Cumberland County Human Services

06/02/2026

Join us for a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training!

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. See attached flyer for more information!

Monday, June 22, 2026 - In-person
First Aiders will participate in an in-person, instructor-led class at Rowan College South Jersey - Room 112, 3322 College Dr, Vineland, NJ 08360 from 9am-4pm.

Monday, June 29, 2026 - Blended Learning/Virtual
First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course, and then participate in an instructor-led video conference from 9am-2:30pm.

Registration is required and space is limited.
https://tinyurl.com/YMHFAjune26

05/31/2026

Sometimes people have a hard time figuring out how they really feel.

When someone asks how we feel, we often say words like “good,” “fine,” “sad,” “mad,” or “bad.” But there are many other words that can better explain our emotions. Taking time to slow down and think about our feelings can help us understand ourselves better. It can also improve the way we talk and connect with other people.

When you figure out what you are truly feeling, it can help you understand what you need. For example, someone might say, “I feel mad.” But deep down, they may actually feel hurt, left out, worried, or unsafe. Once they understand their real feelings, they can ask for support in a healthier way.

If we stop at just saying “mad,” we may not understand the real problem or know how to make things better.

During Mental Health Month, take a few minutes each day to reflect on your feelings by writing in a journal. Try prompts like:

* What emotion did I feel most today?
* What made me feel that way?
* What is something I need right now?
* What helped me feel calm or happy today?

Encourage your friends and family to practice journaling and talking about their feelings too. Understanding emotions is an important step toward better mental health and stronger relationships.

05/30/2026

Journaling is an easy way to take care of your mental health because it gives you a place to let out your thoughts and feelings. Writing things down can help you feel less stressed, understand yourself better, and clear your mind.

It’s not about being a perfect writer — it’s about being honest and learning more about yourself.

Over time, journaling can help you feel more confident, notice your progress, and feel more in control. Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference. Start today by writing down how you feel, what you’re grateful for, or one goal you have — your future self will thank you.

05/29/2026

On Friday, June 5th at 6:00 PM, Life Worth Living and Ionic Lodge No. 40 invite our community to come together for National Gun Victims Remembrance Day in Bridgeton.

This evening is a time to honor the lives we’ve lost, stand with families who carry that loss every day, and remind one another that no one grieves alone. There will be guest speakers, a candlelight vigil, music, food, and support available for anyone who needs it.

Life Worth Living does important work in our community every day through youth outreach, violence prevention, mentoring, and support for families. Their mission is rooted in hope, healing, and helping people feel seen and supported. You can help by showing up, sharing their message, volunteering, or learning more at lifeworthlivingnj.org.

We remember. We honor. We heal—together.

05/28/2026

When you are going through something difficult, it can be hard to think positively. If you are feeling sad, worried, or stressed, it may seem like nothing is going well. You might even have trouble noticing the good things in your life.

Negative thoughts can make tough feelings even stronger. But learning to think in a more positive and hopeful way can help improve your mood and help you handle problems better. Positive thinking does not mean ignoring problems. It means believing that things can get better and that you are strong enough to face challenges.

During Mental Health Month, it is important to remember that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Practicing positive thinking, talking about your feelings, and asking for help when you need it can support your mental health and help you feel more confident and calm.

Try out this exercise when you're in need of the good things:

1. Identify what’s going on.
What’s making you feel bad right now? Maybe it’s a situation, or a negative thought you keep struggling with.
2.Reframe.
Even though the situation is hard, is there something you have learned from it or some other silver lining? If you could go back and change the original thought, what’s a healthier thing you can say to yourself? For instance, if you’ve just lost a loved one after they have been extremely sick, does it feel healthier to think about their death as an end to their pain?

3. Practice gratitude. Are there other things going on in your life that you are thankful for? This doesn’t have to be related to the situation you’re focusing on. For instance, you can be thankful for your good health, having a stable home to live in, or a recent promotion at work.

Once you’ve found some positives, remind yourself! How can you reinforce your reframed thoughts and remind yourself of what you are thankful for? Make a list of ways.

For example, put them onto post-it notes and stick them in places around your house as visual reminders.

05/28/2026

Su***de prevention starts with everyday heroes like you!

Join us on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Cumberland County Technical Education Center, 3400 College Drive, Vineland, NJ as we walk to fight su***de and raise awareness about mental health. Be a part of the movement turning hope into action, and create a culture that’s smart about mental health. Funds raised at the walk will benefit the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention to allow them to fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, support survivors of su***de loss and bring prevention programs to our community.

There will be memorial activities to honor loved ones and resource tables to visit before and after the walk.

Register today, create your team, and begin fundraising!!!
www.afsp.org/cumberlandcounty

05/27/2026