Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW - Zoom Guest & Topic on 3.30.21

During this time of crisis and uncertainty many rely on faith for support and stability. The community is invited to join Laverne S. Williams, CSW, a Deacon at the Union Baptist Church in Montclair, for a free Zoom.us session, entitled "Thankful Tuesdays." During these sessions, Deacon Williams and her special guests explore important topics centered around faith and spirituality. The program is offered at 2 p.m. every Tuesday: individuals may participate online through the Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/424719863?pw... or by visiting Zoom.us, Meeting ID number 424 719 863, Password 469922 or by calling 646-558-8656. The program may also be viewed on Facebook Live @MentalHealthAssociationinNewJerseyInc

On Tuesday March 30th, Deacon Williams' special guests are Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. -Essex County Executive and Maya Lord- Essex County Health Officer.

The County has administered almost 60,000 COVID-19 tests to ensure the safety and health of our residents, the Essex County workforce, and their families. Now, we plan to continue to protect as many people as possible during this next phase, by encouraging individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Throughout this year we have seen how life-threatening the Coronavirus has been, affecting thousands of people of all ages, ethnicities, health levels, and socioeconomic status, in Essex County. It is important that we get vaccinated to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., has changed the face of Essex County both fiscally and physically in the past 18 years.

Running Essex in the most efficient manner, he has turned the County into a model for good government. He raised the bond ratings from junk level to Aaa, eliminated unnecessary contracts, cut expenses, reduced the workforce size and increased revenue. The Hospital Center, Correctional Facility and Juvenile Detention Facility have been widely recognized, allowing us to create recurring revenue streams through shared services agreements with Federal, State and other county governments.

DiVincenzo developed the Essex County South Mountain Recreational Complex by building the Treetop Adventure Course, McLoone’s Boathouse Restaurant, mini-GOLF Safari, Park-N-Ride, Regatta Playground, Clipper Pavilion and paddle boats on the Reservoir, modernizing the Codey Ice Arena and vastly improving Turtle Back Zoo. It has become a premiere family destination, welcoming visitors from throughout the tri-state area.

DiVincenzo guided the restoration of the Historic Courthouse, and completely overhauled the Government Complex, including the creation of Veterans Memorial Park, the construction of a 1,000-car parking garage and the installation of landscaped plazas and statues of people important in Essex County history. Totally new jury quarters plus the LeRoy Smith Public Safety Building, converted from an old jail into a revenue-producing office building, complete the government complex. A Correctional Facility in Newark, a new psychiatric Hospital Center in Cedar Grove and a state-of-the-art Public Works Garage in Cedar Grove also have been completed.

The Essex County Parks System has been improved for the public’s benefit. Rubberized playground surfaces, upgraded basketball and tennis courts, and synthetic grass surfaces and rubberized running tracks were installed. Six new parks were added to the historic Parks System, and more than 5,000 new cherry blossom trees were planted to replenish the glorious orchards in Essex County Branch Brook Park.

According to Joe D, (as everyone calls him) he and the 3,500 County employees are part of a team and working together they continue Putting Essex County First.

Maya Lordo currently serves as the Essex County Health Officer and oversees the operations of the Essex County Department of Health. She received her undergraduate degree in Public Health from William Paterson University and a master’s from New Jersey City University in Health Administration. She holds a Register Environmental Health Specialist license, a Master Certified Health Education Specialist Certification and Health Officers license from the State of NJ.

She has worked in public health for the last 11 years and serves as an adjunct professor at NJCU, where she teaches Environmental Health. In her limited free time, she practices yoga and enjoys(ed) traveling.

Laverne Williams, CSW is the Director of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality) Program for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. Ms. Williams is a New Jersey Certified Social Worker, WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. With over 35+ years of experience in mental health service, Ms. Williams is a highly sought- after conference keynote and workshop facilitator. Her workshops have been presented to numerous statewide and local agencies, consumer organizations and family member groups. As an advocate on behalf of persons with mental illness, and a Deacon at her church, Ms. Williams diligently develops partnerships between faith-based communities and behavioral health institutions by bridging the gap between theology and mental health.

Ms. Williams was quoted in the April 2017 #1 best-selling book, Option B – Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Gant.

To contact Deacon Williams please email lwilliams@mhanj.org.