Community Events and Programs

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  • 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 Library Calendar of Events

    Calendar includes events at each Ocean County Library branch.

  • Easter Basket Drive
    Tuesday, March 19 @ 9:00 AM in Manahawkin
    Re/Max at Barnegat Bay

    Easter Basket Drive

    Easter basket or monetary donation for local children.

  • Prioritizing Your Health and Well-Being
    Tuesday, March 19 @ 9:00 AM

    Prioritizing Your Health and Well-Being Virtual

    A Webinar Series for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Caregivers, and Support Professionals. 

  • Mental Health Association Utility Assistance Day
    Tuesday, March 19 @ 10:00 AM in Manahawkin
    Mental Health Association

    Mental Health Association Utility Assistance Day

    Mental Health Association Utility Assistance Day will be held on 3/19 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (691 Mill Creek Rd. Suite 13, Manahawkin, NJ 08050). Meet with program partners and apply today! For registration and inquiries contact Angela at 732-244-0940 or abeeh@mhanj.org.

  • Tuesday, March 19 @ 5:00 PM in Toms River
    Ocean Partnership for Children
    Ocean County Youth Center

    OPC's Game Changers Group Spring 2024

    OPC's Game Changers Group is now enrolling for Spring 2024. Group runs on Tuesdays from 3/19-4/30 from 5:00 - 6:30 PM located at the Ocean County Youth Center. The group is a boys self-esteem and empowerment group rooted in the principles of social-emotional learning. Complete registration by 3/12.

  • Tuesday, March 19 @ 6:30 PM

    COMPASS Academy: Substances Deep Dive Part 2: Prescription Drug Misuse & Fentanyl Virtual

    This webinar will provide information on how to protect children, teens, and young adults from using substances, including prescription drugs and fentanyl.

  • Webinar: Effective Community Reintegration Post Brain Injury
    Wednesday, March 20 @ 12:00 PM
    Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey

    Webinar: Effective Community Reintegration Post Brain Injury Virtual

    This webinar will look at the challenges faced by individuals who have sustained a brain injury that may affect one's success in being able to integrate back into the community. We will dive into what encompasses community reintegration and its importance for individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers. Objectives of this webinar include identifying community reintegration activities, identifying challenges post brain injury that can affect one's ability to effectively reintegrate into the community, and identifying strategies for successful community integration activities. Presenter is Melissa Moyer, Health & Wellness Coordinator at the Opportunity Project.

  • Safe Infant Sleep Webinar
    Wednesday, March 20 @ 1:00 PM (Monthly)

    Safe Infant Sleep Webinar Virtual

    SCNJ will be hosting a series of informative webinars about safe infant sleeping.

  • Wednesday, March 20 @ 7:00 PM
    NJCTS

    Hypnosis: Harness the Power of Your Mind Virtual

    Do you feel like your mind works for you or against you? In this FREE webinar, we will dive deep into the works of Hypnotherapy.

  • Thursday, March 21 @ 9:00 AM in Manahawkin
    Hope Sheds Light
    Mainland at Holiday Inn, Manahawkin

    Recovery Speaks Share Your Stories 2024

    Please join us for our 3rd Annual Share Your Stories Conference in partnership with the Ocean County Trauma-Informed, Recovery-Oriented System of Care Committee (TI-ROSC) to understand stigma and the impact it has on families and the community struggling with addiction.

  • Recovery Speaks Share Your Stories Conference
    Thursday, March 21 @ 9:30 AM in Manahawkin
    The Mainland Holiday Inn Manahawkin

    Recovery Speaks Share Your Stories Conference

    Please Join Us For our 3rd Annual Share Your Stories Conference in partnership with the Ocean County Trauma-Informed, Recovery-Oriented System of Care Committee (TI-ROSC).

  • Italian American Culture: Bridging Tradition and Mental Health
    Thursday, March 21 @ 6:00 PM
    DBT of South Jersey

    Italian American Culture: Bridging Tradition and Mental Health Virtual

    Join our Italian American scholar, Samantha Pinto, for a 6 week journey exploring the unique intersection of Italian American culture and mental health, with a special focus on DBT Skills. Using the frame of Italian American/Italian Diaspora Studies, each week will integrate cultural values and traditions to explore the 4 DBT skills modules of mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. While the content and curriculum of this series is oriented towards Italian American culture, this series is open to anyone interested. Individuals, mental health clinicians, researchers, and students are all encouraged to join!

