By Michelle Wall
Washington, NJ—The month of November has always been marked as a time of giving thanks. Local businesses partnered with the Family Support Organization of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties last month to show their thanks to parents and caregivers of children of emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges in recognition of National Family Caregiver month.
Donations were made by Jane’s Nail Salon, and Perkins Restaurant in Phillipsburg, FaceFrame Hair and Makeup Design Studio, and Clinton Station Diner in Clinton, The Cheesecake Factory, AMC Dine-In Movie Theatre, Wegman’s, Applebee’s and the manager of Crumbs Bake Shop in Bridgewater, Gatsby Salon in Greenbrook, as well as members of the WaWa and Stop and Shop franchises. Each donation was awarded as a gift to parents and caregivers who participated in a month long initiative coordinated by the Family Support Organization.
The initiative included a “Question of the Day” sent out to parents and caregivers to better understand the struggles they face and their day-to-day needs being responsible for children with a variety of behavioral and mental health challenges including Autism, bipolar disorder, ADHD and depression. The responses provided to the Family Support Organization by participants not only made them eligible to receive a prize, but allowed an opportunity to voice their concerns about what it means to have a child with special needs.
“It was a wonderful experience to learn more about the families we serve and really show them appreciation for all of the hard work they do on a regular basis just to keep their family functional,” said the Family Support Organization’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Michelle Wall.
To receive more information on the Family Support Organization of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties or to provide appreciation and support to families of children with special emotional, behavioral and mental health needs in your community, please visit the Family Support Organization’s website, www.fso-hsw.org or attend the agency’s Holiday Open House on December 13th from 3:30pm to 7:00pm at 315 West Washington Avenue in Washington, NJ.

