In a recent blog article, we took a long stroll down memory lane to the events of 1913. Some parts of this journey were lighthearted and fun, while others were a bit more serious. As we celebrate 110 years of Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), it’s important to look back at the state of children...

The year was 1913. The US Post Office kicked off the year offering parcel post deliveries, or package deliveries, for the first time. More than 4 million packages were handled in the first five days of the service. The first crossword puzzle, with 32 clues, is published in New York World newspaper. Ford Motor Company...

Back in 2007, when Blaire Rzempoluch’s daughter, Breanna, was a toddler, Blaire would bring her to Nutley community events in the park. Blaire recalls walking up to a Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) booth and hearing about the mental health program, Food Pantry, and other services offered by the organization. “I had lived in Nutley...

The journey of Mina Greiss to becoming a member of the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) Board of Trustees was unique to say the least. He was first introduced to NFSB when he was invited to perform at the Garden Party, but he already had a connection with the organization through a couple degrees of...

With every purchase, customers of Nutley Park ShopRite of Nutley earn points towards a free holiday ham. Continuing a spring tradition, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) has partnered with ShopRite to let customers know that holiday hams can be donated to the NFSB Food Pantry for distribution to our clients! Just tell a ShopRite associate...

During the past two years, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) has introduced new programs and initiatives to meet growing demand for mental health counseling and social services in our community. The journey has been rewarding, but It hasn’t been easy. “Our staff was stretched very thin and, as a nonprofit, our budget is tight,” said...

Through the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) Senior Grocery Delivery Program, Food Pantry staff and volunteers have been delivering pre-packed bags of groceries on a bi-weekly basis to the two senior residences in Nutley – the Nutley Senior Manor and Nutley Parkside Apartments. While residents have been extremely grateful for this service, we’ve taken our...

Chaya Kohn has always been the person who people approached to “talk about things.” “Since I was younger, people just chose me as that comforting person who they could share their feelings with,” Chaya said. “I’ve actually met people who have spoken to me and asked, ‘Are you, like, a therapist or social worker?’ It...

As a college student, it didn’t take long for Andrew Cao to figure out a career in the medical field was not in the cards. “I cannot stand the sight of blood, so medical school was out,” Andrew recalls with a laugh. “I had received therapy and various social services in my life and found...

“Mental health chose me,” reflects Guadalupe Rangel, a counselor at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB). “It took me a long time as a teen and young adult to realize I could attend college and pay my way through school. My first psychology class helped me understand so much about who I am and why I...

When Alexandra Brown was in high school, she began her personal journey with counseling when she saw a therapist for the first time. She never had a safe space to express her feelings or process her emotions until she started counseling. “In that moment, I was able to release my emotions and get them out...

A Night at the Races, perhaps the most exciting, high-energy Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) event of the year, will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Nutley Parks Department at 44 Park Avenue. Last year, A Night at the Races returned after a two-year hiatus without missing a beat. The event sold out...

The Thrift Shop at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is in growth mode. We’re embracing the thrifting renaissance as more people look to recycle and reuse clothing and household items, save money, and preserve our natural resources. We’ve also responded to increased demand by opening on Sundays and expanding shopping hours on weekday evenings and...

When Kathleen Cheski was a teenager, she found out her sister needed major surgery. This experience opened Kathleen’s eyes to the impact social workers can have. “My whole family was so stressed and worried,” Kathleen said. “As a teenager, you can imagine how worrisome major surgery on a sibling would be. I didn’t have the...

Local Nonprofit Seeks to Continue Growth to Meet Increased Demand for Mental Health and Social Services Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), a local, independent nonprofit offering affordable mental health counseling and social service programs to the greater Nutley community, has announced the installation of new officers and members of the organization’s Board of Trustees for...

When it comes right down to it, there is nothing we can say or do to fully capture the appreciation we at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) feel for our family of donors. The difference your gifts enable us to make in the lives of our neighbors in Nutley is immeasurable. Of course, that doesn’t...

Back in June, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) announced a $60,000 grant award from the New Jersey Division of Disability Services to help create a more inclusive place to live for people with disabilities. NFSB is partnering with the Township of Nutley, Nutley Public Schools, and Nutley Senior Manor to guide this Inclusive Communities initiative...

The board, committees, and staff at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) have worked hard to come up with ideas for fun community events, each with a distinct vibe that appeals to different groups of people throughout the Nutley area. From the elegance of The Garden Party, to the great live music of Rock Hunger, to...

Dear Friends, Did you know 2023 will be Nutley Family Service Bureau’s (NFSB’s) 110th year in operation? That’s a monumental achievement for a local, independent nonprofit organization. As proud as we are of our rich history, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve and make a bigger difference, which is why 2022 was such an...

