T HE U NION C OUNTY Y OUTH S ERVICES S TEERING C OMMITTEE
October 2014
“B UILDING S UPPORTS FOR OUR K IDS ”
Union County Youth Services
Steering Committee
Sidney Blanchard
Executive Director, Community Access Unlimited
William Butler
Associate Branch Executive Director,
YMCA of Eastern Union County
Pamela Capaci
Executive Director, Prevention Links, Inc.
Robert Charkowsky
Web Site & Social Media Manager, Office of Public
Information and Communication
Karen Dinsmore
Assistant Director,
Union County Department of Human Services
(DHS)
Maureen Segale Glenn
Director of Community Services,
Union County Department of Human Services
(DHS)
Eric Graham
Community Liaison,
Union County Workforce Investment Board
Mathew Hagler
Union County Drug Court Coordinator,
Union County Drug Court
Richard Hlavacek
Executive Director,
Families and Community Together (FACT)
Leila Hosseini
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor,
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
(DVRS), NJ Department of Labor and Workforce
Development
Pastor Pamela B. Jones
CEO/Executive Director,
Communities in Cooperation, Inc. (CIC)
Michael Litterer
Director of Community Prevention,
Prevention Links, Inc.
Dominic Prophete
Executive Director,
CASA of Union County, Inc.
Shan Reeves
Mental Health Clinician/Church Deacon
Roderick Spearman
Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Housing Authority
Edward Thompson
Area Director, Union County Area Office
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
(DCPP), NJ Department of Children and Families
(DCF)
Jessica Trombetta
Director, Office of Adolescent Services,
NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF)
William Webb
Executive Director,
Family and Children’s Services (FCS)
Sponsored by the Union County
Youth Services Steering Committee
Page 2
The Union County Youth Services Steering Committee
OUR MISSION
The Union County Youth Services Steering Committee was formed in the fall of 2012 to increase the
number, availability and accessibility of services to youth and young adults.
The primary aim is to ensure that Union County’s youth/young adults know how to secure the resources
they need to develop and realize their potential for productive, self-sufficient lives as adults.
Members of the Youth Services Steering Committee represent public and nonprofit youth-serving
agencies, child advocates, volunteers and faith-based organizations. They meet regularly:
To share information about youth programs;
To disseminate the information widely through websites, media announcements, public forums
and an annual conference; and
 To identify and close any major gaps in youth service programs.


