BEACHWOOD – The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey marked the opening of its Anchor Family Success Center in Beachwood with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house attended by local, county and state officials, along with community partners and residents.
Organization leaders said the relocation signals an expanded effort to make prevention-based services more accessible to families across Ocean County. The center is designed to offer early support aimed at strengthening households, encouraging resilience and promoting long-term stability.
Julie Dee, chief executive officer of CHSofNJ, addressed attendees during the ceremony, emphasizing the agency’s focus on community-based programs. Duncan Harrison, the organization’s chief advancement officer, served as master of ceremonies.
Speakers at the event included Kate Perez from the office of U.S. Rep. Chris Smith; Sarah Jankowski of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ Office of Family Support; Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione; Maritza Raimundi-Petroski, vice president of strategic initiatives, prevention and community engagement; and Choresse Chambers, director of maternal child health and family support services for Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Representatives from the Department of Children and Families’ Office of Family Support, Ocean County government, Ocean Inc. Head Start, the Ocean County Health Department, Preferred Behavioral Health Group and the Lakewood Family Success Center were also in attendance.
The Anchor Family Success Center provides families with access to community resources, educational programs and supportive services. Officials said the facility is intended to serve as a neighborhood-based hub where residents can connect with assistance and participate in workshops.
“This new space reinforces our shared vision of strengthening families before challenges escalate,” Dee said. “By working together with our community partners, we are ensuring that families in Ocean County have the support they need to thrive.”
The Beachwood site increases the organization’s presence in Ocean County and supports partnerships with agencies focused on maternal and child health, early childhood education, behavioral health and family stabilization.
