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. [...]

It is estimated that 65 million Americans provided caregiving duties in the past year. Many family members take on caregiving duties because they already have a relationship with the person in need and caregiving duties can often be provided at little to no cost. Family members also feel a sense of duty to care for their loved ones. The responsibility of caregiving is significant and can take a toll on the caregiver’s physical and emotional health. Caregivers may feel isolated or alone in their duties. Caregiving responsibilities may strain relationships, put financial pressure on the caregiver and cause stress to rise among family members. Caregivers are also more likely to experience depression, poor health habits, poor sleeping habits, stress [...]

Medical professionals regularly recommend exercise to improve diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. But exercise is not commonly a significant part of a treatment regimen for people who suffer from mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a difference. People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. The APA finds it’s also powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges such as: Depression Exercise is a powerful depression [...]