Over the next few weeks, we will be working on posting a series of blogs featuring some of the newest UW Bucks member agencies.
In this “Member Agency Spotlight”, we want to acquaint you with these agencies, what services they provide to our community, and ways that you can get involved.
We had a Q&A with Valerie Fiorentino, Program Administrator at The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey.
What is your name and position at your organization and how long have you worked there?
My name is Valerie Fiorentino and I work as a Program Administrator for Adoption, Birth Parent and Foster Care Services. I have been working at The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey since 2003.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I actually love the work that I do. I am passionate about helping children and families and look forward to coming to work each day to make a difference in the lives of others.
What does your organization do and what is your mission?
Founded in 1894, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey is a nonprofit organization serving at-risk children and families throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our services are continuously evaluated and adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of our diverse clientele. What began as an orphanage over 120 years ago has grown into a comprehensive child and family service agency, now touching the lives of more than 79,000 infants, children, youth, and families each year.
Our staff of over 300 professionals is committed to protecting abused and neglected babies and children, and helping them overcome traumas they may have experienced. At CHSofNJ, we believe that every child deserves a safe, loving, permanent home, and our staff works tirelessly to ensure our vision is a reality.
Our CHSofNJ mission, written in 1894, states that we find loving families for children to grow up in, to protect children from hard, and to help parents find better ways to parent so they can keep and safely raise their children. These three facets of our mission remain at our core today. Our mission is- Saving Children’s Lives and Building Healthy Families
How long have you been in operation in Bucks County?
Our agency was started in 1894 and we have served families in Bucks County, PA and New Jersey.
What are some programs and services that you offer?
CHSofNJ offers the following services in Bucks County: Birth Parent Counseling and Domestic Adoption and Adoption Support
We offer the following services, as well as many more, in New Jersey:
Birth Parent Counseling, Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Services, Child Care Resources and Referrals, Counseling for children overcoming Trauma, Domestic Adoption and Post-Adoption Support, Family Success Centers, Head Start/Early Head Start, Kinship Caregiver Support Services, Mercer County WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program, Prenatal, Parenting and Early Childhood Education, and School-Based Youth Development Programs .
What are some ways that members of the community can get involved with your organization?
There are so many ways you can help our children and families through volunteering at CHSofNJ as an individual or as part of a company or group effort!
Events
• CHSofNJ events and fundraisers
• Donor-hosted events or celebrations
• Company/School/Group events
• Mentor
• Helping Hands n STEM + Art = STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics)
• Policy and Volunteer Advisory Committee
• CUNA / Body & Soul Baby Showers
• Father Daughter Dance
• Fun With Books and Music
• Gala
• Golf Outing
• Holiday Parties
• Infant Foster Care and Adoption Picnic
• Kinship Picnic
• Latino Parenting Conference
• Red Rose Day
• Trenton Education Dance Institute (TEDI) Fall Fundraiser and Event of the Year
• Trenton Half Marathon
Other ways to get involved- Coordinate, collect, and deliver much needed in-kind items for our children and their families: Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas presents, and Easter baskets Winter Coats and accessories, Back-to-School backpack Drive, Books (new/gently used, English & Spanish), Baby and Personal Hygiene products, Special Occasion Generosity (use your special occasion as an opportunity to collect gifts or supplies for our children)
Why is being a member agency with The United Way of Bucks County important to your team?
As a member agency of The United Way of Bucks County, CHSofNJ can strengthen existing connections and build new relationships with organizations that share our commitment to the children and families of Bucks County. Through these partnerships and friendships, we can achieve remarkable results for the babies, children, families and caregivers we serve.
What are some of your goals for 2018?
Last year, CHSofNJ touched the lives of 79,000 babies, children, parents, and caregivers. Our goal for 2018 is to increase our reach to save even more lives and build more healthy families in our communities.
Contact Info:
Phone: (609) 695-6274
Email Address: mbraun@chsofnj.org