2022 advocacy expanded edition

Traumatic experiences during Amir’s childhood led to mental health challenges that had not been addressed until he was a teenager and arrived at Oaks Integrated Care’s Florence Klemmer Group Home. Through therapy and support in building coping skills, Amir developed confidence and the will to succeed. He improved his grades, became very involved in school and successfully ran for class president. He also obtained employment at a coffee shop. Amir is now in an independent living program and plans to attend college and pursue a career in social services. AMIR 43 The therapy and other support I received were incredibly helpful. Without this care, I don’t know what I would be doing now — probably a high school dropout and living on the streets. I can’t thank Oaks enough. Investment Is Needed to Ensure Service Sustainability for Amir and Others Increase the mental health safety net budget line to $25 million in the FY2023 and future budgets to cover the fifth year of deficits caused by the transition from contracts to fee-for-service reimbursement (until rates are reviewed for adequacy and adjusted accordingly to cover the actual cost of providing care). NJAMHAA December 2021 Wage and Staffing Survey CSS: Community Support Services