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The Little-Known Health Benefits of Fatherhood
April 3, 2018
We are all well aware of the benefits of having two parents involved in a child’s life. Studies clearly show children prosper financially, behaviorally and intellectually by having engaged fathers in their lives.
The question is, what do fathers get in the bargain? It turns out that parenthood is full of rewards for today’s dads!
Parenting makes fathers less stressed
According to a study by America’s National Institute of Mental Health, fathers who were engaged with their children increased their own psychological well-being in the process. By being involved in a child’s life, men experience less risk of chest pain, insomnia, fatigue, indigestion and dizziness. And that’s factoring in waking up in the middle of the night to a crying baby!
Parenting inspires dads to ditch bad habits
Studies show married men are less likely to cultivate dangerous habits such as smoking, drinking and even motorcycle riding there. Having a child creates similar structures in men’s lives, researchers found, by compelling them to behave more responsibly.
Engaged dads have better physical health
Research shows dads eat less junk food in favor of healthier, home-cooked meals with their families.
The dedication to good habits extends to physical exercise. Studies show that fathers are more compelled to work out and stay physically fit to protect their children. And nutritionists also note the calorie-burning gains that come from lifting a toddler over one’s head and pushing a stroller around the neighborhood.
Fatherhood boosts self-esteem
According to surveys, men with children feel a greater sense of pride and self-worth than those without kids. Realizing the positive impact a father has on their child is a natural esteem booster, affecting the way dads feel about themselves and their success as a parent.
Being involved in your child’s life is a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Who knew nurturing others could be so beneficial for the nurturer?
Wine and Handbags are a Winning Combination at Second Annual Ladies’ Night Out
February 23, 2018
We recently held our second annual Ladies’ Night Out Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, featuring a designer handbag auction and wine tasting that supported our critical community outreach programs.
Ladies’ Night Out is a fun, exciting way to support FSA’s programs for children and families right here in South Jersey. I’m glad our ladies found it to be the perfect activity to share their support.
Local women enjoyed the festive event’s wine tasting, presented by Gallo Wines, along with the designer handbag and a Pink ticket auction. Guests bid on handbags from well-known brands such as Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade and more during the event.
Proceeds from the event directly benefit our programs for children and families across South Jersey. Programs such as behavioral health, Strengthening Families and Communities, Safety Net and Child Welfare Advocacy are designed to improve the quality of life for individuals and families and give a lift to their communities.
Sponsors of the event included: Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla of Red Bank, Gallo Wine Sales of New Jersey, St. John Knits at The Walk, Moe’s Southwest Grill in Mays Landing, Boscov’s of Egg Harbor Township, The Charity League, Pinky’s Nails, Steve & Cookies, White Lotus in the Hamilton Mall, Passion Vines and Razzle Dazzle.
Sherri Cramer, of Vineland; and Denise Dailyda, of Williamstown, enjoy Ladies’ Night Out.
Cordis Chikezie, of Egg Harbor Township, poses with a bag she hoped to win.
Karen Tierney, of Galloway, had her eyes set on a Ralph Lauren bag.
Cindy Herdman Ivins, President of Family Service Association, addresses guests at FSA’s second annual Ladies’ Night Out.
Carol Weisman, of Beesley’s Point, poses with the bag she won.
Residents learn, serve community during MLK day of service
January 15, 2018
GALLOWAY TONWSHIP — Six-year-old Chase Savage, of Galloway, has been learning about Martin Luther King Jr. at Smithville Elementary, and he had a lot of questions.
“He didn’t understand why people were so mean to him because he looked different,” his mother, Lindsay Savage, 29, said.
New Day Family Success Center, 622 S. New York Road, was the place for him to find answers Monday. The family was sitting at the Crayon Box, one of the six stations at the center’s day of service event. The station had worksheets for the children to draw what they perceived their family to look like, and then they got to display them on the wall.
Nicole Worth, 23, of Mays Landing and a family partner at the center, said the station is one way they were working with diversity.
“No crayon is the same,” she said. “They’re all different colors. It showcases that we are different but unique in our own ways.”
Jehron Holland, 32, of Absecon, is also a family partner at the center and was there early with Worth setting up the stations.
