27 May 2026
County Partnership Empowers Residents Toward Financial Stability

County Partnership Empowers Residents Toward Financial Stability

ACTs in Action, News Releases
As a single mom, Carlie spent most of her daughter’s life in survival mode – constantly worrying about making ends meet and what the future might hold. Her experience reflects the broader reality for many Monmouth County residents. Confusion around resources, services or financial education often prevents families from achieving long-term stability and reaching their full potential. That’s where Monmouth ACTS comes in. Monmouth ACTS, an innovative public-private partnership, brings together County divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services and local community organizations to improve access to critical support services. Through this collaborative approach, Monmouth County partnered with…
Read More
04 Dec 2025
Monmouth ACTS Navigation System Gets New Name: “ResourceConnect”

Monmouth ACTS Navigation System Gets New Name: “ResourceConnect”

News Releases, , ,
Updated name and website reflect initiative’s commitment to simplicity, accessibility and resident-centered support In an effort to make vital services easier to find and understand, Monmouth County officials announced today that the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System is being renamed Monmouth ACTS ResourceConnect. The new name reflects the program’s purpose – connecting residents to the help they need – while making it simpler and more memorable for the community. ResourceConnect, first introduced in 2024, is a groundbreaking service through the Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Community Through Services) initiative that allows residents to access a broad range of human services through a single…
Read More
11 Jun 2025

Career Pathways Strengthens County Workforce While Supporting Next Generation of Human Services Professionals

ACTs in Action, News Releases
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…
Read More
05 May 2025

Monmouth County Seniors Create Video Series to Share Tips for Aging in Place

ACTs in Action, News Releases
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…
Read More
26 Mar 2025

New Program Aims to Keep Youth With Mental Health Issues Out of Emergency Departments

ACTs in Action, News Releases
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…
Read More
28 Feb 2024

Monmouth ACTS Launches Integrated Navigation System

News Releases
First-of-its-kind network streamlines the search for needed services Leaders from Monmouth County government and the private sector gathered to celebrate the launch of the new Monmouth ACTS Navigation System, a state-of-the-art electronic referral system that streamlines access to services for residents.Pictured left to right: Nicole Cyr, Assistant Director of Planning, Monmouth County Department of Human Services; Nick DiRocco, Monmouth County Commissioner; Susan M. Kiley, Monmouth County Commissioner; Peter-Donnell Boynton, Chair, Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council (MAAC) and Director, Monmouth County Department of Human Services; Kathy Collins, Vice-Chair, MAAC; and Desiree Whyte, Assistant Director of Operations, Monmouth County Department of Human Services.…
Read More
06 Dec 2023

Monmouth ACTS Releases Video Positive Youth Development Video as Part of Initiative Video Series

News Releases
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Community Through Services) - a public-private partnership initiated by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in 2018 - has released a video highlighting the Positive Youth Development Hub, one of the seven Hubs that make up Monmouth ACTS. This video is one of several that helps educate Monmouth County residents about the programs and services available to them. One of the not-for-profit organizations involved in the Positive Youth Development Hub is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey, providing one-to-one mentoring for youth ages 6-18 through their Community Based,…
Read More
18 Oct 2023

“Monmouth ACTS in My Community” Brings Human Services Directly to Monmouth County Towns

News Releases
25 planned locations slated for this fall FREEHOLD, NJ – Leadership from Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Community Through Services) – a public-private partnership launched by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in 2018 – recently announced a new initiative to bring human service resources directly to the residents of Monmouth County. Called “Monmouth ACTS in My Community,” this program embeds representatives from the Department of Human Services’ Division of Social Services (DSS) directly at trusted community partners throughout Monmouth County at designated days and times. This initiative allows Monmouth County residents the ability to access support and assistance more easily…
Read More
25 Sep 2023

Home-based child care: a boon for local families and workforce

ACTs in Action, News Releases
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…
Read More
28 Jul 2023

Monmouth ACTS Announces New Co-Chairs

News Releases
Peter Boynton and Kathy Collins chosen to lead groundbreaking public-private initiative Peter Boynton, Director of Housing Stability for the Affordable Housing Alliance, will serve as the new Chair of the Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council. FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Community Through Services) - a public-private partnership initiated by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in 2018 - has announced that Peter Boynton, Director of Housing Stability, Affordable Housing Alliance and Kathy Collins, former Executive Director, MonmouthCares, will serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council (MAAC) starting this year. Boynton and Collins succeed…
Read More