Division of Community Outreach and Family Services
In our continuing effort to serve Passaic County residents, Passaic County Department of Human Services (PCDHS) has been implementing the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) which provides rental assistance to residents who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. During implementation of the ERAP, many of our Passaic County residents have also expressed their desire for additional services. In response to their requests, Passaic County Department of Human Services developed and sent out a needs-based survey which included the following services for our resident to choose from: utilities, food, furniture, childcare, Mental health, financial literacy, employment, social services benefits, weatherization, and addiction. Upon receipt of a completed survey indicating services required, the PCDHS team directs the information to the appropriate county agency or one of the many our community partners. The County of Passaic has applied for my funds for the ERAP program. In an effort to provide for the residents of Passaic County, the PCDHS will be working with the Board of Social Services to use Intensive Case Management to assist the needs of our clients with locating housing, assisting with securing government documents, and other necessities to make accessibility easier for our residents.

The Passaic County Department of Human Services is here to serve our residents, and we encourage anyone that is in need to contact PCDHS at 973-881-2834 or you can visit www.help.impactpassaic.com
Division of Mental Health and Addictions Services
Hope One Van
The Paterson Coalition for Opioid Assessment and Response (Pat-COAR) has partnered with the Hope One Van Project to schedule shifts in “hot spot” areas, as identified by Pat-COAR data and research. The Hope One mobile unit team will provide recovery support, education, resources, and referrals to COAR areas, utilizing both a table set up and a boots on the ground approach. The Hope One Van Project has now expanded to four days per week for outreach and participation in community events.
Little Falls Memorial Day Parade
Sober Living Funding
Passaic County’s DMHAS has received funding to secure 3 beds at God Winks, A Cooperative Sober Living Transitional Home for Women. Applicants must be females who reside in Passaic County and are currently in residential treatment.

In addition, the DMHAS is also offering financial assistance to Passaic County residents who are seeking treatment in a Class F sober living residence. This application is open for any County resident who meets the following criteria: an adult diagnosed with chronic substance use disorder, at risk for homelessness, who are currently enrolled in treatment and have a reasonable plan and ability to maintain housing. The Funding assists with first month’s rent at a Class F sober living facility with an additional 2nd months rent, at the County’s discretion.
For applications or any additional information, please contact: PCDMHAS@passaiccountynj.org
The Hope One Van made an appearance at the 2022 Little Falls Memorial Day Parade and received much support and enthusiasm from the community.

The Van was visited by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, County Commissioner Deputy Director Sandi Lazzara, Manned by Passaic County Sheriff Officer Alvez, and Passaic County DMHAS Staff Bart Chou, Destiny Diaz and Erin Short.
In coordination with Passaic County’s Department of Senior Services, DMHAS visited the County’s Senior Sites for a presentation on Mental Health and Aging throughout the month of May which celebrates Older Americans Month. Seniors were educated by Shannon Ferray, Health Educator, on symptoms and treatment for Anxiety, Depression and Substance Use. In addition, coordination with United for Prevention in Passaic County, an Over-The-Counter Medicine Safety presentation has been offered at the Bloomingdale and Clifton Sites. This educational program provides fundamental information to equip seniors with OTC Medication safety. Planning and coordination to bring the program to additional sites will be taking place throughout July and August.
Pictured: Lindsay Lugo and Shannon Ferray
Passaic County Children’s Coordinating Council (CIACC)
The CIACC is a planning council to advise both the state and the county on any trends /challenges within children’s treatment services, including emotional & behavioral health, substance use, and intellectual developmental disabilities. This is done through the involvement of parents, youth, child serving agencies, and community representatives. The CIACC, through coordination of system partners, also identifies service & resource gaps and priorities for resource development.
 
Please see updates from CIACC’s subcommittees:
Community Voice Committee- The Community Voice has been helpful to identify gaps and barriers from experiences that have been reported directly by families on system issues. The CIACC has received the “Promise 2.0 Grant” to promote engagement and have youth and families become more active in the planning process. The council is working on making meetings more accessible through hybrid options, and through printed flyers to post throughout local neighborhoods.
Planning/Education Committee- is committed to partnerships with the School Systems. There is an Annual Conference held in February for both Educators and those in behavioral health. Also, the committee is working toward providing districts with presentations on access to resources within the county.
Racial Equity Committee- Formed to address Racial Inequities within our community. They have created a Commitment Statement to share within their agencies to join us in promoting racial equality starting within our own agencies. The committee have also hosted Youth Forums to directly hear from our youth in the community. A total of four Forums have taken place thus far.

If you are interested in learning more about CIACC and our committees please reach out to:
Jenny Vuksic | (973) 225-3193 | jennyv@passaiccountynj.org
Juvenile Administration
  • Youth Leadership Retreat – Took place from June 28, 2022, to July 1, 2022, at Camp Hope and was a huge success, as the monitoring committee were able to drive up and take a tour of the place while the camp was in session.
  • 8th Annual Youth Services Conference – Will take place on December 2, 2022, in person at the PCCC Wanaque Campus this year (Save the Date Flyer attached)
  • Restorative Transformative Justice public meeting took place on June 3, 2022, at 60 Temple Street, and the public came out and enjoyed some refreshments while learning about the RTJ grant.
  •  Restorative Transformative RFP is currently being drafted.
  • Youth Services Commission Providers are constantly encouraged to utilize CUMAC to help feed families.
  • Youth Services Commission Update Plan is due on October 4, 2022.
  • Juvenile Justice Commission funding opportunities link: https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/juvenile-justice-commission-home/jjc-funding-opportunities/
Workforce Development
The One Stops Summer Youth Program assists Passaic County youth between the ages of 16 – 24 to obtain a mentored employment experience, while increasing their life skills and preparing for college and career readiness. Stipends are provided to eligible participants during their time in the program.
Program Components:
 
  • Career readiness sessions assist students in gaining the necessary skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Students also receive assistance in developing a resume, cover letter, and building an on-line professional portfolio.

  • Students looking to pursue a degree at a higher education institution will receive assistance with navigating the college pathway. This can include assisting students to identify a college that is a “good-fit”, identifying a major, assistance with writing the college essay, helping the student with the financial aid process, etc.

  • Life skill sessions introduce students to subject matters that will enhance their knowledge on topics such as financial literacy, effective communication and goal setting.
 
This program is made possible with funds provided under the auspices of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Workforce Development Board of Passaic County and a grant from the State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.