“Everything we do here we try to get the families involved with one another to get to know their community,” Holland said. “Today, envisioning (King’s) dream of bringing everyone together, realizing that we’re all different but trying to reach the same goal.”
At Stockton University, 1,000 volunteers, including students, staff, faculty and community members, came together and worked on more than 40 projects across South Jersey.
“We bring service, like community service, and the classroom and we bridge that gap,” Director of Service-Learning Daniel Fidalgo Tomé said. “We are of the community, with the community, and we try our hardest to be a true, good neighbor to our three counties.”
Kayla McDermott-Cobbs, 20, of Freehold, and a student fellow with the university’s Office of Community Engagement, was making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the Campus Center to be delivered to the displaced residents of Charles P. Jeffries Tower.
They needed 310 sandwiches and were working at a furious pace.
“I’ve always liked being a part of the community,” she said. “And Martin Luther King Jr. Day means giving back to my community.”
Dominique Penabad, 21, of Lodi, and a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity at the college, was with a sewing and knitting group creating hats and gloves for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and protest pins for the Women’s March.
“It’s a time for college students to come together and do service,” she said. “It’s nice to see college kids giving back.”
Back at New Day Family Success Center, Derek Nicholson, 32, of Absecon worked on arts and crafts with his daughter, Aaliyah Robertson, 12.
“It’s good to see all different kinds of people coming together, working on projects together,” he said. “That was Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream.”
Google and Mental Health
January 3, 2018
Did you know one in five Americans experience a mental health episode in their lifetime – and that only half of those people who have depression receive treatment? Those are the shocking findings in a recent report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a mental health advocacy group.
The study attracted the attention of Google, who joined with NAMI to create a technological tool to help users determine if they’re suffering from depression and need professional help.
The design is simple: Google’s search engine detects certain key words and prompts users with a depression screening questionnaire. Queries such as ‘Am I depressed?’ and ‘How to tell if I have depression’ trigger the private self-assessment tool, clinically referred to as PHQ-9.
With the questionnaire, users can develop a better understanding of the severity of their condition and find ways to seek professional or medical assistance. The tool is currently only available to mobile users.
If you feel you might be at risk for depression or negative mental health, Family Service Association of South Jersey offers behavioral health services to those in need. Individual, family and group counseling are available.
For more information about our behavioral health program, call our access line at 877-272-2331.
The Season of Giving
December 12, 2017
It’s that time of the year – the season of giving. For many, the holidays are a time for giving back, whether that means donations to charities or helping others out financially.
For centuries, the world’s greatest philosophers observed that true happiness is found in helping others. We’ve come to understand the act of giving benefits both recipient and giver.
For the recipient, it’s simple. But for the giver, happiness is much harder to measure. Can the satisfaction of generosity really be gauged in a qualitative way?
That’s where science steps in to shed some light.
In a recent neurological study published by Nature Communications, researchers found that generosity changes brain activity in ways that increase feelings of happiness – no matter the size of the act.
The study saw a group of 50 volunteers spend money in one of two ways – either on themselves or on others. In the end, the half that agreed to be generous reported higher signs of satisfaction in a follow-up questionnaire. Additionally, M.R.I. results for the generous half showed greater activity in the part of the brain associated with altruism.
So now we know – a simple act of generosity lifts the spirits of both giver and receiver. If there’s one thing ancient philosophers and modern scientists agree on, it’s that the secret to happiness is helping others.
At Family Service Association, we see struggle every day and offer many ways to get involved. Consider donating funds to help us continue to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in our community. Or if you can be more involved, donate your time and efforts to help those who need it most. Click here for more information on how to get involved.
