NJAMHAA FY23 Advocacy Campaign

FrontlineWorkers Inspire Individuals to Reach their Goals Illias Duval has participated in CarePlus NJ’s Children’s Out-Patient Endeavors (COPE) program for the past several years and has shown tremendous strength and motivation in the face of adversity, according to his clinician, Jennifer Velten, LPC. He worked on several issues of concern throughout the program and is now a junior at Rutgers University, working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences, which will lead to a change in his major to pre-medical. “Illias is a dedicated student and has always received stellar grades, which has not always been easy considering the curve balls life has thrown at him. Illias has been dedicated to bettering himself and comes back to COPE for his winter and summer breaks to continue working through concerns that have shown up for him. Most recently, Illias has been utilizing COPE every other week during COVID-19 through our telehealth platform. This has been a trying time for him living off campus, still working and continuing with school, and we’re proud to continue supporting him,” Jennifer said. “The COPE program has supported me through extremely difficult times and continues to be a valuable resource. I don’t knowwhere I would be without these services,” Illias said. 10 H   “Illias is a dedicated student and has always received stellar grades, which have not always been easy considering the curve balls life has thrown at him.” Jennifer Velten, LPC Clinician, CarePlus NJ