Social workers across the globe navigate difficult challenges, guiding individuals to overcome hurdles and live life to their fullest potential. Each March celebrates Social Work Month, a time to highlight how social workers have enriched our society. As an organization founded by a dedicated group of compassionate social workers over 50 years ago, Oaks Integrated Care believes social work makes our communities a better, more inclusive place for all. Oaks CEO Derry Holland shares, "It is important to me, as a licensed clinical social worker, to celebrate and recognize the role social workers play in making our communities a better place to live, work and play." This year, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) outlined the theme, “Social [...]

Happy first day of spring! With the start of this new season of growth and change, make sure you leave that essential time in your schedule for self-care. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-care can help to “manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy.” Here are some tips to embrace the new season while keeping wellness in-mind: 1. Get some fresh air. As warm weather days begin, try to spend some time in nature and in the sunshine. Research indicates that sun exposure can trigger an increase in serotonin, a hormone known to improve mood and focus. Go for a walk with a friend, take a bike ride, or even eat lunch [...]

A positive, kind workplace environment may not always feel like a top priority. Office culture may feel competitive or uncollaborative, but establishing a culture of kindness is essential to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Research indicates that sharing and receiving kindness in the workplace enforces a positive comradery, ultimately leading to an engaged and successful organization. The challenges that arise with a negative workplace environment can affect employees at every level. From job productivity to daily functioning, a poor culture can lead to employee stress, anxiety and lack of communication. Promoting a kinder company culture centered around positive mental health and support can make all the difference from increased job satisfaction to improved self-worth. At Oaks, spreading [...]

Mental health differs for many individuals based on their background and experiences. According to Mental Health America, sixteen percent (4.8 million individuals) of Black and African American people in the U.S. reported having a mental illness – that’s more than the populations of Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston combined. While mental health conditions occur at the same or less frequency than in White Americans, studies show that stigma and disparities in access to care prevent many in the community from seeking treatment. This Black History Month, we’re featuring Black influencers in the mental health space to promote the importance of understanding how mental health issues affect the Black community. Check out our list of impactful influencers dedicated to spreading awareness, [...]

The start of the new year brings forward the opportunity for setting goals and introducing positive habits. Each January, many of us set our sights on outlining a set of New Year’s resolutions intending to reinvent ourselves. Within the past decade, the concept of “new year, new me” arose to promote introducing a new “you” to the world at the start of the year. While the promise of a new year and a new you may feel exciting, it can be rooted in reaching a form of perfection through a series of self-improvements. According to Forbes, New Year’s resolutions are built on a problematic approach to change. These goals base themselves around the idea that you are currently flawed [...]

Accepting help from others can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Many individuals experience levels of discomfort and personal difficulties depending on others for assistance in everyday life. Additionally, many who struggle with mental health may not feel a need for help. Listening to those offering help can be the first step toward growth and progress. According to Psychology Today, challenges accepting help stem from irregularities in attachment history. “Our early attachments help shape how we relate to others and how we expect others to relate to us,” shares clinical psychologist Lisa Firestone, Ph.D. “If we weren’t used to receiving consistent, quality care from our parents or attachment figures, it can feel confusing to accept this from others throughout [...]

Every year around this time, I pause to reflect on the last 12 months– the accomplishments, the challenges, the opportunities – but most importantly, what I’m most grateful for. As CEO, I understand that our mission to provide critical services to the most vulnerable members of the community would not be possible without all of you by our side. To the individuals and families we serve: Thank you for putting your trust in our team. Whether it’s providing addiction services, outpatient counseling, job training, housing or emergency hunger relief, we commit to making a positive impact on the lives of the individuals and families in over 230 programs throughout New Jersey. To our employees and community partners: Thank you [...]

Coping with grief during the holiday season can feel overwhelming. In such a celebratory time of year, known to be spent with loved ones and filled with traditions, feelings of grief and loss can be conflicting and difficult to navigate. Understanding how grief differs for each person and having conversations about loss can help provide balance and find peace in unexpected ways. While grief and mourning are universal responses to loss, there is no predictable timeframe or consistency to each individual’s experience. Due to its personal nature, how each individual navigates grief differs from person to person. Establishing awareness to the symptoms of grief, such as fatigue, trouble sleeping or physical aches, can help you or your loved one [...]

Millions of individuals across the country provide crucial care and assistance to parents, children, siblings and other loved ones every day. November recognizes National Family Caregivers Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges of caregiving and increase the accessibility of support services for caregivers. Navigating life as a family caregiver for an individual living with a mental illness can be both physically and emotionally stressful. When your loved one is diagnosed, finding appropriate medical and psychiatric care becomes your first priority. But as a caregiver, often times YOU need help finding balance in your life. The Oaks Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) program in Camden and Mercer Counties offers therapeutic support, education and resources for those caring [...]

Veterans and military families embody courage, strength, and resilience. Each November is National Military Families Month, a time to recognize the tremendous sacrifices made by veterans and military families across the country. When it comes to mental health, veterans and military personnel remain one of the most prominent groups impacted by mental health challenges. Life’s transitions can be particularly stressful for veterans and military families, making it difficult to prioritize well-being. Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women transition from active-duty service to civilian life. This adjustment along with deployments and frequent geographic moves require veterans and their families to make changes in their lives across multiple domains including relationships, employment, finances, housing, community supports and health. To gain [...]