Jefferson Township Connect

The goal of Connect is to engage and unify the community through a philosophy of mental health awareness, wellness, recovery and support. Connect Mental Health project was formed in 2011 in response to the impact of one too many suicides in the community. This project includes volunteers from all backgrounds.

As a non-profit, CONNECT has received a significant amount of support from other organizations within the community. The Jefferson Township Municipal Alliance Committee (JTMAC) originally provided CONNECT with "seed money" to get the group started. In October 2014, with the help of the Junior

Woman's Club of Jefferson Township, CONNECT was the recipient of their 16th Annual Wrobo Run 5K proceeds. This donation really propelled CONNECT to be able to extend the number of programs it can provide to the community.

Members

One of Connect’s founding member’s, lifetime Jefferson Township resident, Councilwoman, and 2014 Jefferson Township Citizen of the Year, Debi Merz, was recently recognized by the New Jersey Mental Health Association. She was a recipient of their annual Golden Bell Leadership Award for her efforts to erase stigma and provide mental health awareness here in our community

Goals

Together, we can:

Achieve greater results
Break down barriers
Promote positive reinforcement
Discover solutions
Make an impact in the community
Educate one another
Help those in need
Make a difference

Events

Since inception, CONNECT has held many community events, bringing people together and providing education about different topics surrounding mental illness. Some of these events have included wellness walks, a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) forum for veterans and a yoga clinic. CONNECT also holds an annual Light a Luminary event that takes place at the municipal building gazebo, following Christmas in the Village. Residents gather together to remember loved ones lost and support each other as a community.

Donations

Through your donations connect may continue to bring these and other programs to our community. Connect is always looking for committed community members and organizations to partner with who would like to be part this ongoing effort. Please email Jefferson Township (JT) Connect for information on becoming a volunteer or to participate in one of our many programs.

Review the events and programs from JT Connect: