NNews-Spring-2022

11 55 “We joined NJAMHAA because we’re interested in a niche way in serving people from a mental health perspective and addressing these gaps in services that our clients need.” Liza Gundell, Chief Executive Officer, Family Resource Network Family Resource Network Seeks Partnerships to Provide Mental Health Services to Individuals with I/DD Family Resource Network is unique in having more than 30 programs serving individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (I/DD), physical disabilities and other chronic health conditions. As there is a high prevalence of depression among individuals with disabilities, Family Resource Network is pursuing partnerships with mental healthcare providers throughout the state. “We joined NJAMHAA because we’re interested in a niche way in serving people from a mental health perspective and addressing these gaps in services that our clients need,” said Liza Gundell, Chief Executive Officer. She noted there is much need for family and marriage counseling, particularly for families whose children have autism. Gundell and her team are also rebuilding and expanding some of their core services, including after- school services for children with disabilities, which closed during the pandemic and will reopen later this year. Family Resource Network will reopen existing programs; recently opened two new programs; and will establish two more. Family Resource Network launched its newest service two years ago, Inclusive Healthy Communities, in partnership with Rowan and Stockton Universities. Funded by the Division of Disability Services, this program expands inclusive wellness- based initiatives for individuals in Atlantic, Gloucester and Camden Counties. The program provides a “get fit” scorecard for organizations to measure their accessibility for people with disabilities; a community garden; and professional education and training about health and wellness for people with disabilities. The longest-standing and largest program Family Resource Network offers is respite. In fact, Gundell serves on the state’s caregiver task force that was established a few years ago. “We will soon present recommendations to Governor Murphy about expanding services for those who care for loved ones who are elderly and have mental illnesses and I/DD—all across the spectrum,” Gundell said. To learn more about Family Resource Network, please visit www. familyresourcenetwork.org. Spring 2022