A Journey of Resilience With Community Hope

This podcast was transcribed through a third-party application. Please disregard any misrepresentations.

Brad Caruso:

<silence> Welcome to Civic Warriors, brought to you by Withum. On this podcast, we bring the conversation to you, sharing, engaging stories that motivate and build consensus in the nonprofit community. This podcast is about the innovators, the leaders on the front lines of adversity, guiding lights in the nonprofit industry affecting change. And through their stories, we can all join forces to become civic warriors.

Brad Caruso:

Hey, warriors. Welcome to today's episode of Civic Warriors. Brought to you by Withum. I'm your host, Brad Caruso, leader of Withum's not-for-profit practice. Today's guest is Community Hope, represented by Carmine Deo, Chief Executive Officer of Community Hope and Tawanda Chancey, a program participant of Community Hope. Community Hope is a 5 0 1 C3 not-for-profit organization located in New Jersey. Their mission is to be a beacon of hope in our community, connecting individuals and families with life-changing support services and housing that foster the independence and resiliency to live their best lives. The organization supports hundreds of individuals through mental health programs, military and veterans programs and housing programs, and really fulfills a significant need for many here in the state. Carmine was a guest on our show a few years ago, and he returns to share more information about the successes that they've had in the past couple years. Really excited to have them back and, and always have a great rapport and dialogue with the folks from Community Hope. Also, very excited to have Chancey here to share more about how Community Hope has helped her and her journey, and has helped provide assistance to her and her family. With that said, Carmine and Chancey, welcome to the show.

Tawanda Chancey:

I'm glad to be here. Thank you.

Carmine Deo:

Yes, thank you so much, Brad, and I'm glad Chancey is here with us as well today.

Brad Caruso:

Yeah, no, super excited and, and always, uh, always like to hear positive, positive stories and how, how organizations help, uh, help many. And, and we hear about it. We read about it, but now we have a, uh, live guest with us that can share a little more about it, which, uh, which we're excited about. So, you know, certainly the, the point of life is to give hope to many. So happy to have you both. Carmine. Maybe you could start just maybe share a little bit about, uh, your background coming at Community Hope and, and a little bit more about Community Hope itself.

Carmine Deo:

Surely so, um, I've been in this field, uh, social service for about 35 years. Uh, I'm a licensed New Jersey clinical social worker and have a psychology and social work and, and business degree. So, uh, really passionate about, uh, doing this work. I've been at Community Hope for 22 years, and I've been the CEO for the last six. Uh, and what I love so much about Community Hope is, uh, we live our mission really every day here, and it's great to see that. Um, but also the great people here at Community Hope, uh, whether it's the employees, our board members, uh, and the people we serve.

Brad Caruso:

Awesome. 22 years is a long time to be somewhere. I'm, I'm hitting, I think 18 where I'm at, and it's a long time. It's good. It, it makes, it, it shows how much you care about the mission and what they do, you know, long, uh, longevity and, and loyalty certainly goes a long way in our world.

Carmine Deo:

It's the, uh, do what you love. It'll never work a day in your life, at least for me.

Brad Caruso:

Chancey, over to you. Maybe, uh, share a little bit about your background, how you got in contact with Community Hope.

Tawanda Chancey:

Sure thing. Well, I'm Chancey and I am a former member of the Army National Guard. I grew up in Irvington, New Jersey, and I joined the National Guard, um, right, right after high school. And I did so after serving in the, uh, junior Reserve Army Training Corps officers program, and I did four years there. And afterwards, you know, I thought, you know what? Let me join the military because I knew that financially my position where I was, that my parents would not be able to afford for me to go to college. And I felt like joining the military was the best choice, so that I can gain some financial freedom, be able to go to college, you know, become a, you know, a great citizen, uh, my country, and to just meet and learn new things. So, you know, after I graduated, I decided to join, uh, different security positions, and afterwards I just went into, uh, teaching.

Tawanda Chancey:

I did some long-term teaching positions, and I wanted to teach in like more urban environments, you know, where there was just less fortunate and kids can see an example of myself that they don't have to stay in the position that they're in. And then just life started happening, you know, there was a couple of rollercoasters, some bumps and bruises along the way, which, you know, you come into some unfortunate circumstances. So I was linked to, um, a program and I was with someone who was providing, uh, veteran services for myself to be able to get some financial assistance for housing that was going very well. And I was so excited about that. But then there was just like a sudden interruption, and in that sudden interruption, um, my housing management was not willing to go down a little bit in the pricing for the program. So that eliminated the, uh, program for me entirely. Um, it was either hurry up and move or stay where you are. And at that time, I could not hurry up and move. So then, you know, I felt hopeless. I wanted to give up, and then that's how I got linked with, um, Community Hope.

