This year brought a real milestone for mental health awareness in our area. Every one of the county’s 33 municipalities has now declared itself stigma-free. That means each town has publicly committed to treating mental health like any other part of health.
To mark the moment, the County is bringing back a local favorite. The 5th Annual “Scare Away Stigma” Trunk-or-Treat takes place on October 21. Families can collect treats, meet local support groups, and learn where to turn for help.
Event at a Glance
- Event: 5th Annual “Scare Away Stigma” Trunk-or-Treat
- Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Location: 4th floor of the County Parking Garage, off Madison and Hadley Avenues, Downtown Toms River
- Hosts: The County Mental Health Awareness Committee and the County Department of Human Services
- Questions: Call the Department of Human Services at 732-506-5374
What Stigma-Free Means for Our Towns
How the Effort Started
The work began back in 2015. That year, the County’s Mental Health Awareness Committee started reaching out to local towns. The committee asked each one to join the statewide Stigma Free Zone initiative.
The goal was straightforward. Raise awareness of mental illness and break down the shame that keeps people from getting help. Some towns signed on early. Others took more time. Now, after more than a decade of outreach, every town has joined.
Why This Milestone Matters
Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen serves as liaison to the Mental Health Board. He called the achievement a County-wide commitment, noting that “there can be no health without mental health.”
He also thanked the many groups behind the effort. These include the Department of Human Services, the Mental Health Board, and the Awareness Committee. Community organizations, advocates, and municipal leaders played a part as well. In his words, it took years of teamwork, education, and advocacy.
So why does a declaration matter? Stigma often shows up in small, quiet ways. A coworker cracks a joke about therapy. A parent worries about what the neighbors might think. Someone cancels an appointment because they feel embarrassed. Each of these moments can delay care by weeks or even years.
A stigma-free town sends the opposite message. It tells residents that asking for help is normal. It also tells them that support exists close to home.
Inside the Scare Away Stigma Trunk-or-Treat
What to Expect
The event fills the top floor of the parking garage with decorated car trunks. Kids go from car to car collecting treats. Costumes fit right in, so feel free to dress up.
Meanwhile, Stigma-Free Partners from across the community will host the trunks. They will hand out treats along with information and resources. Parents can grab brochures, ask questions, and learn about local services in a relaxed setting.
Why Start the Conversation Early
Ellenbogen explained that the event aims to get young people talking about mental health early. Early conversations make a big difference. When kids learn that feelings are normal to discuss, stigma has less room to grow.
You don’t need a script to get started. For example, ask your child what part of the night they liked best. Then ask how school has been feeling lately. Simple, open questions work better than formal talks.
Mental Health and Your Career
Stress Can Stall a Job Search
Job loss and career changes can take a heavy toll. Rejection emails pile up. Bills keep coming. Even confident people start to doubt themselves.
Our team sees this every day. That’s why our job and career services go beyond resumes and interviews. Case managers can connect you with supportive services, including mental health resources. As a result, you can focus on your next step without carrying everything alone.
Support for Young Adults
Younger workers face their own pressures. Our youth programs help people ages 16 to 24 explore careers and gain work experience. Staff also help participants find support when life outside of work gets hard.
A Note for Local Employers
Stigma-free values belong in the workplace too. Employees who feel safe asking for help tend to stay longer and perform better. Our employer services team can help you recruit, train, and keep a strong workforce.
In addition, consider joining the upcoming Disability Employment Awareness Job and Resource Fair. It connects inclusive employers with motivated job seekers.
Mental Health Resources You Can Use Today
You don’t have to wait for a community event to reach out. These resources are available right now:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 any time, day or night, for free and confidential support.
- County Department of Human Services: Call 732-506-5374 for information on local mental health services.
- Family support: Read about the new Access Navigator for PerformCare if your child needs behavioral health services.
- Full resource list: Visit our community resources page for recovery centers, advocacy groups, and family services.
Connect With the Career Center
Mental health and career health often go hand in hand. If stress is getting in the way of your goals, we’re here to listen. The Ocean County Career Center offers guidance, training, and referrals for job seekers at every stage.
Visit us at 1005 Hooper Avenue, or call 732-240-5995 to schedule an appointment. You can also contact us online any time. To stay current on upcoming workshops and hiring events, check our Learning Center.
We hope to see your family at the trunk-or-treat on October 21.
