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Gloucester County HSAC approves minutes, hears $95,000 shelter request and budget brief
Summary
At its March 19 meeting, the Gloucester County Human Services Advisory Council approved its February minutes, heard a CEAS report that included a $95,000 shelter support request from Hannah’s House, and was briefed on proposed state budget changes affecting SNAP administration and a new program called SPARK. The council set a May agenda item to review a planning brief on the governor’s budget.
Chair Lisa Cerny called the Gloucester County Human Services Advisory Council to order at 4:00 p.m. on March 19, 2026, in Sewell and the council approved the February 19 minutes after a motion from Lisa Conley and a second from Elmoria Thomas.
The council’s Comprehensive Emergency Assistance System (CEAS) update reported approval of letters of support and review of pending shelter support applications. Lisa Cerny said Hannah’s House applied for $95,000 to replace basement floors and ceiling and to upgrade exterior steps, ventilation and alarm doors. The report also noted two Social Services for Veteran Families applications from Soldier On and Catholic Charities and signaled a coordinated-entry revamp by SJCoC with system-wide and county training events scheduled for late April.
Jennifer Rodriguez told the council that the Committee on Missing and Abused Children (COMA) heard a presentation about FindHelp, an online clearinghouse being implemented by Inspira Health, and that COMA will post an online resource on the Child Advocacy Center’s webpage. Rodriguez said the committee revised an education survey to circulate with the county superintendent in the fall and has Speaker’s Bureau presentations wrapping up by month’s end.
Michelle Pandolfo reported the planning committee met before the council and will prepare a brief for HSAC’s May meeting outlining priority areas. Pandolfo highlighted state budget items the committee is tracking, including proposed changes to SNAP administration, the lapse of the NJ4S program, and a proposed new program called SPARK; the committee said it is monitoring federal HR 1 developments as well.
Joan Dillon said the state child-care request sought $30 million but the current proposal included $18 million; she plans to testify at a March 30 hearing seeking the remaining $12 million and will share her testimony with the planning committee. Child-care committee updates also noted CPAC openings limited to targeted groups (TANF, homeless and DCPP families) and a Start Strong virtual launch.
DHS staff briefed the council on service coordination work, including Project Connect (launched in 2023) to bolster discharge supports for youth with suicide attempts or ideation; staff reported an 86% referral follow-through rate. Staff also offered to arrange a presentation from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute about Medicaid support services and noted that the department’s new commissioner is Dr. Stephen Cha.
State child-protection representatives reported ongoing caseloads: Susana Dias (DCPP, Gloucester County West) cited 172 open investigations with 74 families and 89 children in placement, and Danielle Alia (DCPP, Gloucester County East) reported 71 children in placement, 596 children served overall and 122 intake referrals.
During the public comment period Dan Jurman of United Way of Gloucester County described a recent forum with funded agencies aimed at strengthening collaboration and developing implementation timelines; the council heard no other public comments.
In new business, Joan Dillon announced Glassboro Child Development Center had been awarded a Career Accelerator Internship Program Grant that funds paid internships for up to eight interns at 20 hours per week and $20 per hour for the summer; Dillon said five slots are filled and the program will post applications on Monday with placements completed by April 10. Chair Lisa Cerny announced the county food drive pickup scheduled for April 6 (collection to begin the week of March 30 and earlier at county buildings around March 23). Gina Ridge previewed county outreach for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, including a Take Back the Night event at Rowan University on April 6.
The council adjourned after a motion from Joan Dillon and a second from Elmoria Thomas. HSAC’s next in-person meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at 204 E. Holly Ave., Sewell.