Brad Caruso:

Oh, thank you for sharing that. Yeah, no, it, it's, uh, I, I imagine there are a lot of people in the world that, that fall into that, you know, you're a hardworking individual, you're a veteran, appreciate your service to our country, and certainly appreciate that you went down that path and it's a very difficult world. Carmine, maybe, um, share a little bit more, you know, Community Hope, obviously we heard a couple things. Maybe share a little bit more about Community Hope itself and some of the programs you offer.

Carmine Deo:

Community Hope, uh, really we have three pillars of service. It's mental health, military members, and veterans and housing. And the focus is to provide housing and support services to people. And we'll talk a little bit about the types of programs that we have, but I think it's important to talk about the why, why do we do this work at Community Hope? And there's a probably a couple statistics that I think would be helpful to sort of frame why we do this. So in New Jersey, uh, one in 20 individuals will experience a serious mental illness in their lifetime, and that's about 248,000 New Jereseyans. So on the mental health side, particularly the serious mental illness side, the need is great on any given day. And, and I say this is a recent count, there are almost 700 veterans homeless in New Jersey. And so that's a big part of what we do.

Carmine Deo:

And, uh, we'll talk a little bit about, um, working together with federal and state partners to, to end that homelessness. Uh, 44 veterans, uh, die by suicide each day nationally. Uh, and so we have a suicide prevention program we're doing for the VA, or together with the VA, uh, to try to, to deal with that. And then, um, from the housing standpoint, you know, as many people know, New Jersey is one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. Uh, and it's not just the cost of the housing, but it's also the supply of affordable rental units that are really low in New Jersey. So, you know, you could see from, just from those four statistics, we've got a, a big task. And, um, you know, we, uh, put as much resources as we can to those and bring in as much resource as we can from federal, state partners, municipalities, uh, foundations, and private donations.

Carmine Deo:

So we have, uh, three mental health programs, our transitional housing program, our community support services program, and of course our affordable housing program. And actually right now we are expanding both our transitional housing, uh, mental health, transitional housing, and, uh, mental health community support services, those community support services as actually more traditionally named, uh, uh, supportive housing. And, uh, our focus there, at least in, in the transitional housing is, uh, 24 hour homes, uh, where people with serious mental illness can leave the state hospital and come to live in the community. Uh, and we have several homes in Morris County, and we are actually, uh, building another home along with a contract with the state of New Jersey. Uh, and that expansion will allow five more people with serious mental illness actually leave nursing homes. So there's another area where people are, uh, in hospitals, uh, or other places that really need a community opportunity.

Carmine Deo:

And so we'll be doing that. Our community support services or supportive housing is also expanding with the state grant. Uh, so we will actually, um, the, actually the transitional housing is a build and we're gonna rent a home and, uh, and have additional housing for, uh, individuals that are more independent but still, uh, suffer with their mental illness. And then our, uh, a good chunk of our work is, is with military, uh, and veterans. And we've been doing this for many years, actually. Uh, we were founded back in 1985, so it was just our 40th anniversary. I think we're gonna touch on that later. Uh, but our veteran services we've been doing since, uh, 2004. Uh, so that's, that's 20 years as well. And, uh, our transitional housing for veterans at our Hope for Veterans Program and our Alfred J Thomas Home, uh, that's veterans coming off the street, uh, single veterans, men and women, and having a place to stay while they recover from homelessness and any other of the conditions they might be dealing with, mental health, substance use, uh, post-traumatic stress, and help them to leave that transitional housing and go to permanent housing.

Carmine Deo:

Uh, and actually our, our program that's on the Lyons VA campus is 95, uh, beds. So there's, you know, a lot of work there being done to help veterans get back into the community. Uh, we also do a supportive Services for Veterans Families Program, uh, and that's the program that Chancey benefit- benefited from. And, uh, that's helping families in the community who are on the verge of homelessness or recently became homeless who, uh, you know, needs, uh, some, some assistance, uh, to get back on their feet. We also do a case management program for people leaving that, uh, veterans transitional housing I mentioned. And that basically is someone who's now in permanent housing in the community and needs little extra case management support to maintain that housing. Um, but all of our work is really around, uh, housing stability. Uh, I mentioned earlier about suicide prevention, and we have the, uh, Staff Sergeant, uh, Gordon, Gordon Parker Fox Suicide Prevention program that we're doing along with the VA.

