2024 advocacy piece

14 Diverse Faces: All Are Worthy of Full Investment Investment in the behavioral healthcare workforce and expansion of programs proven to be effective are the right things to do for all New Jerseyans and for the state’s bottom line as well. Tamika’s challenges began when she was in school and now, she is in her 40’s, a mother of two grown children and thriving. “The school system recommended that my grandmother put me in placement because my behavior problem was becoming out of control,” Tamika recalled. She entered a residential program at Youth Consultation Service (YCS). “The staff at YCS saw a lot of potential in me so when it came down to therapy and behavior, they gave me guidance about how to live with my disorder. The whole YCS agency kept me on track,” Tamika said. YCS’ support has had a long lasting positive impact on Tamika, as demonstrated by her success as a parent — both of her children are doing well in meaningful careers — and by having more goals for herself, which includes helping others who experience similar challenges that she has overcome. “My dream is to open a homeless shelter for young women with mental illness who grew up in the system and don’t know which way to go,” Tamika said. Behavioral Health Services Have Long-lasting Positive Impacts that Are Generational