The Center for Great Expectations

When a need is identified at CGE we turn to our community partners to assist. In this case, the Adolescent program needed 10 chairs for their kitchen table to replace the seven mismatched, existing chairs which were in terrible shape. Members of our partner, The Dream Team - BNI 33 , stepped up and donated the funds needed to purchase the chairs. Then our friends at SHI International Corp., Public Sector, spent a morning constructing the chairs. Within two weeks of putting out the initial request we had 10 new chairs for the program. Our community partners continue to make every day brighter at CGE.

Thanks to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater, St. Matthias, Somerset and Our Lady of the Mount, Warren our shelves are filled with diapers and wipes once again! With a large group of toddlers in our programs our supply of size 5&6 diapers was being depleted quickly. Maintaining a steady stock of diapers is essential for providing comfort and support to these families. We deeply appreciate the continued generosity and thoughtfulness of those who help us to meet the urgent needs of our community and ensure that every child at CGE is well taken care of.

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This summer, the children in Katy's Place are keeping cool in the most fun way possible — playing with the splash pad outside! The laughter and excitement are contagious as the children splash around, enjoying the refreshing water on these hot days. Here's to many more days of fun and staying cool under the sun!

Keller Williams hosted their first-ever Baby Bottle Brigade, an initiative inspired by one of our longtime volunteers and supporters who introduced the idea to her colleagues. Their enthusiasm for this project reflects a deep commitment to community involvement, which is highly important to our mission. We thank Keller Williams for making a meaningful impact.

Save The Date! Our annual Hope Lives Here Gala is on Friday, October 18th at 6:00 PM at The Marigold in Somerset.

The evening will be filled with great company, delicious cuisine, and an all-new format with expanded opportunities for dancing and entertainment. Come out in support of our extraordinary mission to provide transformational treatment to women, children, men and families impacted by trauma, abuse and neglect.

We look forward to celebrating our honorees of the evening:
Pat & Bob Bridgeman – Humanitarian Award
Ken Daneyko – Outstanding Service Award
Kevin Mannion – Outstanding Volunteer Award
Assemblyman Joe Danielsen – Champion for Change

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: Hackensack Meridian Health, Frontline Insurance and RWJBarnabas Health.

Last year, we hosted over 300 guests and anticipate a similarly large turnout this year. If you would like to become a sponsor or purchase tickets, click here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/HopeLivesHereGala2024

Contact Laurie Lachs at 732-247-7003 ext. 336 or [email protected] with any questions.

A group of 18 dedicated volunteers from Verizon's legal team visited The Center to assemble toiletry bags for our clients. We are particularly grateful as this marks their initial volunteering opportunity with us. These bags are incredibly important, providing essential items for our clients and making them feel valued and cared for.

We had a special treat for the little ones at Katy's Place when Service Dog Peaches visited resulting in smiles of delight. Initially some children were a bit unsure of her due to her size, but they quickly warmed up to her gentle and sweet nature, showering her with love. We can't wait for her next visit!

The Knights of Columbus from Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren have been supporting CGE since 2006. A couple members recently visited The Center to drop off a generous contribution. Throughout the years the Knights have supported our clients in many ways, such as donating winter coats, Mother's Day goodies, and special breakfasts. We are grateful for their on-going support and the impact they have had through the years.

Providing items such as diapers and baby wipes is essential to the wellbeing of our CGE families. The Catholic Community of St. Matthias - Somerset, NJ provided a quick and generous response to our urgent request for Size 5 & 6 Huggies and wipes. Thank you, St. Matthias, for spreading kindness and compassion to our CGE community since 2011.

Johnson & Johnson Global Legal Organization employees based out of World Headquarters in New Brunswick and Raritan, came to The Center to tackle some projects. They washed the windows and screens, and restocked and organized the pantry and refrigerator in House B. This is the group's 4th time volunteering at CGE. Thank you for your hard work!

Johnson & Johnson

Supportive Housing clients regularly receive delicious and fresh produce from The Franklin Food Bank. We have been proud participants in FFB's Community Distribution program for many years, and our clients are always deeply appreciative of these generous donations. Our partnership with Franklin Food Bank has been instrumental in fostering a healthier and happier community, and we are thankful for their support.

BNI Manhattan Chapter 33 is called The Dream Team for a reason – their unwavering commitment to our mission has been remarkable. From volunteering at numerous events to generously donating countless essential items, including a crib, highchairs, a rocking chair, and school supplies. They have greatly enhanced our ability to serve our CGE families.

The continuous support we receive from BNI Manhattan Chapter 33 throughout the year is instrumental in allowing us to further our mission and make a positive impact on those we serve. Thank you for your dedication to our mission!

We are grateful to have received 5 out of the 20 beds needed to replace the well-used ones we currently have in our adult and adolescent residences! A HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated so far—you are making a real difference.

