It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic South Toms River Silos gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Toms River, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Winding River Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Dina's Bistro or visit Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Toms River, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Toms River, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Toms River, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A group of six people running The Green Bean, a marijuana home delivery service, are facing drug possession and distribution charges, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced.The illegal drug distribution service was being run out of multiple properties in Ocean County, authorities said.Glenn Jazikoff, 41, and Jennifer Jazikoff, 38, both of Jackson, were among those arrested, authorities said. Among the charges both face are possession of a firearm during a controlled dangerous substance offense, possession of more ...
A group of six people running The Green Bean, a marijuana home delivery service, are facing drug possession and distribution charges, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced.
The illegal drug distribution service was being run out of multiple properties in Ocean County, authorities said.
Glenn Jazikoff, 41, and Jennifer Jazikoff, 38, both of Jackson, were among those arrested, authorities said. Among the charges both face are possession of a firearm during a controlled dangerous substance offense, possession of more than 25 pounds of marijuana and THC products, possession of psilocybin and methamphetamine with intent to distribute and endangering the welfare of a child.
Both were transported to the Ocean County Jail and later released, according to prosecutor’s office.
Debra Lomonico, 60, of Toms River, Kristie Lomonico, 37, of Waretown, Jessica Rein, 37, of Waretown, and Michael Fidali, 38, of Waretown, were charged with various drug possession and distribution offenses. All were released pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court, authorities said.
The arrests came after the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office conducted a two-month long investigation into the marijuana delivery service referred to as “The Green Bean,” according to a news release.
Detectives executed search warrants on a commercial establishment on Route 9 in Toms River, two residences in Waretown and a residence in Jackson.
At the residences, detectives seized 25 pounds of marijuana and THC products, approximately 9 ounces of methamphetamine, 1 ounce of psilocybin and $2,300.
A loaded handgun was found at the Jackson residence, where two minors were present, authorities said.
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Toms River officials have abandoned a plan to seize a property belonging to a local church, ending a months-long battle that drew widespread opposition.Mayor Daniel Rodrick said Wednesday that his administration will no longer pursue acquiring Christ Episcopal Church’s nearly 11-acre Washington Street site after a township poll showed most residents opposed the move.“I ran for office because I wanted to represent the people of Toms River and what they wanted,” Rodrick told the Asbury Park Press. “Given t...
Toms River officials have abandoned a plan to seize a property belonging to a local church, ending a months-long battle that drew widespread opposition.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick said Wednesday that his administration will no longer pursue acquiring Christ Episcopal Church’s nearly 11-acre Washington Street site after a township poll showed most residents opposed the move.
“I ran for office because I wanted to represent the people of Toms River and what they wanted,” Rodrick told the Asbury Park Press. “Given the majority of the public do not support the acquisition, we will not be moving forward.”
Rodrick said his poll found 63% of respondents opposed acquiring the church, while 37% supported it.
At its Aug. 27 meeting, the township council voted unanimously against pursuing the purchase of the property, which Rodrick had once envisioned as a waterfront park with soccer fields and pickleball courts.
The plan was part of a broader downtown redevelopment effort that has been in the works for years, officials said.
The mayor had previously argued the township was “confident” it could legally take the site through eminent domain — a process that allows the government to pay fair market value without the owner’s consent — and believed the church would be a willing seller.
But church officials said they never intended to sell the property and vowed to fight any condemnation attempt.
Christ Episcopal’s attorney, Harvey York, called the township’s effort retaliation for the church’s proposal to build a 17-bed homeless shelter in Toms River — the first of its kind in Ocean County.
The Zoning Board rejected a variance for the project in June. And on Tuesday, York said church leaders decided not to appeal the decision, citing in part the township’s threat to seize the property.
Christ Episcopal Church has been part of Toms River for 160 years. Its outreach office, which opened in July 2023, provides meals, clothing and other support to residents in need.
The 10.8-acre property, valued at nearly $2.5 million, is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey.
