Somerset County Agency Celebrates 60 Years Of Helping Others

BOUND BROOK, NJ — For 60 years Family and Community Services of Somerset County (FCSSC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit community agency, has been providing professional and affordable mental health, family and addictions counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families in need.

To celebrate their anniversary, FCSSC is setting a fundraising goal of $60,000 to continue helping others in the community.

FCSSC was founded in response to the needs of the community, primarily for mental health and substance abuse.

"As the needs of society and the community in general increase we have been very reactive to that," said said Richard Schumann, Executive Director, FCSSC. "There has been an increase with drug addiction and a surge in drug use over the years."

FCSSC saw more than 330 clients for patients suffering an addiction and served more than 3,000 hours last year.

Additionally, Schumann noted how more people are now seeking mental health treatment as the stigma surrounding it has changed.

FCSSC provided more than 8,700 hours of mental health and substance abuse services to more than 780 clients last year, according to Schumann.

Based in Bound Brook, FCSSC sees a higher demographic of Hispanic residents. As such they offer treatment for people of all ages in English and Spanish.

"Untreated mental illness and substance abuse are two of the biggest problems we face in this country. Indeed, they are the root cause of so many other problems," said Lori Manduley, Board President of FCSSC. "Volunteering for and donating to this terrific agency makes me feel like I am part of the solution."

The $60,000 goal will help the FCSSC continue to run for another 60 years. Along with funding services, the FCSSC’s building is in need of repair, Schumann said.

Events planned to help with the fundraising goal include: A Night of Comedy at the Villagers Theatre, Handbag Bingo, Golf Outing at Royce Brook Country Club, Taking Strides Towards Wellness 5K run/walk at Duke Island Park and our Holiday Giving campaign.

For more information or to donate visit fcssomerset.org.

Video via FCSSC:

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