Operation Fill-A-Backpack Whether kids head back to school or learn virtually in September, it is more important than ever that students are prepared to start the school year. You can give a child the confidence needed to succeed by making a monetary donation to our Operation Fill-A-Backpack drive! To ensure the health and safety of the families we serve and Oaks employees, we are asking for your support virtually in 2020. Many parents of children in Oaks Integrated Care programs cannot afford new backpacks and basic school supplies. The need for support has skyrocketed during the pandemic for families like Anthony’s… Anthony's Story When you ask five-year-old Anthony if he’s ready to start kindergarten in the fall, he will [...]

It’s no secret that the last few months of navigating the pandemic have been stressful for many people. Even as we begin to venture out more and adjust to “the new normal,” it’s important to recognize that anxiety about COVID-19 is still very real. Stress caused by fear and worry about health, finance concerns, homeschooling and job loss can be overwhelming and emotional. Check out this list of suggestions for adults, children and families to decrease stress compiled by our experts at Oaks and other top resources. Adults Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage about COVID-19. Keep informed but try to limit the amount of news your take in whether it is from social media, television, radio, newspapers or [...]

Early Intervention Support Services (EISS)Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed? Don’t go straight to the Emergency Room. Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) offers immediate access to mental health services for adults 18 years and older in the South Jersey region. Consider it “urgent care” for individuals experiencing emotional or behavioral health problems. Now offering telehealth services!Check out this video featuring our Director, Kate Fischer, interviewing with Marianne Aleardi of SJ Magazine about the impact COVID-19 is having on mental health. They discuss the increase in depression and anxiety people are experiencing during this difficult times, some tips for how to adjust to a new normal and how to access Mental Health Urgent Care.Important COVID-19 UpdateWe are OPEN and accepting new [...]

To support the ever-growing needs of our community, Oaks now offers Telehealth services for individuals and families in need of counseling, therapy, medication management, psychiatric evaluation and more via video and phone conferencing. We continue to stay on the front lines providing essential services, accepting new clients and will continue to carry out our mission virtually! As an organization, we understand that our mission is more important now than ever. Many people are experiencing overwhelming fear, stress and anxiety during these unprecedented times. Our first priority is the health and safety of the people we serve and our employees- we’re here to help you and your loved ones in the comfort of your own home. Call our Access Center [...]

In the true spirit of #BetterTogether, we’re happy to announce our partnership with Friends of Burlington County Animal Shelter by temporarily distributing pet food donations (dry and canned) at our Mount Holly Food Pantry. The donations are normally distributed at the animal shelter which is currently closed due to COVID-19. If you or a loved one is in need of people food, dog food or cat food, we are here to help! Food shouldn’t have to be a choice! The Oaks Food Pantries in Mount Holly and Berlin offer emergency food assistance to community members in need of support. We treat everyone who walks through our pantry doors with dignity and respect. Families that visit the food pantries receive [...]

Oaks Integrated Care employees are considered Essential Personnel and we will continue to take safety precautions and serve our clients in every way possible. At Oaks Integrated Care, our top priority is always the health, safety and well-being of the individuals and families we serve, employees, family members and community members. As information about coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we will keep you updated about preparations and any impact on programs. We are adhering to guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and communicating closely with state and local government agencies to ensure best practices. Please stay home and do not visit Oaks Integrated Care locations if you are sick or not feeling well. Thank you [...]

Not long ago, I had the pleasure to visit with Mary Wells, the founding director and visionary behind Oaks Integrated Care. Mary has been a mentor and inspiration for me since my earliest days at Oaks and I try to keep in touch with her. As I left her house, I thought about what a truly remarkable and accomplished person she is – and what a remarkable woman she is. I thought about her amazing efforts to start a social service organization and grow it into something so much more. And it caused me to connect Mary with so many other amazing, remarkable and accomplished women who have contributed to our community, nation and world. March is not only [...]

“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 [...]

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 [...]