The expansion of the Center for Great Expectations' Adolescent Program and Katy's Place was marked in April, 2016.
FRANKLIN - In their most recent step to expand services to more of New Jersey's vulnerable young mothers and children, the Center for Great Expectations celebrated the dedication of the expansion of its Adolescent Program and Katy's Place, its child development center, earlier this month.
The dedication took place at its location in the Somerset section of the township and was attended by friends, supporters and donors, as well as trustees, staff and clients, according to a news release.
"We're here to honor the incredible courage that the residents have when they walk through these doors," said Peg Wright, founder and chief executive officer and president.
A current resident shared her story of overcoming a traumatic childhood, including her mother's drug addiction and father's early death due to alcoholism, her multiple child welfare placements and eventual separation from her siblings, and her own slip into substance use.
Pictured (from left) The Rev. Msgr. Charles W. Cicerale of the Metuchen Diocese, Center for Great Expectations founder, Chief Executive Officer and President Peg Wright and Franklin Township Councilman James Vassanella. (courtesy photo)"I knew I didn't want the life I had had for my son," she stated in the release, and credited "the support and safety from CGE" and its staff for encouraging her.
The 3,500-square-foot addition provides living space for more adolescent mothers and their children, and more than doubles the child care capacity of Katy's Place. The expansion also provides clinical offices, counseling rooms and expanded common areas, in addition to an educational space for homeschooling and studying, according to the news release.
The center provides care to New Jersey's homeless, pregnant and parenting women and adolescents with involvement in the child welfare system. Through residential treatment featuring supportive housing and outpatient treatment, the center addresses both trauma and adverse childhood experiences that result in addiction, homelessness and mental health disorders, according to the news release.
The Center for Great Expectations currently operates two residential treatment centers along with Katy's Place.
Its permanent supportive housing program was recently expanded from its original site to now include 12 additional locations in Central Jersey. The outpatient treatment program serves the needs of former Center residents, as well as the community of greater New Brunswick.
For more information, visit its website, call 732-247-7003, ext. 33, or email info@cge-nj.org.