The council’s vote capped months of tension between township leaders and church officials.
In April, the council narrowly advanced an ordinance to allow acquisition of the church property and three nearby marinas through eminent domain, but a final vote was never held. The controversial plan was put on hold in June after backlash, when Rodrick said he would poll residents.
Thousands of supporters rallied in support of the church. As of Friday, a change.org petition had collected nearly 9,500 signatures, while a GoFundMe to cover legal expenses raised more than $25,000.
The Rev. Lisa Hoffman, minister of Christ Episcopal, said she and other church leaders expressed relief after the council vote but remain cautious.
“I will breathe another sigh of relief when we receive the document memorializing the resolution and finally be able to exhale when January 1, 2026 has come and gone,” Hoffman said in a message to parishioners.
“While I know it is hard to trust those members of the council and the mayor who have been a part of the misguided attempt to take our church home away from us, it is time for the healing to begin,” she wrote.
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Happy Friday!Are you ready to head to the Jersey Shore for the Labor Day weekend?Here's the latest on roads around Monmouth and Ocean counties: DWI checkpoints at the Shore starting tonightPartying tonight? The Monmouth County DWI Task Force will be setting up two sobriety checkpoints where all traffic will be stopped and all drivers screened for any sign of alcohol or drug intoxication. Read here for the locations and details. 6-mile delay on the Garden State Parkway between Lakewood and Toms River...
Happy Friday!
Are you ready to head to the Jersey Shore for the Labor Day weekend?
Here's the latest on roads around Monmouth and Ocean counties:
Partying tonight? The Monmouth County DWI Task Force will be setting up two sobriety checkpoints where all traffic will be stopped and all drivers screened for any sign of alcohol or drug intoxication. Read here for the locations and details.
Traffic is slow moving between Exit 89C (Airport Road) in Lakewood to Exit 83 (Route 9 North) in Toms River. Traffic is backed up about six miles due to heavy volume from the evening commute home and the Shore-bound traffic ahead of the Labor Day weekend.
There is heavy southbound volume on the Garden State Parkway near the Brick Reservoir, just north of Exit 91, expect travel delays throughout the region.
Heavy volume at 5:15 p.m. continues to see traffic moving at a stop and go pace as it nears the Toms River Toll Plaza on the Garden State Parkway.
As the 5 p.m. hour approaches, traffic is particularly heavy on the Garden State Parkway between Monmouth and Ocean counties. At this time, there is a six-mile backup from the Parkway's junction with Interstate I-195 in Wall and Exit 91B-A (Chambers Bridge Road) in Brick. Labor Day weekend traffic is now flowing south with the normal heavy Friday commuter traffic. Expect travel delays throughout the region.
At 4:20 p.m., the traffic backup on the Garden State Parkway in northern Ocean County worsened. There is now a six-mile crawl between Exit 89C (Airport Road) in Lakewood and Exit 83 (Route 9 North) in Toms River. Expect travel delays through the region.
At 4 p.m., heavy volume on the Parkway had slowed traffic to a crawl between Exit 100A (Route 33 East) in Tinton Falls to Exit 91B-A (Route 549/Chambers Bridge Road) in Brick. The volume had backed up traffic between those two exits for eight miles.
About 3:55 p.m., heavy volume in the southbound lanes of the Parkway had resulted in a five-mile traffic backup from about Exit 89A (Route 70 East) in Lakewood to about Exit 83 (Route 9 North) in Toms River.
More people are hitting the road, and we now have another big delay on the Garden State Parkway. This one, starting in Tinton Falls, looks to be nearly 10 miles. Like the others, this one is cd by volume.
There continues to be problems southbound on the Garden State Parkway as people head to the Jersey Shore for the unofficial end of summer. If you’re leaving just after 3 p.m., you’ll see a two-mile delay in Holmdel, another five-mile delay in Toms River, and another five-mile delay in Brick. As we get closer to closing time for many, the Parkway continues to see lots of volume. If you’re hoping to be an early bird, you may have missed the worm.
