Family Connections - NJ4S Essex

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Family Connections - NJ4S Essex

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

10/30/2026

Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and consistent school attendance is an important part of that journey.

NJ4S-Essex connected with over 70 attendance counselors in the Newark School District to discuss our work addressing chronic absenteeism and how we can better support students facing barriers to showing up.

10/19/2026

Sometimes, a small reminder can make a big difference.

Su***de prevention doesn’t end in September. It’s about continuing to show up, checking in, and reminding people that they’re not alone.

Through Family Connections’ Caring Contacts initiative, part of our Zero Su***de Framework, individuals receive a thoughtful goodie bag with mindfulness tools, including a journal, a pen with a mindful message, and a personal note from a clinician. Each item offers a simple reminder to pause, reflect, and remember that someone cares.

Because support isn’t always about having the perfect words. Sometimes, it’s about showing someone they matter. 💛

Let’s keep the conversation going. Check in. Reach out. Remind someone they’re not alone.

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10/13/2026

💙 Everyone has tough days. You don’t have to face them alone.

Meet The Blues, a supportive group through NJ4S-Essex where students in grades 8–12 can talk through difficult feelings, build healthy coping skills, and connect with others.

🎥 Learn how The Blues helps students feel supported, one step at a time.

10/09/2026

🌟 Help us welcome our newest team members to NJ4S-Essex! 💙

We’re excited to welcome Libni Gomez and Stacy Pasteur to our team as Prevention Consultants! 🎉

As we continue growing, we’re proud to have passionate professionals dedicated to supporting Essex County students, families, and school communities through prevention, wellness, and connection.

Join us in giving Libni and Stacy a warm welcome! 👏💙

10/08/2026

💙 You don’t have to go through it alone.

October is Depression Awareness Month—a time to recognize the importance of mental health, emotional wellness, and creating school communities where every student feels seen, supported, and safe.

Through The Blues, NJ4S-Essex provides a supportive 6-session group for students in 8th–12th grade experiencing symptoms of depression. Students can build healthy coping skills, reduce depressive symptoms, strengthen emotional wellness, and learn ways to navigate challenges before they become overwhelming.

Because asking for support isn’t a weakness. It’s a step toward feeling better. 💙

📍 The Blues | 6 sessions | 4–8 students

Learn more about NJ4S-Essex and the support available to students and families. https://www.familyconnectionsnj.org/nj4s/what-we-do/evidence-based-practices/

09/23/2026

💛 You don’t have to face it alone.

Life can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it can be hard to know what to say—or who to turn to. That’s why creating spaces where students feel comfortable speaking up, checking in on each other, and asking for help matters.

Swipe through for a reminder of how you can support yourself and someone who may be struggling. A conversation, a listening ear, or connecting someone with support can make a meaningful difference.

📲 Need support or resources? Visit NJ4S-Essex.org/resources to access mental wellness resources and download our Mental Health Resource Guide.

💛 Check in. Listen. Connect. Support.

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09/10/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day | September 10

Sometimes school can feel like a lot.

Between grades, friendships, family, social media, expectations, and trying to figure out who you are, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed—and sometimes, you might not even know how to explain what you’re feeling.

If you’re struggling, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Talk to someone you trust. A friend. A parent or caregiver. A teacher. A counselor. A trusted adult at school. You don’t need to have the “right” words or wait until things get really bad to ask for support.

And if a friend comes to you, listen. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just need to let them know they don’t have to go through it alone.

Your feelings are real. Your life has value. And there are people who want to help.

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09/01/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month

Every young person deserves to feel heard, supported, and reminded that they are not alone. This September, NJ4S-Essex is joining communities across the country in raising awareness, encouraging open conversations, and sharing resources that can make a difference.

Sometimes, a simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door to a conversation that matters. Check in with a friend. Listen without judgment. Speak up when something doesn’t feel right. And remember—asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Together, we can create school communities where students feel safe reaching out, connected to others, and supported through life’s challenges. 💛

You are not alone. Your story matters. Your life matters.

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07/31/2026

New Jersey families: you could get $1,000 per child age 5 and under with the New Jersey Child Tax Credit. 💰 This money can help pay for food, housing, child care, and other household expenses. It won't impact most benefits you already get, like SNAP, WIC, Medicaid or TANF.

You may qualify even if you:

➡️Have low or no income
➡️Do not usually file taxes
➡️Have a Social Security Number or ITIN

SimpleFile is free, takes 15 minutes or less, and does not require income documents. Apply by October 15.

Get started: simplefile.nj.gov/nj4sfam or visit our link in bio.

07/27/2026

🌟 As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many kids may feel those back-to-school jitters. 😟✨ We’re here to help! Check out our resource page for practical tips on how to support your child's mental health and ease their anxiety before they step into the classroom. Together, let’s empower our children to face new adventures with confidence! 💪💖

Address

7 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 304
East Orange, NJ
07017

Website

https://www.familyconnectionsnj.org/nj4s/

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