Carmine Deo:

It's been really important in, uh, getting to veterans and or, uh, veteran families or military families where there's the risk of suicide and likely a mental health crisis going on, and we can go out and intervene. The one thing that's important about all of our services, whether we own the housing, um, or the other piece, we're just providing case management services without, without the housing connected to Community Hope is that, um, we go out into the community. So all of our services is, we come to you, you don't have to come to us. So it's not like you have to come to the outpatient clinic or the VA and, um, you know, see someone there and then sort of get help. You just call us and, and we send out a case manager and, um, help people to deal with whatever they are, uh, dealing with at that point.

Carmine Deo:

And then our most recent expansion of Veteran services is our Bringing Veterans Home initiative, which we're doing along with DCA, and we can talk about that a little bit later. But, um, you know, we're really proud to be doing that, uh, together with the state of Jersey. And then finally our housing component. Uh, we have 35 homes, uh, in, in four counties of New Jersey. Those homes are all, uh, shared housing in some way. It could be transitional, could be permanent supportive housing. On the permanent supportive housing side, we have 66 units of affordable housing that are specific to the populations we serve. 'cause um, there's, again, we talked earlier about the access to housing. And unless we, um, can build it and, um, maintain it ourselves, uh, that access is not always there. And so we're very focused on making sure that happens. And right now, with the fourth round of affordable housing coming out for New Jersey, uh, we're very active in attempting to build more housing. Our top project is five units, four to five units of permanent housing for single women veterans with children. So, uh, that's kind of the scope of everything.

Brad Caruso:

Yeah, certainly doing a lot and provide a very holistic approach on a variety levels. And I'll ask you Chancey directly, how did they help you? What does that look like? You know, share a little more on a granular level.

Tawanda Chancey:

As I was transitioning out of the military, you know, unfortunately for some prior service members, there's situations where they don't get the, uh, services that they need. So, you know, they fall upon circumstances of just despair, homelessness, um, mental illnesses, um, as Carmine stated and just, you know, financial situations. And it's not the case with every veteran, but it is a huge, huge, you know, unfortunate circumstances for many veterans. So, um, because I didn't get the services that I needed, that kind of like set me back, um, for a quite a while, during my journey, um, throughout life. And, um, I was with, um, Veteran Services before connecting with Community Hope. And the case manager was, he was great. He was so wonderful. He tried everything that he could to ensure that I was, you know, at least financially well and assisted in being able to be in my housing situation and comfortably do what I need to do in my work.

Tawanda Chancey:

So then once I got hit, you know, just sidetracked that I would not be able to get the, uh, financial services because my housing management was just not budging with going down a little bit. I was then connected to Community Hope Services and the person that they connected me with first, you know, was able to explain that I was eligible for, um, a service called Shallow Subsidy, which I was like now very happy about because although I could not see it yet, it was started to become like a breath of fresh air. I knew that I would get some relief of financial burden. It might not been as much as I was looking forward to, of receiving, but something is better than nothing. So when I was connected to Community Hope, I mean the services, the members, the case managers, everybody was so welcoming. They were always on it. They were calling me, they were asking me, you know, all the various issues that I had and telling me how they could assist me financially. So they have been assisting me financially and it has been a great help. And my hope is that a lot more veterans, you know, can hear about Community Hope's services, um, to be able to get some financial relief, some mental help, whatever burdens that's weigh- weighing them down, they can get that assistance.

Brad Caruso:

Love it. And what do you think, from your perspective, outside of organizations like Community Hope, but if we look more like globally and more at like, the reasons why certain things occur, like what do you think needs to change?

Tawanda Chancey:

Uh, I think one of the first things that should be really, you know, honed in on and looked at, um, when transitioning out of the military is ensuring that the service member is getting the different services to help them smoothly go into, you know, the world. Now you're going into civilian world and you're trying to transition back into what we would call normalcy and just connecting them to just different courses, maybe classes or just individuals, you know, group settings, you know, maybe some seminars or classes that can help them smoothly transition. And then just remember, like, everyone is different. You might have some people who are very young transitioning out the military. You might have some that served a long time in the military. They're all in different places in their lives, and some people definitely need that help. So they're not just gonna get out and go back into the normalcy.

Tawanda Chancey:

Um, you know, they need that mental health. You need to decompress, you need to talk about your experiences, you know, not everybody who went overseas, um, they do too face some trauma and some hardships, you know, and that's, uh, a lot of like, uh, the misconception sometimes is because, you know, you were stateside in the military and you didn't get to experience those times overseas that you don't have, you know, like mental issues or you're going through the trauma and, um, things that other people have experienced. So we definitely need those various avenues to decompress people to talk to classes and courses.

