Are you struggling to find support for a loved one living with a developmental or intellectual disability? It can be challenging to navigate the New Jersey assistance system without the right support in place. To help you find the best services to fit your needs, we’ve gathered resources from the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to guide you through the process. Eligibility Process In order to be determined eligible for DDD services, an individual must meet the NJ eligibility criteria and complete the DDD Application. The recommended time to begin the application process is 6-12 months before the individual turns 21 and exits the school system. After a preliminary review, DDD will schedule a [...]

Social workers across the globe navigate difficult challenges, guiding individuals to overcome hurdles and live life to their fullest potential. Each March celebrates Social Work Month, a time to highlight how social workers have enriched our society. As an organization founded by a dedicated group of compassionate social workers over 50 years ago, Oaks Integrated Care believes social work makes our communities a better, more inclusive place for all. Oaks CEO Derry Holland shares, "It is important to me, as a licensed clinical social worker, to celebrate and recognize the role social workers play in making our communities a better place to live, work and play." This year, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) outlined the theme, “Social [...]

A positive, kind workplace environment may not always feel like a top priority. Office culture may feel competitive or uncollaborative, but establishing a culture of kindness is essential to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Research indicates that sharing and receiving kindness in the workplace enforces a positive comradery, ultimately leading to an engaged and successful organization. The challenges that arise with a negative workplace environment can affect employees at every level. From job productivity to daily functioning, a poor culture can lead to employee stress, anxiety and lack of communication. Promoting a kinder company culture centered around positive mental health and support can make all the difference from increased job satisfaction to improved self-worth. At Oaks, spreading [...]

The start of the new year brings forward the opportunity for setting goals and introducing positive habits. Each January, many of us set our sights on outlining a set of New Year’s resolutions intending to reinvent ourselves. Within the past decade, the concept of “new year, new me” arose to promote introducing a new “you” to the world at the start of the year. While the promise of a new year and a new you may feel exciting, it can be rooted in reaching a form of perfection through a series of self-improvements. According to Forbes, New Year’s resolutions are built on a problematic approach to change. These goals base themselves around the idea that you are currently flawed [...]

Accepting help from others can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Many individuals experience levels of discomfort and personal difficulties depending on others for assistance in everyday life. Additionally, many who struggle with mental health may not feel a need for help. Listening to those offering help can be the first step toward growth and progress. According to Psychology Today, challenges accepting help stem from irregularities in attachment history. “Our early attachments help shape how we relate to others and how we expect others to relate to us,” shares clinical psychologist Lisa Firestone, Ph.D. “If we weren’t used to receiving consistent, quality care from our parents or attachment figures, it can feel confusing to accept this from others throughout [...]

Coping with grief during the holiday season can feel overwhelming. In such a celebratory time of year, known to be spent with loved ones and filled with traditions, feelings of grief and loss can be conflicting and difficult to navigate. Understanding how grief differs for each person and having conversations about loss can help provide balance and find peace in unexpected ways. While grief and mourning are universal responses to loss, there is no predictable timeframe or consistency to each individual’s experience. Due to its personal nature, how each individual navigates grief differs from person to person. Establishing awareness to the symptoms of grief, such as fatigue, trouble sleeping or physical aches, can help you or your loved one [...]

Millions of individuals across the country provide crucial care and assistance to parents, children, siblings and other loved ones every day. November recognizes National Family Caregivers Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges of caregiving and increase the accessibility of support services for caregivers. Navigating life as a family caregiver for an individual living with a mental illness can be both physically and emotionally stressful. When your loved one is diagnosed, finding appropriate medical and psychiatric care becomes your first priority. But as a caregiver, often times YOU need help finding balance in your life. The Oaks Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) program in Camden and Mercer Counties offers therapeutic support, education and resources for those caring [...]

As we turn back the clocks for Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, keeping general mood changes in mind is important. Making this time adjustment can have many affects on our bodies and our mental health. According to Healthline, changing our clocks twice a year greatly impacts our health, with fall causing a decline in mental health. Entering the winter months causes less sun exposure for our skin, creating a decrease in vitamin D. While Daylight Savings Time does not directly cause mental health conditions, these changes commonly affect those with pre-existing mental health conditions or those more susceptible to anxiety or depression. Seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression, often occurs during this time period. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder [...]