Family Connections - NJ4S Essex

01/22/2026

Need health insurance in 2026?
Open Enrollment is NOW through January 31, 2026, at Get Covered New Jersey — the state’s official health insurance marketplace.

8 in 10 NJ residents qualify for financial help
Insulin capped at $35/month
Asthma inhalers & EpiPens capped for marketplace plans

Find a plan that fits your needs: 👉 getcovered.nj.gov

01/16/2026

Mental wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all 💚

January is National Mental Wellness Month, a reminder that caring for our minds is just as important as caring for our bodies.

“My stress shows up as…”
“I know I’m anxious when…”
“Nobody taught me this, but it helps me tremendously…”

We all fill in the blanks differently—and that’s the point. This month, we’re honoring the many ways people recognize, manage, and move through their emotions. Awareness is the first step toward healing.

01/12/2026

Missing More than Class: What to Know About Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is about more than missed school days — it impacts students’ emotional health, social connections, and academic success. Join us for an engaging and eye-opening webinar with Cori Hammond and Linda Richter as we break down why students miss school and what adults can do to help.

🎁 PLUS — we’re doing a giveaway!
One lucky attendee will win an Amazon gift card 👀🎉

🗓 January 21, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Virtual

👉 Register via the link in our bio or scan the QR code!
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/N0aYtH1cTGGCaJ8NVAGYUw #/registration

Hosted by NJ4S-Essex and Family Connections, in partnership with Partnership to End Addiction.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Missing More than Class: What to Know About Absenteeism (PTEA) . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

01/12/2026

Thank you for joining us!

We’re so grateful to everyone who was able to attend last week’s webinar, Becoming a Trusted Adult: Guidance for Supporting Young People. Thank you for showing up for our youth and being part of such an important conversation.
If you weren’t able to join us live, you can still watch the full webinar on our YouTube channel 🎥

👉 Visit the link in our bio to watch the replay.
Together, we can continue building trust, connection, and support for young people when they need it most. 💙

01/09/2026

Strong mental health is a foundation for strong academics 💙

When students feel supported emotionally, they’re better able to focus, stay motivated, manage stress, and show up ready to learn. From building resilience to strengthening emotional regulation, mental wellness plays a powerful role in academic success—both in and out of the classroom.
This National Mental Health Month, NJ4S-Essex is proud to support students with the tools and resources they need to thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically.

👉 Visit our website to learn more and sign up for services through your school:
🔗 familyconnectionsnj.org/nj4s or visit our link in bio

01/06/2026

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉

As we kick off 2026, we’re excited to reintroduce the NJ4S-Essex program from Family Connections! 🧡 This year and beyond, we’re here to support students, families, and schools across Essex County with free, accessible mental health resources designed to help young people thrive.

NJ4S (New Jersey Student Support Services) connects you with counseling, community support, referrals, and tools to navigate challenges—because no one should face them alone.

Whether you’re a student, caregiver, educator, or community member—there’s support available for you.

👉 Learn more about NJ4S-Essex, sign up for services, and access helpful resources here:
🔗 https://www.familyconnectionsnj.org/nj4s/

Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and strong support for every family in our community! 💫

New Jersey Department of Children and Families

12/22/2025

The holidays can be joyful and exhausting. 🎄✨ Protect your mental health by setting healthy boundaries—don’t overcommit, stay hydrated, speak up when you’re not okay, and remember you don’t have to do everything on your own. Rest is not selfish; it’s necessary. Choose peace this season. 💙

12/09/2025

Young people thrive when they know an adult truly sees them, hears them, and believes in them. 💛

Join NJ4S-Essex on January 7, 2026 at 5:30pm for “Becoming a Trusted Adult,” a virtual workshop designed to help caregivers, school staff, and community members build deeper, safer relationships with youth.

Presenters Marney Rohda and Maureen Underwood will share practical tools to strengthen trust and encourage young people to seek support when it matters most.

🔗 Save your spot: https://bit.ly/4pkznW7
📲 QR code available on the flyer!

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Becoming a Trusted Adult: Guidance for Supporting Young People. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/24/2025

If you or someone you know could use extra support this Thanksgiving, NJ4S-Essex has you covered. 🧡🦃 We’ve put together a list of local Essex County food pantries to help families access the resources they need this holiday season.

Visit the NJ4S-Essex Link in Bio for the full list of pantry locations and hours.

We’re here for you, today and every day. 🍁

11/21/2025

Celebrating Literacy Day at Nelson Mandela School! 📚✨

NJ4S-Essex Staff had the joy of reading to scholars in Pre-K through 2nd grade — inspiring imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Nothing better than connecting with our youngest readers and supporting their growth one story at a time! 💛

11/20/2025

Team NJ4S-Essex understood the assignment—show up, show love, and show out at the Family Connections Thanksgiving Potluck! 🦃🥧

Thankful for our incredible staff who pour into our community all year long. 🍁