Yonette Fredericks – 91��Ƭ

Harmony House Relocation Case Manager Started as a Volunteer with 91��Ƭ

Michelle Lang — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:27:14 +0000

Emily Coote has a passion for helping others which she has turned into a career. She first came to 91��Ƭ as a volunteer while in college, assisting at the Family Resource Success Center. She continued volunteering even after graduation and became a temporary Case Manager at Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, on July 11, 2022. She was made a full-time employee and currently serves as a Relocation Case Manager at Harmony House.

Coote focuses on finding permanent housing for Harmony House residents in her current role. She goes out in the field to find apartments and researches as much information as possible about subsidized housing, low-income housing, affordable housing and market rent rates in the area. In addition, she provides resources to help clients obtain employment and creates individual service plans for them.

Finding permanent housing that clients can afford is challenging.

“It’s very difficult because we’re in an era where the demand is so high but the supply is extremely low,” Coote said.

She doesn’t let the circumstances discourage her, however. She is continuously looking for ways to help her clients move to self-sufficiency and has helped several move into permanent housing.

Harmony House Director Yonette Fredericks said Coote came to the department with optimism and an eagerness to help clients overcome their barriers to obtaining permanent housing.

“Ms. Coote, willing to pitch in wherever she is needed, continues to be a beacon of hope for the clients and, ultimately, her peers,” Fredericks said. “The Harmony House team is pleased to have such a bright and tenacious Relocation Case Manager who continues to demonstrate the passion and commitment to aiding the fight against homelessness.”

Coote has always been passionate about helping others. In her free time, she fed the homeless and hosted clothing drives. She grew fond of 91��Ƭ and its mission when she began volunteering at the Family Resource Success Center. Director Joann Williams-Swiney suggested that she apply for a job with the organization and provided her with a recommendation.

“Emily was and is courteous and kind to every client she encounters. She is straightforward in a respectful way which fosters a connection with the clients she works with. She is a go-getter and a determined young woman who cares about those in her community,” Williams-Swiney said. “Emily truly embodies the mission of NCC.”

Coote decided she wanted a career in social work shortly after starting her post-secondary education at Essex County College. Coote’s mother, who passed away when she was born, was a social worker. When she was 19, Coote learned about her mother’s career and the passion she had for helping others. She was told firsthand accounts of how her mother had helped people and made a positive difference in their lives. It was then she decided to pursue social work as a career. After , Coote attended and graduated with a major in social work and a minor in women and gender studies.

Coote previously worked at in Summit in an administrative role. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she took a job as a tool rental associate at , where she rented out equipment and demonstrated how it worked to customers. She enjoyed the position but wanted to find a role to use her social work degree.

The best part of the job for Coote happens when a client thanks her and understands the services she is providing.

Coote is grateful that Harmony House exists in the area because it offers private space for families, which is rare. Most shelters have communal areas instead of individual units with private kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

“I tell the clients all day that this shelter is considered the W [Hotel] to any other shelter in this city and in this county,” she said.

In addition to privacy, Harmony House residents also have access to all the other services 91��Ƭ provides, including mental health counseling from Family Service Bureau of Newark (FSB); free tax prep, furniture assistance and energy bill assistance at the Family Resource Success Center; and educational services from .

Coote doesn’t limit her contributions at Harmony House to her official duties as a Relocation Case Manager. She also pitches ideas for events that she coordinates if they get approved. Right before Valentine’s Day she arranged for licensed individuals to provide haircuts and hair braiding for Harmony House children.

“I like that Ms. Fredericks allows me to bring in some ideas and actually execute them,” she said. “It was a real success.”

91��Ƭ Participates in 17th Annual Essex County Homeless Connect Day

Michelle Lang — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:29:02 +0000

Representatives from Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, and the 91��Ƭ Family Resource Success Center provided information to participants of the 17th Annual Essex County Homeless Connect Day on Jan. 25 at Essex County College. 91��Ƭ Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson also attended and brought items like winter coats for the participants.

The free event is held annually for homeless individuals to receive health screenings, haircuts, food and valuable information about resources.

Photos courtesy of Yonette Fredericks.

Back-to-School Event Helps Harmony House Kids Return to Class in Style

Michelle Lang — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 15:37:15 +0000

Volunteer Sally Milad once again organized a back-to-school event at Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families. She first started the event in 2017, which brings school supplies, backpacks, hair stylists and pizza to the facility for children to enjoy. The event, which was held this year on Aug. 29, is meant to help the children look and feel their best for the start of a new school year. Photos courtesy of Sally Milad and Yonette Fredericks.

Newark Homelessness Czar Tours Harmony House

Michelle Lang — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 15:08:59 +0000

Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services for the City of Newark Luis Ulerio toured Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, on June 22. Harmony House Director Yonette Fredericks showed him the private units where families live, which include a private bathroom, bedroom and living space. Fredericks and 91��Ƭ Director of Community Engagement Richard Cammarieri told Ulerio that families at Harmony House are provided with services to help them find permanent housing, further their education and find employment. Residents are referred to (NCCTI) to complete accredited post-secondary programs. Families are also offered mental health services through Family Service Bureau of Newark (FSB) and physical rehabilitation services at . NCCTI, FSB and Extended Care are all next door to Harmony House, allowing for easy access.

