CarePlus InsideLIne
 
As 2015 comes to a close, we are reminded of all that the year has brought.
It was a year of growth, of community and of tremendous support.
It is our hope that 2016 will illuminate the hearts and minds
of those individuals and their families who are affected by mental illness.

Thank you for all that you do to contribute to 
The Power to Change a Lifetime.

Upcoming 
Events 
   
 
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

Evolving Diagnostic Changes with
Autism and Early Diagnosis
2 Clinical CEUs 
March 10, 2016 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Register Here 
 
Full 2015-2016 CPI Workshop & Training Schedule
 
Congratulations!
 
Please join us in congratulating 
Cindy Esposito-Ossandon
Administrative Support for PESP, effective Wednesday, December 2. 
 
We are looking forward to Cindy bringing her enthusiasm to this role and providing full support to the PESP Department. 

Special Thanks from
Visitation Services
 
 
Director of Visitation Services at CarePlus, Jamie Lagana, with Deborah Kanabar and Stacy Pressberger, the group leaders for the East Brook React club.

The React club has been volunteering their time for the past several years with CarePlus Visitation Services, donating presents and their time to wrap gifts. The West Brook React club also helped out! Both groups are middle school age.

We have been fortunate to have an abundance of community support and involvement in a number of gift drives this holiday season. Imagine how great it feels for the children and families that are on the receiving end!
 
A Note of Appreciation
Because The Work That You Do Matters

"I couldn't have received a better holiday blessing. Passing on a child's blessing from therapy (all teared up)!  A little hope to pass along!" - Kristine Bersch
Hi Kristine!! It has been super long since we've spoken and I just wanted to say hello and catch up. I meant to email you earlier but I've been super preoccupied with schoolwork, sports and friends. Day to day I've been doing okay, and focus on being the best I can be.

I honestly miss therapy sessions, some days I really wish I had them. Although, I have many goals I wish to achieve and I always think back to our conversations and the advice you've given me and it's really helps. I've adapted to honors classes, been more involved in school clubs, and my friend group has changed quite a bit... but it's all for the better and I feel blessed.

I hope your life has been phenomenal and everyone in your life, as well as you haha, is happy and healthy. I can never thank you enough for what you've helped me through and being by my side to develop through my younger years.

Your expertise will continue to guide me as I grow. I hope to hear back!

Happy Holidays!
 
Thanks, Jay!

 "On behalf of the Property Maintenance and Beautification Committee of the Borough of Fair Lawn, we would like to take this opportunity to recognize and compliment you and your staff for the outstanding job you have done in making the appearance of your business a credit to our Borough."


We are proud to be recognized as "an eye pleasing asset to our community", and we send out a special thanks to Jay Sarkisian and all of General Services for all of the work that they do!
 
From the Foundation
Ending the Year, Shifting into Gear  
 
 
Our Annual Appeal is well under way, and we have made it 77% of the way to our $20,000 goal! Please get involved by sharing our message with anyone who may be interested in supporting our cause.
 
Announcing the 
2016 Foundation Events
 
April 1st
The Annual Youth Conference
at Bergen Community College
featuring special guest speaker Dr. Shefali,
"The Art Conscious Parenting: Bringing Mindfulness To Families"
 
June 8th
18th Annual Courage Awards Gala
at the Venetian in Garfield
 
September 26th
5th Annual Golfers Give Back
Charity Golf Outing at White Beeches
Golf & Country Club in Haworth
 
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 next Gala meeting will be held on January 12th at 5pm in the Board Room. 
 
Your support is helpful and valued. 
Contact Alexis for more information.
 
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 
1/19/16:
"A Healthier You"
Available On Demand
Starting 12pm Eastern Time 

Making resolutions? This year resolve to create a personal plan to improve your overall health in the areas of nutrition, physical fitness, and mental health.

If you have any questions, please contact Susan Bell in the Human Resources Department at susanb@careplusnj.org or call 201-843-5218, extension 5211.

Stigma-Free Symposium



"But a person struggling with an illness in the brain should be treated the same as an illness in another part of the body," Tedesco said. "It (mental illness) is not a moral failing or a character flaw."
- Article from The Record



"Our efforts have made a positive difference, but there is still work to be done." - Judy Banes



"When in doubt, act from compassion." - Joe Masciandaro



"Think BIG!" - Mary Ann Uzzi

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

 
 



 













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.



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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.