NJ4S Morris-Sussex

03/13/2026

Happy World Sleep Day! Sleep plays a big role in our mental health. When we get enough quality sleep, it helps our brains regulate emotions, manage stress, and think clearly. On the other hand, not getting enough rest can make it harder to cope with daily challenges and can increase feelings of anxiety, irritability, and low mood.

Prioritizing healthy sleep habits, like keeping a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, can make a real difference in how we feel each day.

Taking care of your sleep is taking care of your mental health!

03/12/2026

NJ4S Morris-Sussex congratulates the 3 coaches selected for our NJ4S/NJSIAA Community Coach of the Season Award! The Winter 2025-26 coaches included: Coach Jamie Douglas at Hopatcong High School, Ashley Gocklin at Vernon Township School District High School, and Tim Mein at Morris Hills Regional District High School. These coaches will be recognized during the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association NJSIAA Basketball Championships this week at the Jersey Mike’s Arena at Rutgers University. We are grateful for the student, parent, and school community participation in nominating their favorite deserving coaches. Our staff is honored to recognize them for their impact and dedication to their school communities. Later this school year, one of the honored coaches will also have the chance to win a $500 donation to their school’s athletic department or team. Stay tuned for the Spring Sport Coach nominations information!

03/11/2026

The NJ4S team had a special visitor for their recent Gizmo presentation! Ezra the therapy dog joined the students at our Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health. Ezra assisted the team with the program’s education on mental health and wellness at Rolling Hills Primary School Vernon Township. For inquiries or to request similar events at your school or community organization, contact NJ4S@mhainspire.org or 973-334-4052.

03/06/2026

NJ4S is featured in the news! TAPinto Jefferson highlighted a recent NJ4S Morris-Sussex program in collaboration with Jefferson Township Public Library and their Teen Advisory Board. See the article about “Becoming A Strong Role Model.”

Jefferson Township Library’s Teen Advisory Board hosts workshop on mindfulness & leadership to champion teen mental health. Click to learn more!

03/04/2026

NJ4S Morris-Sussex is presenting our March Parent Academy session - High Stakes: The Rising Risk of Youth Gambling. Parents and caregivers can join us on Tuesday 3/10 from 12:00-1:00pm. This FREE interactive webinar will be led by Services and share information with participants about the growing issue of youth gambling, what the risks are to kids and teens, signs to look for, and where to get help.

View the registration form and check out the other titles in the free virtual monthly series: https://forms.office.com/r/09XtxtSdiV

Connect with Other Parents/Caregivers of Students in 6th-12th Grades & Learn How to Support Your Child! Upcoming VIRTUAL Sessions take place through June. The Parent Academy is an engaging monthly program where parents and caregivers can learn practical tools and strategies to support their youth’s mental well-being. Each session focuses on a specific mental health topic and provides helpful resources and tips that can be used right away.

03/04/2026

Our NJ4S Prevention Consultants are gearing up for another EDGE NJ presentation on sexual health at one of our area high schools. This presentation helps students build the understanding that taking care of physical health plays a key role in supporting mental health.

03/02/2026

Walked with us at Hike for Hope? Join us again!

NJ4S Morris-Sussex is continuing the tradition now as an official Out of the Darkness Walk, in partnership with Jefferson Township Public Schools Jefferson Township Public Schools and the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention .

🌟Same mission.
🖊New name - Northwest NJ Out of the Darkness Walk.
🥾Wooded cross-country trail.
💜Same commitment to hope.

📍Mark your calendar to join us on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Jefferson Intermediate School in Oak Ridge as we raise awareness for su***de prevention. Registration is open now: afsp.org/NorthwestNJ
Follow us for more information!

***deprevention

03/02/2026

March was Self-Injury Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind people that they’re not alone. Self-harm is often a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, not a sign of weakness, and support can make a real difference.

Take a moment to check in with someone, listen without judgment, and help connect them to support if needed. Conversations matter, and it’s always okay to ask for help.

Remember, help is ALWAYS available:
Su***de and Crisis Lifeline - Text or Call 988
Crisis Text Line - Text CONNECT to 741741
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - namimass.org/selfharm

02/27/2026

During February’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, check out our Protective Factor Podcast Episode 12: Teen Dating Violence Uncovered. This recording is a great resource that provides education on the subject and helps spark meaningful, sometimes difficult conversations.

The key to helping teens open up about possible dating violence is first being able to recognize the warning signs that they may be experiencing it. For more information on teen dating violence and for resources to help combat it, watch the full episode-Teen Dating Violence Uncovered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Lh2CdylLU&t=2s.


________________

02/26/2026

is raising awareness about the realities of eating disorders and the mental health disorders that often occur alongside them. Eating disorders are often hidden, showing up in our habits, thoughts, and physical and mental health. Understanding the full picture helps reduce stigma and improve access to care. This National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, NJ4S Morris-Sussex shares NEDA information to shine a light on these experiences and support those struggling. By sharing resources and leading with compassion, we can bring hope and healing to every body. Every BODY belongs. Every story matters. Healing is possible. 💜Learn more, get help, share hope: nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaw.

02/24/2026

The Common Thread Activity helps students navigate conflict by demonstrating that they may have more in common with one another than they originally thought. NJ4S Prevention team members worked with 8th graders at Hopatcong High School and presented a Conflict Resolution Workshop. This collaborative activity highlights how we are all connected in some way, and students practice empathy which enhances their ability to respect differing opinions during disagreements.

02/23/2026

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is a national campaign that raises awareness about eating disorders, challenges stigma, and provides hope and support to all those impacted. This year's NEDAW takes place February 23–March 1, with the theme Every BODY Belongs. Eating disorders affect 30 million Americans across all ages, sizes, races, genders, and backgrounds. Too often, people go unseen or unsupported due to stigma, misinformation, and barriers to care. This , we come together to fight for change, commit to change, and remind everyone that every BODY belongs, every story matters. 💜
Learn more, get help, share hope: nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaw or link in bio