One of the reasons why the Fur Pet’s Sake Pet Pantry exists at the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) Food Pantry is that people are often more concerned about feeding their pets than themselves. Pets are sometimes the glue that holds a family together. For many individuals, pets are their primary motivation for getting up...

Most people come to Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) when they feel like they need help a certain area of their lives, whether they’re struggling to put food on the table or cope with stressful circumstances. In some cases, people are facing a potentially life-changing crisis that requires immediate assistance. Mrs. Giordano was facing eviction...

When “Mrs. Smith” moved to Nutley, she was a bit nervous. She didn’t have any family or friends in the area. As a homebound senior with mobility challenges, basic daily functions were a challenge, much less making new friends at the senior center that she now called home. Mrs. Smith had a home health aide...

When a father and his high school-aged son fled Ukraine, they took whatever they could carry and a binder with their passports and paperwork. They weren’t exactly sure where their journey would take them or how safe their journey would be. Somehow, they ended up in Nutley. They didn’t know anyone, and they didn’t have...

“Tiffany” is a middle-aged woman who came to the Mental Health Program at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) when she was experiencing anxiety at work and difficulty in her marriage. Tiffany had been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder decades earlier. A series of negative events in her life contributed to a lack of self-confidence and...

By Katherine Carmichael Executive Director, Nutley Family Service Bureau When I joined Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) as Executive Director in September of 2020, we were six months into the pandemic. Demand for NFSB’s mental health and social services through the Mental Health Program, Food Pantry, and Thrift Shop was increasing. Fast forward a little...

In June, we announced that Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) had been awarded a $25,000 grant from State Farm Neighborhood Assist, thanks in large part to a 10-day surge in voting from the Nutley community. Those funds are being used to create Nutley’s Friendly Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program, which will match youth volunteers with seniors for regular...

“Alexis” came to the Mental Health Program at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSBB) in search of her own voice. She was having difficulty in her marriage and didn’t have the confidence to look her husband in the eye and tell him how she felt. Before they could work on Alexis’s marital challenges, her clinician focused...

Marla Hunter originally found out about Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) through a fellow PTO member. She was already an enthusiastic volunteer as PTO president and a youth cheerleading coach, but she didn’t know much about NFSB. When Marla learned what NFSB does and the volunteering opportunities available, she immediately said, “Sign me up!” That...

The spirit of giving isn’t limited to the holiday season at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), but the planning that’s already underway for our Thanksgiving Initiative is enough to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Each year, NFSB gives gift baskets filled with food for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to clients who are...

When Braden Somers found out 40% of clients of The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) have pets, she went to work with Pantry and Shop Manager Peg Conca to create the Fur Pet’s Sake pet pantry. Despite the increase in food insecurity due to the pandemic, local families no longer have to worry...

The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is going through an exciting transition. We’re no longer handing out prepacked bags of food to clients. When clients come to The Pantry, they go shopping! “Everything clients bring home is something they’ve seen and chosen,” said Pantry Assistant Manager Joan Roake. “They choose their own proteins...

We’re happy to see that more and more people view mental health as an important part of overall wellness. As a result, more people are actively seeking counseling to learn how to cope with difficult relationships, work stress, grief, substance use, and other challenges. More medical doctors are referring people to us for counseling. After...

The stars have aligned, and the timing is perfect. People are back in stores, inventory is overflowing, thrifting has never been more popular, and most people still prefer to shop during evening and weekend hours. That’s why we’re excited to announce expanded hours at The Thrift Shop at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) at 169...

Since leaving Queens for Nutley in the 1950s, Loretta Kwapniewski has been the quintessential Nutley “lifer.” She worked for the Township of Nutley in the recreation department for 36 years and in the public works department for another 10 years. After nearly a half-century serving the people of Nutley, Loretta was ready to retire and...

On July 16, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline was made available to all landline and cell phone users as mandated by the federal government. The goal is to reduce the number of negative outcomes by filling gaps in mental health crisis care. “People experiencing a crisis or any mental health-related stress were going without...

You could say Siri Bhat has become quite the authority on teen volunteering opportunities at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB). Now a senior at Nutley High School, Siri has been volunteering at NFSB since her freshman year. Siri spent three hours every Wednesday all summer volunteering at The Shop and The Pantry. Last year, she...

When Sheldrake Lukas and Xandt Wyntreez bumped into a member of the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) board of trustees at a dinner party in 2018, they had no idea the chance meeting would turn into annual performances at The Garden Party. In fact, they weren’t sure how their talents would be used at such...

The first step to a successful school year is having the right supplies. Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is partnering with the Nutley Education Foundation (NEF) to make sure students are prepared to learn from day one with our annual “We’ve Got Your Back” backpack drive! The NEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in...

Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is proud to award the first Bedford Scholarship to Alyssa Ostrowski of Nutley High School’s Class of 2022. The $1,000 scholarship is named for Ruth Bedford, a decades-long NFSB board member who was affectionately known by many as the matriarch of Nutley, and will be awarded to each year to...

