New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) is hosting a free vital program titled "Empowering Workplaces: Legal Protections and Best Practices for Pregnant & Breast/Chestfeeding Employees

Books are a valuable source of information, creativity and empathy. If you’re not a book lover now, you will be soon. Here’s how reading makes you a better person.

Central Jersey Family Health Consortium held its all-staff meeting on November 8, 2024, at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Bridgewater, NJ. The Consortium aims to have two of these meetings every year, with the goal of strengthening staff bonds, encouraging internal networking, and giving all programs a chance to share their goals, successes, and stories. The last all-staff meeting took place in June 2024, and gave all of the Consortium programs a chance to present their program highlights from the previous year, and give updates on their current services and opportunities.

This holiday season, try incorporating some of these healthy treats into your life to balance out the rich holiday feasts. Check out these top eight power foods you need to take advantage of.

Join us for a special virtual session with Catholic Charities and Unity Square Community Services! This event will highlight the programs and services of Unity Square, a social justice and community organizing initiative by Catholic Charities in New Brunswick for new moms and their families. Unity Square empowers local leaders to advocate in civic affairs and create positive change in their community.

Connecting NJ, NJ 4-H at Rutgers, Family Success Centers, SPAN, and other early childhood professionals recently participated in a transformative training, hosted in partnership with the NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Be Strong Families, to introduce staff and community leaders to the impactful world of Parent Cafés. Rooted in the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors, these Parent Cafés create safe, supportive spaces where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and build resilience.

Gratefulness is not something which comes naturally; it needs practice. If you want to live an altruistic life and practice thankfulness this month, check out these easy steps you can take.

On November 14, 2024, from 10 AM to 11 AM, Connecting NJ invites new parents, caregivers, and professionals to an essential virtual education session, "Postpartum Care," led by Family Connects Home Visiting Nurse Lillian Dieudonne. This free online session offers an in-depth look at postpartum care and resources available to ensure a positive and supported recovery period after childbirth.

On October 23, 2024, CJFHC CEO Robyn D’Oria joined maternal health professionals from across Florida for the kickoff of the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative's PROMPT Initiative—Pregnancy-Related Optimal Management of Hypertension. The initiative focuses on reducing maternal morbidity and mortality related to hypertension, a major cause of complications in pregnancy and childbirth.

The SIDS Center of NJ is here to help caregivers, healthcare providers, and families across New Jersey access the latest in safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

If you’re interested in living a more altruistic lifestyle and helping those in need this Halloween, check out these five spooky ways you can give back.

On October 23, 2024, Connecting NJ hosted a vibrant Community Baby Shower at the Hunterdon County Library Headquarters in Flemington, NJ, gathering new and expecting parents along with community members to celebrate and welcome babies into the community.

Safe Kids Northern NJ invites you to a free Car Seat Check Event at the Sparta Firehouse on October 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This community service event provides an opportunity to ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly and is as safe as possible.

Join Hunterdon Health, Rutgers Family and Community Health Sciences, and NJ CEED for an important conversation on LGBTQ+ health, wellness, and affirming care. This webinar, "Let's Talk LGBTQ+ Health," will cover vital topics that impact the LGBTQ+ community's physical and mental well-being, offering insights into overcoming barriers to care and taking control of your health.

Since the weather is cooling down, you can add a little sunshine and warmth to a stranger with these simple ideas.

The SHINE for Autumn Act is the beginning of a longer-term solution to prevent stillbirths. By making these critical calls, you can help ensure this legislation gets the attention it needs to pass. Together, we can save lives, support grieving families, and create a future where no family has to endure the tragedy of stillbirth.

Let’s talk about five strategies to keep your resilience sharp, so you’re ready to handle any obstacle life throws your way.

At Central Jersey Family Health Consortium, we understand how important mental health is, especially for pregnant and parenting individuals. Through various programs like Connecting NJ, Healthy Women, Healthy Families, and more, CJFHC is committed to offering mental health resources and support to families in need.

Connecting NJ will host an important online session titled "Healthy Relationships as a Foundation for Your New Family." This free event will focus on an often-overlooked aspect of building a strong, supportive family: the impact of domestic violence and the importance of fostering healthy relationships from the start.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of two new doulas to the CJFHC team in partnership with The Children's Home Society of New Jersey in Trenton. Elisha Mclean and Aszurde Jordan will be available to provide support to postpartum families in Mercer and Middlesex Counties through our Healthy Women, Healthy Families initiative and other critical programs.

Let's talk about five ways to spread joy and positivity everywhere you go, that you can practice every day!

Whether you're navigating pregnancy at work, dealing with hazardous conditions, or just want to know more about your rights, this session is for you! Join us online and empower yourself with the knowledge you need.

Whether you’re a new or expecting parent, or a community member eager to show support, this event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, learn about valuable resources, and have some fun!

