NJ Now

A look at the support available for children living with autism! In addition to the programs to assist the neurodiverse community, we must also focus on the unique challenges faced by those raising autistic children. Julie Mower, Executive Director of the Phoenix Center in Nutley, New Jersey, talks about how they are making an impact int eh community. Also, according to the New Jersey State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System, overdose deaths among New Jersey residents declined in 2023 to 2,816, down from 3,171 in 2022. For those survivors, the journey to recover begins. A peer recovery specialist is not only there to provide much-needed support, but can also share a first-hand experience of recovery from a substance use disorder. Breyonna Kelton, Program Director for the New Jersey Prevention Network’s Peer Support Program, discusses the training available to become a peer recovery specialist. And, the issue of homelessness! Last year as part of NJ Counts, advocates found that 12,680 people, representing 9,148 households, were living in shelters, hotels and motels, safe-haven programs, transitional housing, and on the street during the state’s annual assessment. The annual Point-In-Time Count took place earlier this year with the final report set to be released later this year. Taiisa Kelly, CEO of Monarch Housing Associates discusses the possibility of those numbers rising.