FY2025-Annual-Report

26 Meeting Challenges Head On Business Partners Offer Providers Valuable Services and Collaborate on Important Initiatives Partners from various businesses offer valuable products, services, expertise and other resources that enable providers to increase their effectiveness and efficiency in providing services and operating their organizations. They also engage in dynamic discussions and pursue opportunities to partner on critical efforts, such as expanding and strengthening the behavioral healthcare workforce. The Education Council officially consists of representatives from the tri-state area colleges and universities with behavioral healthcare-related programs. In addition, member organizations that provide mental healthcare, substance use treatment and support services actively participate on the Council’s meetings. The group is continuing to develop strategies to expand and strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce, including a focus on increasing staff recruitment and retention, and maximizing the value of internship and practicum experiences for both the students and the provider organizations. The Education Council welcomed new co-chairs: Jack B. Lewis, DSW, LCSW, Associate Professor and Director, Intensive Weekend Program, Rutgers University School of Social Work; Amy Strickler, LMSW, LSW, Assistant Director, Education Council CO-CHAIRS: Jack B. Lewis, DSW, LCSW Associate Professor and Director, Intensive Weekend Program, Rutgers University School of Social Work Intensive Weekend Program and Assistant Professor, Rutgers University School of Social Work; June DePonte Sernak, BA, MBA, MEd, Statewide Diversity Leadership Officer, Center for Family Services. The new Education Council leaders started in April 2025, launching a mission to identify the participating organizations’ priorities and provide leadership with content experts to increase engagement from existing and new members. This group will continue brainstorming strategies for addressing gaps in services and barriers to social workers’ professional development. Overarching themes and needs identified are translation of science from concept to practice; increased funding to have more staff and additional supervision to enable individuals to become licensed; and students’ preparation and support for the licensure exams. June DePonte Sernak, BA, MBA, ME Statewide Diversity Leadership Officer, Center for Family Services Amy Strickler, LMSW, LSW Assistant Director, Intensive Weekend Program and Assistant Professor, Rutgers University School of Social Work