Welcome Back to School

Teen Speak at Coastal FSC

EmPoWER facilitated Teen Speak in August at Coastal Communities Family Success Center in Long Branch. Betzy and Jennifer provided the program in Spanish to 18 parents. Teen Speak equips parents and caregivers with the tools to safeguard, foster connections, and cultivate trust with their teenagers. We look forward to working with more parents and caregivers this school year!

Overdose Awareness Event at the Ballpark

My name is Marline, and I recently graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Political Science and Gender Studies. Currently, I work as an assistant for the Overdose Fatality Review Team. I collaborate with Esther Lee to strengthen the OFR team and expand outreach to combat the opioid crisis in our community. Outside of work, I enjoy hobbies such as puzzles, gaming, and cooking. I am thrilled to work at EmPoWER!

Hi, my name is Isabella Salafia. I am a recent graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. I am excited to join the EmPoWER Somerset team as the Prevention Hub Program Associate. In my free time I love to read, workout, and travel. I am super eager to work with everyone and be a part of an amazing organization.

Hello, my name is Fernandel Almonor. I have a Master of Fine Arts from California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts), and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University. Prior to joining EmPoWER Somerset, I developed a 10+ year background in career counseling, workforce development, and program management. Through my recent position at Catholic Charities AYE, I successfully built an infrastructure that increased business development and enrollment. I also served as Student and Career Services Director at Hollywood’s renown Elegance International Professional School of Makeup where I authored soft skill curriculum and facilitated multiple workshops, which significantly increased employment outcomes for many students from diverse international backgrounds.