Mental Health America advances the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S. through public education, research, advocacy and public policy, and direct service.

Upcoming classes.

St. Francis Family Support Services is offering a number of support groups in 2025 including: Parenting Group, Parenting in Recovery, and Anger Management Program. To register, contact: 609-494-8861 ext. 197. 

Warm Horizons is a free, welcoming space for adults who are moving through loss and seeking connection, comfort, and gentle renewal. Group will be held weekly on Wednesdays May 14th - July 16th from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JDDVPMS. 

Welcome to Hearts of Mercy Summer Camp where children explore fun activities that build confidence, build relationships, create good habits, explore nature, learn new skills, and experience opportunities the world has to offer. Aug 11-15 , 2025 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Register here: https://hearts-of-mercy.org/programs/summer-camp/

Join Bright Harbor Healthcare for a Youth and Parent Grief Support Group. While your child meets in a group designated just for them, parents will have their own space to connect and receive support. Groups will meet weekly on Mondays from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM from 7/7 - 8/25 at the Ocean County Youth Center. Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JDDVPMS

Embracing all pathways of recovery, these meeting provide an opportunity for young people impacted by Substance Use Disorder to create community and feel supported. Meetings held every Monday from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Hosted at the Recovery Cafe (954 Rt. 166, Toms River, NJ 08753). Free and open to all ages 18-35. For more information, call 732-773-7129. 

Weekly food packages for families with children! Available 6/24 - 8/26. Food will be distributed Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. If your family is in need of assistance, call 732-458-5711 (leave your name, number of adults/children, and a return contact number). Sponsored through St. Raphael's Episcopal Church (1520 Rt. 88, Brick, NJ). 

Join Bright Harbor for a low-pressure, judgement free space. Kick back, get creative and explore art in all its forms to boost your mood and build positive coping skills. Group is open to any youth 14+ and are held Tuesdays from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Group will be held from 7/1 - 8/26. To sign up, contact: 732-349-5550 x280 or rrosenberg@brightharbor.org. 

Ocean Partnership for Children is excited to announce the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore is offering a FREE All-Abilities, both English and Spanish speaking, Girl Scout troop for K-5^th graders the first Thursday of each month from 5-6pm at OPC’s office at no cost to participants.

NJ Connect for Recovery is offering this twice-monthly Wednesday Webinar Series to families and friends impacted by a loved one’s Substance Use Disorder. This series provides an opportunity to gain experience and new skills as well as greater understanding of their family situation. Held twice monthly on Wednesdays at 4:00 and 6:00 PM. RSVP required.

This summer, the Center for Speech and Language Disorders at Monmouth University is offering free speech and language evaluations for children and adults. Services are provided by graduate student clinicians under the supervision of licensed speech-language pathologists.

3rd Annual YAP Community Fun Day will be held on July 10th from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM located at Pine Park (500 Country Club Dr. Lakewood, NJ 08701). Event to include: games, sports, laser tag, photo booth, bouncy house, DJ, face painting, food and more! For more information, contact Carmen Pizarro at 732-253-2408.

Join our expressive art group where we will address grief through the creative process. Weekly meetings (Thursdays) from July 10 - September 11 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Location: Brew Grounds Cafe (954 Lakewood Rd. Toms River, NJ 08753). Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JDDVPMS. For more info, contact 732-349-3535 x 709. 

Join us for an opportunity to learn more about what DDD has to offer during our quarterly Welcome Session. During this session, participants will have an opportunity to join a breakout room of their choice and ask questions.

Join us for a morning cup of coffee and to learn general knowledge on HIV/AIDS so you
can help raise awareness for yourself and others and learn about the importance of HIV testing to fight the spread of HIV virus. Held every second Thursday of the month at Anchor Family Success Center in Brick, NJ from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. To learn more contact: 848-241-9346.

An Educational Sports Camp for Children with Visual Impairments. Summer 2025 Dates: August 19 - 21st. Registration is open!  Go to the registration tab to sign up today!

Thanks to a very generous grant from the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore is offering registered Girl Scouts the opportunity to apply for a scholarship for 2 free weeks of Summer Day Camp at Camp Sacajawea. Visit: gsFun.org/CampScholarship to apply!

As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of our county, take a moment to think about what makes Ocean County a great place to live! Show up your favorite locations, local landmarks, activities and/or foods that make Ocean County a special place to be a kid. Submissions are due no later than Nov. 1, 2025, by email only to kkosa@co.ocean.nj.us. 

This series of programs will focus on the issue that matters most to individuals impacted by IDD - and their caregivers - as they prepare for adulthood. All events are free and open to the public! To register ask a staff member or call 732-349-6200. https://theoceancountylibrary.libnet.info/event/12903014