Community Events and Programs
-
Mental Health America Webinars
Mental Health America advances the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S. through public education, research, advocacy and public policy, and direct service.
-
Ocean County Artist's Guild
Upcoming classes.
-
St. Francis Family Support Services Support Groups 2025
St. Francis Family Support Services is offering a number of support groups in 2025 including: Parenting Group, Parenting in Recovery, and Anger Management Program. To register, contact: 609-494-8861 ext. 197.
-
Thursday, July 3 - Wednesday, July 16 @ 9:30 AM in Toms River
Bright Harbor's EMBRACE Program
In-PersonWarm Horizons Grief Group
Warm Horizons is a free, welcoming space for adults who are moving through loss and seeking connection, comfort, and gentle renewal. Group will be held weekly on Wednesdays May 14th - July 16th from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JDDVPMS.
-
Saturday, July 5 - Wednesday, November 5 @ 6:30 PM in Toms River (Monthly)
Ocean County Library
In-PersonNavigating Life with Intellectual and Developmental Disability: Teen & Adult Services Program Series
This series of programs will focus on the issue that matters most to individuals impacted by IDD - and their caregivers - as they prepare for adulthood. All events are free and open to the public! To register ask a staff member or call 732-349-6200. https://theoceancountylibrary.libnet.info/event/12903014
-
Tuesday, July 8 - Tuesday, August 26 @ 9:00 AM in Brick (Weekly)
St. Raphael's Episcopal Church
In-PersonEat up for Kids Food Distribution Program
Weekly food packages for families with children! Available 6/24 - 8/26. Food will be distributed Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. If your family is in need of assistance, call 732-458-5711 (leave your name, number of adults/children, and a return contact number). Sponsored through St. Raphael's Episcopal Church (1520 Rt. 88, Brick, NJ).
-
Wednesday, July 9 - Wednesday, July 16 @ 4:00 PM (Weekly)
NJ Connect for Recovery
VirtualEmpowering Families: Navigating the Struggles of Substance Use Disorder with Hope and Support
NJ Connect for Recovery is offering this twice-monthly Wednesday Webinar Series to families and friends impacted by a loved one’s Substance Use Disorder. This series provides an opportunity to gain experience and new skills as well as greater understanding of their family situation. Held twice monthly on Wednesdays at 4:00 and 6:00 PM. RSVP required.
-
Thursday, July 10 - Monday, August 11 @ 9:30 AM in West Long Branch
MU Center for Speech and Language Disorders
In-PersonFree Speech Evaluations @ Monmouth University's Center for Speech and Language Disorders
This summer, the Center for Speech and Language Disorders at Monmouth University is offering free speech and language evaluations for children and adults. Services are provided by graduate student clinicians under the supervision of licensed speech-language pathologists.
-
Thursday, July 10 @ 12:00 PM
NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities
VirtualQuarterly Welcome Session (NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities)
Join us for an opportunity to learn more about what DDD has to offer during our quarterly Welcome Session. During this session, participants will have an opportunity to join a breakout room of their choice and ask questions.
-
Saturday, July 12 - Wednesday, November 12 @ 11:00 AM in Brick Township (Monthly)
Anchor Family Success Center
In-PersonHIV Testing Workshop
Join us for a morning cup of coffee and to learn general knowledge on HIV/AIDS so you
can help raise awareness for yourself and others and learn about the importance of HIV testing to fight the spread of HIV virus. Held every second Thursday of the month at Anchor Family Success Center in Brick, NJ from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. To learn more contact: 848-241-9346. -
Saturday, July 12 @ 7:00 PM in Jackson Township
In-PersonWestlake Veterans Club presents Summer Spectacular III
Come dance the night away with Westlake Veterans Club. This spectacular event promises to be a night to remember, so put on your dancing shoes and help support this organization. Proceeds will be used to outfit the kitchen in Larry's Home, a transitional facility in Little Egg Harbor. To register or for questions, contact: 732-833-9023.
-
Wednesday, July 16 @ 9:00 AM in Hamilton
New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma
In-PersonLuncheon: 20th Anniversary Showcase of the Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma
Join us for an engaging and inspirational event celebrating the Council’s 20-year impact! Discover new and ongoing initiatives, including our continued focus on supporting individuals with both mental illnesses and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
-
Wednesday, July 16 @ 6:00 PM
NJ Connect for Recovery
VirtualTrauma-Solutions for Families Dealing with Addictions (NJ Connect for Recovery)
Join us for this online event where we will discuss strategies and solutions for families dealing with trauma when a loved one is suffering from an addiction. Together, we can find ways to heal and support our loved ones on their journey to recovery.
-
Monday, July 21 - Friday, August 1 @ 9:00 AM in Toms River
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
In-PersonInnovateHER Academy - a FREE 2-week Summer Adventure for Lakewood girls ages 5-12
Free 2 weeks of summer adventure - Lakewood girls ages 5-12 - transportation included
-
Thursday, July 24
SPAN
VirtualUnderstanding Supported Decision-Making
Learn about the principles of Supported Decision-Making and how it is used as an alternative to guardianship. Discuss the roles and responsibilities of both the young adult and the support team. Hear first hand from a individual using Supported Decision-Making in their every day life.
-
Thursday, July 24 @ 10:00 AM
South Jersey Legal Services (SJLS)
VirtualBankruptcy Basics
Join us for a webinar, and hear how you may qualify for a free bankruptcy attorney through our Private Attorney Involvement Program. Pre-registration is required.
-
Wednesday, July 30 in Lakewood (Monthly)
In-PersonGeorgian Court University Pre-College Summer Program
The Pre-College Summer Program (PCSP) is a dynamic, immersive summer residential experience for New Jersey high school students (ages 16–21) with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
-
Saturday, August 2 - Thursday, October 2 (Monthly)
Ocean County Board of Commissioners
VirtualOcean County 175th Anniversary Poster Contest
As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of our county, take a moment to think about what makes Ocean County a great place to live! Show up your favorite locations, local landmarks, activities and/or foods that make Ocean County a special place to be a kid. Submissions are due no later than Nov. 1, 2025, by email only to kkosa@co.ocean.nj.us.
-
Tuesday, September 16 @ 7:00 PM
Family Support Organization of Bergen County
VirtualAm I Blue or Is It Just Another Tuesday?
Understanding how to recognize the difference between depression and the normal ups and downs in life. The presentation will be interactive with strategies to combat those feelings
-
Tuesday, October 7 @ 10:00 AM in Toms River
Ocean County Department of Human Services
In-PersonOCC's Disability Employment Awareness Job and Resource Fair
The third annual Disability Employment Job and Resource Fair will be held on Tuesday, October 7, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Ocean County College's Jon and Judith Larson Student Center (Building 8). Accommodations are available upon request by emailing accommodations@ocean.edu no later than September 24.