YFCS Offers Support to NJ Veterans, Military and Their Families

In an effort to continue raising awareness about the amazing work nonprofits are doing in our community, the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC) would like to highlight Bravest First, a program developed by Youth & Family Counseling Service (YFCS). Bravest First was created in 2015 to support the critical counseling needs of New Jersey’s veterans, military members and their immediate families.
Based on 2012 data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the number of veteran suicides averages 22 per day. In light of these staggering numbers, YFCS recognized the need for mental health care services to support the New Jersey military community. The Bravest First program is a free service provided through the generous donations of individuals and companies to YFCS.
“We know how important it is to have affordable access to mental health care services, especially when it comes to our bravest,” said Carol M. Pedro, LPC, Executive Director ofYFCS. “By partnering with organizations like Bonds of Courage as well as the GWACC, we are able to increase awareness about this free service we offer to the veteran and military community of New Jersey.”
The YFCS is a non-profit social service agency and one of the very few regional counseling centers offering professional “family systems” based psychological counseling,prevention, education, crisis intervention and supportive services to all income levels. Since its establishment in 1918, YFCS has served over 50,000 people—empowering and restoring countless lives in the community.
“We are delighted to be working with nonprofit organizations like YFCS,” said Stephanie Branna, Board Member and Chair of the GWACC Nonprofit Committee. “It is important to support our veterans and military in all capacities including mental health care, which is why the GWACC is committed to raising awareness about free programs like Bravest First.”
For more information about YFCS and the Bravest First program, please call (908) 233-2042 or visit www.yfcsnj.org.
 About Youth & Family Counseling Service
For nearly 100 years, the Youth & Family Counseling Service has promoted the mental health and well-being of youth, families and the larger community in Union County and surrounding areas through the provision of high-quality, affordable counseling services.
About the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce
The GWACC has 500 members serving five communities in Union County: Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, Scotch Plains and Westfield.