Chairs: Saffie Kallon and Phyllis Beals

Purpose: This committee serves as the central organizing body of the Stigma-Free Council, ensuring that all committees work effectively, resources are allocated efficiently, and the council’s operations run smoothly. It is responsible for coordination, structure, and sustainability of the initiative.

Responsibilities:

• Schedule and coordinate monthly Stigma-Free Council meetings.
• Organize and support committee meetings, ensuring all teams stay on track.
• Maintain internal communication by managing an email list and sending updates to committee members.
• Keep meeting minutes and track progress on council initiatives.
• Recruit and onboard volunteers for various committees.
• Ensure collaboration and synergy between committees to avoid duplication of efforts.
• Oversee budgeting, funding applications, and resource allocation to sustain the council’s efforts.
• Monitor partnerships and collaborations with local organizations to strengthen community impact.

Chairs: Valerie Northey and Nita Velanki

Purpose: This committee focuses on teaching and informing the community about mental health, substance use disorders, and stigma reduction. Through structured training, workshops, and campaigns, it spreads knowledge to ensure that Franklin Township residents understand mental health challenges, available resources, and ways to support those in need.

Responsibilities:

• Educate about stigma, mental health, and substance abuse across all age groups (children, youth, adults, seniors).
• Organize and promote educational programs, workshops, and speaker series.
• Identify and recruit expert program speakers to inform the community.
• Create a mental health resource file for parents and caregivers.
• Share information about training opportunities offered by nonprofits and prevention programs.
• Engage high school and college students in learning-based initiatives.
• Educate children to know it is okay to ask for help.
• Talk to senior groups to ensure awareness across generations.
• Develop community discussions to spread knowledge and normalize conversations about mental health.

Chairs: Jeré Hogans and Vacant Position

Purpose: This committee focuses on helping build community support for mental health and substance abuse services, and advocating for improved policies and services in the same areas.  This committee also strives to connect people to available services to ensure improved mental health throughout Franklin Township.

Responsibilities:

• Provide linkages (or referrals) to direct support to families with loved ones in recovery.
• Build a community of support for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use.
• Engage and support parents, youth, teens, and adults by creating safe spaces for connection.
• Advocate for expanded mental health and substance use services in Franklin Township.
• Partner with key organizations such as NAMI-NJ, Richard Hall Mental Health Services, Franklin Township Public Safety Director, Community in Connection, Health Advisory Committee, Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, Youth Services Commission, Somerset County Human Services, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services and the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma to decrease stigma across generations and diverse populations.
• Network with police, healthcare providers, schools, and social service agencies to strengthen community partnerships and improve response systems.
• Identify and promote access to mental health and substance use resources for community members in need.
• Advocate for increased funding and policy changes that support mental health & substance abuse services at the local and state level.
• Partner with businesses and faith-based organizations to create supportive networks for those affected.

Chairs: Donna Sozzio and Vacant Position

Purpose: This committee focuses on public engagement and visibility, ensuring that stigma-free initiatives reach the broader community through outreach campaigns and high-impact events. Its role is to make the Stigma-Free Council’s mission visible, accessible, and engaging.

Responsibilities:

• Promote and amplify stigma-free messages through various channels (flyers, newsletters, brochures, and trifold information boards).
• Develop and maintain an online presence via a webpage and social media (Facebook, Instagram, online newspapers).
• Publish messages on electronic display boards and advertise in online newspapers to increase visibility.
• Organize high-impact stigma-free events (e.g., gazebo event, high school event, library mental health display).
• Secure and distribute marketing materials such as stigma-free lawn signs, banners, and promotional items.
• Plan and execute community-wide awareness events that engage residents.
• Engage businesses and local organizations in stigma-free initiatives to expand visibility.
• Raise funds for stigma-free swag and outreach efforts.
• Develop a media campaign to publicize the dangers of stigma and normalize discussions around mental health.