The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the human services needs of the residents of Somerset County. The Commissioners not only assure that funding is provided to agencies such as Alternatives, so that critical services and supports can be provided to the most vulnerable residents of the county, but through their advocacy and actions, they make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens of Somerset County on a daily basis. 

In a time when there are so many competing demands for support, the Commissioners have assured that the needs of children, youth, seniors, those struggling with addiction, individuals with disabilities, and specifically, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, are in the forefront. 

We are deeply grateful to Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson, Deputy Director Melonie Marano, and Commissioners, Paul Drake, Douglas Singleterry and Sara Sooy, for their longstanding commitment and dedication to the residents of Somerset County, and particularly, those whose lives are enriched as recipients of services that are made possible by the support of the Commissioner Board and Somerset County.

Joseph Westlein

Twenty-five years ago, Joe Westlein’s friend and mentor, Sam Guynes, invited him to join the Alternatives Board of Trustees. Having recently retired from Johnson & Johnson, Joe saw it as the perfect opportunity to focus on his community, church, and family.

A Washington, D.C. native, Joe moved to New Jersey in high school and attended Rutgers University, where he met his wife, Barbara. They married three months after graduation and celebrated their 60th anniversary last August with their children and grandchildren.

Joe built a successful career at J&J while attending Seton Hall Law School at night. He advanced through roles across the country before serving as CFO at Ortho Diagnostics.

Dedicated to service, Joe has been involved with United Way, CASA, the Center for Great Expectations, and Kings Daughters Day School. Joe enjoys building large, complex Lego sets and collecting and reading comic books. He and Barbara love traveling, especially to Disney World, where they marked their 50th trip last year.

At Alternatives, Joe’s keen eye for detail benefits the four committees he serves on, including as Chair of Strategic Planning. He takes pride in his close connections with clients and staff, adopting three Group Homes he visits regularly. Grateful for this honor, Joe also pays tribute to Alternatives’ front line employees. He is committed to Alternatives' future, becoming the first member of its new Heritage Society—because, as he says, he’s

Colgate-Palmolive

Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, Colgate sells their products in more than 200 countries and territories. The Company is recognized for its leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including its achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, saving water, conserving natural resources and improving children’s oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program.

Its partnership with Alternatives began in 2022, when a group of employees volunteered at a group home during Colgate Cares Days, the company’s employee volunteering initiative. Since then, the Company has also provided financial support and collaborated with Alternatives to develop an educational series for employees with family members who have disabilities.

As for why a corporation of its size encourages employees to take part in local community efforts at a group home, Colgate explains, “Colgate is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all – in communities large and small. We are proud of our New Jersey-based employees who spent their time supporting the local community and showcased the importance of living our Company values of being caring, inclusive and courageous.”