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 Historical Schueman House 1883 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.
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“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”
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“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
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“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”
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 Cattus Island County 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 Villa Amalfi or visit Ocean County Historical Society, 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.
Five-minute readAsbury Park Press0:001:32TOMS RIVER -- A Township Council majority took the first step to buy or seize Christ Episcopal Church via eminent domain at an April 30 meeting attended by about 150 parishioners and supporters who passionately argued that the church property should not be turned into a park.Several of the speakers, including some homeless people, praised the outreach work the church has hosted for homeless individuals, as well as support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narco...
Asbury Park Press
TOMS RIVER -- A Township Council majority took the first step to buy or seize Christ Episcopal Church via eminent domain at an April 30 meeting attended by about 150 parishioners and supporters who passionately argued that the church property should not be turned into a park.
Several of the speakers, including some homeless people, praised the outreach work the church has hosted for homeless individuals, as well as support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, that meet regularly at the Washington Street church. Critics of the proposal have argued it is retribution against the church for seeking to add a homeless shelter there.
"I come to you without yelling, with respect," said Gregory Andrus, founder of the Portraits of the Jersey Shore Facebook group. "I want you to know that I used to be homeless. I used to be an on-again, off-again alcoholic. It was a church who took me in. My life started turning around. … When you go after a church of faith, you are losing the faith of the people."
Council members voted 4 to 3 to introduce an ordinance allowing Toms River to buy, or take through eminent domain, the 11-acre church property, along with three private marinas along the Toms River and an empty lot. A public hearing and vote to adopt the ordinance is scheduled for 4 p.m. May 28.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick envisions the land as part of an expansive waterfront park which will also include downtown's Huddy Park and the site of a former boatworks on Robbins Parkway.
Before the start of the April 30 meeting, township Engineer John Miele place poster-sized photos of the Toms River riverfront, along with a large schematic of the planned park on the church site, at the front of the L. Manuel Hirshblond meeting room.
The schematic of the Episcopal Church site shows a large soccer field where the house of worship stands, a skate park located adjacent to Washington Street, a ship-themed playground, and eight pickleball courts near the rear of the property. The mayor has argued that there are few recreational opportunities for the 20,000 residents who live south of Route 37 near the downtown.
Council President Justin Lamb, Vice President Craig Coleman and council members Bill Byrne and Lynn O'Toole voted in favor of the acquisition ordinance, while Councilmen Thomas Nivison, David Ciccozzi and James Quinlisk voted against it.
The vote happened after Nivison's attempt to table the measure failed, with only him, Ciccozzi and Quinlisk supporting it.
Nivison frequently raised his voice during voting on the motion to table the ordinance. "Do the right thing, Craig, for the first time this year," he said before Coleman voted not to table the measure.
"Why, Lynn?" Nivison said to O'Toole, his voice rising. "You hate God, you hate Christ? You hate humanity? You hate homeless people?"
Nivison's remarks were greeted by loud applause and cheers from the rowdy crowd. They also applauded Quinlisk and Ciccozzi when they voted against introducing the ordinance.
"There is no way on God’s green earth that anybody should vote for this ordinance," Quinlisk said, to cheers from the audience. "This is bad in every direction."
"They have gone too far," Ciccozzi said before voting no.
Several people who spoke at the council meeting argued that the attempt to acquire the church is related to Christ Episcopal's attempt to get Board of Adjustment approval for construction of a 17-bed overnight homeless shelter on the its property.
"We cannot demonize a church when they are doing the work of the Lord," said Woodbine Lane resident Angie Feldman. "I don’t know whether you believe in Christ or believe in God, but when you start messing with His children, you've got a lot of trouble."
"I am a member of Christ Church since 2007, my children were part of that church," said Eileen Schilling of Mulberry Street. "I am on the board of Interfaith Family Services, providing services to homeless people who were working poor. … Participating in many evenings with our guests at Christ Church, with both myself and my children, I was proud to be part of the community."
