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Florio Appointed Director, Division of Community and Youth Services
Florio Appointed Director, Division of Community and Youth Services
(Newton, NJ) The County of Sussex has appointed Christine Florio as the Director of the Division of Community and Youth Services.
"Christine has demonstrated her ability to collaborate with the community and lead the community services program in the direction that serves the citizens of Sussex County and mission of the organization. Her complete awareness of community needs and ability to bring the right entities to the discussion is extremely valuable. I have every confidence that Christine will continue to provide leadership in the Department of Human Services," said Stephen Gruchacz, Administrator for the Sussex County Department of Human Services.
Christine Florio has been committed to the field of human services for over 15 years. She started working with youth and adults with developmental disabilities and emotional disabilities at Willowglen Academy in 1998. She was promoted from Residential Program Instructor to Day Program Instructor to Senior Day Program Instructor to Child Care Counselor Supervisor within two years. Ms. Florio supervised two group homes within this supervisory role and functioned as a member of a therapeutic team in an intensive treatment program.
In 1999, Ms. Florio began working at Samaritan Inn, a local homeless agency which provides shelter apartments and support services to homeless and at-risk families and individuals in Sussex County. For three years, Ms. Florio provided case management and supportive services to people in need which included but not limited to budgeting, parenting & life skills, housing and job searches.
Ms. Florio began working for the Sussex County Department of Human Services in 2002, where she is currently employed. She first started as the Sussex County Municipal Alliance Coordinator where she was responsible for the oversight of municipal alliance volunteers in each of the 12 Sussex County municipalities in regards to development, coordination, and management of substance abuse prevention programs. Shortly after, Ms. Florio became the Sussex County Human Services Advisory Council Coordinator and within a few years, took on another role as the County Mental Health Administrator.
She was responsible for completing Needs Assessments and Priority Plans for the County to determine funding recommendations, managing over 10 human service contracts, and operating as a liaison between the state, county and local level in the area of human services. She administered numerous county advisory boards and committees in the area of human services, provided professional assistance and support to many social service agencies and coordinated resources & programs for Sussex County. Ms. Florio is committed to providing quality, comprehensive services to the community through the Sussex County Department of Human Services.
"I am extremely excited to lead the Division of Community and Youth Services in my new role as Division Director," said Ms. Florio. "I am proud of the employees in this Division and look forward to working with this team, as well as all of the staff in the Department of Human Services for many years to come."