Origin
Founded in 1979, the Binnacle House, formerly known as Hunterdon Youth Services, has spent the last 38 years safeguarding children, strengthening families and building responsible citizens. What began as an emergency shelter for children in Hunterdon County has expanded into a continuum of care for youth who are not safe with their families of origin.
Mission
Creating a brighter future for youth and families. Our current emphasis is on boys age 13 through young adulthood.
Goals
Diversify funding streams, broaden target population to include female youth, the developmentally disabled and senior citizens, and geographic expansion to become a statewide organization.
Programs
- Residential care for youth who have been abandoned, abused or neglected;
- Counseling for youth from licensed clinicians, as well as informal counseling from youth care workers;
- Life skills training that incorporates basic skills necessary to become responsible citizens into youths’ frame of reference;
- Vocational rehabilitation that encourages youth to seek employment opportunities appropriate to their age and development;
- Academic excellence to help bridge gaps in youths’ academic performance;
- Family engagement to help youth return to a safe and supportive family environment.
Achievements
- Name change initiative — Binnacle House went through a name change during spring 2017 to create more awareness about our organization, and so we can be identified as servicing all youth and families throughout the state of New Jersey.
- Implementation of e-newsletter;
- Boys volunteering in the community;
- Facility and equipment improvements, including new furniture, security cameras and vans.
Fundraising
Financial contributions of a restricted or unrestricted nature, grants and planned giving. Two signature fundraising events annually, the Golf Outing and the Comedy Extravaganza, which raise money through sponsorships, attendance and auction items.
Benefactors
- Jerri May Grimes, board president
- Carolyn Evans, board vice president
- Robert Vernon, board treasurer
- Levent Bayrasli, board secretary
- Bob Reichman, Mary Alley, Sandra Vernon and Lawrence Coven, board members
- Unity Bank
- Investors Bank
- Evans Worldwide
- CBM of America
- The Law Firm of Raymond Grimes
- Digital Arts
Local businesses support us through various ways, including “shop for a cause” events and product donations.
Finally
We are currently focusing on being more innovative by intervening with our youth on best practices. We go beyond traditional therapy by incorporating yoga, equine therapy, having outside community members speak to our youth and educating them on gangs, drugs, contraception and more. At Binnacle House, we are grateful for all our volunteers who spend time with our youth, whether it’s assisting them with filling out a job application, tutoring them or cooking dinner!
Where: Flemington
Serving: Families in New Jersey for over 38 years
Key members:
- Jerri May Grimes, board president
- Lawrence Brooks, executive director
- Monica Guzman, assistant executive director
- Deana Cynar, director of development
Conversation Starter
For more information, please contact Deana Cynar at dcynar@hunterdonyouthservices.org, binnaclehouse.org or at 908-782-1046.
