Congratulations to our Executive Director Susan on receiving the 2021 Emerging Leader Award from the National Association of Social Workers in recognition of her significant service and contribution to the profession and her demonstrated leadership potential.
As the Executive Director, social worker Susan Mazzeo successfully brought international accreditation to Shore House, the first and only mental health Clubhouse in New Jersey, which now has joined ranks with over three hundred Clubhouses in the world. Created from the foundation of social work values, the Clubhouse model was pioneered through a non-hierarchical partnership between social workers and individuals with mental illness. Despite New Jersey’s prohibitive state funding polices (there are 11 Clubhouses in New York and 21 in Pennsylvania) Susan had been successful in ongoing fundraising as well as raising community awareness regarding the need to address the absence of community support for individuals with mental illness beyond temporary treatment or hospitalization. Shore House has for ten years addressed this gaping service deficit in our state. Through Susan Mazzeo’s dynamic leadership, community members living with mental illness have empowered themselves to achieve independence and employment, companionship, health, and self-esteem, resulting in lives lived with dignity and respect.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine Susan Mazzeo maintained contact with the members through online meetings (Zoom, Slack). Through a grant she secured from the Kessler foundation, Chromebooks and cell phones were purchased allowing members to access the internet to participate in various programs including mindfulness, mindful eating, birding, and a Juneteenth celebration. The meetings included community leadership participation from John Pallone, the Mayor of Long Branch, and a representative of the Long Branch Police Department, allowing Shore House members to voice their questions and concerns. Chief of Staff Dyse Davis from Senator Gopal’s office and Aide Alexandra Maldonado from Congressman Frank Pallone’s office answered questions about stimulus checks, Section 8 housing and other concerns of members. Most importantly members were encouraged to maintain contact, forming a buddy system with regular reach out calls to ensure safety and well-being.
A graduate from Monmouth University’s School of Social Work, Susan Mazzeo is a sterling example of the profound and positive changes that one committed social worker can generate in equal partnership with a community. NASW NJ’s recognition and support will ensure that not only will Shore House thrive, it will be the flagship for much needed Clubhouses through our state.
