In December, Oaks Integrated Care received exciting news – another set of our programs were accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. A total of 41 programs representing ten service areas were peer-reviewed by a five-member accreditation team in October. The surveyors were on-site for three days. They reviewed person-served and staff records as well as agency policies and program manuals. They toured Oaks’ residences and facilities. They spoke with staff and interviewed our consumers/those who receive our services. “Oaks Integrated Care’s staff members are motivated, professional, caring, and well qualified for their positions with a trend toward long tenure. They approach the mission as [...]

On January 1, so many of us kick off the year feeling full of energy, determination and motivation. Maybe you decided to join a gym, start meditating, throw out that bag of chips in your pantry, vow to stop smoking or even sign up for yoga classes. But now as the month moves along and reality sets in, millions of us will fail to achieve our New Year's resolution goals. You are not alone. In fact, over 80% of people who make New Year’s resolutions fail to achieve them. When we strive to reach unrealistic goals, we ultimately set ourselves up for failure. This sense of failure can have a negative impact on our overall mental and physical health [...]

“I get no respect,” was a phrase made famous in the 1980s by the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield. Dangerfield would then recite a one-liner or an experience he had in which someone had “dissed” [disrespected] him, a punchline that usually ended with laughter at Rodney’s expense. Treating one another with respect, however, is no laughing matter. December marks both National and Universal Human Rights Month. December 10th is observed as Human Rights Day, the anniversary date of the adoption of the Declaration of Universal Human Rights by the United Nations. This year, this important document observes its 70th anniversary. Article I of the Declaration of Universal Human Rights states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. [...]

The most important job for a caregiver will always be providing self-care. Attending to your whole person - emotional, physical, social and spiritual - may be challenging and overwhelming when there seems to be little time available. But when a caregiver ignores his or her needs, there is a significant risk of developing health problems, resulting in the inability to provide care. November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor family caregivers across the country. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock,” recognizing the challenges that family caregivers face and how they manage them day and night. Check out the following self-care tips for maintaining health and happiness as a caregiver: Emotional Be aware of feelings [...]

For many of us, the festive holiday season is full of laughter, gifts and memories with loved ones. Unfortunately, for families struggling to make ends meet, the holidays can be an especially challenging time of year. Oaks works with children unable to be with their families, individuals coping with mental illness, and seniors on a lifelong quest to rise above the limitations set by their developmental disability. Just imagine the wonderful memories your donation will bring to those who need it the most. We invite YOU to make this holiday season special for over 4,000 children, teens and adults in our community. Ways to Get Involved: 1. Donate gifts or hold your own gift drive. We will provide you [...]

THANK YOU to our wonderful donors, volunteers and staff who made this year’s Thanksgiving Turkey Drive a huge success. With your support, we distributed 2,000 Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings (turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and veggies galore!) to families in need throughout our community. Whether you donated a turkey, helped stock shelves or organized a food drive, we greatly appreciate your generosity. Check out some of the photos from this year’s drive: The Goddard School Delran Bowman & Co. TD   Hair Club Mt. Laurel REV Creative Group Moorestown Home & School Association Francine Rucci and Nicole Lannutti (The Craft Room) Miller Ford Penn Medicine | Princeton House Behavioral Health Westampton Middle School RE/MAX Preferred and [...]