OCEAN COUNTY – Be on the lookout for a bright blue vehicle that will serve as a new mobile outreach unit specifically for social service programs.
Citing the size of Ocean County and the challenges some residents face in traveling to services, the new unit was created to bring assistance directly into communities across Ocean County’s 640 square miles.
Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea said, “this mobile outreach unit will make its way across Ocean County going directly into communities, to events, and to provide one on one services when the need arises.”
“The unit will be staffed by professionals from the Board of Social Services who are knowledgeable about the numerous programs the agency implements. This mobile outreach unit is another strong example of our commitment to the most vulnerable residents of Ocean County,” she added.
Board of Social Services Chairman Pastor Peter M. Hartney Jr., called the delivery of the mobile outreach unit the successful result of a practice of collaboration. “From the beginning when we met with Morris County and they shared their mobile unit with us and showed us what worked for them to us determining how to make their practice work for Ocean County, this is a collaboration that will continue from this day out.”
“There are many places we can bring the services that people need, and we have eliminated one of the obstacles of receiving these services by having a mobile unit. This is a collaboration and partnership that will only bear more fruit in the end,” Hartney added.
The Ocean County Board of Social Services created its first mobile Outreach Program with the purchase of a Chevy G4500 cutaway van fitted with an 18-foot box body which was modified to meet the needs of the Social Services Outreach Staff.
Two workstations are part of the vehicle where staff members can take applications for Work First New Jersey programs such as General Assistance, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or provide information and referrals to the residents of Ocean County that may be harder to reach.
Director of the Board of Social Services Meredith Sheehan said, “this is a fully functional office on wheels. We will be available to attend special events in the community and to partner with other providers on a regularly set schedule.”
The Board of Social Services plans to distribute a calendar of where the Mobile Outreach vehicle and staff will be monthly.
Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Social Services, pictured third from right holding giant scissors, joined members of the Ocean County Board of Social Services including Chairman Pastor Peter M. Hartney Jr., (center holding scissors) and Vice Chair Chaplin Barbara Miles and the Social Services Mobile Outreach Unit Staff to cut the ceremonial red ribbon highlighting a new mobile outreach unit that will make its way across the county providing information and assistance to County residents on the programs and services available to assist individuals and families in need. (Photo courtesy Ocean County)
“Although the OCBSS has offices in Lakewood, Toms River, and Manahawkin we know there are barriers to transportation for some folks and we also know that some people may not be comfortable coming in to see us for many different reasons,” Sheehan said.
“We want to meet people where they are,” she added. The mobile outreach unit staff consists of Human Service Specialists who have a wide range of knowledge of the more than 50 programs administered by the agency and are also very committed to helping people.
Commissioner Crea extended the appreciation of the Board of Commissioners to the staff at Social Services and to the service providers that work closely with the Board of Social Services. “Without you, the challenges we face would be far greater to navigate.”
“Your work does not go unnoticed,” Crea added. The mobile unit was dedicated to the late Ronald S. Dancer, who served on the Board of Social Services from 1997 until his passing on July 22, 2022. He was chairman of the Board.
“The saying on the outreach unit states ‘as individuals we are one drop, together we are an ocean,’” Sheehan said.
Those who would like a calendar or seek participation of the mobile unit at an event, can email outreach@ocbss.ocean.nj.us.
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