This year’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month theme is "A World of Opportunities" — a time to celebrate people and work together to remove obstacles. Oaks provides a full continuum of individualized services (in-home, residential and day programs) for children and adults living with a developmental disability in an encouraging, supportive environment. Our goal is to offer support through each stage of life to allow individuals to reach their full potential and improve quality of life for the entire family. One of the most challenging periods can be the transition from child to adult services. When a child turns 21 in New Jersey and ages out of the children’s system of care, Oaks will walk hand and hand with [...]

This social work month, we want to take the time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers to our society. These often, unsung heroes dedicate their lives to helping individuals, families, and communities navigate challenges and build better futures. With the demand for social workers on the rise, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates there will be more than 782,000 social workers in the United States by 2030. Social workers enter the profession because they truly want to help others. Not only do they assist individuals, they are also trained in holistic ways to assist entire families and communities to benefit society at large. Here are just a few of the ways social workers serve [...]

We all have that little voice inside our heads—the one that's quick to criticize, doubt, and undermine our confidence. This inner critic can be relentless, chipping away at our self-esteem and preventing us from reaching our full potential. But what if we could silence that voice and replace it with one that uplifts and empowers us? Here are a few ways we can try to achieve it: Understanding the Inner Critic The inner critic is that nagging voice in our minds that feeds us negative thoughts and self-doubt. It's fueled by fear, insecurity, and past experiences, constantly reminding us of our shortcomings and flaws. Left unchecked, the inner critic can erode our self-confidence and hold us back from pursuing [...]

Generation Z, those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, face unique mental health challenges growing up in an era of interconnectedness. The complexities of navigating a digital landscape, dealing with identity struggles, and the pursuit of perfectionism test their resilience and play a role in shaping their well-being. Let’s explore some of the specific challenges and strategies for supporting their mental health. The Impact of Social Media Social media plays a central role in the lives of Gen Z, providing both connection and challenges to their mental health. While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat offer opportunities for self-expression and socialization, they also contribute to feelings of comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), and low self-esteem. Promoting healthy digital [...]

In today’s digitally driven world and shrinking attention span, it's easy to lose sight of the profound impact that human connection has on our mental well-being. Yet, as we navigate the complexities of life, building healthy relationships is quintessential for developing and maintaining our emotional resilience and overall mental wellness. Let’s explore the transformative power of connection and the ways in which nurturing meaningful relationships can enrich our lives. Understanding the Importance of Connection: Human beings are inherently social creatures, wired for connection and belonging. Research consistently demonstrates the critical role that social relationships play in promoting mental health and emotional well-being. Whether it's with family members, friends, romantic partners, or community peers, cultivating meaningful connections provides a sense [...]

Throughout history, Black individuals have made significant contributions to the field of mental health, challenging stigma, advocating for equitable access to care, and pioneering innovative approaches to healing and wellness. Yet, their stories and achievements are often overlooked or overshadowed. This Black History Month, join us in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of Black mental health trailblazers. Dr. Alvin Poussaint Dr. Alvin Poussaint is a psychiatrist and Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He has been a prominent advocate for addressing mental health disparities in the African American community and has worked to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Dr. Poussaint has received numerous awards for his contributions to psychiatry and co-authored several books that explore the intersection [...]

Last week, Oaks Integrated Care suffered an unimaginable loss with the unexpected passing of Brenda Brown-Goggins, Chief of Quality and Healthcare Integration. Brenda served Oaks for over 27 years and impacted the lives of thousands of individuals in our community, from consumers, to staff, to community partners during her tenure. As a valued member of our executive leadership team, Brenda was truly dedicated to our purpose and mission. She was the Director of ICMS services for 22 years and was promoted to Vice President in 2015. In 2021, Brenda was promoted to Chief of Quality where she worked closely with our operations team to ensure the highest quality services throughout our organization. Words can’t begin to express the profound [...]

We can all save lives. Suicide prevention is a critical issue that requires a proactive and compassionate approach. As an organization committed to mental health and wellness, we understand the importance of equipping individuals with the tools and resources to intervene and support those in crisis. We’re proud to share that over 400 Oaks employees are receiving Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training between fall 2023 and winter 2024 as part of the Zero Suicide initiative. The foundational belief of Zero Suicide is that suicide deaths for individuals under the care of health and behavioral health systems are preventable. Even one life lost is simply too many, and we commit to recognizing the signs and intervening before it’s [...]

Substance use disorders (SUDs) can affect individuals from all walks of life, and recognizing the signs is crucial for early intervention and support. Let’s explore the key indicators to help you determine if you or someone you know may be struggling with a substance use disorder. Changes in Behavior One of the primary indicators of an SUD is a noticeable change in behavior. This may include sudden mood swings, increased irritability, or a shift in social circles. We emphasize the importance of paying attention to significant changes in routine, interests, or overall personality. Decline in Physical Health Substance use can take a toll on physical health. Look out for unexplained weight loss, deteriorating hygiene, or persistent health issues. These [...]