Brad Caruso:

Yeah, that, that's a, that's a, that's a great point too. And I think, uh, I, I didn't personally serve in the military, but I have several friends who have, and one of my friends has been in for about 20 years. Um, he served over in Afghanistan for, he, he was deployed for a year, then he's been in, he's stationed all over the world, so I try to visit him wherever he goes. Um, and, uh, yeah, it, it, there are people that are at different stages, right? If you, if you're younger on it, younger in your career, it's obviously a lot more difficult financially. And, you know, I, I don't know the military pay, but I don't, I I haven't heard that it's, uh, overtly high, uh, <laugh> uh, these days. So, you know, certainly you're, you're coming out, I mean, you, you probably developed some really good skills and some, uh, very strong, uh, principles you've probably developed as a result of, of being there.

Brad Caruso:

But then, you know, who can help you find a place that can help you apply those. And, and I think having that, um, network or framework around you to help, uh, sounds like something that, you know, everybody needs. And, and, and definitely, I mean, I see, you know, I'm, I'm completely different profession, but even in the accounting world, it's like, I'll call them kids, kids graduate college, they come, come get a job, and it's like no one tells them like anything, like, Hey, you know, you're gonna commute all this hours and then you're gonna have to find an apartment that costs $3,000 a month, and then your entire paycheck goes to paying for that apartment. And when are you gonna have time for fun? And, you know, and you're living in a new town, so you're not around, you know, people that you're, you're familiar with.

Brad Caruso:

And yeah, I, I feel like, um, that would be a great support system no matter what. But, but definitely, uh, you know, the experiences that you've probably had and, and regardless of whether you served in an active war or not, uh, it's, it's still a big transition. I, I appreciate you bringing that up. 'cause I think it's a common thing. A lot of people don't talk about as much. I mean, you know, it's great we, people come back from war and, and, but we, I think we tend to maybe pay more attention to that. Um, but you're still experiencing the same thing and, and, uh, it's you, I appreciate you sharing that. Um-

Tawanda Chancey:

May I add something more?

Brad Caruso:

You absolutely can. This is, this is your conversation,

Tawanda Chancey:

<laugh>. Alright. Um, I believe too, there's also this big misconception that automatically if you're in any branch of the military, that you're, you have money, that you're getting a lot of money, you're getting paid well and you're just living good. And that's not the truth. There's a lot of people who are in the military and they've been into the military for many years, and I've met people in the military who are in debt. They are going through a lot and they've been, they've been serving their country stateside and all as well as being overseas. And there's a big struggle. So I think a lot of people who's interested in joining the military or just learning from prior members and veterans and even current members that, you know, it's not always about the money. You're not going to be automatically rich when you join the military. There's people who struggle in the military both financially and mentally. And you need to know that before just saying, you know what? I am just gonna run. I'm just gonna join the military. And my goal is just to make money. That is not it. We all need assistance in every capacity. And I would love for there to be some more education given for young people joining the military and just people who don't understand, for those who've been in there for a long time.

Carmine Deo:

I think what Chancey says very, you know, important and it's, you know, whatever transitions a veteran goes through in their life, right? So it's getting out of the military and coming back to civilian, but even at other times in their lives. And the, and, and the big piece that we're always focusing on is, you know, education and connectedness and access to service. If we could get those th three things right, we're gonna be able to help, um, more veterans and their families. So it just fits right into to what Chancey was saying. I also just wanna say Chancey, you know, I mean, we've talked before, but your story and the strength, you know, that you've shown getting through what you had to get through and your focus on family stability, I think is just, it's amazing. Our goal is always to do whatever we can, but sometimes it's just a little bit of help that gets someone over those difficult times. And again, we've worked with a wide range of veterans, so you know, it's whatever they need. But I have to say, sometimes it's just a little bit that makes such a difference.

Tawanda Chancey:

Yeah, absolutely. I feel like in our prior conversations when I said, you know, I'm a go-getter and no matter what I have to do, I would do what's needed for my family. But the help that I received from Community Hope was such a wonderful thing because even though I was not able to receive the full services financially of what I needed, you know, that partial financial support was even great because you never know what you're gonna go through in life. And any help that I can receive from anybody is just something great. And I'm really humble and grateful for, and I would never look at this situation and be frustrated like, oh my gosh, did you just give me just that amount? I feel like, wow, you helped me in a, a huge way because I was at a moment of like, okay, where I'm gonna go, what I'm gonna do, who I'm gonna talk to, and how am I gonna make this happen? And I never want my children to see that, you know, we're in a such a terrible place that we cannot, you know, move in the positive for the future. I want them to see what I do for them, even if I have to cry in private. What they see mom do in public is she's a fighter, she's a warrior, and she's going to ensure that we get the best quality of life while she's here.

