DivorceCare group at any point. Each session is ‘self-contained’ and you can continue through the next 13-week cycle to pick up the remaining sessions.

http://www.divorcecare.org

Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the DivorceCare pamphlet. I have not used this service so I have no opinion either yes or no to the program. Please call or email for more information.

 

DivorceCare for Kids

Divorce support group for children (DC4K)

http://www.DC4K.org

Tender Lives…Restored

DivorceCare for Kids is a special group to help children heal from the hurt caused by the separation or divorce of their parents. At our weekly DC4K group, kids make friends with other kids who understand how they feel and the things they are going through because of the divorce of their parents.

Best of all, children will learn how God’s love can strengthen them and help turn tears into hope and joy!

DC4K Design

Our DC4K group meets weekly in 13-week cycles. We combine games, crafts, activities, music and DVD dramas to create a fun atmosphere where children feel comfortable and accepted. They look forward to each time their DC4K “family” gets together.

Ages: DC4K is designed for children ages 5-12.

Family Support: DivorceCare for Kids is structured to replicate a large family environment. Children from the same family are kept together because they often look to each other for security during the divorce experience.

Parent Involvement: Parents are encouraged to be involved with their children as the children go through DC4K. Each parent will receive a weekly “Parent Page” describing what the child has learned and offering tips to strengthen the parent/child relationship, creating stronger bonds in the single parent family.

DivorceCare Connectivity: DC4K follows the same schedule and age-appropriate themes as the adult DivorceCare program, allowing parents and children to progress through the healing process together and providing a springboard for meaningful discussions.

Content: DC4K is nondenominational and features biblical teaching to help children recover from the hurt of separation and divorce.

DC4K Schedule

DC4K meets Thursday evenings at 7:00pm.

Bible Baptist Church

31 Passaic Avenue

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ  07604

Phone: (201) 754-8001

Website: biblebaptist.net

Email: BBCDivorceCare@gmail.com

DivorceCare for Kids

http://www.DC4K.org

*Designed for children ages 5-12 whose parents are separated or divorced.

DC4K: fun and interesting: Children are engaged and active while participating in a DivorceCare for Kids group. Each session combines the following elements: Games, Story time, Workbook, DVD Dramas, Groups Discussions, Music, Crafts and Snacks.

DC4K Sessions:

1. What’s happening to my family?
2. God loves children in all kinds of families.
3. Facing my anger.
4. Journey from anger to sadness.
5. I am not alone.
6. God’s plan for me.
7. Developing New Relationships.
8. Developing money smarts.
9. Its not my fault.
10. Telling my parents how I feel.
11. Forgiveness
12. Loving my parents.
13. Moving On: Growing UP and Closer to God.

Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the DC4K pamphlet. I have not used the service so I have no opinion either yes or no to the program. Please call or email the organization for more information.

 

Affected by a loved one’s addiction?

Nar-Anon offers HOPE for relatives and friends of addicts: Nar-Anon is a twelve step self-help group for families and friends of addicts.

What is Nar-Anon…?

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Have you tried everything you can think of to change the addict and nothing seems to work? Don’t give up. There is hope. You are at a turning point. If you would like your life to be different, Nar-Anon can offer you a better way to live. You will meet people at Nar-Anon meetings who understand your frustration.

Nar-Anon is a fellowship for families and friends of addicts whose lives have been or are being affected by someone else’s addiction.

The Nar-Anon Family Group is primarily for you who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone very near to you.

When you come into the family group, you are no longer alone but among true friends who understand your problem as few others could. We will respect your confidence and anonymity, as we know you will respect ours. We hope to give you the assurance that no situation is too difficult and no unhappiness is too great to be overcome.

How can Nar-Anon help me…?

Nar-Anon is intended for parents, spouses, children, siblings and friends of addicts. Nar-Anon can provide new insights to help with our attitudes, behaviors and emotions. We can regain our own sanity and well-being. We learn addiction is a family disease and we need  a recovery program too. In Nar-Anon we learn we are not responsible for another person’s addiction. Addicts need help and so do we. It can be a great relief to learn more effective ways of coping while gaining hope and peace of mind.

Why do I need help due to someone else’s addiction..?

