{"id":2622,"date":"2023-06-29T19:47:56","date_gmt":"2023-06-29T19:47:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/?page_id=2622"},"modified":"2024-10-03T12:20:08","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T12:20:08","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-subtle-background-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile tw-stack-md tw-media-bottom\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 54%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading tw-eyebrow\">Department of Human Services<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enhancing Quality of Life by Delivering Comprehensive Services and Support Programs<\/h2>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/06\/DSC_8818-1024x493.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3473 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/06\/DSC_8818-1024x493.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/06\/DSC_8818-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/06\/DSC_8818-768x370.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/06\/DSC_8818-1536x740.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/06\/DSC_8818-1200x578.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/06\/DSC_8818-1980x953.jpg 1980w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/06\/DSC_8818.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-center\">About the Department<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tw-text-wide wp-block-paragraph\">Union County Department of Human Services (UCDHS) provides a wide range of critical services to county residents. The department&#8217;s primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities by delivering comprehensive services and support programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tw-text-wide wp-block-paragraph\">UCDHS offers assistance to vulnerable populations, including low-income families, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. The department provides services such as food assistance, housing support, child welfare, employment and training, and emergency assistance. We offer healthcare access, including preventative and primary care services, and provide transportation to medical appointments for eligible residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tw-text-wide wp-block-paragraph\">UCDHS has a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to helping people achieve self-sufficiency and independence. Their staff includes social workers, case managers, counselors, and other specialists who work collaboratively to address the unique needs of each client. The department also partners with community-based organizations and other agencies to ensure that individuals and families receive the best possible support and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tw-text-wide wp-block-paragraph\">In summary, the Union County Department of Human Services plays a vital role in promoting the well-being of county residents by providing essential services and support programs to those who need it most. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community. We are committed to helping vulnerable populations achieve self-sufficiency and independence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-subtle-background-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Our Executive Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-justify-center has-text-align-center tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/10\/DAA-headshot-1980x1980.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading tw-mb-2 has-h-5-font-size\">Debbie-Ann Anderson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Director<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Karen-Small-Photo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3779\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Karen-Small-Photo.jpg 640w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Karen-Small-Photo-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading tw-mb-2 has-h-5-font-size\">Karen Dinsmore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Assistant Director<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3780\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2-1980x1980.jpg 1980w, https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/10\/Melissa-Lespinasse-Head-Shot-DHS-2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading tw-mb-2 has-h-5-font-size\">Melissa Lespinasse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Assistant Director<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-center has-subtle-background-background-color has-background\">Our Mission<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Empower all Union County individuals, families and communities to achieve their highest level of self-sufficiency and quality of life using an accessible, inclusive and comprehensive approach to service delivery and care.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-center has-subtle-background-background-color has-background\">Our Vision<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">An integrated system of services in which partners work together to provide programs that improve the lives of Union County residents and strengthen communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-center tw-mb-9 has-subtle-background-background-color has-background\">Our Values<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Client Experience<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We respect and honor the diversity, rights, and dignity of each other and those that we serve. Potential and existing clients have high quality interactions with staff that are consistent, accurate, and timely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-ce42b960 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Community Engagement<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.67%;flex-basis:66.67%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We seek community partnerships built on trust, respect, and clear communication to enhance the services provided to Union County residents<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Innovation<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We foster an environment that encourages evaluating service delivery methods to maximize efficiency and leverage rapidly advancing technology<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Responsiveness<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We are responsible community leaders and take effective action in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Employee Excellence<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We are committed to supporting employee growth and development to promote engaged employees and a culture of excellence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Accountability<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We strive to be caring and competent by making decisions openly, while providing quality services and managing public resources efficiently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Transparency<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We maintain an open dialogue with the public, providers and our staff regarding practices, standards and outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Communication<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We are responsive to clients and partners; proactive in addressing concerns and diligent about providing information to the public, families and other stakeholders<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide tw-gutter-large is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:33.33%;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-right\">Trust<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"--col-width:66.66%;flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"tw-mb-7 wp-block-paragraph\">We cultivate an environment of honesty and integrity while maintaining the highest level of professional conduct, honesty and integrity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Department of Human Services Enhancing Quality of Life by Delivering Comprehensive Services and Support Programs About the Department Union County Department of Human Services (UCDHS) provides a wide range of critical services to county residents. The department&#8217;s primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities by delivering comprehensive services&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"tw-no-title.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_crdt_document":"","content-type":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2622","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"1970-01-01 00:00:00","action":"","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","browser_timezone_offset":0},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2622","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2622"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2622\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2622"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}