TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Youth Services has undergone a major transformation, moving away from programs focused on juvenile supervision to one offering a wide range of services for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. The shift will result in helping approximately 5,500 young people in just this year.
Previously known as the Juvenile in Need of Supervision (JINS) program, the Center primarily served a small number of court-mandated youth. Commissioner Jack Kelly said he envisioned a more expansive program that would proactively reach out to at-risk youth and offer them the support they needed to succeed. The impetus for the change dates to 2020 and a meeting with Jonathan Carman, Superintendent of Ocean County’s Department of Juvenile Services.
“We still work with the courts, but we’re not under their jurisdiction,” said Kelly, who serves as liaison to Juvenile Services.
Kelly explained that the original purpose of the JINS program was to deter youth from ending up in the Juvenile Detention Center by showing them firsthand what life inside the facility was like.
“We still do that now, but differently than we did,” Kelly explained. “We do it without the threat and inviting the kids in and doing the job (with better programs).”
Kelly added that he initially proposed some ideas, but he credited Carman and his staff for developing detailed plans and successfully implementing them.
Towering at 6’7”, Carman’s stature might seem intimidating to some kids, but his presence is far from it. A former offensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills, Carman’s football career undoubtedly serves as an icebreaker with children. However, it’s his warm demeanor and dedication to making positive changes that truly impact the programs and inspires people around him.
In a recent presentation to the Ocean County Commissioners, Carman and his team shared some success stories and the variety of services offered at the Center. Those who accompanied Carman at the meeting included Dr. Barbara Barr, Administrator of the Youth Center; Shelby Voorhees, Youth Services Commission Administrator; Nick Meier, who works with the GED program; and Maggie Alvarez, who coordinates several of the programs within Youth Services.
Holistic Support And Innovative Programs
The Ocean County Youth Center, located at 155 Sunset Avenue in Toms River, is home to several programs. Some are a result of partnerships with other local organizations, with many involving community engagement.
Maggie Alvarez, who joined the Youth Center in 2021, previously worked as an officer at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center. She spoke about the Next S.T.E.P.S. program run by therapists Brenda and Donovan Bedward, a husband-and-wife team.
“They work with groups, but there’s nothing typical about their approach,” Alvarez shared. “The program includes daily dinners and group activities, providing a safe and supportive environment for children who struggle to leave their homes.”
Many of the children who attend this program want nothing to do with school and would prefer to stay home to play video games. Initially, participants aren’t happy when forced to surrender their cellphones at the door. The interaction with others in meaningful activities often turns that resistance into something forgotten by the time they leave.
“One of our success stories is a 16-year-old girl who dropped out of school in the seventh grade,” said Alvarez. “She had anxiety and said she was picked on in school and didn’t want to leave her home.”
Alvarez said the young lady has evolved into working on her GED and working to encourage other kids with her positive experiences.
The Ocean Partnership for Children operates a Girls Empowerment group on Tuesdays, offering weekly support and activities. Additionally, they run a Boys Game Changer group on the same day, providing similar weekly support and activities.
An eight-week “Spread Your Wings” program addresses wellness and anxiety issues through yoga. In addition, MY Jacobs Ladder provides supervised one-on-one full-day programs for young adults with autism three days a week.
Mentorship
A mentorship program run by Barry Steinmetz has also proven to add to positive change. Steinmetz works with elementary schools to identify children who might benefit from mentorship. Adult volunteers provide guidance and support many of these young people might otherwise lack.
The intergenerational interactions between the older and younger populations have been a resounding success. During COVID, they initiated a letter-writing program as a means of communication. This initiative proved so effective in motivating the kids who needed support that it has continued beyond the pandemic.
“Barry vets the mentors and checks with them,” said Carman. “We do all of the background checks.”
One of the mentorship program’s notable impacts has been on gang involvement. Carman shared that these young people often seek love, attention, and respect, which caring mentors can provide. This approach has significantly reduced gang activity and helped prevent youth from engaging in gangs.
Community Partners
The Youth Services Commission, part of the Department of Juvenile Services, manages and oversees state grant funds from the Juvenile Justice Commission within Ocean County, specifically targeting youth involved with the court system or those at risk.
“Our strong network of community partners sets Ocean County apart statewide, as we are known for our collaborative approach and deep community connections,” said Voorhees. “This connectedness defines our work, bridging youth, families, providers, and other departments. We engage extensively with our community, listening to youth and families to understand their needs and desires.”
One of the agencies Voorhees works with is Bright Harbor Healthcare, helping bring different things to the Center and the R.A.I.S.E. building. This is being done in response to requests from the family court for agricultural options – including an emphasis on gardening and even raising chickens.
“These are things that bring life skills to these families,” said Voorhees. “We are seeking to teach them how to sustain themselves – growing food in their own garden, taking those skills back into their homes into their communities, and really showing them that they can sustain themselves.”
Voorhees collaborates regularly with Bright Harbor, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC): Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO), Ocean County Department of Human Services and the Ocean County Health Department. The goal is to offer a safe, supervised environment where youth can engage in recreational and structured activities to build life skills and competencies. The interactions also provide opportunities for informal mentoring with trusted adults.
After 23 years of working for the County, Voorhees exudes dedication – something not lost on those who interact with her. Tracy Maksel, Ocean County Human Services Director, said her department takes pride in honoring individuals who have made significant contributions. She singled out Voorhees as someone who has helped reduce the stigma around mental health and behavioral issues.
“Shelby is our Human Services Advisory Council chairperson as well as a committee member on a number of our advisory boards,” said Maksel. “She always brings a fresh perspective on innovation when we’re talking about developing new programs and using existing programming. She’s always one with a forward thought in her mind and enough tenacity to make sure that she keeps us in line.”
A Transformative Approach
The Ocean County Juvenile Services’ GED program, launched in 2021, is not just about helping young adults earn their high school equivalency diplomas – it’s about celebrating their achievements.
The program boasts approximately 25 graduates so far, and their success is marked by a unique ceremony that goes beyond simply handing them a piece of paper.
Families are invited to participate in a celebratory event complete with photos and cake, ensuring these young adults feel the pride and accomplishment they deserve. Their names are also permanently displayed on a “wall of fame” with a star alongside them, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Leading up to the GED test, participants receive one-on-one tutoring from retired teachers. Meier explained the Center’s approach: “I give them ‘locators’ to see where they’re at educationally-wise. Depending on where they score, we’ll work with them one on one.”
The Center also provides financial assistance by covering the cost of GED testing accounts, which would typically be an out-of-pocket expense for participants taking the test independently.
Meier also highlighted the Center’s collaboration with the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools, exposing young people to automotive, culinary, and computer hardware courses. They visit the vocational schools weekly from October to May and explore additional classes catering to various interests and career paths.
“Our real goal is to make these kids successful in life,” said Kelly. “That’s why we put together this whole program and went away from a program where we were having just a few kids and not reaching out to a whole lot of youth.”