After graduating from Nutley High School, Emilie attended Rutgers University – Newark before moving to Berkeley College, where she earned associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration. While pursuing her associate’s degree, Emilie first joined NFSB as an intern. “I started as an administrative intern in the mental health office, receiving phone calls and making...

Recent Nutley High School graduate Fiorella Rivera has been awarded the first-ever LoCurcio Scholarship from Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB). Named for the LoCurcio family, who have been actively involved with NFSB for decades, the $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to one student who has volunteered at NFSB. “One thing I love about volunteering...

When school breaks for summer, it’s not uncommon for teens to abandon any kind of schedule. They may stay up late using their phones or gaming systems and sleep half the day away. There tends to be way too much screen time. While it’s completely normal for kids to relax during summer break, maintaining a...

The Mountsier-Hardie Garden in Nutley is private and generally not open to the public with the exception of a few special events sprinkled throughout the year. The Garden Party is one of those special events. Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) invites you to The Garden Party at Mountsier-Hardie Garden, 205 Rutgers Place in Nutley, on...

Since being introduced as Nutley Family Service Bureau’s (NFSB’s) first Case Management Coordinator about a year ago, Molly Clark, MSW (Master of Social Work) has developed close relationships with many of our clients, especially in the senior community. Molly has been the go-to resource and advocate for people who need help navigating social programs, filling...

Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) was recently awarded an Inclusive Healthy Communities grant for $60,000 from the New Jersey Division of Disability Services. This funding will support a Blueprint for Building an Inclusive & Healthier Nutley Township. NFSB was one of just 12 new recipients of this grant in the State of New Jersey. Through...

Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) has introduced $1,000 scholarships named for community leaders and long-time NFSB supporters Ruth Bedford and the LoCurcio family. We are proud to award the Bedford Scholarship to Alyssa Ostrowski and the LoCurcio Scholarship to Fiorella Rivera! Alyssa and Fiorella are members of the 2022 graduating class of Nutley High School...

The Shop at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) invites you to the annual Holiday in July Sale, July 11-23 during regular Shop hours. This year’s event will feature fall and winter holiday items, from Halloween and Thanksgiving to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa! Each year, the Holiday in July Sale features new and gently used items...

Over the course of a six-week span, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) hosted three of our biggest events of the year – the Scouting for Food Town-Wide Food Drive, A Night at the Races, and Rock Hunger V. Thanks to the outpouring of support from the Nutley community, all three have been remarkably successful. Let’s...

Local, community-based nonprofits like Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) rely on volunteers for both day-to-day tasks and special events that support the organization’s mission. Without volunteers, local nonprofits would struggle to survive. Of course, volunteering is hardly a one-way street. Research has shown that people who volunteer feel better about themselves. They feel a sense...

Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is excited to announce that we are going through an accreditation process that will ensure all areas of the organization are functioning according to best practices. We’re partnering with Social Current (formerly Council on Accreditation), which has been accrediting human service organizations for decades, to navigate this process. The accreditation...

When State Farm Neighborhood Assist announced it would award $25,000 grants to 100 nonprofits across the country, about 4,000 organizations submitted applications. When Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) was named one of just 200 finalists, State Farm left it to the supporters of these organizations to decide who would receive the grants. The Nutley Community...

It’s no secret that the lack of socialization during the pandemic has been difficult to handle. The breakdown of social circles left many people feeling isolated. Although society is learning to live with the pandemic and most restrictions have been lifted, it can be difficult to understand how to act or what to do next...

June is Hunger Awareness Month. According to the Food Research and Action Center, about one in 12 households in New Jersey experienced food insecurity in 2020. Essex County is among the top 10 counties in New Jersey for food-insecure homes. Although Nutley residents have better access to food stores than other communities in the area...

There are many programs available to help local residents cover healthcare and prescription drug costs. We’ve explained several of these programs in recent posts to the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) Facebook page. The NFSB Case Management Program is available to help local residents understand and navigate these programs. Rather than simply explaining what to...

Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is excited to continue its free Mental Health Monthly Workshop Series with “Self-Harming Behaviors,” a presentation focused on how to identify non-suicidal, self-injury behaviors and support teens with healthy coping skills. This community education event will be held on Wednesday, June 8 at 7 pm at the NFSB Conference Room...

Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) recently welcomed Heather Amendola as Assistant Manager of The Shop. With experience in retail, customer service, and graphic design, the 2017 graduate of Nutley High School is excited to share her passion for fashion, art, and thrifting with the Nutley community. Peg Conca, Shop and Pantry Manager at NFSB shared...

You know an annual event is a hit when people in the local community relive their favorite memories throughout the year and constantly ask about the next one. More people attend each year, and more money is raised for a worthy cause. One thing about this particular event makes it a little different than the...