Chasing Away the Holiday Blues
November 28, 2017
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
“There are parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow…”
While it may be a wonderful and exciting time of the year, for some it is the tipping point. Hustle and bustle, shopping and sheer exhaustion often accompany this time of year. Interacting with dysfunctional family members or celebrating the holiday season alone is overwhelming for those struggling with depression, anxiety or other behavioral health disorders.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), here are some tips to help avoid the holiday blues:
- Stick to normal routines as much as possible
- Get enough sleep
- Take time for yourself, but don’t isolate yourself
- Eat and drink in moderation; don’t drink alcohol if you’re feeling down
- Get exercise, even if it’s only taking a short walk
- Make a to-do list and keep things simple
- Set reasonable expectations and goals for holiday activities such as shopping, cooking, entertaining, attending parties or sending holiday cards
- Set a budget for holiday activities
- Listen to music or find other ways to relax
If you or someone you know is struggling with feeling overwhelmed, lonely, sad or frustrated, know that you are not alone and help is close by! At Family Service Association, our Chasing the Blues Away group assists individuals with developing healthy coping strategies.
If you aren’t struggling with the holiday blues, keep in mind that the elderly, shut-ins or those who are alone during the holidays may be at risk.
Enjoy the season and remember the importance of self-care. Reach out for help – we are just a phone call away!
Donna Wess
Family Service Association
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
“There are parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow…”
While it may be a wonderful and exciting time of the year, for some it is the tipping point. Hustle and bustle, shopping and sheer exhaustion often accompany this time of year. Interacting with dysfunctional family members or celebrating the holiday season alone is overwhelming for those struggling with depression, anxiety or other behavioral health disorders.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), here are some tips to help avoid the holiday blues:
- Stick to normal routines as much as possible
- Get enough sleep
- Take time for yourself, but don’t isolate yourself
- Eat and drink in moderation; don’t drink alcohol if you’re feeling down
- Get exercise, even if it’s only taking a short walk
- Make a to-do list and keep things simple
- Set reasonable expectations and goals for holiday activities such as shopping, cooking, entertaining, attending parties or sending holiday cards
- Set a budget for holiday activities
- Listen to music or find other ways to relax
If you or someone you know is struggling with feeling overwhelmed, lonely, sad or frustrated, know that you are not alone and help is close by! At Family Service Association, our Chasing the Blues Away group assists individuals with developing healthy coping strategies.
If you aren’t struggling with the holiday blues, keep in mind that the elderly, shut-ins or those who are alone during the holidays may be at risk.
Enjoy the season and remember the importance of self-care. Reach out for help – we are just a phone call away!
Donna Wess
Family Service Association
What is Gratitude?
November 20, 2017
Now that the holiday season is here, it offers us a time for reflection and gratitude. But what exactly is gratitude?
As defined by The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, gratitude is a state of mind that arises when one affirms good things in life that come from outside oneself, or when one notices and relishes little pleasures.
Whether it’s the tangible – food, personal achievements, etc. – or the more spiritual, there is always something to relish and affirm. Lessons come from both good and bad experiences and can help guide us throughout our lives.
The benefits of gratitude are extraordinary. More than any other personality trait, gratitude is strongly linked to mental health and life satisfaction, according to the Yale Center. It firmly nourishes both the mind and body.
Gratitude offers a sense of joy, love and enthusiasm about ourselves and the world around us. It also combats feelings of envy, greed and bitterness, reducing the risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. These negative traits can take people down a dark path. Fortunately, treatment programs such as cognitive behavioral therapy help people out of the darkness.
Such therapy can help lead one out of the dark reaches of depression through forms of counseling and other care, helping restore a sense of gratitude in the process. Seeking a qualified resource for counseling, like our behavioral health services, is a good way to battle negative feelings.
And for the individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others, we are grateful.
Comcast Newsmakers Interviews FSA President and CEO, Cindy Herdman-Ivins
October 27, 2017
What is Faces of Hope?
October 25, 2017
Did you know that 3,800 children and families in Atlantic County receive public assistance and that nearly 17,000 of your neighbors live below the federal poverty line? For a great number of our consumers, many have lost hope in the system and even, the world around them.
This holiday season you can deliver HOPE to those who need it most.
Faces of Hope is the time for us to honor great champions of charity in our community. This year we are honoring the Glenn Family for outstanding and continuous support of the community. The evening benefits our neighbors in greatest need – children and families in poverty who are struggling to find housing and employment.