The Garden State Parkway is seeing delays all over. The latest, a six-mile backup, starts south of Exit 89. All lanes are open, the problem is volume as everyone is bound for the Jersey Shore.
The traffic on the Garden State Parkway continues to grow as we now have an 11-mile delay in Toms River. The delay starts in Brick south of Exit 91. If you're headed that way, expect delays.
There's a five-mile back up on the Garden State Parkway from Lakewood to Toms River. All lanes are open, but volume is a problem. There's another delay, this one three miles, in southbound in Aberdeen Township. It's also slow going north of the Asbury Toll Plaza in Tinton Falls. The backup there is about two miles.
If you're on the Garden State Parkway, bring a drink and your favorite music because you might be on there a while.
If you're on the Garden State Parkway, expect delays. There's a two mile delay southbound north of exit 102 in Tinton Falls, and another backup, also about two miles, in Aberdeen. The delays are due to volume as people head to the shore.
If you're headed south on Route 9, you'll see delays from Route 88 in Toms River to Route 70 in Lakewood. The problem is volume. There's also delays headed north in the same area.
The later we get, the more people are headed for the beach. The latest traffic jam is on the Garden State Parkway in Toms River, where there's a three-mile delay just south of Exit 83. As more cars hit the road, travel time will take a little longer. You can still beat the traffic, but your window is closing.
The Garden State Parkway isn't the only road with more volume than usual this afternoon. Shortly before 12:30, a backup was reported on Route 72 in Stafford Township. Volume is causing the delay between Nautilus Drive to Jennings Road.
Shortly after noon, there was a report of a two-mile backup on the Garden State Parkway headed south in Aberdeen Township. The delay is due to volume, according to 511nj.com.
As of 9:54 a.m., there are delays on Garden State Parkway northbound South of Toms River Toll Plaza to North of Toms River Toll Plaza. All lanes are open.
As of 8:19 a.m., there are delays on Garden State Parkway northbound North of Toms River Toll Plaza. All lanes open with a 2-mile delay due to an incident on the Garden State Parkway.
At 7:44 a.m., the NJ Turnpike Authority reported a crash and vehicle off the roadway on Garden State Parkway northbound North of Toms River Toll Plaza. The right shoulder blocked.
The JBJ Soul Foundation Pop-Up cafe at the Ocean County Library could shut down in January, and urges the public to buy more meals to help.TOMS RIVER, NJ — The JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up has received another extension to operate its cafe at the Ocean County Library, but foundation officials say the public's support is needed to keep it operating past then.The pop-up cafe at the library at 101 Washington St. started operating in February, offering meals to the public as well as those in need, but it may not continue operati...
TOMS RIVER, NJ — The JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up has received another extension to operate its cafe at the Ocean County Library, but foundation officials say the public's support is needed to keep it operating past then.
The pop-up cafe at the library at 101 Washington St. started operating in February, offering meals to the public as well as those in need, but it may not continue operating past Jan. 30 because it needs more support from the community, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation said.
"Since this will likely be our final extension, we want the community to know that dining with us is more than just a meal, it’s a way to show support and be part of the fight against food insecurity," the foundation said. "As we anticipate greater need during the colder months and prepare to close at the peak of winter, their support matters now more than ever."
"Guests who choose to pay it forward make a direct impact by providing meals to neighbors in need, while every person who joins us helps raise awareness and strengthen our mission," the foundation said.
"We are hoping for another extension, but with limited institutional support, it doesn’t look promising. This might be the final extension," officials said.
If it shuts down, the closure would come at the height of Code Blue season, the foundation said, when the need for help is often at its peak because of the cold weather.
The pop-up cafe began operating inside the Ocean County Library's downtown Toms River branch in February, in the same way as the JBJ Soul Kitchen on Hooper Avenue in Toms River has for nine years, providing meals on a pay-it-forward basis. Those who can afford to buy their meals and can pay for meals for those in need. Those in need can receive meals in exchange for volunteering at the cafe or the Hooper Avenue site, where they can learn job skills and connect with more services.
