Blog
Welcome to NJ 211's Blog! Explore different topics surrounding our organization, including:
- Program highlights
- Team member and partner introductions
- Specific updates for our New Jersey neighbors
Details about 211 on a larger scale
and more!
Check out our Blog Archives for more.
November's Shutdown: SNAP Recap
When resource gaps widen, NJ 211 works quickly to fill the space.
In early November 2025, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency for New Jersey due to the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits, a program many members of our community rely on to provide nutritious meals for them and their families. NJ 211 is written into several emergency support functions, as listed by the New Jersey State Emergency Operation Plan. When the state directed New Jerseyans our way to be a trusted source of information during this man-made disaster, our team sprang into action.
Our website housed a prominent SNAP recipient information hub to keep people informed with the most up-to-date instruction provided by the state, step-by-step directions on how to use our social service directory to find food, and emergency food distributions and programs by county. During this time, NJ 211 recorded:
- 91,719 website sessions
- 29,920 website searches for food
- 26,016 views of our food resources page, which houses the SNAP recipient information hub
- 48 pop-up food distribution sites
Our social service directory continued to grow and strengthen thanks to our database team. During the shutdown, the database team added 163 new programs and updated 602 program profiles; of these, 134 new food programs were added, and 199 existing food programs were updated.
On our call center side, we quickly created new navigation options into our interactive voice response (IVR) to direct callers to food specific resources. When a person called 211, they would be asked if they were looking for food resources and instructed to “press 1” if they would like a link to our food resources page.
As we reflect on the widespread impact the disruption in benefits and government function had across the nation, 211 systems including NJ 211 showcase the importance of resource navigators in the face of crisis. In the face of uncertainty, NJ 211 remains steady and available to assist, thanks to the commitment of our team, partners, and community.
'Tis the Season for Give a Christmas
An initiative that lives close to our hearts had another successful run this past holiday season.
For the seventh year in a row, NJ 211 partnered with the Burlington County Times to assist with their 57th Annual “Give a Christmas” program. With NJ 211’s quick and efficient text platform program, eligible families living in Burlington County were able to access the program’s screening survey and apply for the holiday assistance program by simply texting “GAC” to the associated number.
This Christmas, 547 families received gift cards to help bring Christmas magic to their households without feeling the added financial stress the holidays can bring. Donations raised graciously by the Burlington County Times community added up to $67,900, creating the opportunity for memorable moments for these families, and making this Christmas one to remember.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” wrote one Give a Christmas recipient. “My grandbaby is so very grateful for the ‘toys that make noise’ she will love. Merry Christmas!”
“Thank you so much, this was truly a blessing,” wrote another Give a Christmas recipient. “I really appreciate it!”
A heartfelt thank you to the Burlington County Times team for continuing our partnership that positively impacts our community and further fuels our drive to be a lifeline for New Jerseyans in need. Cheers to another year of giving back!
Celebrating Information & Referral: I&R Day
Did you know November houses a celebration day for Information and Referral (I&R)?
November 16th was National Information and Referral Day – a day recognizing the importance of organizations like NJ 211 who guide people to resources and programs that are best suited to their needs. Through compassionate conversation and actively listening to our callers’ situations, our community resource specialists can identify resources not only for what help seekers originally contact us for, but for additional areas that could also benefit from assistance programs. Looking for resources can be overwhelming, but finding assistance suited to your needs does not have to be thanks to this human service system!
Since 2015, NJ 211 has been a proud member of the Inform USA Accreditation Program. Formerly known as “AIRS: the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems,” Inform USA has created clear and consistent professional standards for the information and referral sector of human services. Organizations with this accreditation can create a sense of credibility consumers can rely on, knowing they are receiving the highest quality of service from our team. NJ 211 is just one of many 211 organizations who hold this accreditation and standard of service.
Many of our staff have taken it upon themselves to obtain an Inform USA Accreditation, too! Several of our Database Team and Community Resource Specialists have studied, applied, and successfully received individual credentials from Inform USA’s “Certification Program,” solidifying their passion and dedication to those who rely on us. Whether it is updating our social service directory, or navigating the directory live with a consumer, our service would be nothing without the individuals on the front lines, showing up in the best way they know how.
In a time riddled with uncertainty, know there is always a place to turn to with your local information and referral services. We are here to help you move forward: one search, conversation, and connection at a time.