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 [...]

2018 Moorestown Progressive Dinner Hosts Thank you to everyone who helped make the Moorestown Progressive Dinner a success. This event would not be possible without the support of friends like you! Proceeds from the event benefit the Oaks Integrated Care Food Pantries in Mt. Holly and Berlin which serve over 800 families a month. Visit our Flickr page to see all the fantastic photos from the event! Special Thanks to… Dave and Kristin Lees for hosting the hors d’ouvres portion of the evening. Dinner Hosts Joe & Marianne Aleardi Sumit & Ritu Anand Matt & Trish Arellano Stuart & Noelle Diamond Tom & Evan Heitzman Steve & Cindy Kramer Jerry & Dria Law Neal & Diana McGraw James & [...]

Today, September 10th, marks World Suicide Prevention Day and September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This day and month give us time to connect with those affected by suicide, reflect on how suicide has touched our own lives and to share resources to better support individuals, families and their communities in efforts to prevent suicide. According to the CDC, each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind thousands of friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. Too often people considering suicide are afraid to ask for help, and those who think they see the signs of trouble are reluctant to be wrong and then offend, or cause embarrassment. NAMI reports that suicide [...]

Every September, National Recovery Month increases awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help. Recovery Month celebrates individuals living their lives in recovery and recognizes the dedicated workers who provide the prevention, treatment, and recovery support services that make it possible. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that in 2016, approximately 20 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder and about 44.7 million Americans aged 18 and older experienced a mental disorder. An estimated 2.6 million adults aged 18 or older had co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorder. Recovery can mean many different things for many [...]