School-Based Services

The Available School Youth Services Support Team (ASYSST) is the school-based youth services program operated by Mercer Council and housed at Ewing High School! ASYSST is a School-Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) and is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJ DCF).

About ASYSST

SBYSP-ASYSST helps Ewing High School students navigate their high school years. We empower and equip students to accomplish their goals and become academically successful through mental health counseling, positive youth development and other support services.

“ASYSST is a place where you can be yourself around others.”

Imari

ASYSST is a safe space where students can talk openly. We offer an environment that is convenient and comfortable, and provide confidential assistance to students. (We will not disclose your private information to anyone without your expressed written consent, except where disclosure is required by law).

“I feel alive, very safe and like I matter in here.”
— Victor Serna

Services Include:

Short-term Counseling & Coaching Services

Short-term counseling is available for Ewing High School students through SBYSP-ASYSST services. Coaching services include employment counseling and learning support.

Recreational & After-School Groups

Black Student Alliance (BSA), Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), Gaming/Anime Club, Homework Club, Brothers of a New Direction (B.O.N.D.), Sisters of a New Generation (S.O.N.G.)

Trips & Enrichment Activities

Join ASYSST for opportunities to attend local college tours, take field trips, and participate in annual community service events.

Summer Camp

ASYSST offers a free 5-week summer enrichment camp that engages rising 9th graders and all students at Ewing High School. Camp trips have included Funzilla, Dave & Busters, Funplex, and the Princeton-Blairstown Center’s Leadership and Social Development Camp!

Summer Camp applications go live between mid-March and early April.

Parental consent forms are required for all SBYSP-ASYSST services and can be found in ASYSST Room 100, the EHS Main Office. For more information on any of our services, please reach out to our program staff.

“ASYSST is the best part about attending Ewing High! If we weren’t in a school building, you would’ve thought you were relaxing with family. You can’t resist A.S.Y.S.S.T!”
— Nigi

Ewing High School
900 Parkway Avenue
Ewing Township, NJ 08628
609-538-9800

Program Staff

Shaquane Delaney, MPA
Program Director
sdelaney@mercercouncil.org | ext. 2171

Shaquane Delaney proudly joined Mercer Council in September 2025, bringing with her over five years of experience working in the school system, as well as a proven track record in youth development, program management, and community engagement. Armed with a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Justice Studies, Shaquane blends academic expertise with a passion for creating meaningful change in the lives of young people and the communities they call home.

For more than half a decade, Shaquane has worked side by side with students, families, and educators, designing and leading programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire academic success. Her time in the school system honed her ability to connect with youth from diverse backgrounds, encourage them to reach their full potential, and ensure that every child feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Beyond the classroom, Shaquane has led multi-site programs, mentored emerging leaders, and cultivated lasting partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders. Her leadership style is marked by vision, collaboration, and innovation qualities that have consistently fueled positive youth development, expanded opportunities for growth, and promoted healthy living.

Shakita Johnson, BA, CD, PCD, CPS
ASYSST Programmatic Supervisor
sjohnson@ewingboe.org | ext. 2175

Ms. Johnson joined the Mercer Council team in 2018, with optimism and expertise in post-secondary education. She is a long-time resident of Mercer County and a graduate of The College of New Jersey with a degree in Business.  She is the Director of ASYSST(Available School Youth Support Services Team) which is the DCF-funded SBYSP(School Based Youth Service Program) housed at Ewing High School.

Before becoming the Director, she was the Youth Development Specialist(YDS) at ASYSST. As the YDS, she taught life skills and evidence-based prevention programming. She is trained in the following evidence-based programs: Strengthening Families, Botvins, and Too Good for Drugs.  She is a NACCP member of the Trenton Chapter, a Doula, CPR/AED certified, a Connections Matter Certified Trainer, Motivational Interviewing, and a certified Suicide Bereavement Teen Support Group Facilitator. 

Cristabel Acquah, BA
Youth Development Specialist
cacquah@mercercouncil.org | ext. 2173

Cristabel Acquah joined the Mercer Council team in 2025 as a passionate advocate for youth development. She is a recent graduate of The College of New Jersey, where she earned a degree in Sociology.

Cristabel serves as the Youth Development Specialist (YDS) for the DCF-funded School-Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) at Ewing High School. Before stepping into this role, she worked with the Kidsbridge Program of CHSofNJ in Ewing, NJ. During her time there, Cristabel taught socio-emotional development skills to children in schools across Mercer County, fostering their personal growth and resilience.

With a deep commitment to supporting youth and child development, Cristabel is driven to make a meaningful impact in their lives. She is excited to continue contributing her skills and passion to help young people thrive.