Let's keep the momentum going! Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and start a fundraising group. Together, we can reach our goal and replace all 20 beds to maintain a comfortable, safe place for our moms.

To donate a mattress, simply click on this Amazon link, add a mattress to your cart, and have it shipped to Pat Sommero at 19B Dellwood Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ZVDGDZ4QGXYA/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 —​Be sure to include a gift receipt with your name so we can say 'thank you!'​

Our new friends at Hope Yoga came to visit The Center to get a better understanding of the amazing work taking place. During their visit they presented us with a generous donation along with playing cards, games, and more that has brought so much joy to the women and children we support. They are absolutely loving the new games and the bonds that are being formed through play are truly heartwarming.

Thank you, Hope Yoga, for being a part of our community!

What an un-fore-gettable day! Over 200 golfers and picklers came out to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Ken Daneyko Golf Classic at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club. CGE is incredibly grateful to Ken and Margaret for hosting this amazing outing. Your support means the world to us.

Though it was a brutally hot day with temperatures close to 100 degrees, it didn’t stop the golfers as they competed in various contests throughout the day, including a putting contest, closest to the pin, pot-o-gold, longest drive, and beat the pro. Pickleball players were also nonplused by the heat serving up some friendly competition in our first-ever round robin tournament . Guests bid on an amazing array of auction items, and most tried their luck on the 50/50 raffle! Scott Clark led an exciting panel discussion with Ken, Mike Rupp, Milan Lucic, Chris Terreri, and Grant Marshall, filling the room with laughter as the men shared stories about their hockey days.

Thank you to AvalonBay Communities for being our Stanley Cup Event Sponsor. We deeply appreciate your longstanding commitment to supporting our mission. A special thanks to our amazing volunteers for ensuring the day ran smoothly.

The day wouldn't have been so special without you, our CGE community. The energy in the room was palpable as everyone came together to support Ken and CGE. We can't wait for next year’s outing and hope to see you there!

Outstanding volunteers from L'Oreal USA's Franklin Manufacturing team recently visited CGE to provide tremendous support. They assisted in laying down rocks near our solar panels, reorganizing the diaper shed, and cleaning the conference room. They have been dedicated partners since 2017, and we couldn't be more grateful for all they have done for us over the years.

L'Oréal Paris

We are honored to have been featured on NJ Spotlight News, which recently aired two segments addressing maternal mortality and addiction. The segments highlight The Center for Great Expectations as an option in New Jersey for pregnant or parenting women. We encourage you to take a few minutes to view these pieces to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these women and the vital role CGE plays in helping them overcome substance use disorders while fostering early relational health with their children.

Part 1: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/video/fighting-addiction-with-pregnant-women-and-new-mothers/

Part 2: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/video/addiction-treatment-during-pregnancy-helps-to-save-lives/

We’re running low on size 6 Huggies diapers and baby wipes thanks to numerous toddlers in our programs. Please visit our Amazon Wishlist and consider making a donation to help provide comfort and care for our little ones: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1VJSNMOGF7FCQ/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

Ship the item to Pat Sommero at 19B Dellwood Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Be sure to include a gift receipt with your name on it so we can express our gratitude.

Thank you for your support!

Approximately 150 guests of The Center for Great Expectations attended the screening of the documentary “Mending Marissa” at Raritan Valley Community College. Guests were riveted to the film as 3 former clients in the Adult Women’s program shared the challenges they faced when abusing substances and what it took to embrace a sober lifestyle with their children. Their experience at CGE was pivotal in their sobriety journey and each woman said they couldn’t have done it without the help they received.

A panel discussion followed the screening providing an opportunity for guests to ask questions of panel members; Peg Wright, CGE CEO, Ash Patino, film director, Dr. Edward Ratus, Board Certified Psychiatrist, Read Sulik, MD, FAAP, DFAACAP, Denise Hien, Ph.D., ABPP, Marissa, and Angela (clients in the documentary.) Click here to watch the full panel discussion: https://youtu.be/ijMS4zQ5xrY?si=JYgewthMPI0VHTwL

We are grateful to Frontline Insurance for funding the production of the video and to Raritan Valley Community College for graciously hosting the event.

Global distribution of the film will take place in the near future. Keep an eye on our social media platforms for future announcements about where you can view this moving and inspiring documentary.

A huge thank you to Christ the Redeemer Parish, Manville NJ for their incredible support and generosity! Through their 3rd Baby Bottle Brigade, they raised an amazing $4,943! Your continuous efforts and dedication make a significant difference in our community. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support.

Happy Independence Day! Today we celebrate our freedom and honor those who fought for it. We hope you enjoy a safe and fun holiday weekend.

What better way to beat this heat than to cool off at the beach! Our adult residents and their children recently visited the Jersey Shore to celebrate the start of summer. It was a day filled with joy and laughter as everyone enjoyed the sun, sand, and surf. The mothers bonded over watching their little ones play together. It was a memorable day for all, marking the beginning of a wonderful season ahead.

