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.
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Child Development
Providing tools to measure your child’s development, including the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Take the free online survey today!
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Pregnancy & Parenting Education
Community Alignment Specialists host free educational sessions and events each month on topics related to pregnancy and parenting young children. These sessions are open to all community members located in Cumberland, Gloucester, & Salem Counties. View all upcoming sessions and register.
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Maternal Health Advisory Board
Join our quarterly Maternal Health Advisory Board meetings, where we will discuss knowledge, resources, experiences, and challenges to help achieve healthier mothers, children, and families in Cumberland, Gloucester, & Salem Counties. Providers, community organizations, and parents are all encouraged to join! Click here to register.
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 18 years old
Measurable results your whole family feels
979
clients were assigned to a maternal health program for hands-on, ongoing support during pregnancy and postpartum
545
clients were provided with service referrals to concrete resources such as WIC, SNAP, mental health counseling, and more
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. OB/GYN providers may refer by checking “Send Referral” to Connecting NJ on the PRA (Perinatal Risk Assessment). All other providers or community partners may refer by completing a referral form. Please email cnj@acendahealth.org to receive a blank form.
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Arranging Services
Connecting NJ will contact you within 2 business days of receiving your referral. Connections to local resources or community supports may be provided directly at that time, or you may be connected to a Case Manager for short-term support. You will also receive information on home visiting programs available to you, including Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families or Parents as Teachers, and an intake will be scheduled upon availability and interest.
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Moving Forward with Care
Depending on the services you are interested in, the Connecting NJ team will connect you to the most appropriate person, resources, or program. While some services are provided during the initial call, a warm hand-off will be provided when you enroll into a long-term program. Your intake may be scheduled within one to two weeks, 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 connections to local resources, case management support, early childhood development information, enrollment into in-home pregnancy and parenting support programs, and connections to local educational sessions and events.
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?
Since Connecting NJ’s services vary widely, the length of time you work with us may vary! Resource connections may be provided over one phone call, or case management may last up to 6 months. Early Childhood Specialists can support your child’s milestones and development until they are 5.5 years, and our Home Visiting programs may work with you until your child turns 3-5 depending on the program.
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
What types of resources can Connecting NJ connect me with?
Connecting NJ helps families access a variety of community resources and supports. Depending on your needs, you may receive information about home visiting programs, maternal health services, parenting support, child development resources, community programs, and other services that promote healthy outcomes for parents, children, and families.
What if I am not sure which services or programs I need?
That’s okay. You do not need to know exactly what support you are looking for before contacting Connecting NJ. An Intake Specialist will learn more about your family’s needs, answer your questions, and help identify programs, services, and resources that may be a good fit for your situation.
Can Connecting NJ support families after a baby is born?
Yes. Connecting NJ serves both expectant parents and families with young children. The program can connect families to resources and supports that promote healthy child development, strengthen parenting skills, and help families navigate the early years of raising a child.
