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 Lozowski
Executive Director
Family Support Organization
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.
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
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
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