URGENT UPDATE — Maternal Health and substance use is such an urgent problem in New Jersey that NJ Spotlight is dedicating a two part special.
- Part One will identify the problem
- Part Two will highlight how CGE is one of the solutions

Part two will air Wednesday, July 3rd at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 11:00 PM.

TONIGHT – NJ Spotlight News will be airing a segment about the amazing work taking place at CGE tomorrow, July 2 at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 11:00 PM, subject to scheduling changes. Feel free to share this with others to increase our reach in the community.

Our CGE team introduced Joanna Gagis, Senior Correspondent for NJ Spotlight News, to the mission and unique model of care used at CGE with a focus on pregnant or parenting women with a history of complex trauma. Great Expectations seeks to form a partnership with women in creating a safe place, a safe presence, and a safe path that enables them to experience, choose, and maintain physical, psychological, social and spiritual health for themselves and their children.

Check your local carrier for the proper channel.
Fios: channel 523
Comcast: channel 800
Cablevision: channel 8

TONIGHT – NJ Spotlight News will be airing a segment about the amazing work taking place at CGE tomorrow, July 2 at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 11:00 PM, subject to scheduling changes. Feel free to share this with others to increase our reach in the community.

Our CGE team introduced Joanna Gagis, Senior Correspondent for NJ Spotlight News, to the mission and unique model of care used at CGE with a focus on pregnant or parenting women with a history of complex trauma. Great Expectations seeks to form a partnership with women in creating a safe place, a safe presence, and a safe path that enables them to experience, choose, and maintain physical, psychological, social and spiritual health for themselves and their children.

Check your local carrier for the proper channel.
Fios: channel 523
Comcast: channel 800
Cablevision: channel 8

Responding to the overwhelming evidence identifying substance use as one of the major factors in maternal mortality, Dr. Kaitlin Baston, the Commissioner for the Department of Health, suggested NJ Spotlight News reach out to The Center for Great Expectations (CGE) to inform the public about the amazing work taking place at this special nonprofit. Peg Wright, CGE CEO, Dr Ed Ratush Medical director, and Carolyn Flynn, Director of Infant and Early Childhood Relational Health met with Joanna Gagis, Senior Correspondent for NJ Spotlight News.

The team introduced Joanna to the mission and unique model of care used at CGE with a focus on pregnant or parenting women with a history of complex trauma. Great Expectations seeks to form a partnership with women in creating a safe place, a safe presence, and a safe path that enables them to experience, choose, and maintain physical, psychological, social and spiritual health for themselves and their children.

NJ Spotlight News will be airing a segment about the amazing work taking place at CGE tomorrow, July 2 at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 11:00 PMsubject to scheduling changes. Check your local carrier for the proper channel.
Fios, channel 523
Comcast, channel 800
Cablevision, channel 8

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Unity Bank for being a sponsor at this year's Ken Daneyko Golf Classic coming up on July 16th. Unity Bank Plc VP Michael Harris and SVP Daniel Sharabba visited The Center to present Peg Wright with their sponsorship check, and to get a first-hand look at the work taking place at CGE. We are incredibly appreciative of their support.

BNI Manhattan Chapter 33 - The Dream Team hit it out of the park in a recent charity softball tournament, championing CGE and the individuals we serve. Their efforts raised a significant amount of money to provide to our programs. We are deeply thankful for their unwavering support.

"The charity softball tournament was more than just a game, it was a day of unity, teamwork, and giving back. The Dream Team truly hit a home run for The Center for Great Expectations, proving that when we come together, we can achieve great things both on and off the field." - BNI Member

Click this link below to read more: https://bnidreamteam.com/dream-team-hits-home-run-for-charity-a-day-of-softball-team-building-and-giving-back/

We are in urgent need of size 5 & 6 Huggies diapers and baby wipes. Please consider making a donation through our Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1VJSNMOGF7FCQ?ref_=wl_dp_view_your_list

Ship the item to Pat Sommero at 19B Dellwood Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Be sure to include a gift receipt with your name on it so we can express our gratitude.

Your generosity makes a huge difference. Every donation helps keep our little ones comfortable and cared for. Thank you for your support!

Looking for new ways to support our CGE community? Assist in our mission to replace the well-used mattresses in both of our residential houses - 20 in total. A good quality mattress makes a difference in the wellbeing of the clients we serve.

So far, we have received 3 new mattresses. We are grateful to those who have assisted in ensuring the women feel comfortable and valued during their stay at CGE.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a group to join together to get a mattress and support the women.

To donate a mattress, simply click on this Amazon link, add a mattress to your cart, and have it shipped to Pat Sommero at 19B Dellwood Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ZVDGDZ4QGXYA/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

Be sure to include a gift receipt with your name on it so we can express our gratitude.