Healing, Recognition, and Connection: NJ4S Passaic County Continues to Strengthen Youth Mental Health Across the County

When a young person is struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or simply the challenges of growing up, the right support can make all the difference. The adults and communities surrounding young people need tools, resources, and opportunities to connect as well.

That belief has guided the work of NJCDC's NJ4S Passaic County Hub since its launch in 2023. Through school-based programming, professional development, community events, and direct support services, NJ4S has helped build stronger networks of care for youth and families across Passaic County.

Recent weeks have showcased the breadth of that work, bringing together educators, mental health professionals, students, and community members through a series of initiatives focused on healing, recognition, and connection.

Creating Space for Healing

Earlier this month, our NJ4S Passaic Hub partnered with Good Grief and the Paterson Healing Collective to host the 3rd Annual Grief Summit: Healing in Community.

Held on May 6, the summit welcomed teachers, school administrators, counselors, service providers, and community members for a day dedicated to understanding grief, honoring loss, and strengthening support systems for young people and families facing loss.

The event featured a keynote adress by trauma expert Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW, founder of Hindsight Consulting Group, who led participants through strategies for supporting grieving children and families through using a trauma-informed approach. Attendees also participated in breakout sessions, networking, and collaborative discussions focused on building culturally responsive approaches to grief support.

The summit reflected an important reality: grief touches every community, but healing becomes more possible when people come together with knowledge, empathy, and shared purpose.

“A community that feels together heals together” — a guiding theme throughout the day — captured the spirit of collective care and shared purpose that defined the event.

Celebrating the People Who Make Schools Stronger

Dedicated educators and school personnel are often the first to support a struggling student, yet many of the individuals who make a lasting difference in young people's lives rarely receive public recognition.

To shine a light on those contributions, NJ4S Passaic recently hosted its Unsung Heroes Awards Ceremony at The Brownstone.

School leaders and administrators from across Passaic County were invited to nominate staff members who demonstrate extraordinary dedication, compassion, and leadership in their school communities. Honorees included teachers, custodial staff, paraprofessionals, support personnel, and others whose daily efforts help create safe, welcoming environments for students.

Each recipient was nominated by their peers, making the recognition especially meaningful.

Behind every thriving school community are people who quietly go above and beyond. The Unsung Heroes Awards celebrated those contributions and expressed gratitude for the countless ways these professionals support young people every day.

Bringing Positive Messages Directly to Students

NJ4S Passaic County also spent the spring bringing energy and encouragement directly into schools through a countywide tour with the Harlem Magic Masters.

NJ4S Passaic brought the Harlem Magic Masters to schools throughout the county, where the team's signature blend of basketball demonstrations and motivational messaging delivered lessons on teamwork, perseverance, positive decision-making, and personal growth.

Students were treated to dazzling basketball skills and engaging presentations, while school staff appreciated the opportunity to reinforce positive messages in a memorable format.

The tour offered another example of NJ4S's commitment to meeting young people where they are and creating experiences that foster connection, confidence, and well-being.

A Program Making a Difference

These recent initiatives arrive at a significant moment for NJ4S.

Although Governor Sherrill recently announced plans to replace NJ4S with a new statewide model, many educators, providers, and community organizations have emphasized the value the program has brought to students and schools throughout New Jersey. There is growing optimism that funding may ultimately be identified in the upcoming state budget to allow NJ4S services to continue in some form.

The data illustrates why so many stakeholders remain invested in the program’s future.

Since launching in 2023, NJ4S has become a vital part of New Jersey's youth mental health infrastructure. According to data from Mental Health America's County and State Data Map, youth suicidal ideation has declined by 34.5% statewide while rates of severe depression have fallen by 40% during that period. Statewide NJ4S data also shows that 82% of eligible schools and school districts have partnered with the program, with NJ4S successfully meeting 97% of school support requests.

Those numbers tell a compelling story — and so do gatherings like the Grief Summit, celebrations like the Unsung Heroes Awards, and school visits from the Harlem Magic Masters.

Together, they reflect a growing network of support dedicated to helping young people feel seen, supported, and connected. Whatever shape youth mental health services take in the years ahead, the need for that work remains as clear as ever.