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Temporary Facility Will Provide Improved Access to Services for Sandy-Impacted Families

For Immediate Release Contact: Ernest Landante, Jr.
April 9, 2014 609-292-0422

TRENTON - Furthering the State's commitment to help children and families affected by Superstorm Sandy, the Christie Administration today announced plans to open a temporary Family Success Center (FSC) in Atlantic City.

"This Family Success Center will provide Atlantic City area families recovering from Sandy easier access to family support services, information, referrals and other services at no cost," said New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner Allison Blake, whose department funds the FSCs.  "These community-based, family-centered neighborhood gathering places provide wrap-around resources and support for families in need."

FSCs offer free services, including: 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.

Glassboro-based Robins' Nest, Inc. was the winning bidder to operate this temporary center.  The private, nonprofit children's services organization is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children and by Healthy Families America.  The group also operates the Winslow Township Family Success Center at 416 Sicklerville Road in Sicklerville.

"The physical scars from Superstorm Sandy have begun to heal, but work remains as the Atlantic City area recovers from the storm's impact on children and families," said Anthony N. DiFabio, Robins' Nest's president and CEO.  "Robins' Nest looks forward to creating a community gathering place in Atlantic City where families and local small business owners can get vital support, information and services."

The Atlantic City center is expected to open this summer and remain open for two years thanks to $122,000 from a federal Social Services Block Grant.  The center's site has not yet been selected.  Fourteen new FSC's have been established during the Christie Administration, bringing the total statewide to 51.

The New York Avenue School Family Success Center at 411 North New York Avenue and the Dr. Martin Luther King School Family Success Center at 1700 Marmora Avenue also serve Atlantic City residents.

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 funds and directly provides services and support to over 100,000 women, children and families each month.

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