We who care the most suffer from the addict’s erratic behavior. Soon, we begin to think we are to blame and assume the guilt, fears and responsibilities of the addict. Thus, we become sick too.

The obsession of the family becomes apparent when we try to control the addict’s using. We become detectives and search the premises and his/her personal belongings for drugs and drug-related items. We become obsessed with where the addict is, what he is doing and how we can control his using. We want to believe the problem has solved itself even through out gut feeling tells us this is not so. We pretend and begin the addict’s promises but we are uneasy because common sense tells us there is something wrong. We become victims of denial.

What will I find at Nar-Anon…?

You will find love, understanding and hope in the Nar-Anon Family Group. People in the group may be experiencing in varying degrees, the same hurt, anger and anxieties you may be feeling. We come to Nar-Anon because we are burdened with responsibilities and feel we are alone. We come here to changed the behavior of the addict but soon find that it is our own thinking and attitude that must be changed if  we are  to have relief. We find people in Nar-Anon who understand what we are going through and are ready to share their experience, strength and hope to help us. In Nar-Anon, we learn how to live one day at a time. we stop projecting. We learn how to deal with out feelings of fear, guilt, obsession, anxiety and denial. We look at ourselves and put our energy where we do have some power over the choices in our own lives.

As we begin to understand the family disease of addiction, we are better able to handle our problems and improve our own lives. We can gain support and understanding by listening and speaking with others at Nar-Anon meetings.

What can I expect if I keep going to meetings…?

Nar-Anon Family Group meetings with the twelve steps and twelve traditions, offer a new way to live. You will learn how to change your own thinking and attitude about the addict-about life. Experience, strength and hope shared at weekly meetings provide an ongoing opportunity to review and reinforce the tools needed to bring peace and serenity into you life. This is your program and your recovery. If you keep coming back…if you work it.. it will work.

Is my changed attitude going to make any difference…?

Addiction is a family disease. It affects everyone who is close to their addict. Most of us believe the addict is the one who needs to change.  It comes as a shock to hear we also need to change. It is time to look at ourselves.

Addiction is like a chain reaction. It is a disease that affects the addict as well as family members, friends and the co-workers. We try to control, cover up and take on the responsibilities of the addict. The sickness spreads to those of us who care the most. Eventually, we begin to feel used and unhappy. We worry, lose trust and become angry. The addict blames us and we feel guilty. If only something or someone would change.

When we discover Nar-Anon, we find others with the same feelings and problems. We learn we cannot control the addict or change them.  We have become so addicted to the addict that it is difficult to shift the focus back to ourselves. By working the steps, following the traditions and using the tools of the program, we begin with the love and help of our Higher Power and others, to change ourselves.

What can I do to help my children…?

Narateen is a part of Nar-Anon specifically for teenagers who are affected by the addiction of a family member or friend. At specially arranged meetings, teens share their experiences and hope with other teenagers living with similar circumstances.

How do I find a Nar-Anon meeting…?

Go to the website (www.nar-anon.org) or call the helpline at 800-477-6291. You will be directed to the nearest meeting in your area.

Nar-Anon is a fellowship for relatives and friends of addicts who share their experience, strength and hope. Addiction is considered to be a family disease and family members are encouraged to attend Nar-Anon meetings as soon as addiction is suspected.

Serenity Prayer

God grant me

the serenity

to accept the things

I cannot change,

courage to change the things

I can,

and the wisdom

to know the difference.

(Excerpts taken from the Nar-Anon Family Blue Booklet)

Do YOU need Nar-Anon…?

Ask yourself the following questions and answer them as honestly as you can:

1. Do you find yourself making excuses, lying or covering up for someone?
2. Do you have a reason not to trust this person?
3. Is it becoming difficult for you to believe his/her explanations?
4. Do you lie awake worrying about this person?
5. If it is your child, is he/she missing school without your knowledge?
6. If it is your spouse, is he/she missing work and leaving bills to pile up?
7. Are your savings mysteriously disappearing?
8. Are the unanswered questions causing hostility and undermining your relationship?
9. Are you asking yourself, “What’s wrong?” and “Is it my fault?”
10. Are normal family disagreements becoming hostile and violent?
11. Are your suspicions turning you into a detective and are you afraid of what you may find?
12. Are you cancelling your social functions with vague excuses?
13. Are you becoming increasingly reluctant to invite friends to your home?
14. Is concern for this person causing you headaches, a knotty stomach and extreme anxiety?
15. Do minute matters easily irritate this person? Does your whole life seem like a nightmare?
16. Are you unable to discuss the situation with friends and relatives because of embarrassment?
17. Are you frustrated by ineffective attempts to control the situation?
18. Do you overcompensate and try not to make waves?
19. Do you keep trying to make things better and nothing helps?
20. Are the life style and friends of this person changing? Do you ever thing they may be using drugs?

