A Gratitude-Filled Goodbye; A Hope-Filled Hello

It is with both great sadness and appreciation that Family Service League announces the resignation of Mr. Larry Slous as President of our Board of Trustees. Larry has served FSL diligently on our Board of Trustees for 29 years. Larry served his first term as our Board President from 1996 to 1998, and his current term beginning in 2003. Mr. Slous is a graduate of Cornell University and New York University of Law. Larry states that, “It was a privilege to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for so many years, including my years as President of the Board. Family Service League continues to serve its constituents in Essex County in so many important ways. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to contribute.” During his time as President, Mr. Slous was especially instrumental in securing our new home in Bloomfield during the height of the 2020 pandemic. This location has made us more accesible to all people, granting us the opportunity to continue to provide services to many of the underserved and marginalized individuals Family Service League assists. Under Larry's tenure, Family Service League established SAVE of Essex County, the state designated sexual violence program for Essex County, serving survivors and their loved ones through comprehensive advocacy, counseling, prevntion and outreach services. Larry has encouraged Family Service League to expand services while maintaining quality and accessibility. His great reputation within Essex County has helped Family Service League initiate relationships with various organizations for collaboration and partnerhsip. Throughout his time at FSL, Larry has provided continous mentorhsip to the management, and helped safeguard the financial sustainability of the agency.

From all of us at Family Service League, we want to thank Larry for his years of service as President of our Board of Trustees, his dedication to the overall mission and integrity of our organization, and the impact that he had on us and the community we serve. Thank you for paving the way for a bright future for Family Service League.
With that being said, we would also full of gratitude to announce our new Interim Board President, Ms. Lori Harris.

Ms. Harris (Lori) is a trauma and family systems psychotherapist in private practice in Montclair, New Jersey. Prior to private practice, Lori has worked as a clinician in community mental health, opioid treatment/recovery, grief support for children and adults, and trauma informed program management. As Program Director for VOICES of September 11th, Lori oversaw case management, clinical programs, and CDC funded outreach focused on meeting the long-term needs of 9/11 families, survivors, and first responders. She also provided training on traumatic grief and disaster mental health and presented at NJVOAD and NJEPA Conferences on the long-term needs of trauma victims and on mitigating vicarious trauma for staff and for first responders Lori holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service.
Lori’s clinical interest in the field of trauma began when she worked as an administrator in the earliest days of the 9/11 recovery effort. She gained additional insight during her many years as a volunteer Confidential Sexual Assault Advocate here at FSL/SAVE. These experiences inspired her to change careers in mid life; after many years in management and leadership roles in not-for-profit organizations and business. Beginning at FSL/SAVE in 2008 as a volunteer, she has also managed the Rape Care Hotline, represented FSL/SAVE at outreach events, NJCASA meetings, and has co-facilitated SAVE’s Advocate training. She joined the FSL/SAVE Board of Directors in 2017.
“I have been immensely proud to represent FSL/SAVE in my various roles. The spirit of volunteerism, the dedication of staff doing challenging work with sometimes limited resources, and the professional guidance provided to our graduate students and counselors, is truly exceptional. FSL/SAVE has a 140 year history of outreach, education, and providing resources and counseling to survivors, individuals, couples, and families. We are grateful to everyone who volunteers and works at FSL/SAVE and also to those who provide critical financial support. They enable us to consistently provide access to the tools and resources people need to navigate crises and challenges and to move forward in their lives feeling supported and empowered.”
Since 1881, Family Service League has been dedicated to providing excellent services to the community, and our top priority remains to provide comprehensive, inclusive services to all those in Essex County and beyond. We look forward to the transcendent work that we hope to accomplish together with Ms. Harris.