It’s new name for a new-think social services approach
By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
And the new name is…
”The Hillsborough Community Assistance Network.”
A new approach to the social services department was unveiled Friday, too, with the township saying it would work in more innovative ways to make available more food and resources to more people.
To make that outreach more appealing, and to break with the past, the township renamed its social services area to reflect a broader mission.
Hence, “Hillsborough CAN Helping. Giving. Caring. Sharing.”
The effort comes with a new logo, created in partnership with JK Design, a township firm headed by Jerry and Barbara Kaulius. Red-and-gold brochures are two-pronged: They reach out to those who need help on one side, and challenge people to make a difference by joining the effort on the other.
Administrator Anthony Ferrera said the township has been blessed with willing volunteers, a reliable stream of food donations and empathy from the township’s faith-based community.
The township has all the resources, he said, to help more than the 80 to 100 families that collect food donations every two weeks, he said. The township also fills menus and “wish lists” for gifts at holiday time.
But the nature of clients needing help has changed since the national economy dipped in 2009, Mr. Ferrera said. He said he feels the township can and should do more to reach out, especially to people who are out of work, working but underemployed, or were raising children as single parents, he said.
The administrator assembled a “creative team” of leaders in the social services, health and administrative departments, and elected officials, to come up with ideas.
One aspect will be to use the faith-based community to help distribute food not just through the municipal building, but religious centers, too. He said he’s talked to people who need help but are reluctant to come to the municipal building because they are shy, may be embarrassed by seeing people they know or even say “others need it more,” Mr. Ferrera said.
People will be encouraged to take what they need, and when they are back on their feet, come back and volunteer to help others, he said.
Residents who want to donate time and talents to the efforts to organize food drives, bag groceries, coordinate events and otherwise volunteer may call 908-369-3880 or come into town hall.
”The goal through this initiative is to expand the outreach of our programs and services,” said Mayor DelCore. We realize many folks are struggling through these challenging economic times and it is our focus to provide the appropriate assistance.”