If you have answered YES to four or more of these questions, Nar-Anon may help you find the answers you are looking for.

*(Excerpt taken from Do You Need Nar-Anon?)

Mission Statement

The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. As a twelve step program, we offer our help by sharing our experience, strength and hope.

Vision Statement

We will carry the message of hope throughout the world to those affected by the addiction of someone near to them. We will do this by:

*Letting them know they are no longer alone.

*Practicing the Twelve Steps of Nar-Anon;

*Encouraging growth through service;

*Making information available through Public Information, Hospitals and Institutions and websites and;

*Changing our own attitudes.

Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.

22527 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 200B

Torrance, CA  90505

(310) 534-8188-(800) 477-6291

http://www.nar-anon.org

http://www.naranonofnj.org

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Nar-Anon pamphlet. I have never used the service so I have no opinion of the service either yes or no to how the program works. Please call the above number or email the for more information.

 

 

 

A Parent’s Cheat Sheet to Cyber Safety: Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

facebook.com/BCPONJ

twitter: @BCPONJ

http://www.BCPO.net

Tips & Info: 201-226-5532

Gurbir S. Grewal; Acting Bergen County Prosecutor

Basic Risks & Dangers

*Harassment and bullying episodes online and on Apps.

*Sexually explicit material and inappropriate contact with strangers AND real friends.

*Viruses, hackers and loss of personally identifiable info.

How to Reduce Online Risks

*Know your child’s accounts, the usernames and the passwords.

*Spot check online activity.

*Implement parental controls and privacy settings on each App.

*If an Apple device, add your child to the “family” iCloud:

-Location Services: see where your child’s Apple device is.

-See child’s App downloads.

-Access to child’s photos and stored content.

Discussion with Children

*Avoid talking to and sharing “pics”/”vids” with random online contacts.

*Never send pic/vids that are inappropriate. Ever.

*Don’t  engage in hateful, hurtful or alarming speech online.

*Think BEFORE you post! Words, pics and vids are permanent despite “deleting” them afterwards and despite any perception to the contrary.

*Never share passwords with anyone except parent/guardian; not even close friends.

*Use privacy settings; keep personal information limited especially posts/info visible to online acquaintances/strangers.

Report Suspicious Activity

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office assists local police with cyber crime investigations. Promptly notify your local police. Save/screenshot pertinent material. Do not warn or threaten someone online about going to the police. Just report their behavior without delay!

B.C.P.O.

The mission of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is to commit its resources, in partnership with the law enforcement community and citizens of Bergen County, to promote a safe and secure environment for the residents of Bergen County while maintaining the highest law enforcement standards. The members of this office will effectively and efficiently investigate and prosecute criminal offenders, fairly, impartially and justly. We will ensure and respect the rights of individual victims of crime.

In addition to it own proactive investigations, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office maintains specialized squads that are available to assist the municipal departments in the investigation of crimes calling for increased personnel, specialized equipment, technical know-how or highly specialized training. Such crimes include arson, homicide, sex crimes, drug trafficking, traditional organized crime, domestic violence, insurance fraud and most recently, computer crimes. These squads give each municipality in Bergen County the ability to bring additional resources to bear when presented with particularly challenging cases or particularly dangerous offenders.

Acting Bergen County Prosecutor:  Gurbir S. Grewal

Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office-Cyber Crimes Unit

Tips & Information: (201) 226-5532/ Online: http://www.BCPO.net

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the pamphlet supplied by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s office-Cyber Crime Unit. Please call the above number or email them for more information.

Click it or Ticket: Buckle Up-Every Passenger, Every Trip

*It’s the law.

*It will keep you safe in a crash.

*If not for yourself then for your loved ones.

*The alternative is a ticket.

