CarePlus InsideLIne
 



On November 10th, staff organized
a retirement celebration in honor of
Dr. John Bostrom

During the surprise festivities, Dr. Bostrom's colleagues acknowledged his phenomenal work ethic and unwavering dedication to CarePlus clients and staff alike. He definitely will be missed.

Many thanks and well wishes to him as he enters retirement.
 


A Message from Joe Masciandaro
"He's the Best Medication Counselor"

"One of my fondest memories of Dr. Bostrom is when he changed his badge after a state site visit. The people who visited insisted that he needed to document 'medication counseling' even though his notes were clearly up to par. The next day he came in with the words "Medication Counselor" written over "Medical Doctor" on his badge. It was very funny."

"I have greatly appreciated his commitment,
competence and professional demeanor.
I wish him all the best."


From the Foundation

Ending the Year, Shifting into Gear  

 

 

Our Annual Appeal is well under way, and we have already made it 34% of the way to our $20,000 goal! We have actively been posting on Facebook and utilizing the #GivingTuesday social media campaign, with the theme of "The Power to Change a Lifetime".

Please get involved by sharing our message with anyone who may be interested in supporting our cause.

 

We have also officially set a date for our Annual Youth Conference. It will be held on April 1st, 2016 featuring our special guest speaker Dr. Shefali who will speaking on "Conscious Parenting". It is an event that is not to be missed! Stay tuned... 

 

And in other news: it's not too late to join the Development Committee - all are welcome! If you can only make a few meetings that is okay - every little bit of time counts.

 

Our first Gala meeting will be held on December 8th at 6pm in the Board Room

 

Your support is helpful and valued. 

Contact Alexis for more information.

 


Upcoming 
Events 
  
 
 
Trauma-Informed Care
Assessments and Practice:
A New Generation of Service Delivery
2 Clinical CEUs 
December 10 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 
 Register Here 

Tourette's Disorder:
Misunderstood and Often Misdiagnosed... And More Common Than You Think
January 13 - 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Register Here

Cross-Cultural Competence Skills for Professionals in Social Service Fields
5 Clinical/Ethics/Social
and Cultural Competence CEUs

February 8 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Register Here 
 
 
Props to the TLC

Our own Sue Heguy shared
this positive feedback that the
Traumatic Loss Coalition received from
The Community School.


On behalf of the Administration, staff, and students at The Community School I want to express our sincere thanks for the support of your organization and the team of counselors who came to our school following the tragic death of one of our teachers.
 
From the very first moment I called, I was received with sympathy and understanding and an immediate acknowledgement that your organization would see to our needs.
 
I want to let you know that the counselors who came (Laura, Michelle Weinberg, Tara Amanna and Sister Mary) were understanding and compassionate and made themselves available for everyone who needed them. They met the needs of our staff and students, helping us through a very difficult experience.
 
I can't begin to tell you how important your organization has been to us.

Spotlighting Our Clients: Tuning Into Success  

"I don't blame myself for my struggle because I understand the trauma that created it."

A lot of times, when the general public thinks of people who live with mental illness they immediately think of how such diseases can be debilitating and prevent people from fully living their lives. However, at CarePlus when we think of these individuals we are quick to associate their struggles with their victories because we are fortunate enough to see so many successfully embark on the road to wellness.

There are many factors that come together to create hard times, and these moving parts are unique to each and every individual on the planet. One of the best ways to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health is through storytelling: everybody has a tale to tell, and there is much to be gained by their sharing.

Take for instance our friend Tony, who has been in an out of mental health services for many years. Although he was born in New York, by the time he was two years old he was living in Colombia with his family. There he learned the power of love by observing the beautiful relationship between his grandparents, and he fantasized of one day returning to the US to live the great American Dream.

When he first returned to America at the age of 16 he struggled with being homeless; abandoned by his legal guardian from day one and left to fend for himself on the streets, speaking very little English. Somehow he made it through the trials and tribulations and he lives to tell his story.

"I feel like I've lived a thousand lives."

Read more here...
 
