Located in Union County, NJ, United Way of Greater Union County's four operating Family Success Centers (FSC) are wrap-around multi-service organizations providing critical resources and supports to children and families around a continuum of care, from birth to adulthood. Since its inception in 2008, our Family Success Centers have served over 10,000 families combined.
When Robert, a single father of three, walked into the Rahway Family Success Center (RFSC) in June, he felt completely alone, defeated, and had nowhere to turn for help. Without his knowledge, his children were taken from him and had been placed in Child Protective Services (CPS) in an entirely different state. Robert wanted nothing more than to have his children back with him, but he had to first fulfill a list of requirements stipulated by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency (NJDCP&P) before that would even be possible.
The Rahway FSC helped Robert develop a family plan that included parenting classes and financial budgeting. They helped provided direct assistance to help locate furniture including beds, clothing and shoes for the children- all requirements that had to be met and set in place before Robert could be granted custody.
In late August, the children were returned to New Jersey and Robert was granted permanent custody! While Robert had his family back,
he faced what seemed to be an endless amount of paperwork. There were no birth certificates, Social Security cards, or immunization records for the children and, he feared losing his job due to child care issues.
The FSC assisted Robert with navigating through the process and became his advocate with NJ DCP&P. The FSC immediately enrolled the children into a summer camp program and contacted a public schools enrollment specialist to begin the process of enrolling the oldest child in school. His two preschoolers were enrolled into an early education child care program to provide the needed support so Robert could continue working.
Today, Robert attends regular workshops and other family activities at the FSC. There's still much needed help required, however he's dedicated to his children and is determined to excel as a father.
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