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DCF Commissioner Blake Visits the Family Success Center of Commercial Township to Connect Families with Needed Resources

For Immediate Release Contact:
Wednesday, March 19, 2013 609-292-0422

Trenton, NJ - Continuing the Christie Administration's commitment to assist families recovering from Superstorm Sandy, New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner Allison Blake today visited the Family Success Center of Commercial Township, emphasizing the role of the state's Family Success Center (FSC) program in helping storm victims.

Approximately 640 families sought help from the Commercial Township center within two months after the storm, connecting them with important resources, including utility assistance, holiday assistance, food and heaters.

"Family Success Centers are places families can go in their own communities for support, information, referrals and access to services, all at no cost," said Commissioner Blake. "For families recovering from Sandy, the centers have been invaluable because they provide wraparound resources and support all in one place."

Free services regularly provided by New Jersey's FSCs include supportive counseling for parents raising children; classes and support groups for families, single parents and teens; parent-child activities; and a variety of workshops on topics such as stress reduction, financial literacy, leadership/empowerment, education, employment, domestic violence, nutritional awareness, healthcare resources, and financial assistance.

"Since the day Superstorm Sandy devastated New Jersey, particularly the Delaware Bay Shore Community, the Family Success Center of Commercial Township has been a fundamental part of recovery efforts," said Leahe Togno, coordinator of the Family Success Center of Commercial Township.  "We are an integral part of the Cumberland County Long Term Recovery Group, which continues to link services to those in need."

Governor Christie has grown the FSC program since taking office, adding fourteen new centers and expanding the total to 51.  Among the fourteen new centers is the Commercial Township center, which opened just 54 days before Superstorm Sandy.

DCF funds the state's FSC program.  For more information about the program, including a list of FSCs, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/families/support/success/.

DCF is dedicated to ensuring a better today and an even greater tomorrow for every individual the department serves.  In partnership with New Jersey's communities, DCF ensures the safety, well-being, and success of New Jersey's children and families.  DCF provides coordinated care and wraparound services for children, youth and their families with complex needs so that they can live in their homes and communities and realize their goals.

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