About Us

Our Director's Message

A brighter, healthier future awaits those who care

Madeline Lozowski, Executive Director

In the late 90's, a dedicated group of parents approached the State of New Jersey with a plan to reform children's mental health. These parents recognized that the system in place at that time was not meeting the needs of children with complex emotional, mental health or behavioral challenges.

Under the direction of Governor Christie Whitman, New Jersey launched the Children's System of Care Initiative.

The vision was to create a system of care that focused on family strengths and community resources. Families and youth work in partnership with public and private organizations to design mental health services and supports that are effective, that build on the strengths of individuals, and that address each person's cultural and linguistic needs.

A system of care helps children, youth and families function better at home, in school, in the community and throughout life. System of care is not a program — it is a philosophy of how care should be delivered. System of Care is an approach to services that recognizes the importance of family, school and community, and seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by addressing their physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural and social needs.

Madeline

Madeline Lozowski
Executive Director

Family Support Organization

 


About The FSO

Parents Helping Parents

That's really what makes our organization unique. We provide direct peer-to-peer support to the family members and caregivers of children with special emotional and behavioral needs.

The Family Support Organization of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties is a partner within New Jersey's Division of Child Behavioral Health Services (DCBHS) System of Care. This system was created to help children with complex emotional, mental health or behavioral issues.

The FSO is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Behavioral Health Services.

Parents Helping Parents

Board of Directors

Lynn Waiters, President

Robert Hardgrove, Vice-President

Wanda Opdyke, Secretary

John Ritchie, Treasurer

Ricky Braff

Lisa Fulton

Sharol Lewis MD

Christine M. Monahan

Marie Pagano


Hunterdon, Somerset & Warren Office Staff

Madeline Lozowski
Executive Director

Myra Bush
Office Manager

Shirley Groff
Community Outreach Coordinator

Renee Clark
Community Educator

Erika Deusinger
Community Educator

Shauna Gregory
Family Support Coordinator

Denise Buro
Family Support Partner

Jennine Navarino
Family Support Partner

Korion Williams
Family Support Partner

Lauren Feliciano
Family Support Partner

Elizabeth Hicks
Youth Partnership

Eric Dwight Gregory
Youth Partnership


Morris-Sussex Office Staff

Patricia Tomaszewski
Program Director

Rachel Helt
Family Support Coordinator

Lori Varga
Family Support Partner

Dianna Spina
Family Support Partner

Kimberly Westley
Family Support Partner

Wendi Manderioli
Family Support Partner

Kimberley Snow
Community Outreach