Harmony House Children Enjoy Educational Hiking Trip

Michelle Lang — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 21:20:07 +0000

Children who live in Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, had the opportunity to go on an educational hike at the South Mountain Reservation in South Orange on Oct. 29 thanks to a partnership with Newark Academy in Livingston. Newark Academy Senior Classman Will Crall and Director of Communication Sarah Fischer collaborated with 91��Ƭ Harmony House Director Yonette Fredericks to arrange for the children of Harmony House to have an opportunity to explore nature while being educated about the various species of plants at the South Mountain Reservation. Harmony House children and staff were joined by Crall, Alexandra Mahoney and several other students of Newark Academy. Photos courtesy of Alexandra Mahoney.

Community Day with NCC and Ebenezer Baptist Church

Michelle Lang — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:21:07 +0000

Ebenezer Baptist Church and 91��Ƭ’s Harmony House hosted Camden Street Community Day on Sept. 25. The event was all about giving back to the community, family, wellness and being a blessing. Senior Pastor Oliver Coleman, who led the event alongside Harmony House Director Yonette Fredericks, also hosts many other events with 91��Ƭ (NCC) such as Bingo nights, food drives and pizza parties.

Pastor Coleman is a working pastor who strives to live out what he preaches by going outside of the four walls of the church. The relationship between Ebenezer Baptist Church and Harmony House began back in April, yet it seems like so much longer than that with all the good that has transpired in the past seven months.

“We had to acknowledge what was in our community, so by us realizing that our community has a homeless shelter, we wanted to be a part of the mission to help those who are in need of help,” he said. He shared a scripture from the book of Matthew 25:35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” That scripture was the premise of why he reached out to the community.

“We know for sure that our brothers and sisters are in need of our help,” said Coleman. For him, it has been a blessing that he’s been able to make the connection with Fredericks and Harmony House.

“We come in at least once a month,” said Pastor Coleman. He mentioned how he and members of the church sometimes come in with food, candy, entertainment for the children and are always looking to help in any way they possibly can. “Instead of saying, ‘We’re the church down the block,’ we thought how can we help someone in the block?” Now, Ebenezer Baptist Church and Harmony House plan events together to reach even more people in the community by giving back and spreading love.

Most recently the duo successfully planned and put together Camden Street Community Day.

“It was a blessing,” said Pastor Coleman.

During this event, over 600 people in the community and surrounding areas were served. Between community partners and members of the church, all those who attended were able to enjoy wellness vendors, music, food, games and other activities.

“The children were playing and the adults were chatting. The 91��Ƭ Choir sang and filled the street with joyful sounds,” said Fredericks.

Pastor Coleman’s vision was to go above and beyond for the community.

“We served hot plates. We purchased chicken, ribs, fish. We had pork chops, hot dogs and Italian sausages,” he said. “God blessed us so we want to be a blessing to others. We really had a cookout for the community and some couldn’t even believe the event was free.”

Helping the community and building the relationship with Harmony House has helped Pastor Coleman and his team in the same way.

“I’ve had a few members who actually used to live in Harmony House who are now in college and volunteering with me,” he said. Learning that about his members encourages him that he is doing the right thing and to keep doing it.

“It’s just a blessing,” he said. “This is why we do what we do because of things like this.”

With his second pastoral anniversary coming up on Oct. 24, Pastor Coleman is looking forward to even more community involvement. He and his team are already finalizing plans to put together some events for Thanksgiving.

Ebenezer Baptist Church and community partners plan to give out free turkeys to those who are able to prepare them at home as well as provide a meal for those who aren’t able to prepare a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

“This is a part of the mission, not just preaching the word of Christ, but being like Christ,” Pastor Coleman said.

NCC and Harmony House are truly grateful for such a strong community partnership with Ebenezer Baptist Church that seeks to uplift and restore our community. We hope to be a part of more moments and opportunities like this.

NESF Day of Service: Recognition of World Homeless Day

Michelle Lang — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:30:32 +0000

Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF) acknowledged World Homeless Day on Friday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lincoln Park, Downtown Newark. The annual event was coordinated by NESF and co-sponsored by Newark Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver.

Among the NESF partners was 91��Ƭ Harmony House and Family Service Bureau (FSB). Yonette Fredericks, Director of Harmony House, was present to inform the community about Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing for homeless families, and about the FSB Hope and Healing Program for COVID-19 resources.

Fredericks had a table loaded with housing resources and socks for individuals and families who were interested. “The event went very well,” said Fredericks.

NCC Family Resource Center Director Joann Williams-Swiney speaks to a community member at Newark Emergency Services for Families Event in Newark on Oct. 8. Photo courtesy of Yonette Fredericks.

