Commissioners Approve More Than $3.8 Million In Human Services

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved more than $3.8 million in 2025 Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding to support 76 human services related programs in the coming year that were recommended by volunteer advisory committees to the county Department of Human Services.

The Board of Commissioners annually allocates the grant funds to support critical support services for Morris County residents, while also enhancing and/or expanding human services programs funded through other funding streams, such as Chapter 51 funding for substance use, funding under the New Jersey State Community Partnership to assist youths and the Social Services for the Homeless grant to assist those experiencing homelessness.

"The Board of County Commissioners is proud to allocate $3.8 million to support 76 critical human services programs, ensuring resources reach seniors, individuals with disabilities, our youth, and those facing homelessness. This funding reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Morris County residents," said Commissioner Director Christine Myers, liaison to Human Services.

The grant proposals were reviewed and endorsed by the county’s Advisory Council on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans (ACADV); the Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), the Mental Health Addiction Services Advisory Board (MHASAB) and the Youth Services Advisory Committee (YSAC).

Some services that are funded for seniors only through the Federal Area Plan Grant can be made available through the GIA funding to adults with a disability who are under 60. The services include case management, information and referral, housekeeping services, minor home repairs, caregiver respite through childcare, in-home mental health access, home health aides and visiting nurses.

Additionally, the GIA funding supports programs that would not otherwise be available to the community such as recreation and socialization services, teaching life skills and job training programs for adults with a disability.

The county advisory committees, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, play a critical role in the GIA process by advising the Department of Human Services in setting service priorities, reviewing funding proposals, making funding recommendations and monitoring programs. This annual process works to ensure funded programs meet the current community needs and provide a high-quality service in the process.

2025 Funding Highlights

General Human Services

• With the increased need for domestic violence services throughout the state, Morris County HSAC recommended prioritizing the services with funding to JBWS, which provides safety and support to people fleeing abuse, and Legal Services of Northwest Jersey. Legal Services of Northwest Jersey provides legal representation to victims of domestic violence through the Legal Intervention Brings Recovery & Empowerment (LIBRE) program, which is newly funded through GIA in 2025.
• Housing and Shelter: Various programs are being funded in 2025 through Homeless Solutions and Homesharing, Inc. These programs provide permanent housing options for those seeking a shared living situation, shelter programs for those experiencing homelessness, and a “warming center” for Morris County residents to escape the outdoor elements from December through March.

Mental Health

• A wide range of mental health counseling and case management services are funded through Prime Healthcare (St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Services), NewBridge Services, and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris (MHASAB). The various agencies provide services through in-office visits and off-site settings such as drop-in centers or other community locations. Virtual visits also are available upon request at some agencies.
• NewBridge Services continues to be funded to provide outreach in the event of a community disaster or traumatic event in Morris County with the goal of connecting individuals to services if follow-up counseling or support is needed.
• Community and peer support services are prioritized by the MHASAB, which has support lines for both adults and teens. The line provides peer support for the community and provides individuals with an opportunity to prepare for employment through the support lines.

Youth Services

• Community programs funded through GIA provide powerful, lifelong skills for youth in Morris County.
• The Center for Family Services and Deirdre O’Brien Child Advocacy Center provide case management and family support for youth and families in Morris County. The Center for Family Services is funded to provide the Mending Arts program which gives children the opportunities to heal from difficult situations through art, dance, drama, and culinary art therapy.
• In addition, New Bridge Services, Inc., has a Jobs PLUS program which provides case management and employment services to assist youth in finding job opportunities throughout the community.

Addiction Services

• Temporary housing options to support those in recovery are covered in this round of GIA funding. Included is Freedom House, which supports housing for men in recovery in two different houses in Morris County. Additionally, ALFRE, Inc. was recommended for funding for Mrs. Wilson’s House which focuses on housing women during their recovery.
• Treatment, counseling, and education services are available through multiple GIA-funded agencies with a wide range of target populations. Acenda, EDGE NJ and Prime Healthcare (St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Services) all provide a range of treatment, education, and counseling opportunities to residents in Morris County.

Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans Services

• Funding was recommended for a wide range of programs that provide services to seniors, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and veterans, such as Dawn Center for Independent Living’s Caregiver Connection and Support program, as well as Child and Family Resources’ Disability Child Care Subsidy, which provides childcare subsidies to assist disabled parents or guardians.
• Two new funded programs for 2025 include Community Hope’s Emergency Housing Assistance for Veterans and Jewish Family Services’ Friendly Visiting. These programs serve identified prioritized needs related to housing stability and social isolation.

You can view the Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, listing all agencies funded through the GIA 2025 program as a PDF at the following link.