(Blackwood, NJ) – The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with Genesis Counseling Center to create a free, community-based support group that is open to all Camden County residents. Healing Together will offer residents a nonjudgemental, therapeutic space where they can foster hope, build resilience and find strength in a group setting.

“We understand that for many people, mental health services are often out of reach due to cost or other obstacles, and we recognized a great need for this type of service here in Camden County,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “We hope that this group will allow our residents to heal and address their issues, free of charge and with the help of their fellow community members.”

The group will provide a safe space for people to gain peer connection, emotional support, psychoeducation, coping strategies, encouragement and tools to build a happier, healthier life.

“Healing Together supports community wellness and prevention by creating a space where individuals can openly navigate challenges like substance use, grief, or emotional stress,” said Colleen Snow, director of the Office of Mental Health & Addiction. “By fostering connection and healthy coping, we’re helping people build resilience before crisis—and showing that no one has to face it alone.”

The group will address several areas of need including grief, loss or emotional distress, the impacts of substance abuse, conflict and relationship issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD or other mental health conditions, recovery and trauma, and social skills and self-esteem.

“This space is also open for those who just want to feel understood, who need to feel less alone,” Betteridge continued. “You don’t have to be struggling with a specific issue to join this group; it is open to anyone and everyone who is looking to heal and create a brighter future for themselves.”

The group will meet every Monday evening at 6 p.m. at the Genesis Counseling Center located at 566 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood NJ, 08108. Anyone interested can call (856) 858-9314 or the office of mental health and addiction at (856) 374-6368 for more information and questions.

“Everyone experiences life challenges, but not everyone has someone to talk to, or someone who will listen; join the group and become part of our village,” said Barry T. Bailey, executive director of Genesis Counseling Centers. “Come and empty out the negative feelings and thoughts and make room for positive change”.