You Drink & Drive: You Lose!

*One third of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in New Jersey are alcohol-related.

*If you drink alcohol, even one drink, designate a driver.

*When you drink and drive, you lose and so do others.

NJ Office of the Attorney General Division of Highway Traffic Safety

http://www.njsaferoads.com

(800) 422-3750

*Disclaimer: This information comes from the pamphlet from the NJ Office of the Attorney General Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Seat Belts Save Lives Buckle Up!

New Jersey’s seat belt law allows police officers to stop and issue a summons to drivers and front seat passengers solely for not wearing their seat belts.

Why buckle Up?

*Studies show seat belts do save lives and reduce injuries during crashes.

*Seat belts work with air bags to protect occupants. Air bags alone are not enough to safeguard occupants.

*More than 2,000 unbuckled drivers and front passengers died on New Jersey’s roadways in the past 10 years.

*Approximately 700 unbuckled drivers and front seat passengers were thrown out of their vehicles during crashes and killed in the past ten years.

New Jersey’s Seat Belt Law:

*Applies to all passengers vehicles that are required to be equipped with seat belts.

*Applies to drivers and front seat passengers.

*Makes the driver responsible for seat belt use by front seat passengers who are under the age of 18.

New Jersey’s Child Passenger Law:

*Up to age 18 months, children must be in a child safety seat anywhere in the vehicle.

*Between 18 months and age 5, children in the rear seat must be buckled by the vehicle’s seat belt.

*Children in the front seat must be in a child safety seat up to age 5.

From the Division of Highway Traffic Safety

http://www.njsaferoads.com

LPS: New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety

Disclaimer: This information is from the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Please buckle up!

HABC: handbook of Counseling and Referral Agencies-Housing Authority of Bergen County

One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 336-7600

http://www.HABCNJ.org

Bergen Community College

400 Paramus Road

Paramus, NJ  07450

Phone: (201) 447-7100

Bergen County’s United Way

6 Forest Avenue

Paramus, NJ  07450

(201) 291-4050 or call 2-1-1

Website: bergenunitedway.org

*Compassion Fund

*Housing Works

Bergen Regional Medical Center

230 East Ridgewood Avenue

Paramus, NJ 07450

Phone: (201) 967-4000 or 1-(800) 730-2762

Website: http://www.bergenregional.com

Bergen One-Stop Career Center

60 State Street

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 329-9600/TTY: (201) 996-7385

Website: http://www.onestopbwc.org

*Job Search

*Training and Education

*Youth Services

Bergen County Board of Social Services

218 Route 17N Front Building

Rochelle Park, NJ

Phone: (201) 368-4200

Website: http://www.bcbss.com

*Emergency Assistance

*Home Health Services

*Medical Transportation Service

*Child Care

*Food Stamps

*TANF/WFNJ Cash Assistance

Bergen County Special Services

540 Fairview Avenue

Paramus, NJ  07450

Phone: (201) 343-6000

Website: bcss.bergen.org

*Adult with disabilities

*Autism

*Behavior, Life Skills

*McKinney Vento Education of Homeless Children & Youth (NJDOE funded)

Phone: (201) 343-6000 ext. 6588

*Displaced students

Center for Food Action

192 West Demarest Avenue

Englewood, NJ

Phone: (201) 569-1804

Website: cfanj.org

*Emergency Food Program

*Weekend Snack Pack for children

*Utility, Rental or Security Deposit assistance

Community Resource Council

Phone: (201) 343-6543

Website: crchelpline.org

Department of Health Services

One Bergen County Plaza 4th Floor

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 634-2600

Website: http://www.co.bergen.nj.us

*Mental Health Law Project (Free legal services)

Department of Human Services

One Bergen County Plaza 2nd Floor

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 336-7474

Website: http://www.co.bergen.nj.us

*Alternative to Domestic Violence (201) 336-7575

*Disability Services (201) 336-6500/TTY (201) 336-6505

*Senior Services/Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) (201) 336-7400 or 1-877-222-3737

