MORRIS COUNTY — Center for Evaluation and Counseling, Inc. receives grant from Investors Foundation to assist with the cost of providing telehealth services to the children and families they serve in the community.

Center for Evaluation and Counseling, Inc. (CEC) received a $1,000 grant from Investors Foundation, presented to CEC’s Executive Director, Margaret Pittaluga, at CEC’s Sparta office by Alp Akturk, Assistant Vice President at Investors Bank.

During these unprecedented times, CEC has set up telehealth to provide services virtually. The grant will help support the cost of equipment and platforms to maintain the program. Given the current restrictions on families in New Jersey as a result of the public health crisis, telehealth has become the new means to deliver our services. Virtual therapy and other services allow CEC to continue supporting the families they serve. “We are grateful to Investors Bank and Investors Foundation for recognizing the needs we face in serving our community.”

The Center for Evaluation and Counseling is a non-profit mental health agency with an innovative approach and unmatched results. We are advocates for children. We are a community of helping hands, rebuilding the lives of children who have suffered abuse and neglect. Our mission is to provide mental health services to individuals and families in need of a supportive and safe place, free from stigmas, to promote healing and a sense of personal well-being, and to create positive change. We are the experts that offer an innovative professional team to help solves problem in a unique way. To learn more about CEC, please visit our website by clicking here or follow the agency on Facebook – Center for Evaluation and Counseling, Inc., or on Instagram @cecparsippanyandsparta.

About Investors Bank
Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, is a full-service community bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With over $27 billion in assets and a network of more than 150 retail branches, Investors Bank delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors Bank’s services include complete deposit, loan, and cash management products for consumers and businesses. Investors Bank. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

About the Investors Foundation
Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education, and affordable housing. The Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its neighbors and communities across the bank’s footprint.

For more information click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn introduced legislation to extend the time to renew cosmetology and hairstyling licenses due to the impact the coronavirus has had on the industry.

“Hairstylists and cosmetologists are already struggling to work under the restrictions to their business caused by the coronavirus,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “Other licenses that expired during this public health crisis have been granted extensions and this industry should be given the same opportunity.”

Dunn’s bill (A4868) would extend the time to renew a license through the state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling up to four months after the expiration of the public health emergency. Additionally, the renewal fee would be waived. The board requires that cosmetologists and hairstylists renew their licenses every two years.

“I am extremely grateful for Aura Dunn’s introduction of this bill. As a New Jersey salon owner for over 30 years, the shutdown devastated our industry in an unprecedented way,” said Lisa Luciano, owner of Salon Luce in Boonton. “The state board of cosmetology’s expectation that licenses be renewed during the shutdown demonstrates that they gave no thought to the individuals and businesses who were critically affected. This bill will make some headway in remedying that oversight by the state board.”

Gov. Phil Murphy forced more than 10,000 hair salons and barbershops to close between March 19 and June 22 affecting almost 80,000 licensed professionals.

“These employees lost months of wages due to shutdowns and after being permitted to reopen in June, they could only serve a few clients at a time because of capacity limits,” explained Dunn. “We need to allow those whose licenses have expired during the coronavirus to continue to work and earn money.”

In September, graduates of cosmetology schools who have been working under temporary permits were granted a one-year extension because of the suspension of practical examinations during the pandemic.

Dunn’s bill has been referred to the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers. The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of the team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area.

No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation.  All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors.

For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at (732) 850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To apply online as a blood drive volunteer click here.