The Venture Program is designed to address the therapeutic, psychiatric and educational needs of students in grades six through post-secondary, who have recently been discharged from a psychiatric hospital or residential treatment program, or are exhibiting serious psychiatric symptoms. This program is a collaborative effort between Bergen County Special Services and Bergen County Division of Family Guidance (DFG), the latter which provides a full array of psychiatric and therapeutic services.

Psychiatric services include, evaluation, diagnosis, provision of prescriptions and the management and monitoring of psychiatric medications. Therapeutic services include: group therapy largely focused on mindfulness practice to facilitate the self-regulation of emotions and behaviors, individual psychotherapy with LCSW’s and group Art Therapy run by a licensed Art Therapist. Crisis Counselors are available at all times to all students. DFG provides psycho-educational services to staff, students and families. Family therapy is offered in evenings at their main office. Clinical Staff will maintain contact with students’ outside psychiatrist, therapists and agencies when applicable.

Venture has a strong academic program for grades 6 to 12+ to meet Individual Education Plans aligned with NJSLS and LCE. Venture also offers State Testing for those students participating in NJ Ask 8, NJBCT and PARCC. Progress reporting and grades occurs four times a year; parent conferences as needed and IEP annual reviews are part of the academic program. State of the art technology is implemented to enhance the Venture Program’s academic curriculum.

Post-secondary students who have completed all their high school academic requirements for graduation are offered career education and hands on community based instruction. This includes simulated work training opportunities, job training, internships and travel training.

It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome students, staff and families to the start of the 2019-2020 school year.  The start of a new school year is always a time to envision the many opportunities our students will experience in order to enhance their social, emotional and academic growth.  These opportunities may include mainstreaming, securing an internship, or utilizing updated technology to help meet academic goals.  The main focus is to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate life after graduation.  For that reason, my staff members work closely with students, families and local districts to assure that transition goals are implemented and achieved.  It is evident, form success stories I have witnessed, that exceptional work is being done in BCSS programs.  I plan to support that work with my experience as we look forward to continued growth.

Thank you for allowing me to work with your children.  I look forward to meeting and collaborating with you throughout the school year.

Kelly Lopez