Please join us by attending Wednesday, November 15 at 6pm at the Atlantic City Country Club to honor the Glenn Family and hear the amazing stories of impact. Proceeds help families move toward independence and a brighter, more stable future.
Click here to purchase tickets.
FSA Promotes Veronica Ford to Director of Youth & Family Services
September 12, 2017
We’re excited to announce Veronica Ford, former Program Manager of the Family Life Center, was promoted to the agency’s Director of Youth & Family Services!
Ford has been with the agency since 2006 and currently oversees FSA’s Higher Education Data Sharing (HEDS) Program, Parents as Teachers, Family Life Center and the Teen Center where adolescents acquire critical life skills that prepare them for the future.
Veronica’s wealth of experience and her passion to help others makes her the perfect fit for this position. We’re excited to see her take on this new role and continue to serve our community.
Along with 14 years of field experience, Ford holds a PhD in General Advances Studies in Human Behavior from Capella University, a Master’s degree of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Rehabilitation Services.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of an association that strives to improve our community’s well-being,” said Ford. “As Director of Youth & Family Services, my dedication to serving these families will only grow stronger.”
Family Service Association Awarded $35,000 from Bank of America Charitable Foundation
August 18, 2017
It’s a great honor to announce we have been awarded $35,000 by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to fund pathways in creating economic mobility within our community. Today, more than 48 million people are living in poverty and struggling to meet their needs while facing tough choices on where to place limited resources.
While conditions have improved over the past several years, there are many still facing barriers to economic success, including working families and individuals who are underemployed. Bank of America has a vested interest in assisting those individuals and families living on the margins and unable to create a better life for themselves and their families through good jobs or affordable housing.
The grant provided by Bank of America Charitable Foundation will help us build pathways to economic mobility by addressing the issues of workforce development & education, basic needs and community development.
Torrina Bennett-Michael, our Chief Development Officer, said that “at Family Service Association, we recognize that basic needs must be met in order for families to advance economically. Providing workplace training and development are critical to connecting them to tools that will help them grow and prosper. We are extremely grateful that the Bank of America Charitable Foundation is supporting our work in building a thriving community.”
Family Service Association Launches Campaign for Change: $20.17 for 2017
August 3, 2017
We’re excited to introduce the Campaign for Change: $20.17 for 2017 initiative!
This program offers donors the opportunity to make a difference by donating $20.17 and enabling FSA to continue delivering high quality programming for a happier and healthier community. Continued support through initiatives like Campaign for Change help make a difference in the lives of families in our community. Donating a small gift can create a large impact.
Each year, we assist more than 7,000 individuals by providing outpatient counseling services and support groups based on the needs of the community.
If you think about it, a donation of $20.17 means purchasing five breakfast sandwiches at Wawa or five cups of Starbucks coffee! We can use that same $20.17 to buy diapers for an infant or a meal for a struggling family. That’s a huge impact you make in the community for a small donation!
To make the change this $20.17, click here.
Clarifi Moves In
July 31, 2017
Welcome to our community partner Clarifi! Now located in our EHT building, Clarifi offers financial counseling to help individuals improve their financial wellness, credit and reduce debt.
They’re also certified by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a comprehensive housing counseling agency. Whether you are excited about being ready to buy or you’re in trouble with your mortgage, Clarifi is a fantastic resource to guide you away from default and work to avoid foreclosure.
To learn more about our community partner, visit their website.
FSA Welcomes Sile Keane as Vice President of Behavioral Health
June 12, 2017
We’re excited to announce our newest team member Sile Keane of South Seaside Park as Vice President of Behavioral Health! Keane oversees FSA’s Outpatient behavioral health counseling and psychiatry services, the First Day program for individuals with severe and persistent mental health issues, and the Rainbow Place and Safe Harbor programs for children and teens experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Sile’s extensive experience in behavioral health and administration make her the perfect person for this role, and we’re happy to welcome her to our leadership team!
Keane has a master’s in social work and bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from Kean University, and is a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey. She previously served as the director of Adult Outpatient services at AtlantiCare Behavioral Health and was Outpatient Supervisor at Ocean Mental Health Services in Bayville, N.J.