More Praise for the Irvington High School-Based Program 
 
The following words were written by a student in a card for Nazeli Afarian.

You are the Best. You bring Changes.
You are forever in my heart.
You are my guide, my soulmate,
my friend I need.
 
You help when I'm down. You cheer me up with your words and your kindness. I love when we play UNO, we have fun and laugh so much. When you win, I'm happy. When I win, you are happy. So that's what makes it fun. I know this is my last year, but I want to say Thank You. You mean so much and I will never forget you. I just hope that we will see each other in the future, and by that time I hope you still remember me.
 
Counseling is a happy place to relax and clear our mind from all that comes to trouble us. Peace Love, and Happiness.

Keep up the great work! 
BCCYC Parent Caf�s 
Share Ideas and Resources

 
The Bergen County Council for Young Children ("BCCYC") held its first two Parent Caf�s with the purpose of creating a community forum for parents to discuss the needs of children and families from prenatal stages through eight years of age.

The events were hosted and moderated by Jennifer Loaiza, the Care Plus NJ, Inc. ("CarePlus") Project Coordinator for BCCYC, with the support of community partners including the Family Support Organization of Bergen County, the Bergen County Office for Children, and Bergen County Headstart.

"I cannot thank our community partners enough," expressed Loaiza, "Without their help and support, the Parent Caf�s and the Kick Off Event would not have been a success! It is our collective efforts that best serve the community."

There were numerous families that attended both Parent Caf�s, during which the children that accompanied their parents played games, socialized, and worked on puzzles and coloring books. The parents were invited into a separate space to address their concerns and explore the needs in the local community.

Some of the topics that were explored during the Parent Caf�s included health, education, and the many dimensions of their children's overall well-being. The parent groups also participated in team building activities to create a stronger sense of connection with each other.

The goal of the program is not only to connect families with local resources, but also to establish a supportive group of parent advocates who will act as active community partners. By creating a sense of comradery amongst the BCCYC, the vision is that Bergen County will become stronger and more successful through the input of parents, caregivers, guardians, and other community members.

"It is so gratifying to see the families and community partners sit together to learn about available resources in Bergen County," Loaiza continued. "I think the biggest take away was knowing that the parents were satisfied, and surprised, by the abundance of what is offered in our county."

The event organizers reported that the success of the event was a good indication of developments to come as the BCCYC continues to expand their reach into local communities.

The next Parent Caf� will be held with a "Frozen" winter theme on December 3rd from 6pm-7:30pm at the Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties in Elmwood Park . As always, is a family event where children are welcome to attend. Childcare and dinner will be provided.

It has been requested that all interested families RSVP by December 1st to Jennifer Loaiza, Project Coordinator, by phone at 201-265-8200 ext. 5286, or by email at [email protected]. Any families that would like to inquire how to bring a future Parent Caf� and resources to their local community may also contact Loaiza.

Employee Assistance Program

Did you know that you have access to resources pertaining to everyday life right at your fingertips?  Get educated on what is available to you through the CarePlus EAP. With this Employee Assistance Program, you will have access to information and resources for family, health, money and much more.   

This EAP also features free Webinars, a monthly newsletter and tips for daily living.   
 
Be sure to explore the website: http://www.careeap.net/ 
Login: CPNJ Password: 123  
  
Webinar of the Month 
12/15/15 - 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Eastern Time 
"Creating a Personal Development Plan"   

Learn to recognize types of goals and understand effective goal setting. Explore potential obstacles that can create barriers to reaching your goals.

If you have any questions, please contact Susan Bell in the Human Resources Department at [email protected] or call 201-843-5218, extension 5211.
Bergen County Juvenile Fire Prevention
Program Out On the Scene


The past two months have been very active for the Bergen County Juvenile Fire Prevention Program (BCJFPP) with fire prevention week in October, a number of community events, and ongoing fire safety trainings for youth and their families.

For over 25 years the BCJFPP has been providing education and Behavioral Health services for youth who are at-risk or have fire-setting behaviors. This has been made possible because of specially trained fire safety educators, many of which are firefighters, who work side by side with CarePlus mental health professionals.

