ALTERNATIVES INC

Alternatives, Inc. offers community mental health services, to those who have a mental health diagnosis including individuals who have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder, through our Community Support Services. Services are provided to individuals residing in Somerset County, who live either on their own or in one of our affordable housing options.

Services are provided by a team of Licensed Clinicians and Case Management staff who utilize a person-centered approach to help clients develop individualized goals and services focused on wellness and recovery.

Services help clients gain insight into their lives and learn ways to achieve enhanced wellness. Alternatives’ staff provide services such as: clinical counseling, psycho-education, assistance with skill building, money management, linkage to community resources, medical and mental health providers, etc. Community Support Services assist clients in gaining the necessary skills to sustain independence, as well recover from symptoms of mental illness.

Alternatives, Inc. is dedicated to helping families who are experiencing homelessness. The Franklin House Program offers temporary shelter to homeless mothers and their children, with an emphasis on building self-sufficiency and parenting skills.

The goal is to help families stabilize following their period of homelessness , and assist in locating permanent housing upon graduation.

This program provides up to 12 months of housing, as well as on-site Case Management. Alternatives’ staff use a person-centered approach to help all clients develop individualized goals and services with a focus on wellness and recovery. Services are flexible and can be enhanced as needed or requested.

Alternatives helps people with a broad range of skills and abilities find successful employment. Through Bridges to Employment, we provide pre-employment evaluation, preparation, job matching job retention services.

Employment Specialists provide ongoing support to both the client and the employer to ensure success and satisfaction whether the client is learning job skills, seeking a job or working on maintaining employment.

Alternatives provides employment support services to the deaf and hard of hearing in seven counties throughout Central New Jersey. The services are offered through the Career Development Center located at 3 Route 27 in Edison, New Jersey.

Transition services for high school students and other youth are also available through Bridges to Employment. Young adults and their parents/guardians are provided information and guidance to make the transition from high school to adult life.

Assessments can be administered to identify skills and jobs well suited to the individual. Classes on job readiness and retention are offered in groups as well as on a 1:1 basis. The Bridges team can provide one-on-one career exploration, structured learning experiences, trial work experience, job placement , job coaching and job training services.

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