Who We Are
FSL strives to help families identify and access their own strengths and resources that will nurture healthy, lasting relationships.
We’re here to help.
Committed to Acceptance and Accessibility.
The Children’s Home Association, founded in 1881, and the Altruist Society, founded in 1887, joined forces to become Family Service League (FSL), which was the first social service organization in the nation charged with providing child care, job training, counseling, and direct services to families in need. Throughout its history, FSL's core mission has remained the same: to support and strengthen individuals in need through counseling, education, and other social services.
In 2004, a state-designated sexual violence program for Essex County was established by FSL. Through its counseling and SAVE for Essex County programs, in addition to individuals, couples, and families, FSL serves clients including opioid addicts, veterans suffering from PTSD, and sexual assault survivors. Most of our clients are at or below the poverty line and belong to vulnerable groups in our community. We are well recognized by the community for our tireless work and were given the “Outstanding Non-profit" award in 2017 by the North Essex Chamber of Commerce.
Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen and support those seeking counseling for any life event, provide sexual violence advocacy services, and offer educational programs to combat sexual violence. All our services are open to individuals, their significant others, and family members. Family Service League is a client-centered agency that is committed to making its services available to all in the community.
To provide and promote education about sexual violence prevention, outreach, and crisis services.
To be a leader in New Jersey and in the New York metropolitan area in the comprehensive training of counselors in Family Therapy.
To provide individuals, families, and communities with the tools they need to cope with crisis.
Our Core Values
Compassion
To prioritize empathy and transparent, trauma-informed care in all we do.
Diversity
Striving to have a staff and board of trustees that is diverse and reflects the community we serve.
Confidentiality
Respecting both our clients’ and colleagues’ privacy and trust as they navigate their journey on their own timeline.
Statement of Inclusivity
Family Service League is committed to creating an environment that embraces diversity. As an agency that advocates for all people who seek help, we embrace the identities of all people without regard to race, ethnicity, preferred language, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, physical/mental health status, religion, genetic disposition, age, and ability. Family Service League approaches all its decisions through an active anti-oppressive social justice lens.
FSL offers counseling, therapy, as well as social and educational services without regard to financial status, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Our Team
Our Team provides free, confidential, round-the-clock access to support and services for families and survivors of sexual violence, including advocacy, accompaniment, information, referrals, and counseling services.
Executive Director
Nur S. Kalyoncu, MS
Clinical Director
Wally Weikert, LCSW, LMFT
Associate Clinical Director
Paula Ochs, LCSW, TEP
Sexual Violence Advocate & Program Manager
Madeleine Doubet, LSW
Sexual Violence Program Support & Care Manager
Linda Stephenson, MS
Sexual Violence Programmatic Support, Grants Manager & Therapist
Stephanie Koeller, MS, LMFT
Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist
Joyce Monserrate, MSW
Sexual Violence Hotline Manager
Heather Sheppard, BA
Sexual Violence Bilingual Outreach Educator
TBD
Sexual Violence Programmatic Support and Intern Manager
Susan Mekhael, MA, MFT
Staff Therapist
Stephanie Mathelier, MS, LMFT
Staff Therapist
Jessica Romain, LPC, NCC
Staff Therapist
Marisol Chinchay, MS, LAMFT
Staff Therapist
Jasmine Chambers, MA, LAMFT
Board of Trustees
Board President
Lori Harris
Vice President
Roxanne Ruiz-Adams
Treasurer
David Genova
Secretary
Stacia Thiel
Board Members
Albert Rodriguez
Bill Hurlock
Loryn Riggiola, Esq
Our Supporters
Family Service League thanks the many businesses, agencies, and individuals that support our agency.
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General
Essex County Division of Housing & Community Development
Uber
The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey
PSE&G Foundation
The Greater Newark Holiday Fund
Lusitania Savings Bank
The Montclair Foundation
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division on Women
The New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice, Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy
The Township of Bloomfield, Community Development Block Grant
The Whitehill Foundation
The Federal Home Loan Bank of NY
Foundation at Cross River
The MetLife Foundation