*Meals on Wheels

*Family Guidance (201) 336-7350

*Office for Children (201) 336-7150

*Veterans Services (201) 336-6325

*Special Child Health Services (201) 634-2621

Department of Public Works

*Community Transportation

178 Essex Street

Lodi, NJ  07644

Phone: (201) 368-5955

Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey

131 Main Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: (201) 489-3552 or (201) 489-4692

Website: fairhousingnj.org

*Housing & Financial Counseling

*Investigation discrimination complaints

*Assists in housing search

Greater Bergen Community Action

241 Moore Street

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Website: greaterbergen.org

*Head Start/Early Head Start

*Adult Education and Training

*English as a Second Language (ESL)

*High School Equivalency Exam prep

*Career Training & job placement

*New American Civics Education

Housing

*Energy Bill Assistance

*Home Energy Efficiency

*Residential Programs

*Financial & Housing Counseling

*Affordable housing (CHIP)

*Homeless Prevention

*Transitional Housing for ages 16-21

*Family shelter

*Halfway house for homeless men

*1st Bergen Credit Union

*Greater Bergen Housing Coalition

316 State Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: (201) 488-5100

Counseling in landlord-tenant disputes

Housing, Health & Human Services Center

120 South River Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: (201) 336-6475

Website: habcnj.org

*Housing & Placement support

*Temporary shelter

*Wellness Program

*Meals (11:30am-12:30pm; 5:00pm-6:00pm)

HIP-Heightened Independence & Progress

131 Main Street, Suite 120

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 996-9100/ TDD: (201) 996-9424

Website: hipcil.org

*Advocacy for Individuals

*Independent Living Skills Training

*Peer Support

*Transcription Service (braille & audio)

NJ Institute Clinic

121 Cedar Lane Street 3A

Teaneck, NJ

Phone: (201) 836-1065 ext.1

Website: njinstitute.com

*Very low cost therapy services

Northeast NJ Legal Services

190 Moore Street Suite 100

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 487-2166

*free legal services

Urban League for Bergen

12 Tenafly Road Suite 104

Englewood, NJ

Phone: (201) 568-4988

Website: ulbcnj.org

*Job Readiness

*1st time homebuyers

*Young Professionals

Other Resources and Hotlines:

TTY 1-877-294-4356 to access any hotline

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Helpline: 1-888-328-2518

Addiction Hotline: 1-877-276-2777

Adult Protective Services: (201) 368-4300 or 1-800-624-0275

Animal Shelter: (201) 229-4600

Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-877-652-7624

Domestic Violence Hotline: (201) 336-7575 or 1-800-572-7233

Family Hotline: 1-800-843-5437

Families Anonymous Recovery Fellowship: 1-800-736-9805

Health & Human Services Helpline: 2-1-1

Homeless Prevention: (201) 336-64902

Juvenile/Family Crisis Unit: (201) 336-7360 http://www.njhelps.org

Law Hotline: 1-888-576-5529

Mental Health Crisis Counselors: (201) 262-4357

NJ Family Care: 1-800-701-0710

Parent Hotline: 1-800-840-6537

Postpartum Hotline: 1-800-328-3838

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Red Cross: (973) 797-3300

Safe Haven Baby Protection: 1-877-839-2339 or 1-888-510-2229

Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-656-4673

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Teen Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-843-5437

Unemployment: (201) 601-4100

Youth Helpline: 1-888-222-2228

Youth Shelter: (201) 336-3951

Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the Handbook of Counseling and Referral Agencies. Please double check their websites and phone numbers for information on each program as well as more detail on other parts of this blog for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BCHC: Bergen County Housing Coalition-Tenant-Landlord Outreach and Guidance

316 State Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601

(201) 488-5100 or (201) 488-6767

Fax: (201) 342-7452

Our Mission:

The BCHC provides guidance and case service in matters of Landlord-Tenant Law to low and moderate income individuals.

Clients involved in landlord-tenant disputes are counseled and informed of their rights and responsibilities under New Jersey laws, local rent control ordinances, state and local property codes and other applicable statutes. Educational workshops dealing with these issues are open to the public.

In addition, a specialized Homelessness Prevention Program provides in-depth counseling to individuals and families facing potential homelessness due to eviction. The BCHC also provides regular consultation and assistance to other social service agencies, public officials, municipal governments and community groups.

Have you ever asked yourself:

*What do I know about Leases?

*What is the landlord required to do with my  security and what can I do if it isn’t done properly?

*How much can my rent be raised and how often?

