For Immediate Release
December 1, 2004
GILL SECURES FUNDING FOR ESSEX MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
MONTCLAIR - Senator Nia H. Gill today announced that she has secured approval for a $140,000 State grant for the Mental Health Association of Essex County Inc. to improve services to children with emotional problems and mental illnesses.
A This State grant will enable the Mental Health Association (of Essex County Inc.) to target school children in the Montclair and East Orange school districts who need help with mental or emotional problems, said Senator Gill, D-Montclair.
Senator Gill said she initially sought additional funding for the Mental Health Association of Essex County earlier this year through the State budget process. But she said she was pleased that the grant was provided now under the Property Tax Assistance and Community Development Grants program.
A With this grant, the Association will provide screening services, individual and family counseling and psychological education programs to the school children in Montclair and East Orange, Senator Gill said.
The Association also will be able to increase its at-home services for children throughout Essex County because of the State grant, Senator Gill said.
A Helping children deal with problems when they occur will enable them to take their own steps into adulthood, Senator Gill said.
A Senator Gill has been a long-time supporter of our efforts to provide children with needed services and we are grateful for her continued advocacy on our behalf, said Robert N. Davison, the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Essex County Inc.
Additional staff, clinical supervision services, communications materials and other supplies will be secured because of the grant, said Director Davison who has been appointed Chairman of the 11-member Mental Health Task Force of New Jersey by Acting Governor Richard J. Codey.
A I was proud to support Senator Gills efforts to help Essex County children with mental and emotional problems, Acting Governor Codey said. A The Mental Health Association has a record of achievement in providing professional services and I have the utmost confidence in Director Davison.
Senator Gill said she likes the Associations approach to helping school children with emotional and mental problems because of its belief that it is critically important to work with the entire school community including students, parents, teachers and administrators.