YMCA of the Jersey Shore Invites Community to “Passport to Wellness” Open House on Sept. 25

YMCA of the Jersey Shore Counseling & Social Services is opening its doors to the community for Passport to Wellness, a free, interactive open house on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 166 Main Street in Matawan, NJ.

Passport to Wellness is designed for more than individuals currently seeking services. Parents and caregivers, educators and guidance counselors, healthcare professionals, referral partners, local businesses, law enforcement, college students pursuing behavioral health careers, and anyone interested in learning about local mental health resources are encouraged to attend.

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The event offers community members an opportunity to meet the people behind YMCA Counseling & Social Services and learn about the wide range of mental health, recovery, youth, and family support services available locally.

The Journey to Wellness Starts at the Y

Guests will receive a Passport to Wellness and visit different program stations throughout the building, where YMCA staff will introduce their services, answer questions, share information and resources, and stamp their passports along the way.

"Sometimes the hardest part of seeking help is simply knowing where to begin," said Alison Lehnert, LCSW, CCS, Director of Outpatient Services, YMCA Counseling & Social Services. "We want the Passport to Wellness event to make it easy and comfortable for people to meet our team, ask questions, and discover the resources available to themselves and the people they care about."

Guests will also enjoy light refreshments from local eateries and have an opportunity to win a special door prize featuring donations from local businesses and a one-month YMCA membership. Admission is free and open to the public. RSVP is encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome.

Guests can reserve their passport by completing the RSVP form here.

A Look Inside Local Services

YMCA of the Jersey Shore Counseling & Social Services supports children, teens, adults, and families through a variety of behavioral health and community-based programs. During Passport to Wellness, guests will have an opportunity to learn about:

• Adult Mental Health Services
• Youth Mental Health Programs
• Substance Use Treatment, Recovery & Gambling Addiction Services
• Intensive In-Community Services
• Behavioral Assistance
• Parent & Child Mentoring
• Brief Strategic Family Therapy
• Bayshore Family Success Center Prevention Programs
• Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey Services for Seniors
• Supervised Visitation Services
• Insurance Coverage & Billing Assistance

YMCA Counseling & Social Services has been supporting children, teens, and adults facing depression, substance use and other difficult circumstances since 1974. Its professionals specialize in areas including social work, clinical counseling, and alcohol and drug counseling.

For additional information about YMCA of the Jersey Shore Counseling & Social Services, visit ymcanj.org/css, email outpatient@ymcanj.org, or call 732-290-9040.

About YMCA of the Jersey Shore

The YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a cause-driven nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Based in Shrewsbury, NJ, we serve 65,000 people annually in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. From lifesaving swim lessons and child care to mental health support, chronic disease prevention, and care for seniors, we offer programs that uplift people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. With a legacy of more than 150 years of service, we're proud to be named a Top Workplace in New Jersey since 2022 by NJ Advance Media. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.