by Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer, NJ DCF
View the entire newsletter for more articles: 2020 – NJAC County Biz – December
As much as we tend to look forward to them, the holidays can be hard—especially this year.
Residents in your community may be struggling with more than the usual level of stress associated with seasonal, traditional, or religious celebrations. Many may be experiencing pandemic-related economic hardships or may be facing unemployment or reduced work hours. Some may have lost family or close friends to COVID-19 or may be grieving the absence of a loved one due to other reasons.
Others may be living in an unsafe environment as the result of child abuse or intimate partner violence, and because of social distancing, they are unable or unsure of how to access supports or services.
These personal crises, in addition to housing and food insecurity, addiction and mental health disorders, the feelings of isolation, depression, and uncertainty for the future—all have dampened spirits and challenged families and communities in unprecedented and significant ways.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey began just nine months ago, and in short order, it has changed so much of our daily routines. Rather than the typical festivities, the holidays this year will be a stark reminder of the health, economic and social effects we have endured, in a year like none we have experienced. The ongoing pandemic has changed our work, schooling, health, and social connections. Most of all, it has made us tentative. We are unsure about when, how, or if life will ever go back to “normal,” and whether we can survive – physically, financially and emotionally – until then.
At the Department of Children and Families, we know that there are people who have never needed government supports before, who are now looking for assistance, with little to no reference for how to take those first steps. New and perhaps unfamiliar concerns related to mental health, addiction disorders, behavioral challenges in children, and available and affordable childcare loom large for many families. In your role as elected or appointed community leaders, many of our State’s residents will turn to you for answers and help.
The state Department of Children and Families is a child and family serving system that works to keep all families safe, healthy, and connected. At this time, there are a number of services and programs offered by the Department to assist all families. We have a host of publications in English, Spanish and Korean that your offices can distribute or post online.
The word resilience refers to the process of adapting and overcoming in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. The American Psychological Association, states there are ways we can help strengthen our individual resilience, such as prioritizing relationships, fostering wellness, finding purpose, embracing healthy thoughts, and asking for help when needed. That last one is critical, because we often have a hard time admitting or even realizing when we need support.
No one exactly knows how this year will end, or what next year holds, but we can take steps today to ensure we remain safe, healthy, and connected tomorrow and into the new year.
Stay safe and be well.
Christine Norbut Beyer, Commissioner