Keane say’s, “she is committed to upholding FSA’s high standard of care and looking forward to developing new ways to serve our clients.”
13th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
June 6, 2017
We’re so glad to have seen such a great turnout for our 13th annual Charity Golf Tournament, with a hole-in-one giveaway sponsored by Kindle Auto Plaza on Thursday, May 18. More than 50 golfers attended.
Every year we hold a youth clinic as part of our charity golf tournament, which gives students a chance most of them wouldn’t have had otherwise. It’s an opportunity to learn the basics from a pro and develop an appreciation for a great game.
Students from Egg Harbor Township High School took instruction from a golfing pro at Mays Landing Country Club, listening intently to the advice and watching the demonstration of a proper stance and swing.
Egg Harbor Township High School students practice hitting golf balls as part of Family Service Association’s Youth Clinic on Thursday, May 18 at Mays Landing Country Club.
First place in the golf tournament went to the Harring Fire Protection group of Eric, Nathan and Nicholas Harring.
Family Life Center Expanding
May 1, 2017
We’re excited to welcome clients to the new Family Life Center as we expand this program to service a growing need in Atlantic County. We recognized how much of an impact this program has on our community, so we are pleased to see that FSA already had a space that fit the purpose and need of the Family Life Center program.
I know we have built so many great relationships in our community through the Bargain Boutique and we are confident that the Family Life Center will benefit from its space.
Before we open the Family Life Center, please take advantage of our sales until Friday, May 26th, when we begin the transformation!
13th Annual “Bubbles 4 Autism”
April 13, 2017
It’s humbling that our community has helped to make this event possible. This was the 13th year “Bubbles 4 Autism” was able to bring smiles, support, awareness and new friends to the lives of so many in our area.
At our New Day Family Success Center, children, parents and friends enjoyed blowing bubbles together to support autism awareness and acceptance, in support of this global initiative to educate others about autism and help people see the world a little differently.
Thanks to Stacey Lear, Volunteer and Community Partnership Coordinator at New Day Family Success Center in Galloway, for taking this great selfie of the smiling faces and bubbles of joy and hope.
“Shop for a Cause”
April 8, 2017
April 7th we held “Shop for a Cause” in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month with St. John at Tanger Outlets in Atlantic City. The turnout was wonderful and we made so many new friends, with new outfits! We are happy to see this benefit make so many ripples in our community.
These kinds of events, gives local supporters a chance to network, while enjoying a nice evening shopping.
March “Dadness”
April 5, 2017
More than just “Dad jokes” were abundant during March “Dadness” at the Egg Harbor City Community School. Guests listened to stories that taught the importance of fathers influencing their children’s lives.
Through stories, pizza and games, fathers and their children learned lessons to help strengthen the bond between father and child.
Marion McLaurin, Chief Administrative Officer of Family Service Association, encouraged fathers in the audience to fulfill their role as parents.
Ladies’ Night Out: The Fun’s Out of the Bag
February 24, 2017
Great food, good wine and friends laughing is part of a great night, but throw in a chance to win your favorite designer handbag? That makes for an even better night! That’s exactly what Ladies’ Night Out was.
Women from all over the area came out in style to the Atlantic City Country Club to show their support for our mission to help children and families in South Jersey with programs that work! We had a great time and we’re glad the ladies who dined with us did too!
Family Service Association Awarded Gold by GuideStar
February 24, 2017
I’m very proud to announce that Family Service Association of South Jersey has been designated a Gold Participant organization by the nonprofit information service GuideStar!
GuideStar is the largest source of information on U.S. nonprofits, with a searchable database of more than 2.2 million organizations. According to GuideStar, only the top 0.5% of nonprofits qualify for a Gold Participant rating.
Being a Gold Participant indicates a high level of transparency according to GuideStar’s requirements. Communication and ethics are a major part of our core values, moving us to keep the community informed and to operate all programs and services with integrity and social responsibility. We’re committed to staying accountable to our clients and supporters.
You can view our GuideStar profile here.
Cindy Herdman-Ivins
President/CEO, Family Service Association of South Jersey
Interview with Cindy Herdman-Ivins about the Energy and Economic Assistance Expo
February 22, 2017