Right around the corner from Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), Nutley Senior Manor provides low-income housing for area older adults. Individuals who are eligible for housing at Nutley Senior Manor are probably eligible for other social programs and services as well. Many are on a fixed income that’s based on the amount of money they...

State Farm Neighborhood Assist will award $25,000 grants to 100 causes across the country. Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) has been named one of 200 finalists among approximately 4,000 submissions. That means we have a 50-50 chance to win a $25,000 grant! You can vote 10 times per day through Friday, May 6, 2022 on...

Denise Roman’s first major event as a volunteer for Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) was A Night at the Races in 2019. To say she was blown away would be an understatement. “There was so much energy in the room,” Denise said. “Dave (Popkin, NFSB trustee and professional sportscaster, currently serving as a radio announcer...

People of all ages, including young children and teens, may have difficulty talking about certain topics. When talk therapy isn’t working, expressive therapies may be able to help. “I like to think of expressive therapies as other languages that can be used in therapy,” said Jessica Hauck, LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor), ATR (Registered Art Therapist)...

The Nutley Family Services Bureau (NFSB) is excited to kick off its free Mental Health Monthly Workshop Series with “Help for Family and Friends,” a presentation focused on coping with mental health and substance use disorders. This community education event will be held on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 pm at The Knights of Columbus...

Two years into the pandemic, children continue to struggle with anxiety, triggered by what they see at home, at school, and in their social interactions. While parents typically do everything possible to shield their children from any type of serious danger, threat, or trauma, Covid has touched everyone on some level. Avoiding Covid has been...

Clients of The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) will be seeing a lot more of a familiar face. Joan Roake, a constant presence at both The Pantry and The Shop at NFSB, has been named Assistant Pantry Manager, a move that will allow her to focus exclusively on The Pantry and the over...

It may seem hard to believe, but the inaugural A Night at the Races fundraiser to benefit Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) was held nearly three years ago. More than 200 people attended on that April night in 2019 and we raised $8,800, far exceeding our expectations. Ever since then, people have been asking when...

The Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) family is excited to announce its new Mental Health Monthly Workshop Series, a free program of events that will be led by the NFSB mental health program staff. Workshops will be held on the second Wednesday of the month at The Knights of Columbus Community Room at 150 Chestnut...

As Margit Rademacher affectionately recalls, she “married into Nutley” in 1971. After her son was born in 1975, she started to wonder what she would do with herself when a friend told her about a thrift shop in town that needed volunteers. “When my son was six months old, my grandmother would babysit and I...

Kerry McCann, MPA (Master of Public Administration), MA (Master of Arts), LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor) made the decision to pursue mental health counseling as a career during an internship that involved helping veterans who had suffered traumatic brain injuries. “I dealt with a traumatic brain injury when I was younger and had my own experiences...

Jim Chambers moved to Nutley with his partner, John, 35 years ago. Jim was working on Wall Street as an IT manager and the commute from Nutley was an easy one. Little did he know at the time what kind of impact Nutley would have on his life. Fast forward to 2018. Jim had retired...

So far this year, the Nutley Family Service Bureau Case Management Program has helped clients gain over $12,000 in yearly benefits including Medicaid, food stamps, gas and electric, and various housing supports. Tom and his family recently became a client of the Nutley Family Service Food Pantry. The Pantry is often the initial touchpoint for...

Carline Dumay, MSW (Master of Social Work), LSW (Licensed Social Worker) attended Kean University as a business major. It wasn’t until an internship at United Way brought her closer to the organization’s impact that she discovered her passion for social work. As an intern in the accounting department, Carline was getting bored, so her supervisor...

When Fernando Vazquez, MSW (Master of Social Work), LSW (Licensed Social Worker) was a high school history teacher in Newark, he earned a reputation as a person who students would feel comfortable seeing if they were dealing with a difficult or confusing situation. “My favorite part of being a teacher was counseling kids,” Fernando said...

Madeline called Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) seeking therapy after losing her husband to suicide. When Madeline came to her first therapy session, She felt lost, angry, and terrified as she grappled with the loss of her husband and the thought of being a single parent to their young son. She had so many unanswered...

The biggest challenge faced by The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is keeping fresh items in stock. We need to stock each shelf in our refrigerator and freezer with enough milk, eggs, cheese, meat, and poultry to meet the needs of the community, but this is an ongoing challenge because these items are...

Ryan is a 20-year-old college student who started individual therapy services with NFSB during the pandemic with the hopes of improving his academic performance and relationship with his family. Ryan is close with his mother and younger siblings but felt increasingly isolated during the COVID pandemic, forced to participate in his college courses remotely and...

As part of our ongoing fight against food insecurity in our community, The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) holds bi-weekly food distributions on Wednesdays from 2-5 and Thursdays from 10-1. For those residents who are unable to come to us, especially our senior friends, we bring food directly to them through our home...