  • Ocean County Career Center Job Fair
    Friday, March 22 @ 10:00 AM in Toms River
    NJ Reentry/Ocean County Career Center
    Ocean County Library - Mancini Hall

    Ocean County Career Center Job Fair

    Ocean County Career Center Job Fair will be held on 3/22 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM in collaboration with NJ Reentry Corporation. Event will be held at Ocean County Library - Mancini Hall (101 Washington St. Toms River, NJ). For more information, please contact Michael Peluso at 848-238-7010 or mpeluso@njreentry.org.

  • Saturday, March 23 in Lakewood (Monthly)
    Ocean County CCYC
    Lakewood Public Library

    Ocean County Council for Young Children and Lakewood Public Library Present: Ready, Set, Play! 2024 Calendar

    Your tykes and you can have an enjoyable time and make new friends during “Ready, Set, Play!
    Children 0-5 can have fun in supervised free-form play while adults socialize in a stress-free environment. Reference flyer for 2024 dates. All dates held at Lakewood Public Library -
    301 Lexington Avenue. Contact: marlene.alvarado @vnahg.org or 908-433-1587

  • Reality Based Self Defense Workshop
    Saturday, March 23 @ 10:00 AM (Monthly)

    Reality Based Self Defense Workshop

    The workshop will be hosted by Stephanie Lashley and feature Dr. Odette Russell. It will focus on verbal and psychical defense, as well as awareness and recognition training. 

  • Monday, March 25 @ 10:00 AM in Toms River
    One-Stop Career Center

    Expungement Seminar

    Ocean County One-Stop in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean Vicinage, is holding an Expungement Seminar on 3/25 at 10:00 AM. Location: 1433 Hooper Ave Ste 214. Registration link:  https://forms.office.com/r/0DzViZLKQY. For questions, contact: 732-286-5616

  • NJ Department of Children & Families Career Fair!
    Monday, March 25 @ 10:00 AM in New Brunswick (Monthly)
    NJ DCF Professional Center

    NJ Department of Children & Families Career Fair!

    NJ Department of Children and Families will be hosting a career fair on Monday, March 25, 2024. Attendees will be able to meet with DCF staff and learn about current career opportunities. 

  • Ocean County Library Prom Dress Giveaway
    Monday, March 25 @ 4:00 PM (Weekly)

    Ocean County Library Prom Dress Giveaway

    Ocean County Library Prom Dress Giveaway is scheduled on the following dates/locations: Toms River Branch 3/11-3/13; Little Egg Harbor Branch 3/19-3/20; Brick Branch 3/25-3/26. All events are held from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Dresses are FREE and limited to 2 per student. Open to youth in 8th grade - 12th grade. No registration required!

  • Ocean FSO's Caregiver Connection Group
    Monday, March 25 @ 6:00 PM in Toms River (Weekly)
    Ocean FSO

    Ocean FSO's Caregiver Connection Group

     Ocean FSO's Caregiver Connection Group will be held on 3/4 (6:00 - 7:30 PM), 3/11 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM), 3/18 (6:00 - 7:30 PM), and 3/25 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM). This group offers parents and caregivers of children with mental health and behavioral challenges a safe place to gain support and encouragement. Registration required call to register: 732-569-6334.

  • Seminario web: SUEÑO SEGURO DESDE EL NACIMIENTO HASTA LOS 12 MESES
    Wednesday, March 27 @ 1:00 PM (Monthly)

    Seminario web: SUEÑO SEGURO DESDE EL NACIMIENTO HASTA LOS 12 MESES Virtual

    Seminario web gratuito e interactivo de 1 hora. Se ofrece en español el 27 de Marzo.  