Brad Caruso:

I'm sure that they do see that, and they will translate that in kind. And I, I have two young children and my, my children definitely, they watch everything you do. And there are times where, yeah, I'm like, I have to hide this frustration that I'm experiencing and, you know, work's making me mad. I'm just gonna go in the basement and I don't, I don't need anyone to see this. And, and then, you know, you display that, that strength and, um, they will, they will definitely, uh, they'll definitely replicate that. And they, and they, they know, they know mom's working hard for them. Talk about your family a little bit. What's your family situation? Do you, have you have children?

Tawanda Chancey:

Yes. So I am a mother of four, um, three biologically. And then I have a fourth that I recently adopted last June. Um, she is six years old, but I've had her since she's been first born in 2019. So she's another addition where I had to start all over with the potty training, milk warming, daycare. So my oldest is 18, she's in college, she attends Keen University. Um, my second oldest is my son, he's 17. He'll be going to the, uh, community college and, um, it's RCBC Rowan slash Burlington County College, who'll be headed there. My youngest, she's 13 and she'll be graduating eighth grade this year and she'll be going into high school. And then my little 6-year-old, she's in kindergarten, you know, she's fun, she's bubbly. You know how they can be, they repeat everything. They see, they hear from television, from friends from you.

Tawanda Chancey:

So, you know, I am like just great. I have a fiance, his name is Chris. He's been a huge help as well. He's been very supportive. And I'm just grateful, you know, when I look at my situation in life right now and I'm like, you know what, God, I'm here. I'm here. I'm able to be able to speak about it, and I can't allow myself to just sit and just wallow in something that doesn't need to be wallowed over. You know? So my family, you know, we have moments, we have up and down moments, you know, I have big kids now, you know, you'll see when your kids get bigger and the transition of how they go from little to middle school to high school. And I had to wear many hats. And I had to remember that I can't approach all of them the same.

Brad Caruso:

Yeah. I've, I've heard the phrase commonly, little kids, little problems, big kids, big problems. And <laugh>, it, it terrifies me. <laugh>, I think your, your driving your will is what makes you successful, Chancey. And I think you could just tell, you've obviously raised your family, you're thriving as a person. And that's an important aspect of this too. It's not just the assistance some people receive, but the individuals themselves. You know, I, I know through my own mental health struggles, like there's a little bit of, like, you have to create your own hope. You have to create, you know, you have to drive forward if you, if you, if you wallow in the negativity, you know, that's the direction your brain and your and things are gonna go. But you know, you're, you're clearly an exemplary example of you have a very positive attitude and you can tell that that's why you're successful. And and that's why from my perspective, it sounds like things are going very well for you, which, uh, I'm very happy to hear.

Tawanda Chancey:

Yes. I always tell my kids, you know, when we have our down moments, I said, the great thing in life is that you always have room to get it right. You always have room to do better. Whatever mistakes you had in your past, you know, don't sit in them. I know sometimes it can be painful. I mean, even before getting on to speak to you guys today, you know, I had to like get myself together because I'm like, you know what, and God, you're answering my prayers. You know, it may have taken some time to get here, but I'm very grateful. And then I just thought back into my younger years as to when I was parenting and when I thought I knew what I knew, you know, as a young adult. And there was some things that I wish I could have changed in parenting. You know, there's not really a handbook. It might be books written by other people, but when you become a parent, you just learn along the way. And, you know, I said to myself, you know what? I am not gonna be bound by my past. I did some things, you know, that I wish I could have did differently, but my kids can see the new me. They can see that I'm doing better. I'm trying, and I want them to do the same.

Brad Caruso:

Yeah. And you know, who hasn't made a lot of, yeah, let me, let me share like, you know, my life, you know, <laugh>, you know, I may look like I'm all well and good, but we all, we all, we all go through times, we change, we adapt, and uh, certainly we move on. And then we set a good example for people. And, you know, I think once again, like a lot of the, I'm, I'm a Christian as well, like a lot of the Christian faith is, you know, forgiveness and, you know, you learn from your mistakes and you do better and you do better for other people. And, and that, that translates. And that's, that's a positive. And it's all about how you change yourself and, and continually strive to, to be better regardless of, you know, we all make mistakes. God made us imperfect. So at least me, I know I, I am imperfect, uh, yeah,

Tawanda Chancey:

<laugh>. Yeah, I am too. But you know, we're learning <laugh>. Yeah. We're learning and we're evolving.

