The state has allocated $9 million to community wellness centers in all 21 counties, officials said Monday.
The money will be used to expand services, train staff and provide transportation to help in underserved areas across New Jersey, announced the Department of Human Services.
“Community wellness centers are crucial resources that offer innovative support, peer assistance, social services and education on mental health and substance use disorders — all at no cost,” said state Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
“We are pleased to award these grants to help expand their services to historically underserved areas, and ensure staff are well-supported,” she said.
The initiative, funded through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, began this month and will run through June 2025.
The money will be used in a number of ways, including offering more competitive salaries to aides and providing transportation to life skills training for people with mental health disorders.
“For individuals with substance use and mental health disorders, it’s essential to have access to supportive environments where they can receive compassionate care and be treated with dignity by individuals who themselves are in recovery,” said Valerie Mielke, deputy commissioner for health services. “This additional funding will make these critical services available to additional underserved communities statewide.”
Expanding services
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton: $443,460 for Burlington County.Center for Family Services: $383,420 for Warren.Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey: $463,434 for Bergen, $521,360 for Camden, $530,290 for Cape May, $374,490 for Cumberland, $334,463 for Gloucester, $403,433 for Middlesex, $521,360 for Monmouth, $463,473 for Passaic, $314,450 for Salem, $394,503 for Somerset, $304,095 for Union, and $608,190 each for Essex and Hudson.Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris: $394,503 for Morris and $314,450 for Sussex.Prevention Resources: $314,500 for Hunterdon.Mental Health Association in New Jersey: $510,277 for Atlantic and $463,473 for Ocean.The Rescue Mission of Trenton: $529,747 for Mercer.
Help is available
The Department of Human Services provides several free, 24/7 hotlines: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — dial 988, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
“Please don’t hesitate to call if you are or a loved one is in need,” Adelman said. “We are here to help.”
