TOMS RIVER – Multiple groups met to discuss how to better serve the communities they work so hard to help.
The gathering was called Ocean County United, and it was done with the purpose to bring the various organizations together. The idea is that this synergy would help them work together stronger and provide a wider safety net.
On November 12, they had a luncheon at the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River, which is in itself a group that helps those in need. Anyone can eat for free there, and those who can afford to can pay it forward to help the next customer eat. Different from soup kitchens, the meals are specially prepared by chefs to be the type of meals you might find in a high end restaurant.
Speakers touched on a range of topics including substance abuse trends to mental health maintenance with speakers including Kimberly Reilly from the Ocean County Department of Substance Abuse, Addiction & Opioid Dependency and Jean Hennon from Preferred Behavioral Health. The event recognized Hope Sheds Light, Samaritan House and former Ocean County Prosecutor, Joseph Coronato for outstanding contributions to the community.
One of the groups involved was the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, which assists those who have had varying levels of court involvement in finding employment and job training, obtaining driver’s licenses and more.
Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill and Lt. Gene Bachonski from the Toms River Police Department Community Affairs Division both talked about how the township interacts with those in need in the community to get them the help they need.
For more information visit njreentry.org and jbjsoulkitchen.org.