Teresa Martino-Woods is a Licensed Associate Counselor and the BCJFPP Program Manager at CarePlus. While she handles a number of other responsibilities within the agency, the program has kept her very busy over the past few weeks as many people do not know that these type of services exist. Having Teresa along with Fire Safety Educators out in the community allows for the BCJFPP to reach more families that can benefit from the program.

Some of the events included:
  • Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute Expo
  • Rochelle Park Public Safety Open House
  • Educated 50 Fair Lawn students at the fire house
  • Educated 24 students at Hackensack High School
  • Bergen County Nurses Association meeting
The program has been receiving excellent feedback from parents. Here is a small sample of some of the comments left on the parent survey:
  • All of the information provided was very informative. [The Fire Safety Instructor] gave my son examples that pertained perfectly to the reason we were here.
  • [The Fire Safety Instructor's] knowledge and ability to communicate was great; was able to make effective points and kept my son interested.
  • This was very helpful especially with helping my son understand unexpected outcomes when dealing with fire and fire safety.
  • It was a great educational experience and I would not change anything.
  • It was a very enlightening expression of fire and safety. I do appreciate the time [The Fire Safety Instructor] put in informing my son and family on fire safety. I recommend this program to all young adults.
The BCJFPP is always looking for more fire safety educators, as well as individuals and groups in need of training, so that the program can keep the community safe. To become an educator or make a referral please contact Teresa Martino-Woods at 201-797-2660 ext. 5641 or [email protected].
 
More information can be found online

Feeling Festive - Friday, October 30th

    


 
It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
December Decoration Contest

In the coming week we will be announcing an agency-wide winter-themed decoration contest. You can share your favorite holiday spirit on your door, decorate your desk like a winter wonderland, or even bring a little festiveness into your cubicle!

You have the chance to participate by submitting a photo of your space to the ACE team by Friday, December 18th.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 22 and all of the photos will be included in next month's InsideLine.

Stay tuned for an All Staff email with details!

Thanks for the suggestion, Tina! 
 
Do YOU have a story to share? If you have a story, update, announcement, photos to share here, on Facebook, or on the website send it to the ACE team and we will work to get it out to staff and friends of CarePlus.
Program Marketing 
 
It is important staff to familiarize themselves with the variety of program and services offered through CarePlus so that we can make appropriate referrals for those in need. For that reason, we are working on streamlining information and materials so that they are more easily accessible.
  

This involves appropriately updated Program Fact Sheets, comprehensive marketing folders, social media spotlights, and up to date information on the CarePlus website.

 
A new folder has been added to the M Drive so that staff can quickly access Program Information Sheets. These Fact Sheets can be found in the first folder in 999 General titled _FactSheets.  
 

If you need any materials created, revised, or printed for your program or presentations you will need to utilize the electronic request form. This new system is being used to ensure timely and effective completion of projects.   

 

You may have noticed recent Facebook posts highlighting some of our services. This is the part of our effort to market each of our programs to the community.

 

If you would like to put your team, group or program in the spotlight, contact the ACE team to make arrangements.

 

 You can also send positive reviews and feedback for coworkers and clients that go above and beyond. If you have anything you would like to submit for the InsideLine, email your story and  information to Caitlyn Yerves.



Like Us on Facebook! 

Get the Latest Updates and News on Our Facebook Page - 
be sure to "Like" Care Plus NJ on Facebook!
Like us on Facebook
What is STIGMA?

Posters and flyers are available to print from our website. Be sure to download it and share it with staff and clients! 
   

Obligatory disclaimer ("the gray area"): This newsletter is compiled by humans, and you know how humans are: we make occasional mistakes - not too many, but they do happen. Please do not consider a rush in judgment. We - "the humans" - apologize in advance for any omissions, inaccuracies, misspellings, and flagrant discombobulations. Should you desire to suggest a correction or addition, please email Caitlyn.


You can even just email if you'd like to say you do (or do not) like the Inside Line, however no cursing or inflammatory remarks, please, as we are humans.