 |
 |
| We have found that the
best way to explain what United Way of Central Jersey does,
and what the money we raise does, is to provide real life stories
of the individual lives that are changed by having access to
the social service agency programs we fund. |
Reading these stories will bring to light how critical it is
that we all are "Working together to do  "
- Creating positive changes that affect individuals, families
and the communities in which we live and work. To our supporters,
take pride in what you read below and “Thank-you!” |
 |
"My father is an alcoholic.
When he drank, he would hit, mostly my mom, but sometime
me too. My mom would get so sad that she stayed in bed
for days at a time, not even getting up to eat or take
a shower. Finally, we left my dad and believe it or
not, I really missed him. I started skipping school
and getting into trouble. Eventually, I got sent to
the Alternative Disposition Program where I got a mentor
who has helped me understand that it's okay to miss
my dad. I guess the best part was that my mentor believed
in me. He never just thought of me as a troublemaker
or a problem. He kept telling me I was better than the
things I was doing. I still don't see my dad, and it
still bothers me a lot. But it helps to know there is
someplace I can go where they will help me to feel better."
Kenny, age 13 - Alternative Disposition
Program
|
|
|
| I was on the waiting list for a child
care voucher for six months. It was like a full time
job trying to find someone to take care of my two-year-old
son. On Mondays and Fridays, my sister would take him.
On tuesdays, I would take him to my Aunt and on Wednesdays,
there was a neighbor. I didn't have anyone steady for
Thursday and that was always a problem. I was losing
a lot of time from work and my boss said if i missed
one more day, I would lose my job. Two days later, my
name finally came up for subsidy. Now my son is in a
registered Family child Care Provider's home. She takes
excellent care of him and he loves being with all the
other children. He is learning so much. I cannot thank
you enough for helping me with child care payments.
Stephanie - Child Care Subsidy |
|
|
|
 |
"When I first got to the
Social Service Center, I was barely getting by. I was
getting general assistance and food stamps, but after
paying bills, there was little left at the end of the
week. The Center helped me with food and clothes. They
put me in the Job Readiness Training Program and helped
me do what I had to do to get a job. They even gave me
nice clothes to wear to the interview. I got the job,
and I've been there for seven months. It's not enough
to say that Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, helped
me back up on my feet. They really gave me so much more
than food, clothes and the means to get and keep a job.
They gave me myself respect back, and that is something
that is priceless."
Anthony - Job
Roadlness Program |
|
|
Sam's mom was a drug addict and alcoholic.
As a result, Sam and his siblings made a home for themselves
in an abandoned building. Sam, as the oldest, was in charge.
Thought he was 16, and little more that a child himself,
Sam kept his family together for quite some time before
they were found by DYFS. Sam's younger siblings were sent
into faster care, but because of his age, Sam was sent
to the independent Living Facility. The separation of
his family led Sam into a deep depression resulting in
suicidal and homicidal gestures. The incident, which led
to his removal from the independent living program, occurred
when Sam had an argument with another resident and threatened
him with a knife. From there, Sam come to Catholic Charities,
diocese of Metuchen, and was placed in the Peter and Paul
House where he addressed his issues with depression and
anger. Sam was able to attain above average grades in
school, attend school functions and maintain employment.
Due to his lack of family resources, Sam was transitioned
to the Independent living Program. During this time, he
was able to graduate from high school and work to save
a substantial sum of money. the independent Living Program
was able to access Chaffee Funds to assist Sam in setting
up an apartment in the community. Sam continues to live
on his own, has maintained consistent employment and recently
turned twenty-one.
Sam - Peter and Paul
House |
|
|
|
|
|
|