There is a financial cost, however, and the need is growing, the foundation said.
"To date, 69 percent of meals served at the Pop-Up have gone to guests experiencing food insecurity," the foundation said. "With Code Blue alerts expected to rise this winter, we anticipate even greater demand."
The challenge, the foundation said, is getting the community support to keep the pop-up cafe in place through Code Blue season, through people who can afford it purchasing meals.
"This is our last chance to show the community what is possible when people come together," said Rob Wood, assistant general manager. "Every meal purchased and every Pay It Forward contribution helps us continue to serve during the coldest, most difficult months of the year."
"The JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up invites the public to dine with us now. Whether enjoying a three-course meal or Paying It Forward for a neighbor in need, your support makes a direct and immediate impact," the foundation said.
The pop-up cafe and the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation found themselves in the middle of a heated battle between Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick and various nonprofits along with Ocean County officials over the issue of homeless people in Toms River.
An encampment in the woods at Winding River Park was shut down in the late summer and early fall of 2024, with some of the people who had been living in tents moved into temporary housing at motels through what Rodrick said was with assistance from the Department of Community Affairs.
Around the same time, an agreement between Toms River and Just Believe Inc., which had been operating the township's Code Blue shelter at Riverwood Park, was terminated. Just Believe later reached an agreement with South Toms River to assist homeless families on Code Blue nights at the borough's recreation building.
Ocean County officials, meanwhile, opened a Code Blue shelter at a county-owned building on Route 9, prompting threats of a lawsuit from Rodrick. That facility provided shelter on Code Blue nights from November through March.
As spring arrived, Rodrick accused county officials of "dumping" homeless people in downtown Toms River and busing in people from out of the county in what he said was an effort to make the number of homeless people in Toms River look worse.
Robert Arace and Frank Sadeghi, Ocean County commissioners, rejected Rodrick's claims that people were being bused in.
According to the 2025 Point-in-Time count by Monarch Housing Associates of people experiencing homelessness, Ocean County had 577 people who lacked permanent housing on Jan. 28, when the count was conducted.
That included people living in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, safe havens and living on the streets or other locations not fit for dwelling, Monarch officials said.
Ocean County does not have a full-time shelter to assist those who find themselves out on the streets, whether because of a job loss that leads to inability to pay for their home, medical issues or even people who have been forced out of their homes by family members, some of just a few reasons people end up without a home.
Many of those in Toms River were going to the downtown area, seeking shelter from the weather in the town's parking garage, and during the limited hours it was open, getting meals from the pop-up cafe.
That led to Rodrick directly attacking the cafe, calling it a soup kitchen, and accusing the county of turning the library into a "day shelter", the Asbury Park Press reported.
The JBJ Soul Foundation pushed back, saying the cafe is an outlet that not only provides a meal but is a path to way to connect people to resources and services.
"Too often, our guests — our neighbors — are reduced to labels," Dorothea Bonjovi said. "They get treated like statistics, like problems to be solved, rather than human beings with dignity and stories and dreams, we are here to help.”
"Whether they need employment, mental health support, or housing, we try to remove the barriers that are keeping them from thriving, not just surviving," she and husband Jon Bon Jovi said in a statement in April.
The mission of connecting people in need to help has led to more than 60 housing referrals for people who had meals at the pop-up cafe, with several people placed in permanent housing.
"We are also linking guests to workforce development, sober living programs, and job placements. We have also distributed over 700 hygiene kits (including 50 female kits) and 80 Narcan kits to prevent overdoses," the foundation said.
The pop-up site at the library is only open four hours a day four days a week: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. The main site, on Hooper Avenue, is in the Silverton section, and it too has limited days and hours that meals are served. Between the Toms River and Red Bank locations, the foundation has served more than 200,000 meals, a spokesperson said.
"Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve our neighbors in need, providing meals, resources, and dignity to everyone who comes through our doors," the organization said.
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