  • COMPASS Academy Webinar: Navigating the Treatment Space
    Wednesday, March 27 @ 6:30 PM
    Preferred Behavioral Health Group

    COMPASS Academy Webinar: Navigating the Treatment Space Virtual

    Join us for an informative and engaging free webinar for caregivers and educators. This webinar will provide information on how to navigate conversations with kids, boundary-setting, natural consequences, and positive reinforcement. The presenters will discuss when it's time to get help, the importance of family involvement in treatment, and matching treatment type to risk level. Don't miss it! This event is open to all New Jersey caregivers, including educators and mental health professionals.

  • Community Outreach: Haircuts for the Homeless
    Thursday, March 28 @ 12:00 PM in Atlantic City
    Helping Assist with Melis

    Community Outreach: Haircuts for the Homeless

    Helping Assist with Melis, a NJ nonprofit corporation, will be hosting the 2nd Annual Atlantic City event: Haircuts for the Homeless

  • Hope Sheds Light Canvas and Cocoa Event
    Saturday, March 30 @ 11:00 AM in Toms River (WeekLast)
    Hope Sheds Light
    Hope Sheds Light Youth Center

    Hope Sheds Light Canvas and Cocoa Event

    Hope Sheds Light Canvas & Cocoa Events are held the last Saturday of each month from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the Hope Sheds Light Youth Center. Canvas & Cocoa is a perfect blend of art and comfort where teens can enjoy painting while sipping hot cocoa in a friendly and supportive environment. Registration required: victoria@hopeshedslight.org.

  • Monday, April 1 (Week1)
    Comfort Zone Camp

    Comfort Zone Camp Upcoming Programs 2024

    Comfort Zone Camp serves children who have experienced the death of a loved one. All programs are offered at no cost to families. CZC provides a safe, nurturing environment where kids can have traditional camp fun, while at the same time acquiring tools to help them cope with their loss. Upcoming programs include virtual grief groups and in-person camps.

  • Tuesday, April 2 @ 10:00 AM in Lakewood (Week3)
    Ocean County Council for Young Children
    Biblioteca Pública de Lakewood

    Ocean County Council for Young Children and Lakewood Public Library Presenta: En Sus Marcas, Listos, a Juegar! 2024 Calendario

    Tus niños y tú podéis pasar un rato agradable y hacer nuevos amigos durante el programa En Sus Marcas, Listos, A Jugar! Los niños de hasta cinco años pueden divertirse con juegos supervisados de forma libre mientras los adultos socializan en un ambiente libre de estrés. Contacto: marlene.alvarado @vnahg.org o 908-433-1587

  • Wednesday, April 3 @ 10:00 AM (Week4)
    Ocean/Monmouth Health Alliance

    Our Health to Hold 2024 Webinars Virtual

    A series guide to Monmouth & Ocean County cancer, chronic disease & COVID19 resources prevention, screening, social & support services. Presented by Coalition Partners. Join us! Webinars are held on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 10AM-11AM. 

  • Navigating Autism Workshop Series
    Wednesday, April 3 @ 5:30 PM
    GentleCare Therapy

    Navigating Autism Workshop Series Virtual

    Led by GentleCare's Senior Clinical Director, Dr. Casey Nottingham BCBA-D, this event series is designed to support parents of individuals with autism and those who work in or have an interest in the field of autism. This event is in-person and virtual.

  • Friday, April 5 @ 9:00 AM in Toms River (Week2)
    Ocean County CIACC

    Ocean County CIACC 2023-2024 Training Schedule

    Ocean County CIACC 2023-2024 Training Schedule includes multiple dates/times of upcoming trainings. There is no fee to attend any of our trainings. A reminder will be emailed approximately 1 week prior to each training. For location and/or platform see each training for details. For more info, contact Maria Roussos (CIACC Coordinator) 732-506-5374

  • Ocean's Harbor House 2024 Upcoming Events
    Saturday, April 6 @ 8:30 AM (Monthly)

    Ocean's Harbor House 2024 Upcoming Events

    Ocean's Haror House provides housing, supportive living programs and advocacy for youth and families who are homeless or in crisis.

  • Managing Your Child's Behavior: 2024 Virtual Workshops for Parents
    Saturday, April 6 @ 6:30 PM (Monthly)
    RWJ Barnabas Health

    Managing Your Child's Behavior: 2024 Virtual Workshops for Parents Virtual

    This parent workshop was developed by the child psychologists at Children’s Specialized Hospital to help parents of children ages 2-10 years learn how to manage their behavior.