Kelly Rivadeneyra (Master of Social Work), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) always had an interest in social work. Her interest grew as a double major in psychology and criminal justice at Rutgers University, but it wasn’t until she started working at an adolescent residential treatment center that she truly found her calling. “I felt like...

In recent years, food distributions have been held at The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm and Thursday s from 10 am to 1 pm. Distributions moved outdoors during the pandemic to allow for proper distancing but have returned indoors. While food distributions continue to be...

People were up to their waist in water. Hurricane Ida left its mark all over Nutley. Homes and businesses were flooded. Fallen tree branches covered the ground. Abandoned cars were submerged in water up to the windows. When the Nutley community faces such a crisis, residents know they can turn to Nutley Family Service Bureau...

According to CDC research, emergency room visits for suspected suicide attempts by girls ages 12-17 increased 26 percent during summer 2020 and 50 percent during winter 2021 from the same periods in 2019. Researchers point out that “disturbances in our social rhythms significantly increase the risk – even predict – the development of major depressive...

“Gone away is the bluebird here to stay is the new bird” After the adversity we’ve faced over the past two years, who’s ready to start putting it in the past and celebrate the arrival of the holiday season? At Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), we invite you to face unafraid the plans that we’ve...

The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is receiving support from large and small businesses, schools, scouts, and local families to make Thanksgiving extra special for everyone this year. The NFSB 2021 Thanksgiving Initiative will include a massive Turkey Drive and food basket distribution for clients of The Pantry and local seniors. We’re excited...

Infertility is a problem for about 10-15 percent of couples of reproductive age. Although there is a higher rate among women in their late 30s and early 40s struggling with infertility, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) clinicians see younger women in their 20s who are dealing with infertility. “Many people who are struggling to have...

What do clinicians Victoria Bukey, Molly Clark, Jessica Hauck, Kerry McCann, Laura Munoz-Torres, and Fernando Vasquez have in common? They all got their start with the Mental Health Counseling Program at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) through our graduate internship program. Together, they represent more than half of our staff! “We’re very proud of the...

The pandemic has made an already challenging housing situation even more difficult. People who lost their jobs or had no other choice but to leave their jobs to care for children may be facing eviction or foreclosure. Meanwhile, the average price of homes has increased dramatically since last year. To make matters worse, Section 8...

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) has seen an increase in couples therapy. Managing families during this time has created a heavy burden of stress, especially in families with children. One or both parents were forced to work from home and manage remote learning for children. People lost jobs...

As a psychology major at the College of St. Elizabeth (now St. Elizabeth University), Laura Munoz-Torres took art classes as both a creative outlet and a reward of sorts for all her hard work in her psychology classes. “Art helped me find balance,” Laura said. “My professor actually told me I should be an art...

There has been a stereotype for decades that paints a certain picture of people with food insecurity issues. This picture shows people who are food insecure because of their own poor decisions or have always just depended on social services to survive. As with most stereotypes, this picture is inaccurate. Food insecurity does not discriminate...

Early in the pandemic during lockdowns, some people would joke about how many empty bottles of wine and other alcohol they would see in their neighbor’s recycling bin. Given the level of stress and anxiety brought on by the pandemic, we’ve seen firsthand at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) how jokes can quickly turn to...

Jessica Hauck, LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor), ATR-P (Provisional Registered Art Therapist) was always interested in art therapy as a modality when she was younger. When she went to the College of New Jersey, however, she decided to pursue her undergraduate degree in fine arts with the goal of becoming an artist. It wasn’t until a...

A young girl who we’ll call Grace was a familiar face at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB). Grace’s family sought counseling for her more than a year earlier when she was having difficulty at school. Over the course of her counseling, Grace developed such a close therapeutic relationship with her clinician that she shared that...

Siri Bhat, a junior at Nutley High School and member of the local Girl Scouts, started volunteering at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) a couple years ago. Since then, she has been a familiar face at The Shop, The Pantry, and various NFSB events. When it was time for Siri to pursue her Gold Award...

True to our philosophy of responsivity to community needs, Nutley Family Service Bureau adapted across the organization to the many challenges of operating in a time of pandemic. One of the major ways we maintained service delivery was via Telehealth counseling. Teletherapy, also known as online therapy, e-therapy, or video therapy, is delivered via secure virtual...

Seniors in our community have been affected more by COVID-19 than any other group. Need for social services in particular has never been higher, and the team at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is eager to guide seniors through what is often a complicated process. “When seniors get a letter from their insurance company, Medicare...

The return of popular live events in 2021 continues as Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) presents The Garden Party at the spectacular Mountsier-Hardie Garden in Nutley. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, September 12 from 4 pm to 7 pm and feature food from top local restaurants, an eclectic mix of music and...

