Connecting NJ
Connecting NJ (CNJ) supports new and expectant parents and families with babies and young children in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties. Our program connects families to caring supports like nurses, long-term home visiting programs for pregnancy and parenting support, early childhood development coaching, doulas and obstetrics and more. Connecting NJ is free, voluntary, and is here to help every family get the support they deserve.
We’re here to help with:
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Parenting SupportSupporting families as they care for their newborns, babies, and young children. Our team offers guidance and encouragement to help families grow in a healthy and loving home.
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Community-Based Education & Resources
Connecting new, expectant parents, and families to important resources in their community so they can achieve the best health outcomes and get they support they need.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Connecting NJ, you must:
- Reside in Cumberland, Gloucester or Salem County, New Jersey
- Be pregnant or parenting a child under age 18 years old
What to Expect
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Reaching Out
You can self-refer by completing the Connecting New Jersey (CNJ) referral form or by calling 856-431-4180 to speak with our bilingual Intake Specialist. Providers can also submit a referral form or by checking “Community Based Services” on the PRA (Perinatal Risk Assessment).
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Arranging Services
Connecting NJ is a pre-enrollment step to many home visiting programs. Within two days of submitting your referral form, an Intake Specialist or Home Visitor will reach out to you via phone or text message to schedule your intake. During the intake they will share details about the community resources and home visiting programs available to you, including Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families or Parents as Teachers, as well as other community resources that may be available.
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Moving Forward with Care
Your Intake Specialist will connect you with your home visiting program, and a home visitor will reach out to schedule your first in-person visit. Services typically begin within one to two weeks of enrollment, based on your schedule.
FAQ’s
How much does Connecting NJ cost?
Connecting NJ is free.
How will Connecting NJ help my family?
Connecting NJ is a single point-of-entry system that provides community-based education and in-home support to parents, allowing them to gain access to essential resources through Acenda’s home visiting programs
Is Connecting NJ a virtual or in-person program?
Connecting NJ is done virtually or over the phone. Once you are enrolled in a home visiting program, those visits take place in the home or a community location.
How long is the initial call with the Intake Specialist?
Upon review of your referral form, the length of the initial call depends on the individual’s needs and family’s circumstances, as we want to provide the best health and social resources available in your local community
What home visiting programs can Connecting NJ link me to?
How long can I stay in the program?
Connecting NJ Case Management can last up to 6 months, or longer if needed. Developmental Coaching can be offered every 2 months until the child turns 5.5.
Are services available in Spanish?
Yes, program services are available in Spanish
How do I qualify for Connecting NJ?
To be eligible for Connecting NJ, you must:
- Reside in Cumberland, Gloucester or Salem County
- Be pregnant or parenting a child under age 18 years old
