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NFSB to Launch Inclusive Healthy Communities Center and Empowered Connections Peer Support Program to Support People with Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions
In June of 2022, Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) was one of just 12 new recipients of the IHC Grant Program, an initiative spearheaded by the New Jersey Division of Disability Services to support communities and ensure the voice and needs of individuals with disabilities are included in healthy community planning.
Initially, when NFSB received the IHC Grant, the program focused on conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, forming a Community Advisory Committee, and identifying specific areas of need. Through NFSB’s Inclusive Community Assessment, we identified critical disparities in access to affordable housing, accessible public spaces, and inclusive mental health support. People with disabilities also face additional challenges like ableism and a shortage of trained professionals, which only worsen health disparities. “The assessment found that residents of the Nutley community wanted a shared safe space with a trained professional and their peers for discussion, encouragement, and growth. And a platform where they can access community resources,” said Ayele Kessouagni, IHC Coordinator at NFSB.
From 2023 to 2025, NFSB’s IHC program entered a new phase. The program, which includes a partnership with Nutley Township, Nutley Public Schools, and the Nutley Senior Manor, built upon the previous IHC grant, focused on Disability Awareness training for community groups and municipalities, and launched the Inclusive Mental Health Symposium, focused on addressing accessibility for people with disabilities seeking mental health care in their local communities. In 2025, NFSB again received funding to create a community-based, inclusive mental health training and resource center, which will also include a peer support program. “With the Empowered Connections Peer Support Program, our goal is to empower adult consumers (21 and older) dually diagnosed with mental health disorders and disabilities in Nutley Township and surrounding New Jersey communities to effectively manage symptoms, develop healthy coping skills, and access community resources to foster independence and wellness,” Ayele said.
Introducing the Empowered Connections Peer Support Program
The new Empowered Connections Peer Support Program embedded within the NFSB Inclusive Healthy Communities Center provides non-clinical, person-centered services, including biweekly one-on-one peer coaching, weekly facilitated group peer support, and assistance navigating housing, employment, and treatment resources to promote stability, independence, and overall well-being among adult consumers (21 and older) dually diagnosed with mental health disorders and disabilities in Nutley Township and surrounding New Jersey communities. “As we grow, we hope to be able to cater to young people with mental health disorders and disabilities in Nutley Township and nearby communities,” said Katherine Carmichael, Executive Director of NFSB.
The intended peer support program impact includes:
- Reduce isolation
- Increase community engagement
- Improve emotional and mental well-being
- Improve self-advocacy skills
How to Get Involved
To learn more about joining the Empowered Connections Peer Support Program or the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), contact:
Ayele Kessouagni, MPH
Inclusive Healthy Community Coordinator (IHC)
(973) 542-8276 Ext. 231 Direct
akessouagni@nutleyfamily.orgMeet the Team
Ayele Kessouagni joined Nutley Family Service Bureau in 2025. She graduated from The City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (SPH) with a Master of Public Health (MPH), concentrating in Health Policy and Management. After graduating, Ayele began her professional career as a Viral Hepatitis Health Education/Outreach Program Assistant, where she honed her skills in community health education, communications/design and community organizing. She then transitioned into Community Health Worker and Refugee Health Promotion Case Manager roles. With a strong desire to foster program development at Nutley Family Service Bureau, Ayele is committed to developing, implementing, leading, and evaluating the community-based and virtual Inclusive Health Communities (IHC) Advocacy, Resources and Training Center (IHC Center).
Sita Red joined Nutley Family Service Bureau in 2026. She is a U.S. Army Veteran and a Certified Medical Assistant/ Phlebotomist from William Paterson University. After serving in the U.S. Army for 8 years as a Squad Leader and a Unit Supply Sergeant, where she honed her skills in leadership, operations management, compliance processes, and crisis response. She then transitioned into Office Coordinator, Peer Support Specialist, and Asset Development Coordinator roles. With a strong desire to leverage her lived experience to provide non-clinical recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy at Nutley Family Service Bureau, Sita is committed to empowering consumers who are dually diagnosed with mental health disorders and disabilities to manage symptoms, develop healthy coping skills, and access community resources to foster independence and wellness.