Community members visit vendor tables at Newark Emergency Services for Families Event in Newark on Oct. 8. Photo courtesy of Yonette Fredericks.

Domestic Violence Survivors Receive Donated Purses Filled with Items

Michelle Lang — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:40:41 +0000

Survivors of domestic violence at Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, were celebrated during an event at the facility on Jan. 19. Love Supreme Counseling Services, LLC founder Julia Kelly hosted the event. Kelly brought the women various purses packed with personal care items as well as pajamas and toys for the children. The event took place at Harmony House where all COVID-19 regulations were enforced. The female residents of Harmony House reported to the afterschool room and were graciously surprised with the purses. On behalf of Harmony House residents and staff, we would like to sincerely thank Kelly, her organization and other sponsors for their support. Photo courtesy of Yonette Fredericks.

Victoria Foundation Grant Helps Harmony House Families

Michelle Lang — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:30:55 +0000

Thanks to the Victoria Foundation Fund, the residents of Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, have received additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

91��Ƭ applied for and received a $10,000 grant from Victoria Foundation to support its work at Harmony House during the pandemic.

The Victoria Foundation Fund provided the grant money to 91��Ƭ in May to purchase food and supplies for Harmony House, expand mental health care and buy cleaning supplies.

The grant money helped with the purchase of a variety of food and supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), for Harmony House and each family was provided with a $100 ShopRite gift card so they could purchase items they wanted and needed.

“We chose the gift cards to ShopRite because it gives them a choice,” said NCC Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya. “Harmony House has received a lot of support throughout the pandemic. But having their own choice was more powerful than getting them food and distributing it or buying them something that we think they want.”

Harmony House families received the gift cards toward the middle of the month when other assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be depleted.

“We waited until the middle of the month when clients really need food the most. They came in handy,” said Harmony House Director Yonette Fredericks. “The families are really appreciative of it.”

Harmony House is a transitional housing program with the primary goal of helping families move from homelessness to permanent housing and from dependency to self-sufficiency. With the capacity to house 102 families in individual apartment units and a host of on-site social services, Harmony House offers stability to families facing seemingly insurmountable barriers and enables them to restore their lives.

Victoria Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of children and families in Newark and to protect water resources and preserve open space statewide.

Photos courtesy of Yonette Fredericks.

Harmony House Thanks Donors, Community Partners

Michelle Lang — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 16:45:09 +0000

Dear Donors and Community Partners:

Harmony House management and the families would like to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for all the support and aid that have been offered in these unprecedented times. Even during a period of nationwide social and economic unrest, and a statewide quarantine that has disrupted the lives of so many, the various organizations and individuals have taken the time to demonstrate to those most vulnerable in our community that they are not forgotten and that their health and wellbeing matter.

Harmony House is a transitional housing program with the primary goal of helping families move from homelessness to permanent housing and from dependency to self-sufficiency. With the capacity to house 102 families in individual apartment units and a host of on-site social services, Harmony House provides much more than a shelter. It offers stability to families facing seemingly insurmountable barriers and enables them to restore their lives.

Since the COVID-19 shutdown began in late March 2020, Harmony House has received the following donations from our generous supporters:

World Central Kitchen, in partnership with Audible, has made over 70 trips to Harmony House. From early May to the end of June, they have delivered 5,580 meals.
Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF) has increased its usual monthly donation of perishable and non-perishable goods to a weekly delivery of donations during the shutdown.
The National Council of Jewish Women in collaboration with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey continues to support us through their donation of sanitary napkins, totaling 81 boxes annually.

Throughout the year, the following supporters have also been a beacon of support and hope to our families:

Margaret Strong from St. Teresa’s in Summit, N.J., has provided our families with Christmas gifts for all the children.
Sally Milad has continuously provided our families with back-to-school haircuts and hairdos for all children year after year.
Sean Lewis from Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown, N.J., provides Christmas gifts for our children.
Ana Osario from Newark Public Schools has graciously provided toiletry items for men and women, as well as food donations.

These donations have been incredibly important to and gratefully received by our families. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a crisis with multiple dimensions: an economic catastrophe, a fear for health and life itself and above all uncertainty of what the future holds and how to move forward. Uncertainty and economic fragility already plagued our residents before the pandemic hit, and the current state has only made it that much harder for our residents to get back on their feet. On behalf of Harmony House staff and residents, we truly cannot thank you enough for doing what you can to help.

Amidst all the turmoil, a silver lining can perhaps be found in how the pandemic has brought communities together. All across the nation, everyone from community residents at the grassroots level to large corporations have come together to form relief funds and support networks to ensure that we all come through this crisis whole. I hope that we are able to sustain this momentum even once COVID-19 is a problem of the past and continue to lend each other a helping hand. Altruism and compassion are as much a part of a healthy society as vaccines and businesses.

Sincerely,
Yonette Fredericks
Director of Harmony House