School-Based Services
The Space, Orange High School
The Loft, Columbia High School
The Hub, Maplewood Middle School
The Den, Bloomfield High School
The Zone, Orange Preparatory Academy

Our on-site school-based programs provide safe, nurturing places for students to hang-out during and afterschool and throughout the summer, with a wide range of recreational, skills-building, and prevention services to help youth and their families build strength, character, compassion and optimism about themselves and their futures.

Eligibility & Referral Information

Open to all students in collaborating schools.

Program Components

    • After-school enrichment, recreation and field trips
    • Mental health counseling (individual, family, and drop-in)
    • Life skills training
    • Prevention programming to address gang activity, bullying, substance abuse, sexual activity
    • Academic & employment support

Community service projects

Examples of Issues We Address

  • Behavior problems in school
  • Bullying
  • Conflict with parent/guardian, teachers, or peers
  • High-risk behaviors (gang involvement, substance abuse, truancy, sexual activity)
  • Academic challenges
  • Depression / other mental health issues
  • Self-injurious behavior
  • Family/ home stressors (death of family member, divorce, socio-economic challenges)
  • Employment skills and referrals (high school programs only)



Questions?

Gillian McGrath, The Loft, Columbia High School – gmcgrath@familyconnectionnj.org

Candace Ebbesen, The Hub, Maplewood Middle School – cebbesen@familyconnectionsnj.org

Elizabeth Kennedy, The Den, Bloomfield High School – ekennedy@familyconnectionsnj.org

Joy Simeon, The Space, Orange High School – jsimeon@familyconnectionsnj.org