NNews April 2024

27 April 2024 ourselves out of this. We’re working withmore than 100 schools and other providers [fellowNJAMHAAmembers CarePlus New Jersey, Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care, Vantage Health System andWest Bergen Mental Healthcare], so it’s all my worlds coming together. We’re the only NJ4S program that’s collaborative versus being a sole entity. We use clinicians at each partner organization; we want to eliminate or minimize travel time, so we use providers close to each youth’s school. We created collaborative partnerships to support the school-age youth and family needs. NJAMHAANews: Please share your perspective on the value of working with NJAMHAA, both as a provider and as a legislator. ShavondaSumter: As an executive and a leader in the Legislature, I see that NJAMHAA synthesizes the work we do for policy change and systembuilding. I get intertwined in different components with the Legislature. NJAMHAA is a resource for me to understand the impact on services and the nonprofit industry, the systems we need to build out. I am hearing challenges, such as skill building for the workforce, including technology skills, and I know I’m not alone. For example, we have a shared agreement with CareLogic through NJAMHAA. This helped us build our electronic health record system and maximize reimbursement. Our focus at CAFS is onmodernization and systems building. We need technology tools for efficient workflow and service delivery. (continued on page 28) Cape Assist NJAMHAANews: Are the Kids Art Resource and Education Center (KARE) and IMPACT6 programs unique in New Jersey or the nation? Has Cape Assist always focused on all of these age groups or did the service array evolve over time? Katie Faldetta,MNM, CPS, ExecutiveDirector: KARE was created by Cape Assist more than 21 years ago. It starts with a homework club. Many kids have English as their second language, and the staff translate for the parents. We host quarterly parties with arts and crafts and games. KARE alumni who are now in 8th grade attend these events. Cape Assist developed IMPACT6 with the Juvenile Justice Commission 19 years ago for youthwho are not deemed appropriate for adjudication. It’s an evidence-based program that develops youths’ life skills and helps them transition back to the community. We supplement this with information and activities based on the incidents that led to each youth’s involvement with the juvenile justice system. Youth are in groups with others who had similar charges (e.g., violence, marijuana use). We discuss decisions the youthmade that led to their juvenile justice involvement and focus on critical thinking andmaking better decisions. We also discuss brain development and the impact of drugs on decision-making. NJAMHAANews: Please describe the Incorruptible Us program, CapeMay County Youth Resiliency Team, Police Youth Camp and CareGiver support Group andW.I.S.E. (Wellness Initiative for Senior Education) program. Katie Faldetta: Incorruptible Us is a statewide initiative sponsored by New Jersey Prevention Network [a fellow NJAMHAA member] and Tobacco Free for a Healthy NJ that aims to prevent teens’ use of tobacco. Cape Assist has a local Cape May County chapter.