In 2017, Dorothy Huey asked the person behind the counter at a local bakery what they do with their bread at the end of the day. The person said any leftovers are thrown out. “I know bakeries can only put out fresh bread each day, but I didn’t realize the bread that wasn’t sold was...

When most people think of volunteering, they focus on the “feel good” aspect of helping others and supporting a worthy cause. There’s no doubt that volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities one could experience. At Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), we’ve also seen how the benefits of volunteering support a person’s overall wellness...

Prepare for Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) to be transformed into a winter wonderland on Friday and Saturday, July 16 and 17 as we host the annual Holiday in July Sale! This year’s festivities will be held outside for the first time to allow for more people to shop comfortably and find the holiday items...

For many years, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) has offered case management services to assist members of the community with food insecurity, housing, financial assistance, home care, and other important services. To enhance the case management program and ensure that clients receive the help they need, NFSB recently introduced Molly Clark, MSW (Master of Social...

Submitted by Dave Popkin, Board of Trustees Openings for two-person teams still remain for the inaugural Bedford Golf Classic, a fundraiser to benefit the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) on Monday, July 12 at Glen Ridge Country Club. The event is named in honor of Ruth Bedford, affectionately known as the matriarch of Nutley. Ruth...

Submitted by Dr. Taji Karim-Reisch, Board of Trustees Pride is a deep connectedness to oneself and a belongingness within a community. The month of June celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Allies and Pansexual (LGBTQIAAP) PRIDE. Over the last decade, the acronym evolved to be inclusive of all identities. Prior to the late...

Since the pandemic, many school systems have made social-emotional learning a higher priority to help children process what’s happening, learn self-regulation and conflict resolution, and become more resilient. Recognizing this need, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) introduced the POWER of PEACE Program for elementary-aged students. As we discussed in a previous article, PEACE is an...

Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) has enjoyed a long, mutually beneficial partnership with Nutley Public Schools, providing students, families, and staff with valuable resources right in their own backyard. “I think it’s very reassuring for the schools to know we’re here for them and can help at a moment’s notice,” said Staela Keegan, MSW, LCSW...

Joan Roake’s daughter was a volunteer at The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At this point, many of the senior volunteers had to take a step back due to safety concerns, and her daughter was asked to help. That’s when Joan started volunteering at NFSB. “Because my daughter...

Just months before the pandemic, Anne came to Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) because she was having a hard time overcoming the death of her husband of 40 years. She has no children, so losing her husband left every area of her life empty. Anne had tried a grief group through a hospital but felt...

NUTLEY IS “GOING GREEN” IN HONOR OF MENTAL HEALTH MONTHTake the Pledge to support our Stigma Free Community May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in recognition, John V. Kelly and the Nutley Public Affairs and Health Department, in partnership with the Nutley Family Service Bureau , invite and encourage individuals to join them in...

In the previous article, we discussed the challenges faced by parents who believe their children might have a learning disability and could benefit from special education services. The most important thing to remember is that learning disabilities are very common. A learning disability isn’t caused by poor parenting and it doesn’t mean something is wrong...

Published by Nutley Neighbors, June 2021 –Submitted by Emma Cortese, Board of Trustees Nutley will be rockin’ on June 5th for the Nutley Family Service Bureau’s Rock Hunger IV live band extravaganza! The fundraiser is the brainchild of Dave Popkin, currently the chair of the Development Committee and a Vice President on the Board of...

As a parent, you can tell when something doesn’t seem quite right with your child. Perhaps they don’t want to do homework or go to school. Maybe they have trouble making friends or managing emotions. A teacher may have expressed concern about academic performance or disruptive behavior. This can trigger a number of thoughts for...

After a one-year hiatus, Rock Hunger is back! Rock Hunger IV, an outdoor concert to benefit the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), will be held Saturday, June 5 at 1 pm at the Old Canal Inn, 2 East Passaic Avenue in Nutley, NJ. This year’s lineup of bands is the biggest ever, featuring The Attic...

Did you know one in 10 children in the U.S. live in a household with at least one grandparent? In fact, more than one-third of grandparents (35 percent) who live with a grandchild are the primary caregivers. Grandparents are more relied upon today as caregivers than in previous generations. This can happen for a variety...

At Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), people often come to The Center thinking their problems exist in an individual vacuum. Someone might say something like, “I’ve been depressed” or “my child is misbehaving at school” and look at the issue from the perspective of an individual. At NFSB, we use family therapy to help individuals...

A Nutley resident since 1983, Ken Cibelli had been receiving mailings from Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) for years and sending donations from time to time. In 2017, he finally reached out to NFSB and offered to volunteer. “In the back of my mind, I always thought about getting involved because the Bureau seemed like...

If you were to say that volunteering is in Denise Roman’s DNA, that would not be an exaggeration. Denise started volunteering when she was just 17 years old. A Nutley resident for 22 years, Denise has volunteered for organizations in Nutley and throughout the county, from supporting VFW Post 493 as auxiliary chaplain, to Our...

