ACTs in Action

Like so many county offices today, Monmouth County’s Division of Social Services (DSS) found itself stretched to its limit. Staff were working tirelessly to keep up with the community’s growing demand for vital human services – from financial and medical assistance to housing and food services. With an urgent need for additional support, DSS turned to its Monmouth ACTS network for help. Monmouth ACTS – an innovative public-private partnership – connects County divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services with local community organizations to improve access to services. Always looking for creative solutions, Monmouth ACTS leaders saw an…

Monmouth County’s Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services and SCAN (Senior Citizens Activity Network) recently launched the “Successful Aging in Place” video series, aimed at helping Monmouth County seniors make informed decisions about aging successfully in their own home. “An AARP study showed nearly 90% of adults age 65 and older want to age in place; however, the ability of older adults to live independently in their own homes for as long as safely possible is dependent on access to in-home services, transportation, accessible modifications and social support,” explained Michele O’Shaughnessy, Director of Monmouth County’s Division on Aging, Disabilities…

Targeted crisis interventions and comprehensive support highlighted Across the nation – and here in Monmouth County – rising Emergency Department visits among young people facing mental health crises are sounding alarm bells to families, health care providers and communities alike. Youth are increasingly turning to Emergency Departments for help with mental health challenges including suicidal thoughts, depression, mood swings, hyperactivity, impulse control issues, anxiety, panic attacks and social anxiety. As the need for additional services – and easier access – became apparent, leaders from Monmouth ACTS, an innovative public-private partnership in Monmouth County, and the Behavioral Health team at RWJBarnabas…

Finding reliable and affordable child care can be a daunting task for families… and after COVID-19 it became even more challenging due to the shortage of qualified child care providers. Prior to the pandemic, Monmouth County had 60 registered family child care providers, but as of April 2022, that number of providers dropped to 47 – a decline of 21.7%. This startling statistic, along with an increased number of parents looking for a home-based child care program, prompted the Monmouth ACTS Early Childhood Success Hub to take action. Hub members collaborated to brainstorm a solution. That’s when Hub member Child…

FREEHOLD, NJ – Winter 2021 brought some seriously cold days that turned into bitterly cold nights. While most people were hunkered down safe and warm in their homes, there were others in the community who were not as fortunate. However, no one was turned away from much-needed shelter this past winter season through the collaborative efforts of Monmouth County Office of OEM, MCDSS, the Homeless Systems Collaborative, the Office of Planning and Contracting, Monmouth ACTS and various other community agencies. One place that was instrumental in housing the homeless during any “Code Blue” weather was Pilgrim Baptist Church of Red…