CHI Needs Assessment Results

Attached to the link below are the results from our 2020 needs assessment. We surveyed more than 15 nonprofits that serve abused and neglected youth in Somerset County. We do a broad spectrum needs assessment every three (3) years, and will do one again in 2023.

CHI Needs Assessment Summary October 2020

Current Initiatives

1. Middle Earth: Continue to work with Middle Earth to support mentoring and fun opportunities: lunchtime mentoring, “fun trips”, “Visions Plus Program.”  and “Promises-Plus” http://www.middleearthnj.org/services/mentoring-services. Most recent program report:  CHI Interim report from Middle Earth 2022
2. Family & Community Services of Somerset County: Work with mental health providers to cut waiting times for children needing mental health counseling and medicines. Also, in 2022 gave $4,050 to allow F&CSSC to treat children without waiting for Medicaid approval so as to not delay needed treatment. Also offered programs for immigrant children who suffered abuse and trauma. Most recent program report: CHI Interim report from F&CSSC 2022
3. CASA SHaW: Support tutoring program that helps abused and neglected children, especially those who are in out of home placements and have fallen behind educationally and need special attention to catch-up. Also, in 2022 sponsoring seven (7) children who are in out-of-home placements to have mentors under CASA’s “Fostering Futures” program. Most recent program report: CHI Interim Report from CASA SHaW 2022
4. Richard Hall CWHC: In Summer 2021, we provided Summer Connections programming for  20 children to attend 5 day a week, 3 week long, offering equine therapy, karate, arts and music therapy etc. Not offered in 2022. Our plan is to again sponsor the program in the Summer of 2023. CHI Summer Connections Camp 2021 End of Summer Report
5. Resilient Youth of Somerset County: Support the efforts of Resilient Youth of Somerset County to educate youth stakeholders about the pervasive effects of chronic trauma and to hold information sessions on the importance and effectiveness of Trauma Informed Care, with the goal of making Somerset a trauma informed community. See link on this website for Resilient Youth of Somerset.

“Over & Above”

The following are non-recurring, but greatly needed efforts deserving of Children’s Hope Initiative Support:

1. Catholic Charities opening youth and family counseling centers in Manville and at youth center in Franklin Township. ($10,000 in 2021). Both sites have been Medicaid approved and are operating.
2. 21^st Century Community Learning Center, sponsored by Middle Earth, a grant to enable up to 20 children and their families from Manville to participate in the enhanced after school program in 2021-2022. ($10,000 in 2021).
3. CASA Emergency Fund Replenishment: Because of Covid, this fund was quickly drained. It was needed for summer camp, computers for CASA kids going off to college, registration for sporting events, diapers etc. ($6,000 in 2020 and $5,000 in 2022.)
4. Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU) mentors for five (5) youth in their care. Mentors are paid professionals through the Middle Earth program. We hope to have sufficient funding in 2023 to make this one of our core programs for the future.
5. Holiday Gifts for children in the care of the Division. Gifts for more than 250 children over the years.