Carmine Deo:

Yeah, that would be a whole nother podcast,

Brad Caruso:

Probably. Yeah. So I mean, switching gears a little bit and kind of, Carmine turn it over to you for a second, but, um, one of the things that we've seen a lot of, and I'm just curious your opinion on everyone's been staying somewhat current on the news that's going on, a lot of chaos, affecting funding affecting organizations like Community Hope that received funding. How has Community Hope affected by that? And did that have an impact on you? Luckily,

Carmine Deo:

So far there's not been direct impact to us. Uh, you know, I think when the, the federal pay, uh, pay system got shut down for a day and a half, we were, you know, trying to figure out how to, how do we do the draw down? We do every week on those federal funds. Um, but that was probably the only time we really had to, uh, act and figure out what to do. Uh, but in general, we've been just planning for what happens if this gets cut, what happens if that gets cut, you know, and making sure that we have a good plan for, uh, what do we do? And it's really, it's really a cash flow plan, which, you know, most nonprofits have a have a plan about if something gets shut down at some point, what do you do? Uh, and so we've, we've always had that, but we kind of took a look at this might, it might be bigger if things happen, but probably the two biggest federal pieces for us would be, would be HUD and, um, and the VA and also some of the HUD programs filter down through the municipalities.

Carmine Deo:

So for example, um, the county, uh, CDBG programs, we use those to renovate some of the affordable homes that we have. And so that, that could be in jeopardy. But, you know, I will say this, you know, what we talked about here at Community Hope and, uh, what we focus on is really about disruption. And as an organization, we've been through a lot of disruption in our 40 years, and it's really all about that. How do you have the plans in place to handle disruption right now? It could be financial or it could be service driven if you can't continue to do a certain service. But I mean, the biggest disruption in the last few years was COVID, right? So the shutdown of COVID, being in COVID, and even the end of COVID when, you know, some of the federal programs had Financial Cliffs.

Brad Caruso:

I blocked COVID outta my memory, by the way, that was the first time I thought about it since

Carmine Deo:

I almost didn't bring it up, but it's an example–

Brad Caruso:

Yeah, you probably shouldn't of. <laugh>

Carmine Deo:

-of a disruption that, and again-

Brad Caruso:

That's a joke. <laugh>

Carmine Deo:

-There's just, there's just so many. There's just so many. And so again, I think nonprofits are really skilled, uh, at dealing with that. And you know, what I've kind of, we've talked about
as a team here is, is don't panic. And so, you know, we're people that are in the sort of mental health, um, business and, you know, we have to be able to manage crisis. And the biggest thing in managing crisis is, is don't panic and make a plan. And so that's really kind of big been our focus. You know, one thing interesting about most recently is that, you know, just COVID as an example, when, when COVID hit and it had impact on nonprofits, the corporate and foundation support went, went up significantly.

Carmine Deo:

Uh, and we were very happy about that. Some of our corporate partners really helped us, uh, to get through during that time. And interestingly, the talk most recently in the last, you know, two months, six weeks, uh, was that the corporations are struggling with what's happening as well. And so they may not, um, if they're thinking they're gonna get certain cuts or certain restrictions, you know, that they may not be able to kind of help fill our gaps as they did previously or, or do on a regular basis. So that was something interesting now where you, again, when you think of the sort of, uh, plan, plan of action, that might have been something we went to, and we probably still would say, can you help us? But, um, it, that would may not be an op may not have been available for an option, which, you know, was interesting that it was, was different. But, uh, you know, I have to say, things seem a bit calmer, um, especially, you know, even internally in our direct, uh, lines to federal, uh, programs, you know, the shock and awe situation seems to be, um, less, so we're happy about that.

Brad Caruso:

Definitely. And, and I think from what you've told me too, you've had some also positive windfalls. I think you have a new, uh, program starting up this year. Um, you wanna share a little more information about that? About the positive news you share with me? Yeah,

Carmine Deo:

I, I would love to. So we're awarded, you know, we, uh, put an application in with the state of New Jersey. We put out an RFP for a program called Bringing Veterans Home. And we were awarded to be one of the providers in, I think it's five regions that it's, uh, split up in New Jersey. And so we're really happy to be, you know, awarded this. It's a program that's designed to do a number of things to help homeless veterans, national guardsmen and reservists around housing and homelessness and rental assistance and diversion from eviction. I mean, it has so many great components in it. Uh, I think that DCA did just a wonderful job of taking a look at all the resources that were available in New Jersey and making the focus of this program a collaboration with all of those organizations. And so when we had the kickoff last week, I mean, that was the most striking thing.

Carmine Deo:

It was, um, it's very exciting in that it's gonna be that substantial of a collaboration to do this work. And the focus is in the next two years to put an end to homelessness for veterans and their families in New Jersey. In the homeless services world, the concept is called the functional end. And what that really means is, so I mentioned earlier, there's, uh, uh, almost 700 veterans homeless in New Jersey. All of those veterans will have a plan, a housing plan. Uh, so even if they're not in permanent housing at the moment, they, they will have a plan at the end of these two years so that they will soon be in some stable housing situation. So, you know, again, there's, there's probably about two counties in New Jersey that have done this. And so the fact that we're trying to do this across the whole state, uh, is just tremendous.

