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“There are always opportunities for growth because there are so many unique perspectives brought to the table. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, there have been moments where my voice was put at the center of a team meeting because it mattered.”

Ren Pelley
HEART Manager and Peer Specialist

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1960s

Family Service of Burlington County

The Beginning

A small group of volunteers in Moorestown, New Jersey, created Family Service of Burlington County to provide counseling and emergency intervention to adults, children and families. Working from donated space, volunteers made support available around the clock to people who had nowhere else to turn.

1970s–2011

Building a Network of Care

Expanding to Meet Community Needs

As community needs changed, Family Service continued to grow. By 2011, the organization offered 65 behavioral health programs across nine counties in southern and central New Jersey.

2012

Family Service and Steininger Behavioral Care Services

Becoming Twin Oaks Community Services

Family Service merged with Steininger Behavioral Care Services to form Twin Oaks Community Services.

The new name reflected the strength of the oak tree: deeply rooted in the community, continually growing and reaching outward through many branches of service. Within three years, Twin Oaks expanded to more than 120 programs, including outpatient care, housing, residential programs, food assistance, case management and community-based support.

2015

Twin Oaks and Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare

Oaks Integrated Care Is Formed

Twin Oaks Community Services merged with Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare to become Oaks Integrated Care.

The merger expanded services in Mercer County and strengthened the organization’s focus on integrated care—supporting the emotional, physical and social needs that contribute to a person’s overall well-being.

2016

Preferred Behavioral Health Group

Strengthening Our Reach

Preferred Behavioral Health Group joined the Oaks family as an affiliate, expanding access to services in Monmouth and Ocean counties while continuing to operate as an independent organization.

2021

COPE Center

Growing in North Jersey

Oaks Integrated Care merged with COPE Center, a behavioral health organization serving Essex County. The partnership expanded Oaks’ reach in North Jersey and brought together two organizations committed to supporting individuals and families facing some of life’s greatest challenges.

2025

Association for Advancement of Mental Health (AAMH)

Expanding Care in Princeton

Oaks Integrated Care merged with the Association for Advancement of Mental Health (AAMH), a Princeton-based behavioral health organization serving the greater Mercer County community. The merger expanded behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors.

Testimonials

Care That Speaks for Itself

Hear from families, professionals, and team members who’ve experienced the Encore Life Care difference firsthand.

Five Stars

The Encore Life Care team was an enormous source of support for our family when our mother began declining at age 75 from the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease.

Kate Kelliher

Takoma Park, MD

Five Stars

My brother and I couldn’t be more grateful for the compassionate care my father received. Without their guidance, navigating the aging process would have been overwhelming.

Sam S.

NW Washington, DC

Five Stars

My mother needed in-home care and their guidance truly helped us. They listened, offered options and got us through some tough times. I’ll be forever grateful.

Tony Gray

Bethesda, MD

Mental Health Disparities in Minority Communities

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In today’s fast-paced environment, achieving a state of holistic health and wellbeing has become more crucial than ever. As a comprehensive approach, integrated health practices … Read more

The Relationship Between Your Environment and Mental Health

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May 18, 2023

Overall health and wellness can be significantly affected by natural and built environments, such as where we are born, live, learn, work, play, and congregate. … Read more

The Relationship Between Stable Housing and Mental Health

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Did you know your ZIP code plays a significant role in how healthy you are? Stable housing allows individuals to develop routines and connections to … Read more

Tools for Coping with Stress and Anxiety

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Stress and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues of today. Whether driven by work, relationships or personal struggles, stress and anxiety … Read more

Imposter Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Ways to Cope

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Imposter Syndrome is, “the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external, objective ways.” If you have ever felt … Read more

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How to Know When It’s Time to Seek Mental Health Support

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How to Know When It’s Time to Seek Mental Health Support

Oaks Blog Home Page

How to Know When It’s Time to Seek Mental Health Support

Oaks Blog Home Page