NNews April 2024

44 April 2024 Expansive and Tailored Services Empower Independence SERV provides “the full continuum of care because we strive for people to become increasingly independent, with the ultimate goal of recovery and independence. Some individuals are referred to SERV from inpatient psychiatric hospitals with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We’re there to support whatever level of care people need and help the individual reach their full potential,” Widdows said. “Having a full continuum of care allows us to serve individuals in the least restrictive setting. We watch individuals step down to lower levels of care, then graduate, get their own apartments and become gainfully employed.” The children’s program, SERV Connect, is appropriately named because the participating youth and families are linked, or “connected” to services within their communities. SERV works with all school districts to have children continue their education and stay in those districts as much as possible. “We aim for residential stays to be short term, so youth can return to their families and schools and flourish,” Widdows said. For adults with mental health disorders in residential programs, the SERV Foundation offers free tuition, books and laptops. “We encourage the individuals in our programs to follow their passions. We have had residential clients who have graduated from colleges and universities. Some former clients have earned Bachelor’s degrees in finance and secured jobs in accounting. Others earned degrees in poetry and other areas,” Widdows shared. SERV works with multiple employers to place clients in volunteer and paid positions. “People with I/DD typically start as volunteers and receive on-the-job training. Then, they transition to full-time employment,” Widdows said, citing animal shelters and Meals onWheels as examples of partners that offer such opportunities. Among adults with mental health disorders, some start as volunteers and others go straight to full-time employment after completing SERV programs. SERV has several properties near bus and train stations to make the commute to work easier for individuals. “Working, even part-time, and managing transportation on their own builds a sense of self-worth,” Widdows stated. Always Striving to Build Services and Staff to Serve More People with Diverse Needs Looking ahead, SERV is striving to expand clinical services to treat substance use disorders (SUD), especially opioid abuse, for youth and adults throughout New Jersey. The organization recently earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for an adult outpatient SUD program in Passaic County, and an outpatient program for children and adolescents with opioid use disorder is currently being developed. “There is an overwhelming need for services and treatment. Schools call on us frequently for support, and it is important that wemeet the needs of the communities we serve,”Widdows stressed. In addition to the clinical services and providing a compassionate support environment, SERV focuses on “the joy of living”, especially for individuals with I/DDwho might otherwise not have such opportunities. For example, SERV coordinates field trips to libraries, and pumpkin picking, hosts pizza and ice creamparties, and brings clients to local pools during the summers. “We’re out and “ We watch individuals step down to lower levels of care and become independent. ” ReginaWiddows, MA President and CEO (continued from page 43)