Carmine Deo:

And so we're happy to be be partners with, uh, DCA on this. Uh, so it's, um, we're probably gonna serve about 150 households in that two year period. And it's Veterans National Guard and Reservist. It's for, uh, people at lower income levels, obviously, um, out or below 120% of the area median income, it's able to provide assistance to people that are on that sort of income edge, right? So they're probably making enough money to live in New Jersey, but it's just a little short. And so this program will be able to help people so that 120% of the median income is a good number. We're looking forward to it. We're happy to grow as an organization if that growth is about helping more people. And that's really our, you know, when I talk about living our mission, you know, that's the idea. You know, we're not a a an agency that wants to just get bigger. Our goal is to help more people. So if we get bigger as we get there, that that's okay.

Brad Caruso:

Yeah, love to hear that. And, and obviously, you know, focusing on the impact of the program itself, of the dollars that are coming in, you know, you're, you obviously have a, a very strong goal in mind and a vision, which is what will help it be successful. So happy to hear, happy to hear that. I was very happy to hear when you shared that over with me. And, uh, certainly, you know, not all growth is good, but, but growth for the sake of furthering the mission and furthering the people that you serve and people that you help, uh, certainly goes a long way. Um, you know, on that, on a positive note as well, when you, when you think about you, uh, and the organization itself, uh, you mentioned that you're in celebrating your 40th anniversary. If you could sum it up, what 40 years has meant to you and Community Hope and what you've been able to accomplish, you know, what would you say to that?

Carmine Deo:

I would say that we just had our 40th anniversary event last night, and there were about 75 people there celebrating with us. And it was really a testament of community hosts, past, present, and future. And I think the largest accomplishment and the things that people talked about last night, excuse me, where, where we are now compared to where we began. So Community Hope was founded by family members, and there was a group of about, uh, seven mothers who came together because their family members were in the state psychiatric gospel. And they said, our, our children need a place in the community to, to live. Uh, and that's how we started with one group home. And 40 years later, we have the scope of services that we do. So I think that's our sort of proudest moment, is the growth of the organization while maintaining the focus on the people that we care for.

Carmine Deo:

Uh, and you know, one of the things about Community Hope is 51% of our board is made up of, uh, family members or consumers or veterans themselves. And so the focus, you know, has continued even with that growth. And that's really, uh, very, very important to us. And it's honestly, in the 40 years, it's been sort of a decade to decade expansion that's, you know, started out in the mental health transitional housing space, then grew to the supportive housing space, mental health then grew to start to work with veterans. We've been doing the veterans work for 20 years, started in transitional housing for homeless veterans, and then began to do more case management work and, and supportive housing style work. And so, you know, that's kind of been our 40 years, which has really been amazing to see. So I've been here, as I mentioned, for 22 of those years. So to see the organization where it is now compared to where it began, and some of the people who were the, you know, the start of Community Hope, uh, and even the next generation of founding families were with us last night, and we're just so proud and thankful for what we've done.

Brad Caruso:

Love it, love hearing it, love hearing, uh, organizations that weather the storm as they say through, through many, many years. And, uh, you know, a strong tone at the top certainly creates that. And I know that you're one of the integral parts of, of making your organization a success and continuing it on into the future to help more individuals get through difficult times. And so, you know, certainly appreciate the work that you do.

Carmine Deo:

Yeah. When you have the power of families behind you, I mean, there's, you know, it's a full sail, you know?

Brad Caruso:

Yeah. I mean, the word community is in your name, so it's a good thing.

Carmine Deo:

Yes. <laugh>.

Brad Caruso:

Um, so as, as we wind it down here, one of the things I always like to, you know, take away from, from, uh, our discussions and is, is a, you know, I'll call it a call to action, but I'll start with you, Chancey. What would you want guests to take away and someone gleaned something from your story, from the conversation we had today? You know, what would you want it to be?

Tawanda Chancey:

The main thing I want guests to take away from my stories today is first and foremost, never give up. Never lose hope. Never think that you're in a position where all hope is lost and there's nobody to help you. You know, as a saying, go reach one, teach one, I am forever grateful because Community Hope, you know, they reached out, you know, they pulled me in, in the time that I need it. And I want people to know that they exist, know that Community Hope exists, know that they have the various programs that can assist them along the way. And just to always stay true to yourself. I know life can be hard. It can be a roller coaster, but find the joy, find the light in knowing that there's somebody out there that's always willing to help. And that's why I am like, you know what, Lord, bless me to be able to forever help somebody else to extend my reach, to help other youth. You know, I'm a behavior mentor and I solely focus on helping young people with behaviors because I don't think young people are bad. I just think they're misguided. And when you get that guidance and those resources, you're able to become a better individual, and you're able to reach out and help other people. So I'm extended. If Community Hope ever needs me, I am extended to your services.

