Red Cross Awards Grant To Assist Nearly 600 New Jersey Residents Impacted By 9/11

American Red Cross
Tuesday, 7 October 2003

Pays for Long-term Case Management Services to Support NJFAM Current Caseload

The American Red Cross September 11 Recovery Program (SRP) is continuing to help those most directly impacted by the events of September 11 with their long-term recovery. Through the SRP Case Management Grant Program, SRP has awarded a grant to New Jersey Family Advocate Management, Inc. (NJFAM). The one-year grant of nearly $1.4 million is committed to cover the cost of ongoing service coordination for 570 people in New Jersey who lost a family member or were injured on September 11.

"We are pleased to support the work of NJFAM to ensure that New Jersey residents affected by the September 11 attacks get the information, referral and support they need for their long-term recovery from this tragic event," stated Alan Goodman, Executive Director of the American Red Cross September 11 Recovery Program.

"The Family Advocate Program (FAP) under NJ Family Advocate Management, Inc. is actively serving more than 570 families throughout the state," said Maureen A. Scanlon, MA, LPC, Family Advocate Program Director. "The work that our advocates have done with the families over the past two years has been tremendous but there is a need to provide ongoing services. I am thrilled that the American Red Cross has awarded NJFAM a grant to continue our work. It is another example of excellent collaboration and commitment to the long-term recovery of those affected by the September 11 attacks."

The SRP Case Management Grant Program was developed to continue supporting the long-term recovery of those most directly impacted by the disaster. Through this program, the Red Cross provides financial assistance to nonprofit service agencies to support ongoing case management services for clients who lost loved ones or were injured. Case management services include developing a comprehensive assessment of recovery-related needs, planning for the future and providing guidance throughout the recovery process. Service Coordinators connect clients with appropriate resources in their local communities, including a wide range of public and private programs. Through such referrals, eligible clients may access legal assistance, health programs, mental health services, financial planning, employment services, support groups, immigration assistance and other special services. SRP Family Support Specialists continue to provide case management services to approximately 3,000 Red Cross clients in 48 states and 57 coun ries.

The NJFAM program is designed to meet the long-term needs of eligible families and individuals through a comprehensive case management program and act as a point of contact in accessing available resources. NJFAM Service Coordinators, known as Family Advocates, work to ensure access to all services and assistance for which clients are eligible. NJFAM provides oversight, quality assurance and monitoring functions for the program, and contracts with 13 social service agencies to provide direct case management to 570 families.

New Jersey Family Advocate Management, Inc. was established as a non-profit organization through an Executive Order of Governor James E. McGreevey on February 9, 2002 to oversee a Family Advocate Program (FAP) to provide personalized assistance to families who lost loved ones and other persons who were severely injured in the September 11, 2001 attacks. NJFAM contracts with 13 agencies across New Jersey: the Mental Health Association in Morris County, Catholic Charities - Diocese of Paterson, Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County, Catholic Charities - Diocese of Trenton, Jewish Family Service in Teaneck, Family Service League in Montclair, United Fund of Westfield, Family Guidance Center in Princeton, Catholic Charities - Diocese of Metuchen, NewBridge Services, Inc. in Pompton Plains, Family Counseling Service in Ridgewood, The Salvation Army in Union, and the United Way of Greater Union County.

The American Red Cross September 11 Recovery Program (SRP) provides a broad range of assistance and support to those most directly affected by the attacks including service coordination, access to mental health and health care, coverage of health insurance costs, direct financial assistance and group meetings offering support and information about Red Cross and other community resources . In addition, SRP continues to assist affected downtown residents who suffered damage to or loss of their homes during the disaster. For information on services provided by SRP call (877) 746-4987 [TDD (800) 662-1220] or visit www.redcross.org/september11/help.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org