Connecting NJ's Employment & Resource Fair was more than just an event—it was a lifeline for families seeking guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of balancing work and family life. With the collective efforts of these organizations, birthing people and their families were empowered with the tools they need to build stronger futures for themselves and their children.

Join us for Connecting NJ's upcoming Well Every Day sessions at ShopRite locations in Clinton and Flemington this October! Led by expert dieticians, these in-person sessions are designed to help parents and children explore healthy food choices and learn the essentials of reading nutrition labels.

No matter what kind of stress we’re experiencing, the better we can learn to cope in a healthy way, the more successfully we’ll be able to manage.

Trailpack Media’s Stillbirth Awareness Campaign PSA, developed through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health in collaboration with Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC), Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey (PMCH), The Cooperative, and stillbirth advocate Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya, has earned both a Silver Telly Award and a Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Award. The campaign, titled Stillbirth: Can Happen to Any Pregnancy, raises awareness about the risks of stillbirth, honors the voices of New Jersey mothers who have endured this loss, and aims to prevent future stillbirths.

Whether you have a little or a lot of free time, there’s no better way to spend it than by getting out there and making a difference.

Second place was awarded to Central Jersey Family Health Consortium’s Cheryl McFarland and Lauren Manley of North Brunswick, New Jersey, for their research project, Can It Happen to Me? Developing a Pre-Pregnancy Maternal Morbidity Risk Algorithm. This project is focused on creating a data-driven tool that identifies maternal risk factors and predicts pregnancy outcomes.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, it's crucial to remind ourselves of the importance of proper car seat use. This week is a perfect opportunity to ensure your child’s car seat is properly installed and suited to their needs. Here’s a rundown of important upcoming car seat safety events happening in our area.

On September 11, 2024, over 200 members of Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC) gathered at the Forsgate Country Club for the Annual Meeting of Members. The event brought together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, public health leaders, nurses, doulas, social workers, doctors, and government workers. The atmosphere was one of celebration, as the Consortium reflected on a year of achievements in advancing maternal and child health across New Jersey.

Sleep serves a number of essential functions for the human body. Check out these tips to up your sleep game.

Welcome to the NJ Family Connects Employment and Resource Fair! Join us at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center for a day filled with opportunities and connections. Whether you're seeking employment, resources, or simply looking to network, this event is perfect for you. Meet with a variety of companies and organizations eager to engage with you. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your horizons and discover new possibilities. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of growth and development!

To help you make your next vacay the ultimate experience, we put together this list of amazing trip ideas to use as inspiration.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage, learn, and better understand the complexities of perinatal mental health. Whether you're seeking answers for yourself or wanting to support a loved one, this session will equip you with valuable knowledge.

Safe Kids NJ is offering free inspections from expert inspectors are dedicated to making sure your car seat is properly secured and adjusted for your child’s size and age. During an inspection, they'll check for common issues like loose harnesses, incorrect angles, or improper fit, ensuring everything is set for maximum safety.

Hobbies are a healthy, relaxing way to spend our free time in ways we enjoy—but with the added perk of mental, physical and social health benefits that television and smartphones simply can’t match.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's all too easy to put our health on the back burner. Check out these 10 tips below for small changes you can make today that can have a big impact on your health for years to come.

During his interview with News 12 NJ, William Rios emphasized the importance of bringing these services directly to the community, particularly to those who may not have easy access to them otherwise.

This exciting event is more than just a job and resource fair. It’s a unique opportunity for employers, community organizations, and the residents of Mercer County to connect, network, and collaborate.

This event is all about reclaiming the voices of Black mothers and centering their stories in the fight for breastfeeding justice.

Autumn’s beautiful weather and fun holidays make it easy to find volunteering opportunities in your area. We’ve come up with a few ideas to get you started.

Have you been thinking about expanding your family to add a new furry friend? Look no further than your nearest animal shelter.

The SHINE Act must pass before the 118th Congress ends on January 2, 2025. With only 8 weeks left in 2024 when representatives will be working in D.C., your voice can make the difference. Here's how you can help:

This interactive workshop is designed to give parents and caregivers practical strategies and insights to encourage positive development and effectively manage challenging behaviors in young children. Join us on Thursday, August 15, 2025, from 2PM to 3PM for a session that promises to be both informative and engaging.

This event is for everyone – whether you use drugs, have loved ones who do, or are dedicated to the fight against overdose through advocacy and healthcare. Together, we can make a difference and showcase the power of our collective efforts.

Whether you’re headed to the Gulf Coast or the Grand Canyon, we’ve compiled a list of items you’ll need once you’ve hit the road.

In partnership with NJ Citizen Action Education Fund ACA this free workshop is designed to help parents and families understand and navigate health insurance options through 'Get Covered NJ' and 'NJ Family Care.'

This event is an opportunity for pregnant individuals and their families to learn about the importance of healthy eating during and after pregnancy. Organized by Connecting NJ, in collaboration with NJ-SNAP Ed and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, this session promises to be both informative and engaging.

If you’re not a frequent reader, you might be missing out on some important perks.