Safe Harbor Child Access Centers in Flemington is available for all individuals in need of a safe environment to heal from traumatic experiences such as domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood abuse, neglect and PTSD. Safe Harbor provides therapeutic visitation, supervised parenting time and a safe place to drop off and pick up children during custody exchange.
The Center itself is a place where young children can laugh, play and feel safe. Large windows fill each room with sunshine and warmth. The rooms are active and vibrant and host a display of paintings, books and musical instruments. Laughter is throughout as families connect with their children and play with their siblings and friends. Bella Blue, the resident therapy dog, is available as needed.
In addition, for today’s teen, the world has become much more complex. Young boys and girls find solace in Safe Harbor by connecting with other teens, participating in support groups and to openly discuss the challenges they face today. Through trauma-sensitive play groups, children and teens come together to do artwork, participate in Zumba classes, listen to music and play using their imagination.
The Center operates under the direction of Carol Dvoor, a survivor of domestic abuse herself, who has made it her mission to advocate for survivors and bring children together with their families to help rebuild, connect and heal. Carol has also brought together numerous volunteers, community organizations and businesses to help create the welcoming environment, provide a wide range of programs and projects and sometimes, to provide the basic needs of life for those served by the Center.
Open seven days a week, Safe Harbor is an all volunteer 501(c)3, New Jersey based not-for-profit organization, and is a registered New Jersey charity with the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs.
Contact information to volunteer, donate or request more information on services
Phone: 908-268-4284;
Email: safeharbor17info@gmail.com
Facebook: Safe Harbor Child Access Centers
ALICE – United Way of Hunterdon County has joined forces with United Way of Northern New Jersey to promote the ALICE Recovery Fund. COVID-19 doesn’t recognize county borders and it is important to join forces to support ALICE – the quarter of our neighbors who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. These households struggled to afford the basics even before COVID-19 hit. Many of them are made up of essential workers who are on the frontlines of this crisis and it is essential to support them in the immediate and long-term. Working with our partners, this fund will be distributed to ALICE households impacted by COVID-19 throughout the region.
ALICE is one in five neighbors who is living on the edge. ALICE may be a college student; a recent grad who is working and paying off tuition debt; a young family struggling to pay for child care so they can work; the underemployed working less than full-time and without benefits; active duty military personnel; a family caregiver; or a senior on a fixed income struggling with health issues.
ALICE individuals and families living in Hunterdon County struggle every day to make ends meet, yet they work in jobs that are essential to the county’s economy.
Why does ALICE struggle?
- Income is falling behind the cost of living – Did you know it costs a household with two adults and two young children ~$90,000 to barely get by in Hunterdon County? That’s an increase of almost $10,000 over a two-year period. The cost of basic household expenses increased steadily in every county in New Jersey between 2010 and 2016. The average household budget rose by 28 percent from 2010 to 2016.
- The available jobs are low-paying despite providing essential services to Hunterdon County. ALICE works in occupations we all depend on. However, more than 50% of jobs in Hunterdon County pay less then $20/hour. These jobs will account for 75% of new jobs over the next decade.
- More than 30% of seniors struggle and live below the ALICE threshold – a significant increase over two years prior.
To volunteer or donate, go to https://www.uwhunterdon.org/contact
Reminders: Food Pantries are being especially hit hard with the growing number of people out of work. Please donate when you can, and as often as you can.
- Hunterdon County Food Pantries: https://hunterdoncountyalive.com/business/Food-Pantries.cfm
- Bucks County Food Pantries: https://buckscountyalive.com/business/Food-Pantries.cfm