G OA L S










Serve as a vehicle for fostering communication and networking among youth service providers
and youth consumers.
Improve youth service effectiveness and outcomes.
Share information, resources and expertise among providers and youth and parent consumers.
Improve coordination of and access to services by youth and parents.
Encourage development of an integrated youth and young adult services system.
Improve utilization of existing youth resources and promote development of new services.
Foster cross systems coordination, encourage collaborations and build linkages among youth
service providers and resources.
Stimulate use of innovative and evidence-based practice models through research projects and
pilot demonstrations.
Provide training and educational opportunities for staff working with youth and young adults.
Develop and share standardized outcomes, performance measures and evaluation tools.
P RO C E S S & R E S U LT S
Members of the Union County Youth Services Steering Committee work cooperatively together to:
 Develop a countywide network of public and private agencies, advocates, volunteers and
faith-based organizations involved in developing resources and/or providing services to Union
County youth and young adults.
 Sponsor an annual Union County Youth Services Networking Conference every October. Its
inaugural conference, held in October 2013, was a huge success, attracting more than 200
attendees.
 Conduct periodic meetings and forums with network agencies to share and update information on
services they currently provide to youth and young adults and to identify any gaps in service.
 Develop, update and maintain a computerized data base of public and private youth serving
agencies and of service programs available to Union County youth and young adults.
 Make the computerized data base accessible to the Union County youth-serving community and
to consumers of such services.
 Conduct public information and awareness campaigns to encourage additional youth-serving
groups to join the network.
Page 3
MEET
The Union County Youth Services Steering Committee
THE
TEAM
Sidney Blanchard is the founder and executive director of Community Access Unlimited. CAU began
in 1979 from the back seat of Sid’s Volkswagen beetle. Soon outgrowing the car, Sid oversaw the
growth of the organization from its initial three staff and $90,000 budget to its current 1000 staff and $50
million budget.
Sidney is a pioneer, leader and ardent advocate in providing community supports to people in need. In
addition to founding and leading a multi-million dollar human services organization, he is a current
member and active participant in many organizations including the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), NJ Chapter and Region IX, Association for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD), Families and Communities Together, Inc. (FACT), NJ Alliance of Children, Youth & Families, Inc., and the Human Service Advisory Council (HSAC).
Sidney’s vision and foresight led CAU to be one of the first nonprofits in the nation to pursue the federal low-income housing
tax credit to acquire property. Today, he is the founder and chief executive officer of two real estate holding companies, Community Access Institute and Creative Property Management of New Jersey.
In 2012, Sidney was appointed to the Union County Task Force on Homelessness by the Union County Board of Chosen
Freeholders and the NJ Task Force on Homelessness by Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie. Sidney has authored numerous papers and led presentations on topics of affordable housing, at-risk youth, and individuals with
disabilities.
Tanya Johnson began her career as a childcare worker at the Berea Children’s Home in Berea, Ohio.
After 14 years in the Ohio social service world, she decided to make a change. After relocating to the
tri-state area in 1998, Tanya began her career at Community Access Unlimited as a coordinator.
Tanya worked her way through the ranks at CAU to become the Senior Assistant Executive Director of
youth services in 2008. Tanya has a passion for working with youth to help them grow into young productive adults. Through her passion Tanya has worked with aging out youth, runaway homeless youth
and community based youth who have been successful in transitioning to adulthood.
Nicholas R. Scalera has over 40 years’ experience in youth and family services
management. He was State Director of the NJ Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) from
1989-94 and DYFS Assistant Director from 1972-89. Previously, Nick worked as a public information
officer for the NJ Department of Community Affairs (1967-72) and NJ Office of Economic Opportunity
(1966-67) and was a reporter for the Associated Press (1966) and Newark News (1964-66).
In 1995, Nick formed Scalera Consulting Services, which works with public and private agencies that
serve at-risk youth and/or vulnerable adults. From 1998-2001, Scalera helped Community Education
Centers develop and open Lipman Hall, a residential treatment facility and school in Newark serving
110 adolescent boys with serious mental health, emotional and behavioral problems who were placed
by DYFS. He served as Director of Lipman Hall from 2001-03.
Scalera holds a BA in Social Studies from Seton Hall University and an MS in Journalism "Cum Laude" from Columbia University. In 2007, he established the Nicholas R. Scalera Scholarship Fund at Seton Hall University to help academically qualified students with substantial financial and social needs secure a college education.
Nick has received many honors, including: Humanitarian Award from Seton Hall University; Public Administrator of the
Year from the New Jersey Chapter, American Society for Public Administration (ASPA); Man of Achievement Award for
services to at-risk youth from Phi Kappa Theta National Fraternity; and Humanitarian of the Year from the Association for
Advancement of the Mentally Handicapped (predecessor of Community Access Unlimited, Inc.).
T O G E T I N VO LV E D , C O N TAC T U S
Tanya Johnson, Sr. Assistant Executive Director—Community Access Unlimited—[email protected], 908-354-3040 x251
Nicholas R. Scalera, President- Scalera Consulting Services— [email protected], 973-893-6563
Page 4
The Union County Youth Services Steering Committee
BUILDING SUPPORTS FOR OUR KIDS
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!!
For more info contact Tanya Johnson
Community Access Unlimited
(908) 354-3040 ext. 251
[email protected]
2nd Annual Union County
Youth Services Networking
Conference
Sponsored by The Union County Youth Services
Steering Committee
October 21, 2014
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
L’Affaire Fine Catering
1099 Route 22 East, Mountainside, NJ
October 2014
Page 5
The Annual Union County Youth Services Networking Conference brings together
the collaborative Union County youth-serving community to ensure the safety,
well-being and future success of youth and young adults.
There’ll be featured keynote speakers and round table discussions on topics relevant to
service providers and consumers, such as:













After-School Recreation
Behavioral & Physical Health
DDD/DCF Youth Transitioning to Adulthood
Domestic Violence
Education
Employment
Fatherhood
Gangs/Juvenile Justice
Housing
LGBTQI
Life Skills
Mentoring
Services for Returning Adjudicated Youth
The conference attracts youth-serving agencies/individuals including: non profit
organizations; local, county, and state government agencies; faith based organizations;
mentors; schools; young adults and volunteers.
Page 6
The Union County Youth Services Steering Committee
SPOTLIGHT AGENCY:
Community Access Unlimited
MISSION STATEMENT
Community Access Unlimited is committed to providing community access through a broad array of
person-centered support services for adults and adolescents with intellectual and developmental
disabilities and at-risk youth aging out of the child welfare system. We believe each individual, no
matter of ability or need, should have the opportunity to live independently and have a voice as
productive citizens integrated into the community. We also have extensive housing options
throughout Union County which provides affordable housing to individuals in need.
HISTORY
Community Access Unlimited (CAU) was founded in 1979 in Union County, New Jersey with a
$90,000 grant to move 20 adults with developmental disabilities from state institutions to the
community. Community Access was first operated out of the Executive Director, Sidney Blanchard’s,
Volkswagen Beetle. The agency soon moved into a small office and continued to grow.
In 1984, CAU added supports for youth in New Jersey’s child welfare system and parents with
disabilities through the provision of supportive transitional living programs and educational training.
In 1987, CAU secured its first housing units. In 1992, CAU moved to its current location at 80 West
Grand Street in Elizabeth. Today, in addition to 64,000 square feet of commercial space, CAU owns
more than 235 units of housing throughout Union County. CAU was one of the first nonprofits in the
nation to pursue the federal low-income housing tax credit to acquire property.
CAU was founded as a social service movement to capture resources to build community support
systems for all people living in need that live in the community. We see issues facing people with
disabilities as community issues: safe and affordable housing, employment, social activities, political
involvement and advocacy. To make an impact on these issues takes more than one person or agency;
it requires community relationships to be built and sustained.
October 2014
Page 7
SUPPORTS & SERVICES
Community Access Unlimited (CAU) believes that all people, with supports, can lead independent,
productive lives in the community. CAU offers a broad continuum of core services including
employment and income development, housing, social life, health, money management, and personal
growth inclusive of education, religious support, human sexuality, advocacy, counseling, community
living skills, and family assistance. Our span of services are targeted to people with special needs
including adults and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, youth involved in New
Jersey’s child welfare system and people with affordable housing needs.
ADVOCACY
SUPPORT COORDINATION
PERSONAL PREFERENCE PROGRAM
FAMILY RESOURCES
HOUSING
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
RECREATION
THE ACADEMY OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
We encourage you to browse the information on broad array of comprehensive support services. Please
contact us at 908-354-3040 or at [email protected] to speak with an Information & Referral Coordinator.
CONTACT US
80 West Grand Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone: (908) 354-3040
Fax: (908) 354-2665
www.caunj.org
Page 8
The Union County Youth Services Steering Committee
REGISTER TODAY!
2014 CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
The Will to Win
Honoring Bob Hurley, Sr. & Community Champions
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Location: Kean University (STEM Building) in Union, NJ
Registration & Breakfast begins at 8:00am
Followed by Awards Program at 9:00am
Presented by Family & Children’s Services
To Register: Fax at 908-965-3227 or www.facsnj.org
Family & Children’s Services will be
hosting a morning of celebration and
motivation with speaker and Lifetime
Champion Honoree, St. Anthony High
School President and Coach Bob
Hurley, Sr. at Kean University. We will
also be awarding State Senator Richard
Codey as our Special Honoree. The
celebration continues with awards being
given to those extraordinary Champions
in the community who improve the lives
of children everyday!
Page 9
The Union County Youth Services Steering Committee
2nd Annual Foster the Dream Gala
October 17, 2014
Galloping Hill Golf Course
3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth, NJ
7 - 8pm Cocktail Reception
8 - 11pm Dinner, Awards, Live Auction
Our event is growing with a newly formed Dinner Committee and Auction Committee, comprised of Union County businesses and social
leaders who share CASA's dream. We welcome you to join us as a sponsor or auction
donor. Purchase an ad in the dinner program.
Attend the event and see for yourself what a
dedicated group of volunteers can do.
Your support will change the life of a child
forever.
Page 10
The Union County Youth Services Steering Committee
October 2014
Page 11
Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter
Our Vision
To halt the cycle of homelessness by offering
various programs that will enable youth to
move forward to a safer, healthier, and
more productive lifestyle within the
community.
We endeavor to be a significant presence
and voice for social
justice and the lives of the youth that we
serve.
Help Us, Help Youth
In Union County
We accept referrals from:







Division of Child Protection &
Permanency
Law Enforcement Departments
Teachers, school social workers,
and administration
Social services
Self referrals
Youth from the streets
Good neighbors
If you know someone who is in need of help,
please contact us:
Community Access Unlimited, Inc.
908-354-3040 x242
908-354-3096 (toll free)
908-413-4261 (24-hour access)
Or call our Runaway Hotline
1-800-RUNAWAY
To request runaway hotline cards, please call
908-354-3040 x242
We Can Offer:












24 hour assistance for youth ages 13-17
Safe emergency accommodations
Food, clothing, and medical attention
Recreation opportunities
Youth advocacy and support with
DCP&P, law enforcement, schools,
and family members
Educational assistance
Life and social skills training and support, respite opportunities for families
in crisis
Linkage to transitional and permanent
housing options
Family reunification
Employment assistance
Individual and group counseling
Substance abuse education
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 225
80 West Grand Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone: 908-354-3040 TTY/TTD: 908-354-4629

Help us go green. Please visit www.caunj.org to receive this newsletter electronically
Community Access Unlimited’s Mission: To provide community access through effective and comprehensive support
services for people with disabilities and at-risk youth, giving them the opportunity to live independently and to lead normal and
productive lives in the community.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
FASHION SHOW
WOMEN OF SURVIVORS
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Date: October 18, 2014
Time: 3:00 pm– 7:00 pm
Location: Mickey Walker Center
Address: 860 Anna Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
T H E U N I O N C O U N TY Y O U TH S E RV I C E S D I R E C TO RY
i s b e i n g u p d a t e d a n d w i l l b e a c c e s s i b l e v i a t h e c o u n t y ’s we b s i t e. I f
yo u h ave n o t a l r e a dy s u b m i t t e d a n e n t r y f o r e a c h o f yo u r a ge n c y ’s
yo u t h s e r v i c e p r o g r a m s f o r i n c l u s i o n i n t h e Director y, p l e a s e v i s i t :
h t t p : / / u c n j . o r g / yo u t h - d i r e c t o r y