Essex Pregnancy and Parenting Connection

(EPPC) links parents and family members to supportive services to support their parenting journey.

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About Us

Essex Pregnancy and Parenting Connection (EPPC) serves as the Connecting NJ agency for Essex County. EPPC links parents and family members to supportive services to support their parenting journey. EPPC is also a Family Connects NJ program partner.

Families expecting a new child (via birth, kinship, adoption, and beyond), have a child under 5, or have recently experienced maternal or infant loss can be supported by our team.

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How does EPPC work?

EPPC connects with families, health care providers, and community organizations throughout Essex County to link families with various services to support their parenting journey. Linkage to programs is based on each family’s need and eligibility criteria as noted below. As we continue to build and strengthen relationships in the community our family link options change regularly. We receive referrals from anyone in the community looking to support families expecting a baby or parenting a child under 5 years old. 

EPPC receives referrals in 3 different ways:

With a family’s permission, medical providers, who are registered with the CNJ Link program, submit a Perinatal Risk Assessment (PRA) through the system.

Families can complete a self-referral form and receive an introductory text from one of our Connecting New Jersey team members.

self-referral form

Community organizations and agencies can support a family with the self-referral form (also noted above) or complete an EPPC fillable referral form and email it to [email protected].

self-referral form

Eligibility

Based on their eligibility, families can be connected to one or more of the following free local services

  • Home Visiting Programs such as
  • Healthy Families, Parents as Teachers (PAT), Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)
 
  • Healthy Women Healthy Families: Community Health Workers
  • Community Doulas
  • Parent support groups
  • Local Family Success Centers
  • Link to online screening to learn about a child’s early milestones:
  • Events for expectant parents and those with young children
  • Other health and social support programs and resources

Testimonials

“Awesome experience, really glad that I came. Keep up the good work!”
Parent Palooza Participant
“[I liked] the connection. The fact that everyone was so happy to be here.”
Parent Palooza Vendor
“I love the meeting because of all the people I meet and the many resources.”
Community Advisory Board Parent Attendee
“I plan on applying this to my everyday life with raising my children and helping to be a positive influence to my community.”
Connections Matter participant
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EPPC is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.

Copyright 2024

Hervianne Fonrose

Connecting NJ Specialist

[email protected]

I was raised by a Pentecostal family of 6, fluent in Creole, French and English. I went to an all-girls school from kindergarten until graduation of High school. I went to Nursing school and became a Registered Nurse in Haiti, then obtained another degree as a Community RN. In Essex County, I worked previously as a family Support worker for more than 2 years. I would describe myself as a happy, sportif, open, honest, and spiritual person. I always look for the positive side of any individual. I am eager to learn and grow. I am a hard-working person, able to lead or motivate a group or an individual. That is who I am.

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Vanessa Downs

Connection NJ Case Manager

[email protected]

Hello! My name is Vanessa Downs, Connecting NJ Case Manager for Essex County (EPPC). I've been with EPPC for 2 and half years. I enjoy connecting families to resources within the community and I really am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with a passionate team.

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Bailey Haigh

Early Childhood Specialist (ECS)

[email protected]

As a passionate advocate for social justice and equity, I bring a deep sense of empathy and understanding to my work at EPPC. Beyond my professional pursuits, I'm fueled by my personal experiences and connections within my community, driving me to support and protect the well-being of mothers, families, and children. Whether through my studies or in my daily interactions, I'm committed to fostering a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and access the support they need.

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Cassandra Acloque

Early Childhood Specialist (ECS)

[email protected]

My name is Cassandra Acloque, I have a BA in communications from St. Peters University and MA in Counseling from Kean University. I am bilingual in English and Haitian Creole. I have a passion to serve the community around me. I enjoy educating individuals on the importance of mental health in every stage of life. I have case management experience working with severe and persistent mentally ill individuals and their families. I look forward to continuing my mission in spreading my knowledge with the families I serve.

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Rachel Ruel

Community Alignment Specialist

[email protected]

Rachel Ruel, MSW, CD, is a Community Alignment Specialist (CAS) for Family Connects NJ (FCNJ) - Essex. Rachel coordinates and networks with organizations, medical providers, and perinatal professionals to build resources and referrals. Rachel co-leads quarterly Connecting Families Collaborative Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings and co-hosts monthly informational sessions for pregnant people, families and programs supporting the community. As a connector she believes in self-efficacy and people having the resources, information and transparency needed to make decisions that are best for themselves and their family. Rachel enjoys learning about Essex County and digging deep into resources and how systems work. Prior to working at EPPC, Rachel co-directed Sister to Sister Community Doulas of Essex County, a dynamic community doula and community health worker program that served Essex County. Outside of work, Rachel is a community organizer and appreciates the elements of earth, cooking delicious soup, lifting weights and spending time with the people she loves.

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Maria Vazquez

Connecting NJ Coordinator

[email protected]

I have been with PCANJ for 8 years. I enjoy having conversations with families in the community. I am a mom to a teen and preteen and most of my days are spent on adventures with them. Trying new activities, new places to eat, exploring our nearby community and also other states. I have come to love new adventures and I’m always looking for another place to explore. Nature is my calm and peace. Sitting by the lake with a book is where I feel grounded. I enjoy reading, music and love a good recipe.

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Jillian Faulks

Program Director

[email protected]

I come from a long lineage of people in Essex County, NJ and am committed to supporting parents as they navigate pregnancy, birth, and parenting resources and information through EPPC. Some of my work outside of EPPC includes lactation support for families and bringing mindfulness practices into most of what I do in life. Serving and supporting families is part of my family’s legacy and I’m proud to continue to do that work.

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Copy - Jillian Faulks

Program Director

[email protected]

I come from a long lineage of people in Essex County, NJ and am committed to supporting parents as they navigate pregnancy, birth, and parenting resources and information through EPPC. Some of my work outside of EPPC includes lactation support for families and bringing mindfulness practices into most of what I do in life. Serving and supporting families is part of my family’s legacy and I’m proud to continue to do that work.

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