Grace* was in trouble. Living alone in a southern Ocean County town, she was struggling to meet her expenses on her social security income. She was overdue on her rent and challenged with severe anxiety. She had several relationships over the years which ended very badly, and her dire financial situation was adding to her mental health challenges.

One day last fall, she was served a summons for shoplifting less than $50 worth of food at a local supermarket and ordered to appear in court. The local police recognized that she needed help and directed her to Preferred Behavioral Health Group’s Justice Involved Services (JIS) Program.

The JIS program assists individuals with nonviolent offenses who have mental health challenges navigate the court system and get the support and treatment they need. It is a collaborative program with support from local law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, and the court system.

Grace’s JIS case manager, Chris, immediately stepped in to help. The first priority was resolving the court issue. He went with her to court, met with the Prosecutor, and helped her set up a payment plan to repay her fine. Then, they started working on other challenges. Chris helped her successfully apply for emergency rental assistance and SNAP food benefits and secured a free cell phone service plan for her.

“Chris has been with me every step of the way. He’s my guardian angel.”

Grace

Grace continues to meet regularly with Chris, connecting her with other community supports and working on finding permanent subsidized housing. She is also receiving regular mental health treatment for her anxiety, seeing a therapist through PBHG’s outpatient senior program.

 Grace is embarrassed about her brush with the law, but also recognizes the good that has come from it. “I am so grateful; if I didn’t have Preferred in my life, I don’t know where I’d be. Everyone is amazing, beyond amazing and they all have hearts of gold.”

The Justice Involved Services program works with Ocean County residents 18 and older, who have a mental illness and non-violent offenses. For more information, contact Donna Batiuk at dbatiuk@preferredbehavioral.org

*The name and image have been changed to protect the client’s privacy.