“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
Whole-Person Health: The Essence of Integrated Care
August 9, 2024
In a world increasingly focused on specialized care, there’s a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whole-person health is … Read more
Understanding Cultural Influences on Mental Health
July 27, 2024
July marks the celebration of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging and addressing the unique mental health … Read more
The Impact of Systemic Racism on Mental Health
July 23, 2024
At Oaks Integrated Care, we recognize the profound impact that systemic racism has on the mental health of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) … Read more
Nature’s Rx: The Therapeutic Power of Outdoor Activities for Mental Wellness
June 19, 2024
Feeling stressed, anxious, or bogged down? You’re not alone. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, mental health struggles are on the rise. But there’s a powerful, … Read more
Breaking Down the Wall: Men’s Mental Health Matters
June 12, 2024
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the struggles men face and dismantle the harmful stereotypes that prevent them from … Read more
Be an Advocate, Be an Ally: A Guide to Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community This Pride Month and Beyond
June 3, 2024
June is Pride Month, a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s history, resilience, and ongoing fight for equality. As allies, we can play a crucial … Read more
World Hunger Day: Tackling Food Insecurity for Improved Mental Health
May 22, 2024
As we recognize World Hunger Day on May 28th, it’s crucial to understand the intricate connection between food insecurity and mental health. At Oaks Integrated … Read more
4 Things Likely Affecting Your Mental Health
May 21, 2024
“Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World,” this May’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme from Mental Health America, brings to light various environmental … Read more
How Negative News Can Impact Your Mental Health
May 14, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of overall mental health and well-being. This year, Mental Health America’s theme … Read more
Breaking Down Stigmas: Fostering Understanding and Inclusion for Autism Spectrum Disorder
April 29, 2024
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote understanding and inclusion for individuals living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism … Read more
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Childhood Trauma on Mental Health
April 17, 2024
Childhood should be a time of innocence, growth, and discovery. However, for many individuals, it is shadowed by experiences of trauma that can have lasting … Read more
Five Strategies to Manage and Cope with Stress
April 3, 2024
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how we respond to it can make all the difference in our overall mental health and well-being. … 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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