April is National Volunteer Month. It’s a month dedicated to celebrating volunteerism and honoring those who give so much of themselves to help others. At Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), the Food Pantry and Thrift Shop rely heavily on volunteers to support the services that are provided to the Nutley community. “Volunteers gave over 12,000...

The Scouting for Food program continued a remarkable, record-breaking streak in 2019 with 34,046 food items donated. This nearly doubled the number of items donated just three years earlier. Although the coronavirus halted this momentum in 2020, local Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops are eager to start Scouting for Food in 2021, especially with...

While the pandemic has forced all of us into isolation to some degree, children in particular have been struggling from the lack of interactions. In fact, COVID-19 has created an additional layer of isolation that has made the problem worse. “Family isolation is something we had rarely seen in kids until the pandemic,” said Jessica...

Did you know anxiety disorders affect 18.1 percent of Americans, according to the Anxiety and Depression Society of America, making anxiety the most common mental illness in the United States? “Everyone goes through a time in their life when they experience symptoms of anxiety,” said Staela Keegan, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, Interim Director of Clinical Services...

Published by Nutley Neighbors, March 2021 –Submitted by Emma Cortese, PhD, NFSB Board of Trustees Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. (NFSB) is a local nonprofit mental health and social service organization working tirelessly to help our clients during the current pandemic crisis. Our Food Pantry is focused particularly on food insecurity at this time. The...

Submitted by Joyce Corey | Published by Nutley Neighbors, February 2011 Issue    Throughout the pandemic, there has been a constant conversation about how to make good use of one’s time. Coach Michael Blanchard is trying his best to do that for the over 90 wrestlers in the Nutley Jr. Raiders wrestling program.    “We...

Pantry Is Resource For Rising Food InsecurityBy Emma Cortese, NFSB Trustee and PR Chair Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc., (NFSB), serving the Nutley community for over 100 years, is a local nonprofit working tirelessly to help our clients during this pandemic crisis. A recent article in the Nutley Sun, Many Experiencing NJ Food Pantries For...

Where to Turn for Food Insecurity NeedsPublished by Greater Newark Holiday Fund, December 2020 Mitch T. came in person to Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) administrative offices in desperate need of direction. He hadn’t received an unemployment check for months; as a result, he was in arears for rent and had not a penny for...

Battling Bipolar Disorder With NFSBPublished by Greater Newark Holiday Fund, December 2020 Billy N, a middle-aged man with an early diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, came to Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) after several psychiatric hospitalizations which corresponded with his father’s death and mother’s unrelenting anxious focus. Billy described a childhood during which the presentation of...

A message from the Nutley Family Service Bureau Director of Clinical Services and Programming, Joe Armentano, MSW, LCSW With the holidays and end of the year upon us, most of us find ourselves caught between the urgency of the moment to get all things done and “wrapped-up,” and the opportunity to reflect on a fresh...

PNHS Patriot Club celebrates veterans and their service on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 at 7:00 pm, Nutley High School. Admission is free to veterans and the public. Each veteran in attendance will be recognized with a certificate of appreciation. The program includes patriotic music, NHS Choir performances, and multi-media presentations. Following the ceremony there will...

Success With School ChallengesPublished by Greater Newark Holiday Fund, November 2020 Lilah, a 7-year-old second grader, is described by her parents as a bright, charming and unique child who struggled to enjoy school and relate to her peers. Concerns grew when she would return home form school and express how much she disliked being there...

New NFSB Executive Director Leads Thanksgiving InitiativePublished by Nutley Neighbors, November 2020 –Submitted by Emma Cortese, PhD, NFSB Board of Trustees The Nutley Family Service Bureau Board of Trustees welcomes Katherine Carmichael, MS.Ed, MSW, LSW, as our new Executive Director. Ms. Carmichael comes to the position as a 20-year administrative leader within non-profit organizations supporting...

Therapist Viewpoint For The Holidays – Relationship Triangles and Defining A Self (Originally posted on HealingProse.com)Vincent Fitzgerald, NFSB Clinician, MSW Fordham University, LCSW, is a member of the mental health community for 20 years during which he has worked with the mentally ill/chemically addicted (MICA) population, served as a school social worker, and psychiatric screener/mobile...

The Makings of a Thanksgiving Meal at Nutley Family Service BureauPublished By Nutley Neighbors, November 2019Submitted by Emma Cortese, PhD, NFSB Board MemberNutley Family Service Bureau’s goal is to decrease the impact of food insecurity in households by providing a nutritious and dependable resource for family meals. USDA data for 2018 shows that over 11%...

