Blog
Learn more about our 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.
Support for Those Stepping Up: Kinship Navigator Program
Are you caring for the child of a family member or friend? The Kinship Navigator Program may be a great resource for you!
The Kinship Navigator Program provides these caregivers with information, referrals, and assistance for things like financial and legal needs that can support the child in care, and even the caregiver themselves. The program requires the applicant to reapply every year beginning July 1st – making this a great time to explore the program if you have not already!
At NJ 211, our Community Resource Specialists can provide you with more information on the Kinship Navigator Program and help you sign up by completing the intake form with you. Once the form is submitted, your local agency will contact you within a few days with information about your eligibility and the next steps.
If you would like to learn more about our role and the Kinship Navigator Program, please visit our Kinship Navigator Program page.
Beat The Heat!
As the last few years have shown us, summertime can bring major seasonal heat to New Jersey. Here are some tips to help you navigate those scorching days!
- Hot temperatures on the horizon? Plan ahead and see what you can do before and during peak heat.
- Find a dedicated cooling center in your county with NJ 211.
- Information listed comes directly from official authorities across the state, sharing the most up to date information on emergency activations due to high temperatures and impending summer storms.
- Discover local places to cool off like state parks, beaches, libraries, and more with NJ Heat Hub’s “Chill Out NJ”.
- This resource shares a variety of free or low-cost options and allows users to search through an interactive map to find places of interest.
- Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke.
Being Prepared for a Disaster
Disasters of any kind can come without warning; preparedness cannot, and should not, be left up to luck. If you’re looking for a sign to revisit your family plan, or to update or build your emergency kit(s), this is it!
Are you starting an emergency preparedness plan from scratch?
- Make a Plan: Having a plan for when disaster strikes help to make sure everyone in your household is on the same page.
- Build a Kit: A disaster kit can help you and your family survive on your own for several days. Include basic items that you may need in the event of an emergency and store the kit in a designated spot that is easily accessible.
- Triple up on your emergency preparedness by creating an emergency kit for the car and one for your place of work.
- Establish ways to stay informed: Download apps like the FEMA app to get weather alerts from the National Weather Service and sign up for text messages to get updates from FEMA. Make sure your electronics are charged or have a backup battery available to keep yourself connected!
- For New Jersey specific information, visit New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) tips for staying informed.
NJ 211 has created several webpages dedicated to disaster response:
- Disaster Preparation and Safety Tips for staying safe before and during a disaster
- Emergency Preparedness Tips for national and county resources
- For NJ residents with Behavioral Health Needs: Disaster Resources
- For NJ residents with a Disability: NJ Register Ready
For more important tips and guidance in creating an emergency plan, visit:
- New Jersey Office of Emergency Management | ReadyNJ for Preparedness Tips from NJOEM
- Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov for Preparedness Tips from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Raising Awareness for TBIs
Outside of our core 211 Service, NJ 211 works with different state, county/city, nonprofit, and private partners to offer programs and initiatives that connect New Jersey callers to specific resources. One of these programs ties closely to the month of March: Brain Injury Awareness Month.
In partnership with New Jersey’s Division of Disability Services, NJ 211 provides information about Traumatic Brain Injury, more commonly known as “TBI”. On top of bringing awareness to this disability that can occur from common injuries like falls, motor vehicle crashes, assault/domestic violence, or self-inflicted injuries, NJ 211 shares prevention tips and resources like the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund that can help survivors and their loved ones navigate their new lives with a TBI, and the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey whose work supports anyone impacted by a brain injury.
Partnerships like this strengthen our mission of being a trusted and versatile hub for New Jersey residents looking for support with various health and human service needs. Bringing these resources to the surface in an accessible manner helps ensure everyone has the ability to find the help they need.
Visit our Traumatic Brain Injury Program page to learn more.