The Millstone Times August 2018

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IEP Youth Services By Lauren Kolacki

The importance of organizations that serve for in need youths is overlooked. Children who have been abused, neglected, lack a safe home, struggle with behav- ioral issues or addiction are underrepresented. IEP Youth Services is a non-profit charitable social service agency that is composed of individuals looking to give these adolescents a chance at a positive life. After speaking with Dawn Lenz, Di- rector of Operations at IEP, I have a better understanding of the organization and how they operate. Aside from ensuring a safe and nurturing environment, IEP provides counseling, self-improvement resources, life skills, residential, social and psychological services. There are numerous departments within the organization. Dawn is directly in- volved with Project Stepping Stone, which she began in 2006. This transitional liv- ing program is for five young adults (ages 18-21). This program is located at a semi supervised duplex house where the staff is present during the day Monday-Friday. During this time, they work with the youths on their life skills. Each person is given responsibilities in the house such as, planning menus, cooking meals and taking out the garbage or recyclables. They are to become independent enough to eventually manage their own house or apartment. The adolescents that make up this house could potentially be from several differ- ent backgrounds. Some are aging out of the foster system, some juvenile justice and other homeless. The most rewarding thing to Dawn is watching these individ- uals succeed, every small milestone is important. In addition to Project Stepping Stone, IEP has two supplementary residential pro- grams, Project KIN and Step Ahead. Both serve as specialized therapeutic services for children. Aside from the residential programs, IEP also offers clinical services, counseling work within the community. They provide social skills groups, groups

for parents and psychological and educational evaluations for a variety of ages with an assortment of struggles. Dawn Lenz has been working with IEP for over 18 years. She is a license social worker who dedicates her time to increasing the quality of life of adolescents. She claims the biggest challenge they face as an organization is having the appropriate funding. The residential programs are contracted through the state but that does not mean they do not struggle. Project Stepping Stone is funded by the Office of Adolescent Services, Department of Children and Families. They still receive the same budget amount as originally allocated in 2006. The agency does not employ an individual to run fundraisers to help raise money, but fortunately there are several volunteers that contribute to make events possi- ble. In the past, they have had a golf outing, a scotch and cigars fundraiser, a lady’s night out shopping vendor event and they even had an evening with a medium. Rebecca A. Proske, Independent Branch Leader and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab met Dawn at an event at the Chambers of Commerce in Freehold many years ago. Since then, she has been a huge supporter. Recently, Rebecca and her Rotary Club purchased a range, washer and dryer with the assistance of Mighty Young’s Appliances in Howell, to donate to Project Stepping Stone. Dawn was beyond thankful as they really needed these new appliances. One of the main purposes of this organization is to provide stability to youths who may have never experienced that type of lifestyle. Because these kids are only eligible until they are 21 and many lacks family support, it is IEP’s responsibility to think about the long term. They are always looking for business owners who want to give these adolescents an opportunity for an internship, job or just to expose them to a substantial way of life.

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The Millstone Times

August 2018