Featured Story Archive

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Dubel

Karen Dubel was planning a holiday party for some friends a few years back and thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to extend our celebration to adopt a family in need during the season of giving?” Her friend suggested Family Service of Morris County, so Karen phoned Marie Palumbo, Director of Volunteer Services, who promptly called her back with an unexpected suggestion…we have so many seniors in need and without families at FSMC, so why not bring cheer to them? READ MORE...

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Meghan Brozowski, Young Professional and Bowler Extraordinaire

“I grew up in the area and never even heard of Family Service!” remarked Megan Brozowski of RegentAtlantic Captial, LLC, now one of the most active members of the FSMC’s Young Professionals group. Megan adds, “yet, it is one of the oldest agencies around and helps a shocking number of families with such a broad range of services, that chances are that someone you know has been helped there." What is Megan’s favorite activity to help FSMC families? “The Bowl-a-thon and getting people motivated! We had such a great time and raised about $7,000 last year.” Megan advises others looking to make a difference in the community, “Get involved in something you feel passionate about and have fun with it. Do something you enjoy. FSMC is a great organization and I have had a lot of fun there and plan to continue.” READ MORE...

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Schatz – Friends of the Blind Volunteer

When her position in a ten year study conducted by the National Institute of Health came to an end, Barbara Schatz decided she wanted to do something that helped others. Barbara had volunteered in the past, starting as a Candy Striper while still in school. Barbara enjoys helping others, and believes that time is a precious commodity and giving it is important, so she began to investigate volunteer opportunities. In particular, Barbara was interested in helping the blind, as she always appreciated the people who helped her mother who was blind, and wanted to pay it forward. READ MORE...

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Memory, Young Professionals

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. What better way to pay homage to Family Service of Morris County’s volunteers than to kick off a Volunteer Spotlight feature? Our first volunteer in the spotlight is Karen Memory. Karen began her career on the technical side of the pharmaceutical industry and has since moved to the commercial side of the business. For the past 3½ years, she has generously donated her time to the vibrant FSMC Young Professionals program. This group’s major responsibility is the annual Bowl-a-thon, but members are also involved in the Spring Ball and other events that enable them to learn about all facets of FSMC. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Marie Palumbo at 973-538-5260 x336. READ MORE about Karen.

 

Fight the Winter Blues

As winter settles in and the joyful celebrations of the holiday season are behind us, many find that our spirits drop, too. We can experience changes in mood and behavior, feelings of exhaustion and develop depression from the lack of sunlight. These winter blues can be made even worse by unrealistic expectations, unpleasant holiday memories, isolation from friends and family and confinement from cold weather. Family Service of Morris County has many local resources to help you through this challenging season. If you are a senior needing some extra care, consider getting out and socializing at one of the FSMC Adult Day Care Centers located in Madison, Morris Plains and Succasunna or better managing your care with Enhanced Geriatric Care Manager. If you are a caregiver, attend a free FSMC caregiver support group on Wednesday evenings. If you are struggling with depression or other life challenges, check out our counseling program. Common wisdom says that the best way to help yourself is to help others, so consider volunteering with FSMC to help others in need during these winter months. Even though winter may not be your favorite time of year, enjoy the beauty and activities of the season and keep a positive attitude. Before you know it, spring will be here! READ MORE...

 

Hosting an Alcohol-Free Graduation Party

As the school year comes to an end and high school graduations are occurring, parents need to be mindful of the responsibilities that come along with hosting a graduation party. Many high school seniors will either want to have a party or will be attending parties for their classmates and friends. You, as a parent, will want to ensure that underage drinking does not take place. READ MORE...

 

Change a Life! April is Volunteer Month

As Rosa Parks so elegantly stated, "Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue to live in others." April is National Volunteer Week and throughout Morristown, people are pitching in to improve our community. Volunteer's passion and enthusiasm help to reassure and give hope to others. They come eager to give and in the end receive so much themselves. Let me share with you the story of one of our volunteers. READ MORE...

 

Alzheimer's Caregiver Tips for Surviving Cabin Fever

Winter really did a number to us this year. With it, there may have been many days spent at home indoors. For caregivers of Alzheimer's family members, this adds a special challenge: How do we keep our Alzheimer's loved one occupied and ourselves stress free and able to accomplish what we need to get done? READ MORE...

 

Holiday Cheer: The Cost of a Drink

New Jersey is one of the toughest states in the country when it comes to drinking and driving. In spite of this common knowledge, in 2010 our counselors at Family Service of Morris County Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center (FSMC IDRC) will see as many as 1,000 people convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for the first time who are mandated by a court order to attend our educational program on alcohol and drug abuse. Why so many? The answer is surprisingly simple. Every one of us has had the same thought: "It won't happen to me." READ MORE...

 

FSMC and Morristown Military Families – Creating the New 'Normal'

Our country has been at war for close to ten years now. For Morris County soldiers and their families, there are actually two battles: the soldier's combat abroad and the family's struggles at home. Each family member has their own story to tell. Each carries unseen wounds and emotional scars. READ MORE...