FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jemia Singleton
908-526-6605 ext. 313; jsingleton@visionsandpathways.org

Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children Changes Its Name to
Visions and Pathways

Increases Prevention and Family Strengthening Programs

Bridgewater, N.J. (July 2016) – After operating for more than 40 years as Somerset Home for
Temporarily Displaced Children, a Bridgewater-based nonprofit, has expanded and is changing its name to Visions and Pathways. The agency’s mission will continue to be to provide abused, neglected, homeless and missing youth ages 13-21 with housing, a stable environment, and supportive services that guide them in becoming self-sufficient.

“Our new name represents an exciting change,” said David Walker, CEO. “For nearly half a century, our organization was known for running a youth shelter and group homes. Many of our kids come through the foster care system. We will continue to run group homes. But we are emphasizing outreach, prevention, family reunification and helping children avoid becoming displaced from their families. Last year, we helped rescue two human trafficking victims and found housing and support for them. Just a month ago, we helped a young man who was addicted to opioids get into a treatment program.”

Visions and Pathways has also launched new programs to help youth who have aged-out of foster care. The new Village House program provides rental assistance for hard working former foster children who do not have support from their families and cannot afford to rent an apartment on their own. The organization is looking to expand this program beyond Somerset County.

“Although our headquarters is located in Somerset County, we have an office in Morristown and we work with youth in other various counties including Essex, Middlesex, and Union counties,” said Walker. “We anticipate opening a street outreach office in Middlesex County. Last year, our street outreach and independent living skills programs helped youth in seven counties throughout central and northern New Jersey. Our new name, Visions and Pathways, better reflects our statewide presence and our more comprehensive approach to helping youth become self-sufficient. Our programs help youth see their potential for success and guide them along the often difficult path of becoming a thriving adult. Ultimately, our programs help end the cycle of dependency.”

“Although our name is changing, the work we do and the impact we have on vulnerable youth will continue,” said Walker. “The future is very bright for our agency and for the youth we serve.”

For more information about Visions and Pathways, visit visionsandpathways.org or contact David Walker, Esq., MSW at 908-526-6606 ext. 304 or dwalker@visionsandpathways.org.

About Somerset Home
Visions and Pathways (formerly Somerset Home) incorporated in 1970, is dedicated to meeting the needs of abused and neglected youth. Programs and services include temporary housing, independent life skills training, street outreach and prevention services, comprehensive case management, counseling, financial literacy instruction, and more.

The agency provides 11 programs: Brahma House residential crisis intervention program and emergency shelter; Passages, My Place and Whitney House residential transitional-living programs; Pathways independent-living skills education program; Street Smart street outreach program; Transitional Learning Center for in-house education instruction; Bridge House and Village House, which provide supportive-housing for young adults who are aging-out of the child welfare system, an Arts and Recreation Program, and an Aftercare Program to continue providing continued support for youth who have been discharged from a Visions and Pathways program. Since 1970, over 8,000 runaway, homeless, abused or neglected youth have come to seek shelter, food, clothing, and support services.
The agency’s residential programs are located in Bridgewater, New Jersey. There is a satellite Street Smart street outreach office in Morristown, NJ. Visit online at visionsandpathways.org and streetsmartoutreach.org.

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