Nutley Commissioner Steven Rogers announced this week that the Nutley Department of Public Affairs is launching a new program designed to help kids cope with separation and divorce- It’s called Kids in Divorced Situations; K.I.D.S.
Children go through a very stressful, sad, and confusing period of time when their parents are splitting up. Divorce affects a child’s mental state, sometimes for years. These children need to know they are not alone and parents need to understand that everything they say and do will have lifelong impact on their children,” says the Commissioner.
“There are many K.I.D.S. programs around the nation. I thought we should create one here, specifically to meet the needs of some of our citizens,”says the Commissioner.
The program is set up to work with non-custodial dads and moms from a distance. This component will provide a toolbox of methods they can use to ensure that their children know they love them and that they are involved in their life. Another component is centered on building a mentoring program that provides Kids In Divorced Situations positive role models via older children who have faced this challenge; and another component will focus on assisting and supporting custodial parents of children going through a divorce with many of the resources we have available. And, many grandparents are raising their grandchildren as a result of divorced situations. This program is also available to them,” says Commissioner Rogers.
In addition, Ms. Vikki Ziegler, host of the hit Bravo television series “Untying the Knot”, has offered her assistance. “Ms. Ziegler is a role model with a big heart. She came here a few years ago and spoke with Nutley students and she never forgot us. I look forward to her assistance in making this program a success,” says Commissioner Rogers.
Sharon Lemma, from the Department of Public Affairs will direct this program. “She is a very dynamic, caring, and committed individual who I know will build a very effective program,” says Commissioner Rogers.
“This is a work in progress and we are reaching out to residents of Nutley in a divorced situation and who are interested in this program, to contact Sharon at 973-284-4976 or email slemma@nutleynj.org, he added.