Brad Caruso:

I love that you're paying that forward too. Yeah. I think that's phenomenal. I think that's, you know, that's a, that's wonderful. That's, and a great message. I love that you just shared that.

Tawanda Chancey:

Thank you.

Carmine Deo:

Uh, so if I can, uh, do my call to action, Brad, and I'll, I'll say that, you know, Chancey perfectly, um, nailed the, you know, getting people to come to Community Hope and get the services that they need. So I'm gonna make my call to action supporting Community Hope, because, you know, it's how we, uh, keep the doors open here and, and we'd love, uh, support from, from your listeners and, and, and beyond. Uh, but we have events every year that help us to do the work that we do. You know, one of the things we're prideful about here is that, you know, we get government contracts to do a specific amount of work, but our goal is to do more than the basics. Uh, and so we do that through donations. Uh, so the couple of events I wanna mention is first our Vet Fest Food Truck and Music Festival, festival, which will be held on Sunday, May 4th in Wayne, New Jersey, uh, from noon to 7:00 PM It's a great family fun day.

Carmine Deo:

Uh, we've got about 10, uh, food trucks and five bands, and it's, uh, tribute bands to some of the greatest bands, I think, anyway. But, uh, Frontiers will be there, which is a Journey cover band, and the best of the Eagles will be there. Um, and so that's always a great, uh, great, great time. Bring a chair and, uh, join us that day. Uh, all of this information is available on our website too, so, uh, if you want to check out some of our events there. Uh, the next is our annual flag, day 5K Run and Walk. Uh, and it's held every year at the, uh, VA Lyons campus in Bernards Township. Uh, and that'll be June 12th at 7:00 PM It's a USATF sanctioned course. We like to say that for the runners, uh, but also has the, uh, one mile fun walk attached.

Carmine Deo:

So it's really a great, uh, night for the family as well. Uh, all proceeds for Fest and Flag Day 5K go directly to our veterans programs. Uh, we also obviously have sponsorships, and then our, our biggest event, uh, which Brad's been to a few times, and we always have fun at, is the Sparkle of Hope Gala. And this year, it's November 12th at the Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains. And, uh, Chancey spoke there this year and took the house down, uh, you know, in her, uh, telling her story and engaging people in Community Hope's mission. So she did a wonderful job that night. Uh, and it's, uh, at 5:30, uh, again on November 12th. It's a huge networking event, uh, for many of the companies that support us. Uh, but we try to make it a fun night with a short program, uh, so that people can really, uh, have some fun and network and just celebrate Community Hope that night.

Brad Caruso:

Yeah. And that structure, where that's held is like, it's a, it's a literal castle. I remember pulling up the first time, I'm like, woo, what is this place? This place is massive.

Carmine Deo:

Yes. It has a moat, right? I mean, it-

Brad Caruso:

Yes, it actually has a moat. <laugh>

Carmine Deo:

<laugh>,

Brad Caruso:

And you know, certainly, uh, certainly very well attended to. Um, and I've been a couple years now and, and yeah, very well attended. Great event. Um, lot of positive sharing stories
about the organization and, and who they're helping, as well as, um, getting people together that are in the community that care about similar causes. So certainly a lot of, uh, great things. And, uh, you know, out of everything you've said, I'm most excited about food trucks. I'm, uh, my, my, uh, my next job once I retire from public accounting is definitely gonna be owning a food truck and, uh, serving people breakfast. So,

Carmine Deo:

Oh, I love that.

Brad Caruso:

One day I'm make that dream. Come true, come true. I'll, I'll, I'll be serving at your event.

Carmine Deo:

Love it.

Brad Caruso:

Well, this was phenomenal. I appreciate both of your time. I appreciate that you were able to spend it with us. So Carmine and Chancey, and I thank you so much for dedicating that time and for being here and providing more information to, uh, to our listeners and, uh, having a great conversation. I, I really appreciate both of you.

Tawanda Chancey:

Thank you very much, and thank you for having me. It was a pleasure.

Carmine Deo:

Yes. Thank you so much, Brad. You know, I love doing this. It's a great podcast. And thank you to all the listeners as well.

Brad Caruso:

Love it. Always enjoy our conversations together.

Carmine Deo:

Safe.

Brad Caruso:

Warriors, thank you for listening. Uh, subscribe and meet us right back here for another episode of Withum's Civic Warriors. Thanks everybody. Have a great day.