*What maintenance and repairs are the landlord’s responsibility?

*What can I do to get repairs done?

*What are my options if I have a to break my lease?

*How can I deal with harassment?

*I can no longer afford my apartment. Is there a way I can get rental assistance?

*What should I do if I am threatened with eviction?

*Can I be locked out without a court order?

*What are the procedures in Landlord-Tenant and Small Claims Court?

If you have questions like these, Bergen County Housing Coalition may be able to help.

The Bergen County Housing Coalition has assisted more than 50,000 households since its inception in 1979.

We offer prompt, courteous attention to you tenant problems, educating you as to the latest cases and laws.

The key to solving a landlord tenant problem is knowledge of these laws. Our expert staff of housing counselors will help you tailor a solution to your specific problem.

We provide:

*Guidance

*Workshops

*Referrals

*Speakers

There is no charge for our services: donations are always welcome.

Staff:

Cynthia Arone

Senior Housing Counselor

Zulma Aleem

Housing Counselor

Feel free to contact us!

Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm

Monday through Friday

Phone:

(201) 488-5100

(201) 488-6767

Fax: (201) 342-7452

Bergen County Housing Coalition is an affiliate of the Greater Bergen Community Action.

http://www.greaterbergen.org

The BCHC is a non-profit organization funded by Bergen County Department of Human Services, Community Development, Development Block Grants, Older American Act-Title III Grants, PNC Foundation, Coliani Bank Charitable Foundation and Individual contributions.

Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the BCHC pamphlet. I have never used this service and I have no opinion of it either yes or no to how good the program is to use. Please call them for more information at the above number.

 

 

The Dangers of Tanning: American Academy of Dermatology

Whether your skin needs medical, surgical or cosmetic treatment, trust the expert care of a board-certified dermatologist.

The Dangers of Tanning:

All Tanning is dangerous:

The sun, tanning beds and sun lamps expose us to ultraviolent (UV) radiation. This radiation is so dangerous that the United States Department of Health and Human Services has declared UV radiation from the sun and artificial light sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a known carcinogen (tends to cause cancer). We know that UV radiation can cause skin cancer, the most common cancer in the world. It can prematurely age our skin, giving us a wrinkled and leathery look.

Getting Vitamin D from the sun or tanning beds is risky:

Some people seek the sun to get their daily dose of vitamin D. While we need vitamin D for healthy bones, the American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend getting vitamin D from the sun or tanning beds. Doing so increases our risk of getting skin cancer. Healthier ways to get this important nutrient are to eat foods rich in vitamin D and take a supplement.

Indoor Tanning causes skin cancer:

Indoor tanning beds or lamps are not a safe option to sun exposure. Like the sun, tanning beds and sun lamps expose us to two types of UV radiation. The UVA rays penetrate more deeply into our skin and speed up the aging of our skin. The UVB rays do not go as deep, but they do cause burns. Yes, burns can and do happen in some people who use indoor tanning. Some burns require a trip to the emergency room.

Some tanning lamps emit UV radiation many times stronger than that of the sun. Studies show that indoor tanning raises the risk of melanoma by 75% and increases the chance of getting other types of skin cancer.

Skin Cancer can be cured:

When melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is found early and treated, the patient can be cured. But, melanoma can be fatal. In the United States, the number of melanoma cases is rising. Other types of skin cancer may not be fatal but can invade and destroy surrounding tissue, causing disfigurement and sometimes tissue, causing disfigurement and sometimes painful reconstructive surgery.

Tanning ages skin:

It can take many years to see the effects of UV radiation on our skin. Skin cancer and signs of premature skin aging tend to show up years after we begin tanning. As such, young people are often unaware of the dangers of tanning. The number of cases of skin cancer likely keep rising as people who are tanning in their teens and 20’s reach middle age.

Signs of premature aging of the skin, such as wrinkles and age spots, eventually appear in everyone who repeatedly tans. These signs may be less apparent and take longer to show up in some people. This does not minimize the risk. People who tan greatly raise their risk of getting skin cancer.

