65-Year-Old Mental Health Nonprofit In Critical Need Of Funds In Somerset County

BOUND BROOK, NJ — For more than six decades, Family & Community Services of Somerset County (FCSSC) has served as a lifeline to individuals grappling with mental health challenges and substance abuse issues.

Now they find themselves in a financial crisis and are asking the community for help to keep their doors open.

"We are, in my opinion, the first place so many folks turn to," said Executive Director of FCSSC Richard Schumann to Patch. "They know that we accept any real financial situation, and certainly, whenever we're able to, we have a Spanish-speaking clinician to truly meet the needs of the community. I think it would be such a significant loss to the community... We're just a part of this community, and to be ripped out after 65 years of this iteration of us would just be, I think, catastrophic. "

To help keep the nonprofit running, Schumann launched a GoFundMe fundraising website to hopefully raise $25,000.

Founded in 1960, the nonprofit at 339 West 2nd St. in Bound Brook has always had a vision to provide comprehensive support to the community and serve all who seek solace and assistance, regardless of their financial means. They serve clients across various age ranges and geographies, including Somerset, Union, and Essex Counties.

"We operate on a sliding scale. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and private pay. We have a sliding scale for those who have limited financial resources. And though we're certainly not weighted down in administrative costs, you still have to keep the lights on, and unfortunately, the reimbursement rates, in some cases, aren't great, and you're struck," said Schumann.

Schumann noted that the possible Medicaid cuts on the federal level would hurt FCSSC.

"If that changes. I mean, it's not just us. It's going to be everybody. It's going to be assisted livings. It's going to touch everybody if that gets really hammered," said Schumman. "I think I'm just trying to set some of these wheels in motion and not be reactive, God forbid something happened with the Medicaid funding in a significant way. And certainly I don't feel overly confident that it's not going to get hit in some way."

FCSSC also faces another pressing challenge - the need for financial support to attract and retain skilled therapists.

"We're trying to stay competitive, trying to get great clinicians here. Fortunately for them and sadly for us, they have a lot more options now," said Schumann.

Schumann noted that many clinicians could work from home and make more money. However, FCSSC is looking to stay competitive. They recognize the importance of compensating their staff fairly, ensuring that they are valued for their invaluable contributions.

As the demand for mental health services continues to rise, FCSSC stands at a crossroads, grappling with the dilemma of how best to support its staff while serving the needs of the community. Aware of the critical role that licensed therapists play in delivering quality care, FCSSC is determined to secure the resources necessary to offer competitive wages and benefits.

"I just want to make sure that we're still here for the next 65 years," said Schummann.

For more information on FCSSC, visit fcssomerset.org or facebook.com/FCSSomerset. To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/donate-to-make-mental-health-care-accessible-to-all.

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