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Family Connections - NJ4S Essex

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Family Connections - NJ4S Essex

NJ4S provides prevention & mental health services to students & their families in Essex County.

08/28/2025

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent school shooting. 💔 In times of violence, children may feel scared, confused, or anxious. It’s important to support them with care and understanding.

Here are helpful tips on how to talk to children after traumatic events:

https://mailchi.mp/3f5ee5986c24/the-handout-school-safety-news-training-and-resources-10139088?e=78e6b84fe5

08/12/2025

It’s YOUR day!
Happy International Youth Day from NJ4S-Essex 🎉
Keep dreaming big, speaking up, and changing the world — we’ve got your back. 💛

08/04/2025

Is your child struggling with going to school? You're not alone.

Join us on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 5:30 PM for a powerful webinar:
Facing the Fear: Understanding School Phobia

Learn how to spot the signs, understand the root causes, and discover tools to help your child feel safe and supported.

Attend for a chance to win a ShopRite or Amazon gift card!

Register now — link in bio!

07/28/2025

On Saturday, July 19, NJ4S-Essex participated in the Unity in the Community event at Central Playground in Orange, NJ.

Our Prevention Consultants tabled at the event, sharing resources and information with families and community members.

The event brought together residents of all ages for an afternoon of music, games, free food, and meaningful connection under the theme Working Together To Keep It Together!

07/22/2025

What inspired you to work for Family Connections NJ4S-Essex?

What inspired me to work for NJ4S was my background in emergency and crisis response, where I have worked on the frontlines. I was often supporting clients after they had already been impacted by systemic issues. In my current role as a Prevention Consultant, I have the opportunity to address those same issues before they escalate. Being part of the preventive work, especially in schools, feels meaningful and empowering.

How long have you worked here?
I’ve been with Family Connections NJ4S-Essex for a year and a few months.

What has been the greatest moment in your career at Family Connections NJ4S-Essex?
One of the greatest moments so far has been facilitating evidence-based programs (EBPs) in schools. It’s incredible to watch students engage, reflect, and grow through these lessons. Knowing that I’m helping to build protective factors and resiliency at such a pivotal stage in their lives is truly rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about working here?
I enjoy being part of a passionate and supportive team that’s committed to prevention and community wellness. There's a shared mission here that makes the work purposeful, fun, and collaborative.

What are your hopes for the future of Family Connections NJ4S-Essex?
My hope is for NJ4S to continue expanding its reach and services so that more communities, schools, and families can benefit from prevention-based programming and support.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of your work at Family Connections NJ4S-Essex?
Traveling and spending time with my parents! I love exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and taking time to recharge.

07/14/2025

Social media is part of everyday life, but how can we help youth stay safe online?

Join us for a virtual Social Media Safety webinar on Wednesday July 23, 2025, at 5:30 PM, hosted by Partnership to End Addiction, to learn how to navigate online spaces with more awareness, boundaries, and confidence.

There will be a ShopRite gift card raffle at the end of the session.

Click the link in bio to register.

07/02/2025

The jump from high school to college or early adulthood can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Join us on Wednesday, July 9th at 5:30 PM for a virtual session on navigating the transition to college and early education, hosted by Partnership to End Addiction.

There will be a ShopRite gift card raffle at the end of the session.

Click the link in bio to register!

06/27/2025

Welcome to NJ4S-Essex's staff spotlight! Here you can get to know our staff as we share insights into their role, passions, and dedication to making a difference in Essex County.⁠
⁠
Meet Tracy Whittington, our exceptional Clinician!

What inspired you to work for Family Connections NJ4S-Essex?
My journey to becoming a clinician has always been driven by a desire to work with youth who remind me of myself and my peers growing up. I knew that Family Connections was intentional and goal-oriented in their work, which made me want to be a part of it. Being involved in a program that truly walks the talk is what inspired me most.

How long have you worked here?
Altogether, I’ve been with Family Connections for about four years. I originally started when I was younger and recently returned to continue the work I love. I’ve been part of the NJ4S team for a little over a year now.

What has been the greatest moment in your career at Family Connections NJ4S-Essex?
One of my greatest moments recently was hearing two of my youth share their journeys at Family Connections' "A Toast to Hope" Gala. As clinicians, we often don’t get to hear about the long-term outcomes for our students, so it was incredibly meaningful to see firsthand that the work we’re doing is truly making a difference.

What do you enjoy most about working here?
One thing I can confidently say about the NJ4S program is that our staff consistently works toward the mission. I truly enjoy seeing how passionate my colleagues are about the programs and the impact we’re making. I love my team—a passionate, thoughtful, and caring group of individuals who make coming to work not feel like a job.

What are your hopes for the future of Family Connections NJ4S-Essex?
I love being a part of NJ4S-Essex and everything we stand for. I truly hope we continue to grow and maintain the resources needed to support even more of our students. In a dream world, I would love for NJ4S to have an off-site recreational community center—a space where we can continue supporting our youth beyond school hours.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of your work at Family Connections NJ4S-Essex?
Outside of Family Connections, my favorite thing to do is to spend time with the people I love. I enjoy laughing, sharing good moments, and making new memories together. In my free time, you’ll often find me catching up on my favorite shows or exploring new restaurants.

06/23/2025

Join us for Standing With Pride, a supportive and informative session designed to help parents affirm and uplift their LGBTQIA+ youth.

This webinar will be held in collaboration with Pride+.

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Zoom register through the link in bio
Raffle: Attend until the end for a chance to win a ShopRite gift card

Let’s work together to create safe spaces, strong connections, and a foundation of understanding and love.

06/18/2025

Join us for Standing with Pride, a supportive and informative session designed to help parents affirm and uplift their LGBTQIA+ youth.

This webinar will be held in collaboration with Pride+.

Date: Tuesday, June 25
Time: 5:30 PM
Raffle: Attend until the end for a chance to win a ShopRite gift card

06/05/2025

This week, the NJ4S-Essex team met with the Family Connections Board to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. It was a great opportunity to share the impact we’ve made in Essex County schools and talk about how we can keep improving mental health support for students and families.

We’re so thankful for everyone who continues to support and use our services!

Want to learn more about what we do or how to bring NJ4S to your school? Reach out to us at infonj4sessex@familyconnectionsnj.org for information on our Tier 1, 2, and 3 services.

05/08/2025

At Family Connections, we believe every young person deserves a safe space to grow, heal, and thrive. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on the importance of mental health and the power of early support.
Through NJ4S-Essex, we offer youth and families in Essex County access to prevention programs, wellness workshops, school-based services, and resources that foster resilience and emotional well-being.

Mental health matters every day, and no one should have to face challenges alone. Let’s work together to build a community where every young person feels seen, heard, and supported.

Looking for mental health resources or school-based support? Contact us at infonj4sessex@familyconnectionsnj.org or visit familyconnectionsnj.org/NJ4S-Essex to learn more and get connected today!

Address

7 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 304
East Orange, NJ
07017

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