Find you skin type:

Anyone can get skin cancer. People with skin types I, II, and III have the greatest risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Use the following table to find out what your risk is:

Skin Type I: Skin Color

Pale White Skin

Response to UV Exposure

Always burns; may freckle but never

 

Skin Type II: Skin Color

Fair skin and light-colored eyes, may have freckles

Response to UV Exposure

Burns easily, tans just a little

 

Skin Type III: Skin Color

White (Average)

Response to UV Exposure

Burns somewhat; tans gradually to light brown

 

Skin Type IV: Skin Color

Beige or light brown skin: hair and eyes usually brown

Response to UV Exposure

Burns just a little: always tans to fairly brown

 

Skin Type V: Skin Color

Moderate brown skin, usually of African or West Indian descent

Response to UV Exposure

Rarely burns: tans profusely to dark

 

Skin Type VI: Skin Color

Dark Brown to Black

Response to UV Exposure

Never Burns: tans profusely to dark

Tips to avoid sun damage:

*Plan your outdoor activities to limit your exposure to the sun’s strongest rays. As a rule, seek shade between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

*Wear protective clothing such as broad-trimmed hats, long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin.

*Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection.

*When outdoors, always wear generous amounts of a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum (Protects against both UVA and UVB) and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Apply the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and re-apply about every 2 hours.

*To cover the entire body, use palm full of sunscreen.

Facts you should know:

*If you notice an unusual or changing mole, a scaly patch or a sore that does not heal, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. This may be a sign of skin cancer or a spot that could become a skin cancer.

*If you severe itching or rashes in the sun, this is likely an allergic reaction.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the medical, surgical and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. To learn more about the dangers of tanning, visit http://www.aad.org or call toll-free (888) 462-DERM (3376) to find a dermatologist in your area.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the American Academy of Dermatology and was solely developed for it. From the 2011 American Academy of Dermatology.

American Academy of Dermatology

P.O. Box 4014

Schaumburg, IL  60168-4014

AAD Public Information Center: (888) 462-DERM (3376)

AAD Member Resource Center: (888) 503-SKIN (7546)

Web: http://www.aad.org

 

 

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey: Programs for an Independent Life

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that provides practical training and emotional support to help those who have experienced profound vision loss regain self-esteem and self-reliance.

From our start in 1943, we have used a holistic approach to all our program development, focusing on the overall health and well-being of each participant. Our goal is to empower those with profound vision loss to live engaged, productive and independent lives.

At Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, we:

*Empower Independence…by creating programs that change lives.

*Build Confidence…in every person we reach.

*Encourage awareness…within the communities we serve.

*Listen Intently…to the voices of those with profound vision loss.

*Create Community…a place for all to feel connected and respected.

Programs:

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey offers a variety of low-cost programs in Morris County with limited classes in Essex, Bergen and Sussex Counties.

Essential Low Vision Program

A one-day program designed to teach individuals with vision loss quick adaptive strategies to regain independence.

Better Health and Wellness Program

These unique classes are designed to provide a holistic approach to living with vision loss. Classes are taught by qualified instructors and include peer support, yoga, fitness, djembe drumming, horticultural therapy, art and pottery studio.

Technology Programs

These classes teach participants how to use the accessibility features, practical functions and specialized apps on iPad/iPhones in order to stay organized, informed and connected. Beginner, intermediate and advanced training are offered.

Independent Living Program

A Simple Solution is a 6-week group training program that teaches the foundational skills needed to regain and maintain an independent lifestyle. The classes teach coping strategies to promote a healthy balance of emotional health, mobility skills and adaptive kitchen skills.

Programs are conducted on a ongoing basis throughout the year. Please visit VLANJ.org for a complete schedule and program fees.

Small group classes meet in a friendly environment to help make these innovative programs highly effective and provide a true sense of community to the participants. Throughout our 72 year history we have consistently delivered the services designed to build confidence and independence and improve the overall quality of life for our participants.

Mission Statement:

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey will create and deliver expert programs and services that build confidence and improve the quality of life for individuals living with profound vision loss.

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey

To find out more about our programs, arrange for a tour or support Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, please contact us at:

Telephone: (973) 627-0055

Web: VLANJ.org

Email: info@vlanj.org

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey

155 Morris Avenue, Suite 2

Denville, NJ  07834

*Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the Vision Loss Alliance pamphlet. I have not used this service before so I have no opinion either yes or no to the program. Please call or email the service for more information on the program.