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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

The Power of Family Traditions During the Holidays

The Power of Family Traditions During the Holidays

November 21, 2025

As Thanksgiving approaches, many families look forward to traditions that bring them together. A favorite meal. A shared prayer. A walk after dinner. A familiar … Read more

Supporting Siblings of Children with Special Needs

Supporting Siblings of Children with Special Needs

November 10, 2025

Honoring National Family Caregivers Month When a child has special needs, the entire family’s life can be shaped by care, routines, and emotional ups and … Read more

Coping with a Chronic Illness Diagnosis

Coping with a Chronic Illness Diagnosis

October 23, 2025

A chronic illness affects more than your physical health. It also impacts your mental health and emotional well-being. When you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness, … Read more

Navigating Family Stress During Elections

Navigating Family Stress During Elections

October 17, 2025

Election seasons can stir up strong emotions such as hope, anxiety, frustration, and even fear. When those emotions enter family conversations, relationships can quickly become … Read more

Why Standing Up to Bullying Impacts Mental Health

Why Standing Up to Bullying Impacts Mental Health

October 8, 2025

Bullying isn’t just “kids being kids.” Its impact can be long-lasting, contributing to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation that follow someone well into adulthood. … Read more

The Importance of Peer Support in Suicide Prevention

The Importance of Peer Support in Suicide Prevention

September 12, 2025

Every September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that hope and healing are possible—and that none of us should walk through pain alone. One of the … Read more

How Art Therapy Helps in Addiction Recovery

How Art Therapy Helps in Addiction Recovery

September 3, 2025

September is National Recovery Month, a time to honor the strength of individuals and families on the journey of recovery and to highlight treatment pathways … Read more

Stop The Stigma on Overdose Awareness Day

Stop The Stigma on Overdose Awareness Day

August 31, 2025

On Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, we pause to remember the lives lost, support grieving families, and shine a light on a crisis that affects … Read more

Rebuilding Trust: Supporting Families Affected by Addiction

Rebuilding Trust: Supporting Families Affected by Addiction

August 25, 2025

Can we ever trust again? It’s a question that echoes through the hearts of families affected by addiction. Broken promises, missed milestones, and painful memories … Read more

Your College Mental Health Toolkit

Your College Mental Health Toolkit

August 19, 2025

Heading back to campus is exciting—new classes, new friends, and a fresh start. But the transition to college also brings new challenges. Between academic pressures, … Read more

How Faith and Spirituality Support Mental Health

How Faith and Spirituality Support Mental Health

July 29, 2025

This Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor the deep connection between faith, spirituality and mental health recovery, especially in BIPOC … Read more

Mental Health Support for Immigrant Communities

Mental Health Support for Immigrant Communities

July 25, 2025

Each July, we recognize Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced … 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