Nutley Family Service Bureau: Responding In A Time Of CrisisPublished By Nutley Neighbors, October 2020Submitted by Emma Cortese, Public Relations Chair, NFSB Board MemberConsistent with our mission of responsiveness to the community, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is addressing the unprecedented challenges associated with COVID-19. NFSB is dedicated to providing services and creating workable solutions...

Old Canal Inn was celebrating Oktoberfest with a Food Drive Festival for NFSB. It was a day of fun with crafts, music, foods that everybody enjoys, and many local businesses supported the effort on Saturday, September 21st, from 12 to 6 pm. All celebrated Oktoberfest and could bring a donation to stock the NFSB Food...

Self Care Is Not Just About “Self” (Originally posted on HealingProse.com)Vincent Fitzgerald, NFSB Clinician, MSW Fordham University, LCSW, is a member of the mental health community for 20 years during which he has worked with the mentally ill/chemically addicted (MICA) population, served as a school social worker, and psychiatric screener/mobile crisis outreach worker. In the eight...

Pre-teen suicide rates are rising at an alarming rate. Dr. Debra Wentz, president/CEO NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies states that there is often tremendous pressure to succeed, which causes teen ages and young adults to feel increasingly more isolated and hopeless and contributes to the rising rates of suicide. Further, through various...

Allowing Elderly Loved Ones to Express Anxiety During COVID-19 (Originally posted on HealingProse.com)Vincent Fitzgerald, NFSB Clinician, MSW Fordham University, LCSW, is a member of the mental health community for 20 years during which he has worked with the mentally ill/chemically addicted (MICA) population, served as a school social worker, and psychiatric screener/mobile crisis outreach worker. We are...

Volunteers from Nutley Educational Foundation (NEF), Girl Scout Troop 20759, and the community gathered to organize all of the donations to the 3rd Annual NEF “We’ve Got Your Back” backpack drive. Thanks to the generosity of our community we were able to surpass our goal and STUFF 90 brand new backpacks with supplies! Local students...

Many hands pitched in to upgrade the landscaping at the NFSB Annex located at 169 Chestnut Street. NFSB volunteers were joined by members of Liquid Church to “dig in” with Pastor Jim Gottshall, leading the effort. Liquid Church has been a long time supporter of NFSB’s programs and services. Plants for the new landscaping were...

Nutley Family Service Bureau partnered with the Nutley Scouts and 120 enthusiastic volunteers to receive over 28,000 non perishable food items. With your help, bags of food donations were collected, dropped off and processed from Saturday, March 30th, at the Franklin Reformed Church, 45 Hillside Crescent, Nutley, NJ 07110. Processing the items for the Food...

Why “CAN’T” is Not Allowed in My Therapy Room (Originally posted on TapInto Nutley) Many of us enter therapy struggling with external locus of control. We blame partners for dysfunctional relationships, accuse the universe of conspiring against us, or suggest demons assume command of our behavior. When these premises arise in therapy, I strive to...

Carts of Caring, a ministry of Franklin Reformed Church, Nutley, marched in the township’s 100th Memorial Day Parade to collect non-perishable food for the Nutley Family Services Food Pantry. Members of the congregation marched along the parade route with shopping carts on loan from Nutley Park Shop Rite. Parade viewers could put their food donations...

Established by the National Education Association, Read Across America Day is held annually to encourage children of all ages to read with the help of parents, teachers, and other community members. And what better day to hold a school-wide reading celebration than March 2nd, in honor of children’s book author Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Eileen Painter...

Self Care Is Not Just About “Self” (Originally posted on HealingProse.com)Vincent Fitzgerald, NFSB Clinician, MSW Fordham University, LCSW, is a member of the mental health community for 20 years during which he has worked with the mentally ill/chemically addicted (MICA) population, served as a school social worker, and psychiatric screener/mobile crisis outreach worker. In the...

The IndieFlix Original documentary “LIKE”, an exploration of social media’s impact on our lives and the related effects on the human brain, is followed by panel discussion. The one-hour screening presented by the Nutley Educational Foundation, in partnership with the Nutley Public School District, will be followed by a panel discussion including NFSB Trustee and...

A donation of new stuffed animals to NFSB for holiday distribution spread the giving and good cheer, Compliments of Nutley Rescue Squad and the Pet Smart of Kearny, NJ. Hand delivered by Chief Pugliese, Lt. Suarez and Marianne Zurawski...

The Deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain Remind Us Hopelessness Disregards Wealth and Fame (Originally posted on TapInto Nutley) When Anthony Bourdain died by suicide three days after Kate Spade, I read social media grumblings by people insulted the rich and famous would choose to “leave it all behind,” and I was reminded we...

Chico’s Clothing Store, at the Promenade Shops at Clifton, was holding its first onsite Fashion Show to benefit Nutley Family Service Bureau. All attendees made a cash donation or a gently-used clothing donation to attend. The event was Sunday, November 24th, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, at the Route 3 West location. All enjoyed...