“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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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.
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
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
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
How to Navigate the NJ Developmental Disabilities Assistance System
March 30, 2023
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Daylight Savings Time’s Impact on Mental Health
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How to Spot Differences Between Stress and Anxiety
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Identify the Signs of Cyberbullying in Teens and Young Adults
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October is National Bullying Prevention Month, when we are reminded to oppose the harassment or victimization of all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, or … Read more
Coming Out is Not a Destination, But a Journey
October 11, 2022
The history of the LGBTQIA+ community revolves around supporting and championing all individuals. Recognized annually on October 11, National Coming Out Day reinforces the belief … Read more
NJ Human Services Announces Pilot Program
September 7, 2022
Insider NJ | September 6, 2022 TRENTON– In an effort to ensure better outcomes for defendants with serious mental health needs who are on pretrial … Read more
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
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How to Know When It’s Time to Seek Mental Health Support
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