We are here for all of our families during this stressful time.

NJCounts is the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in New Jersey. The count takes place during the last 10 days of January and identifies those persons residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, safe havens and living on the streets or other locations not fit for dwelling.

Hope Sheds Light January 2023 Event Calendar is attached. Events include weekly meetings: Finding HOPE All Recovery Support, Adult Children of Alcoholic's, MARA Meeting, Finding Our Way Virtual Group, Women's NA Meeting, and Healing Hearts. Hope Sheds Light also offer weekly yoga classes, GED prep classes, and volunteer orientations. 

NJ Department of Community Affairs: FAQs for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. ENROLLMENT PERIOD: Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 9:00 AM EST until Friday, February 3, 2023, at 5:00 PM EST.

Preguntas frecuentes - Programa del Vale de Elección de Vivienda – Sección 8
A nivel estatal
PERÍODO DE INSCRIPCIÓN: Martes, 17 de enero de 2023, 9:00 a.m. (hora del este) - Viernes, 3 de febrero de 2023, 5:00 p.m. (hora del este).

Join the discussion on October 27 at 3:00 PM as Mariann Crincoli, Esq. from Sussan, Greenwald and Wesler defines what Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) is, and explains what school districts must do, and your rights as a parent.

Ocean County YMCA Children's Programs Winter 2023 (1/2-2/23)

Baby & Me Fitness: Thursdays 11:15-11:45 AM (ages 6-24 months)

Toddler Time: Fridays 11:00-11:30 AM (walking-36 months)

Healthy Preschoolers: Fridays 10:00-10:30 AM (ages 3-5 years old)

Intro to Dance: Mondays 5:00-5:45 PM (ages 3-5 years old) & Monday 6:00-6:45 PM (ages 6-8 years old)

Learn about Disaster Preparedness resources for faith-based organizations; building capacity to implement programs such as Youth Preparedness Clubs; Community Preparedness Ambassadors; Teen CERT programs, FEMA Grants for Faith based non-profits and/or Houses of worship, and much more. Pre-register to save your spot.

The Housing Choice Voucher Waitlist will be re-opened and available during this year's PIT
Count (1/24-2/5)

A preference will be given to households experiencing homelessness in the State and
NJCounts is a great opportunity for those households to pre-apply for this program via the web
or smartphone during your survey encounter.

Ready, Set, Play - School Readiness. For ages 0-5 and their caregivers Tuesdays, January
1/10, 1/17, 1/24, & 1/31 from 10:30 am - 12 pm (all 4 sessions do not have to be attended)
Registration recommended - register at the library's website:
https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events?
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Ocean FSO Taller de Corazon Nutrido y Tiempo de Conexion. 

Supporting your Child's "Big Emotions" After School
Your child goes to school in a good mood, keeps it together all day, and then comes home and falls apart. The crying, the yelling- it's like a totally different child. Why do kids who had a good day at school unravel when they get home? We'll talk about it and give you strategies to address "Big Emotions". Email amathews@spanadvocacy.org

Next Level Kidz Social Groups for Winter 2023, register here: https://www.nextlevelkidznj.com/about-5-6.

Sensory Play Groups held on Tuesday/Friday 1/17-2/24 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (located at We Rock the Spectrum Waretown)

Sensory Play Groups held on Tuesdays 1/10-1/31 5:45-6:45 PM (Peek a Boo Playground Bayville)

Social Skills Group from 1/4-2/8

The Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County presents the 12th Annual 2023 Creative Expression Contest. The Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County would like to motivate a societal change toward social acceptance and to decrease negative attitudes toward mental health and addiction. Submit poetry, art, essay or film by 3/1. 

Please join us for a no-cost, virtual webinar: What stops people from asking for help?
The “Big Four” Circumstances That Impact Families & Decision Making:
Guilt ~ Stigma ~ Grief & Loss ~ Stress

Learn About Early Developmental Intervention at the Little Egg Harbor Branch of the Ocean County Library on February 1st at 6:30 PM. Kathryn Hohner, MSW, of the Ocean County Health Department, and Mary McArdle, EIP Manager of RWJBH Children’s Specialized Hospital, will demonstrate an early intervention session for parents and caregivers.

This year’s topic is “Education at the Crossroads: where mental health, immigration and trauma intersect”, and will feature an array of speakers addressing immigration trauma, struggles of undocumented and unaccompanied minors and LGBTQ+ Youth Challenges.

This is an in-person event & must register if planning on attending.

9th Annual Education and Behavioral Health Partnership Conference. Education at the Crossroads: Where Mental Health, Immigration and Trauma Intersect. To be held 2/3 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM in person at Passaic County Community College Public Safety Academy (300 Oldham Rd. Wayne, NJ)

We are exposed to the issue of racism through media and daily experience and so are our clients. Many times, our clients need a safe space to navigate all of the input they receive and come to terms with how racism and oppression are impacting their lives. Friday, February 3rd 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  Register: monmouth.edu/school-of-social-work/pep/

One Source Monthly Celebration Seminars: 30 Minute Workshops to promote happy, health habits. Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4:00 - 4:30 for a new topic celebrating one day from the “National Day Calendar,” promoting healthy habits for the mind and body!

The monthly NJCTS support group is an avenue for parents who are new to a tic disorder diagnosis to seek support and guidance from parents who have more experience, as well as an opportunity for parents with more familiarity in coping with a diagnosis to also learn and seek guidance.

South Jersey Legal Services Winter/Spring 2023 Webinars

Bankruptcy Basics: 1/10 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s2m1S_X1TIKIcLForL-hSg)

Using Credit Cards, Navigating the Minefield: 2/17 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (register here: 

Using Credit Cards webinar via Zoom. Bankruptcy Lawyer discusses navigating the minefield of credit cards. Contact intake unit at 800-496-4570-

Psychologist Dr. Jill Richards will define the different types of anxiety that can affect us and provide an overview of the principles of treatment approaches to each

Our Health to Hold 2023 Webinars, A series guide to Monmouth & Ocean County cancer, chronic disease & COVID19 resources- prevention, screening, social and support services. Webinars will be held Monthly from January - November and are all via Zoom.