Teen and Young Adult Services
Connect to Home
- 732-367-1352 ext. 9308
- 591 Lakehurst Rd, Toms River
- 732-367-1352 ext. 9308
- 591 Lakehurst Rd, Toms River
Program Requires a Referral
Program Director: Lori O’Brien
lobrien@preferredbehavioral.org
The Connect to Home Program helps young adults secure housing and learn life skills. It is for young adults aged 18-20 who have an out-of-home placement or an independent living arrangement in Ocean or Monmouth counties through the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) in Monmouth or Ocean counties.
A Home of Your Own
Making the Transition
The transition into independent living comes with a few hurdles. Housing is one of them. The primary focus of the Connect to Home Program is to secure housing for young adults and teach them to live in their own apartments as successful adults. Our staff meets with individuals once a week to provide the necessary case management and life skills to teach them to be independent/interdependent. These include the following:
- Housing and Home/Landlord Management Skills
- Employment Skills
- Money Management and Financial Literacy
- Education Planning
- Communication and Advocacy Skills
- Sexuality and Safe Sex
- Transportation
- Mental Health and Healthcare
- Relationship Building
- Goal Planning
- Community Resources and Engagement
Get The Help You Need
Make The Call
Call 732-367-1352 x9308 or email lobrien@preferredbehavioral.org.
Get A Referral
A completed referral form from DCPP is required for this program. Contact your DCPP caseworker for assistance. Referrals can be made by your parent, guardian, or another agency if you were closed out of DCPP early due to adoption or Kinship Legal Guardianship.
What Happens Next?
Once the referral and necessary attachments are received, the program director will reach out to DCP&P to review the information and determine eligibility and then reach out to the young adults to do an intake and begin services.
Support and Guidance
Becoming Part of the Community
The transition to an independent living situation can be stressful. Connect to Home services include a strong focus on well-being, which includes:
- Concrete support in times of need
- Support to build youth resilience
- Building social connections
- Healthy coping skills
Connect to Home program is a Housing Voucher Program funded by The Department of Children and Families through a state grant. The services are provided where most convenient for the young adult, usually at home or in the community.
We're Here To Help
Preferred Behavioral Health Group provides multiple youth and adult services to address emotional, mental, and behavioral health issues. However, some situations require different services. If your child is experiencing life-threatening danger or the immediate risk of harming themselves, you must take them to the nearest emergency room or dial 911 for immediate assistance.