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Many New Jerseyans who receive food assistance through the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) will receive additional benefits in August to help address critical food needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Hoy, el departamento de Servicios Humanos de New Jersey anuncio que los beneficios especiales de asistencia alimenticia serán proporcionados comenzando la próxima semana para niños que normalmente hubieran recibido comidas gratuitas o de precio reducido, si no se hubieran cerrado las escuelas por COVID-19.

(TRENTON) –  The New Jersey Department of Human Services today announced that special food assistance benefits will be delivered starting next week to children who normally would have received free or reduced-price school meals if not for COVID-19 school closures.

Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. 

Camp TFK starts July 6! Join us for a whole new way to experience summer camp during a decidedly different sort of summer. Throughout July, the TFK team will create and curate daily roundups of free, kid-safe content that parents can trust and kids can enjoy on their own, or with minimal oversight.

Blocking indoor light to keep your body in sleep mode is one of the first things any sleep expert will tell you to do for better sleep. Now, you may want to use light-blocking curtains at your bedroom windows as well -- especially for any children in your home.

Autism Family Services of New Jersey's 16th Annual Autism Beach Bash will be hosted virtually this year! Autism Beach Bash will be held on Sunday, September 13th, 2020 right from your computer!

At its foundation, TikTok is supposed to be a fun and silly app with lip syncs, challenges, dances and funny videos. But, as with most social media, there is an underlying dark side to the platform that parents and fans of the app should be aware of.

The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) will provide temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income or became unemployed due the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may be eligible for a maximum of up to 6 months of emergency rental assistance. 

The Ocean County Planning Department is requesting applications from qualified non-profit 501(c)(3) agencies to participate in the CDBG-CV program for the period of July 10, 2020 through December 31, 2021. Application packets will be accepted until July 10, 2020 by 4:00 PM local time.

As we head into a very unusual summer, many parents, especially parents of kids with learning disorders, are wondering how to help their kids make the most of all this free time.

On Friday, June 26, the Department of Education released a comprehensive plan for schools to reopen in the fall for the 2020-2021 school year.

As I watched the events of the past week unfold, I reflected on the role educators and parents play in helping kids feel informed and empowered during tumultuous times. At TIME for Kids, one of our goals is to help equip children with the skills they need to navigate the news. We also want to make sure educators and families feel supported in this.

The COVID-19 Short Term Rental Assistance Program will provide temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate- income households that have had a substantial reduction in income or have become unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There’s no one right answer. That said, there are a few guidelines parents can keep in mind to help kids deal with troubling news about race and violence.

The Ocean County YMCA will begin serving meals on Tuesday, May 26th from 11am-1pm, Monday through Friday, until the end of August. Participating youth will receive nutritious lunches and snacks daily.

Should we tell the children? How?

Those are among the many questions parents are asking after the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Many white parents wonder whether to talk with their kids at all, while parents of color swallow their  grief and fear to have "the talk" once again.

Staying home and sheltering in place can be stressful for everyone. But for some college students who identify as LGBTQ, returning to family environments can be very difficult and even psychologically damaging, psychologists say.

To answer them (and have a little fun), NPR's Life Kit reached out to Sesame Street's beloved monster, Grover, to speak directly to kids. Grover talks with Life Kit hosts Anya Kamenetz and Cory Turner about wearing a mask, missing his friends and why it's OK to be sad sometimes.

Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson and Children and Families Commissioner Christine Beyer today announced the state will continue to help pay for child care for essential employees as defined in Executive Order 110 through at least the end of May.

IF THERE IS INJURY OR THREAT OF INJURY, DIAL 911 If your child has been impacted by depression, trauma, violence, defiant behavior, and/or drug or alcohol use, call the NJ Children’s System of Care at 1-877-652-7624. It is open 24/7/365.

Whether it is psychiatric or substance abuse issues or both, the earlier you get help for your teen, the better their immediate and long-term future is likely to be.

Strategies for managing when you’re going it alone

NBC News’ Kate Snow hears from fellow working mothers who say the uncertainty of the pandemic weighs the heaviest.

At this time of social distancing, POAC is offering daily and weekly Live Events such as: Story time, Yoga, Zumba, Music, Parent Support Groups, Webinars and much more. Check our schedule below and join us today without a registration.

PerformCare recommends that applications for CSOC Summer Camp Services be submitted online through the Family PortalOpens a new window. In addition, the application deadline for CSOC Summer Camp Services has been extended until May 30, 2020.

At the Child Mind Institute’s Autism Center, we know the challenges families are facing, and we offer these resources to help parents and other caregivers support children with autism during this time.

It's possible.

SCROLL DOWN for free access to a library of four grade-specific digital editions of TIME for Kids and Your $ financial literacy magazine

 Many New Jerseyans who receive food assistance through the NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) will receive an extra benefit payment on Sunday and their benefits will be higher in April to help address critical food needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Latest updates from around Ocean County and the state.

We will host two zoom meetings next week, one during the day and one in the evening, to learn what you need most from PFLAG Jersey Shore through our online services.

The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities has modified an existing contract with The Arc of New Jersey in response to the current COVID-19 Pandemic.

A central hub of coronavirus resources for the autism community

Tips for parents with older children at home

If you're one of the tens of millions of parents who are now essentially homeschooling your kids, we have some tips to help you keep your kids engaged and everyone sane.

Dr. Stroud has provided this informational video for parents in order to support caregivers in managing the emotional responses and developmental needs of their children during this crisis.

The NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline Offers Support to Individuals Experiencing Anxiety and Worry Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Parents and caregivers face a daunting task right now: keeping their children safe, active and engaged for what will likely be several weeks of school closings. 

Help yourself, and them, by learning techniques to manage stress in a healthy way

Tips for nurturing and protecting children at home

TOMS RIVER – The People’s Pantry’s executive director is retiring from the position, and the service will now be run by Fulfill.

Suzanne Buchanan of Autism New Jersey said the organization is preparing information to help parents with the special challenges ahead.

Comcast announced Thursday it will be increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program, and making the program free to new low-income customers for two months, amid the coronavirus outbreak.

How you can harness your imagination to improve your body, mind, and life

Being in nature can reduce anxiety; guided imagery can bring nature to you.

Measure requires DCA to make information about programs available in one place on its website; uses libraries, welfare agencies, veterans services to get word 

Experts say students are severely underutilizing public assistance available to them, like SNAP nutrition benefits or housing vouchers.

10 things teens want to know about cyberbullying.