  • Sunday, April 7 @ 1:00 PM in Toms River (Week2)
    Ocean County YMCA

    YMCA Autism Friendly Swim Hour

    YMCA Autism Friendly Swim Hour takes place Sundays from 1:00 - 2:30 PM to provide a quiet, sensory-friendly environment to those on the Autism spectrum and their families. Space is limited, register here: https://ocymca.org/programs/autism-spectrum-programs/autism-friendly-swim-hour/. 

  • Aphasia - A Loss of Language Not Intellect
    Tuesday, April 16 @ 12:00 PM
    Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey

    Aphasia - A Loss of Language Not Intellect Virtual

    Aphasia is a language disorder that can be caused by a brain injury such as a stroke, brain tumor, accident, or brain disease. Although it can affect one's ability to speak, read, and write, aphasia alone does not affect one's intellect. In this webinar, we will provide: An overview of aphasia; Tips for communicating with someone with aphasia; Information on programs and services offered through the Adler Aphasia Center.

  • STEMGirls Weekly Workshops
    Monday, April 22 @ 5:00 PM
    STEAMpark

    STEMGirls Weekly Workshops Virtual

    April 22-June 22
    Afterschool STEM enrichment classes for 3rd to 8th-grade girls, that teach science, financial literacy, and learning to code at all levels. With supply kits mailed to students' homes and Chromebooks to borrow if needed, this is a full-year virtual program that helps students build skills that contribute to academic success while in small group classes with teachers and friends. Small tuition fee, or free to all who income qualify.

  • COMPASS Academy Webinar: Loneliness & Social Isolation: How to Foster Connection in Schools and the Community
    Wednesday, April 24 @ 6:30 PM
    Preferred Behavioral Health Group

    COMPASS Academy Webinar: Loneliness & Social Isolation: How to Foster Connection in Schools and the Community Virtual

    Join us for an informative and engaging free webinar for caregivers and educators. This webinar will provide information on navigating conversations around loneliness and social isolation with kids. The presenters will discuss the double edged sword of social media and how it keeps people connected but also can increase social isolation, promoting connection to the school community, and fostering belonging in the larger community. Don't miss it! This event is open to all New Jersey caregivers, including educators and mental health professionals.

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid
    Wednesday, May 1 @ 9:00 AM in Toms River
    Toms River Fire Training Center

    Youth Mental Health First Aid

    In-person course educating the community on how to apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE).

  • Autism-Related Library Programs
    Tuesday, May 7 @ 6:30 PM (Monthly)

    Autism-Related Library Programs

    The Ocean County Library will be hosting a series of Autism-related programs. More information to follow as programs grow closer.

  • Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide S-Well Summit
    Tuesday, May 14 @ 7:30 AM
    Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

    Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide S-Well Summit

    The SPTS S-Well Summit is a day-long event hosted by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and offered to public and private high schools at no cost. T

  • COMPASS Academy Webinar: Mental Health Awareness Month: Co-Occurring Disorders
    Wednesday, May 29 @ 6:30 PM
    Preferred Behavioral Health Group

    COMPASS Academy Webinar: Mental Health Awareness Month: Co-Occurring Disorders Virtual

    Join us for an informative and engaging free webinar for caregivers and educators. This webinar will provide information on Mental Health Awareness Month and co-occurring disorders. The presenters will discuss the awareness of co-occurring disorders, what they are and why they are important, and treatment options for co-occurring disorders. Don't miss it! This event is open to all New Jersey caregivers, including educators and mental health professionals.

  • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury - Evaluation and Management
    Wednesday, June 12 @ 12:00 PM
    Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey

    Mild Traumatic Brain Injury - Evaluation and Management Virtual

    Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) can be a confusing topic for both professionals and survivors. How is it diagnosed, and what can one expect in terms of recovery and treatment? In this webinar, we will xplore the somewhat complicated definition of mTBI; Better understand how diagnosis is established via assessment; and discuss course of recovery and treatment.