With September quickly approaching, students, parents and educators are busy preparing for another school year. After months of virtual learning, it’s very common for children and teens to feel nervous or apprehensive about making the return to in-person learning. Parents and guardians may feel uncertain about how to successfully make this transition with their student. Check out these five tips for parents and guardians to keep mental health a priority this school year. 1. Provide reassurance and encouragement. Make sure your student knows that it’s okay to ask for help, whether it’s from you, teachers, counselors or other school staff. Returning to school can feel difficult, so encouraging children to speak up if they are feeling anxious can make [...]

As we navigate the transition out of the virtual world, the return of face-to-face interaction can influence mental health. Social isolation is a serious health challenge that can be damaging to mental health. Therefore, the quality of our connections with one another can boost general happiness and decrease loneliness levels. For Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we believe in ensuring every person has access to resources and support for leading a healthy life. Here are 6 ways you can create more meaningful connections to feel motivated and driven to achieve a more fulfilling lifestyle: 1) Start with honesty. Some of the best conversations begin with honesty to break down barriers. Sharing authentic experiences can increase empathy levels between [...]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness and share resources so anyone affected by mental illness can find the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Now more than ever, it’s important to support one another through all of life’s challenges. Yet, finding the words to begin the conversation with a loved one about mental health can be daunting. Not knowing how to discuss it is normal! Check out these 7 ways to prepare for the conversation and show your support to others who are struggling: 1. Give them time to share with you. Offer your loved one space and time to open up about mental health. They might not be ready to [...]

Helping one another through difficult situations can often provide the most impactful and rewarding results. Sometimes, all it takes is showing someone how much they matter. Oaks brings together support like this to its 230 programs through community services and compassion. Our Jail Diversion and Correctional Case Management program (JIS) specializes in diverting nonviolent mental health consumers from the criminal justice system to appropriate mental health services in the community. The program increases resource coordination between mental health, criminal justice, and social services systems. This March, Supervisor Jade Kimbrough and Case Manager Supervisor Edgar Shaffer conducted a virtual consumer focus group to understand the results of the JIS program. The focus group was intended to gather information, feedback, and [...]

When stress becomes overwhelming, it can take a toll on your well-being both physically and mentally. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 78% of adults say the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress in their life. Every April, we recognize National Stress Awareness Month and provide resources for stress prevention and mental health services. If you are looking for tips to relax or reduce stress, try one of these strategies to handle stress in a healthy way. 1. Practice breathing exercises. Changing the way you breathe or focusing on your breathing pattern can provide relaxation to your mind and body, decreasing your overall stress level. Experiment with daily tools such as developing a mantra to repeat [...]

For over a century, social workers have continuously impacted those in-need, making our nation a more equitable and inclusive place. March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the dedication of social workers and the positive changes they implement with individuals, families, groups, and communities. As an organization founded in social work and rooted in supportive initiatives, Oaks Integrated Care believes social work is essential to community well-being. Introduced in 1898 at Columbia University, social work brings social problems to the forefront of the public agenda and addresses the overall needs of the people. Throughout history, social workers have fought for the rights of people of color, advocated for safer workplaces, raised awareness for mental health services, [...]

The series of high profile incidents of police violence against Americans in 2020 including the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, sparked nationwide protests and renewed calls for an end to systematic racism in our society. In June, our organization made a commitment to not just speak out about the topic but to take action by forming the Racial Equality and Social Justice Coalition (The Coalition). Oaks created The Coalition to identify and implement action steps to be part of the change we want to see in our organization and the greater communities we serve. The Coalition consists of diverse members from across the organization and also includes representatives from the Oaks Diversity Committee, Trauma Informed [...]

What causes homelessness? Unemployment, unaddressed health issues, eviction and the high cost of living in New Jersey are frequently cited as why people become homeless. Lack of affordable housing is another cause of homelessness. The need for affordable housing in New Jersey is significant and has been referred to as an affordable housing crisis. The affordable housing crisis in New Jersey dates back to over 40 years ago. The Township of Mount Laurel developed a zoning ordinance that essentially banned affordable housing units such as apartments, trailer parks and multi-family units. The Township was sued and the case was taken up by the New Jersey Supreme Court who declared that the Mount Laurel zoning ordinance prevented affordable housing opportunities. [...]