The church property, which is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, is not for sale. Before the start of the council meeting, Michael York, a lawyer whose Toms River firm represents Christ Episcopal Church, notified Assistant Township Attorney Peter Pascarella that any attempt to seize the property through eminent domain is likely to prompt a lawsuit from the church and the diocese.
He noted that the church has an application pending before Toms River's Board of Adjustment to build a 17-bed overnight shelter for unhoused men and women at the parish house on the church property. Public comment and a likely decision on the church's application is expected at the May 22 zoning board meeting.
"It is clear and obvious that the township and Mayor Rodrick are acting in bad faith and have ulterior motives," York wrote. "Clearly, they are not even trying to hide their actions. This attempt to use eminent domain as an excuse to obtain property is not disguised in this instance. Adding a property as a last minute Council agenda item is clear and obvious bad faith.
"Should the Township continue down this path, we will have no choice but to seek all remedies at law and equity," York continued. "Quite obviously, this will include a Section 1983 claim against all individual members of the Town Council and all members of the Township Staff who knowingly participated in this bad faith action."
A section 1983 claim under federal law gives individuals the right to sue state and local government employees for civil rights violations, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, due process, equal protection and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The law allows individuals to seek damages, injunctive relief and attorney's fees for violations of their rights.
Jean Mikle covers Toms River, Seaside Heights and several other Ocean County towns. She is also passionate about Asbury Park's musical history. Contact her: [email protected].
TOMS RIVER -- The township will attempt to buy — or seize via eminent domain — Christ Episcopal Church on Washingt...
TOMS RIVER -- The township will attempt to buy — or seize via eminent domain — Christ Episcopal Church on Washington Street, a site where a 17-bed shelter for the homeless has been proposed.
An ordinance allowing acquisition of the church, along with three downtown marinas and a vacant property, is on the April 30 Township Council agenda for a first reading. Mayor Daniel Rodrick said he wants use the church property for recreation, noting that downtown has nearly 20,000 people but few public recreation areas.
The April 30 council meeting starts at 4 p.m. in the L. Manuel Hirshblond meeting room on the second floor of town hall, 33 Washington St.
The mayor said the church property could house a large playground, a skate park and other amenities, like pickleball courts. The three marinas would be merged into a larger municipal marina to complement the site in Huddy Park where the mayor plans to install slips for personal watercraft. Rodrick also plans to build a spray park, a seasonal tiki bar with food and a liquor license, and a pier in the downtown area as part of his strategy to encourage more public use of the downtown waterfront.
But it is the potential acquisition of the church property that is likely to stir the most controversy.
In a Facebook post, church officials vowed to fight the mayor's effort. "As retribution for and to impede the proposed homeless shelter on the Christ Episcopal Church property, Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick is initiating legal action to force the sale of the church property to Toms River Township," the post said. "It won’t work legally, but it could be quite an effort for Christ Episcopal Church to prevail."
Advocates for the homeless, including Toms River-based Just Believe Inc., reacted with shock and anger at the proposal to acquire the church.
"We have never encountered a situation where a township has intentionally utilized its authority to dismantle a community movement by extreme force," Just Believe wrote on its Facebook page. "This is a disturbing new low, where a township appears to be abusing its power to threaten a church for attempting to assist the homeless."
The church is located on a nearly 11-acre property in the downtown area, and the church has existed in downtown Toms River since 1865. The church property is assessed at $2,476,000, according to Ocean County tax records.
An outbuilding on the church property has been used for services by the smaller Ocean Christian Community in recent years. It's also been used by the Affordable Housing Alliance and the Toms River Housing & Homeless Coalition to counsel homeless people and provide services since July 2023. Ocean County has brought a mobile van to the site to provide services as well.
Christ Episcopal Church and the Affordable Housing Alliance have proposed expanding the outreach center on the property, also known as the parish house, to create the shelter, which would be financed by Ocean County, according to Harvey L. York, the lawyer representing the church.
The extension would be used for a 17-bed overnight shelter for unhoused men and women, who would also receive counseling and be connected to services at the site. The shelter plan is before the Toms River Board of Adjustment, with a possible decision on the application expected on May 22.
The proposal has received strong opposition from neighbors, who say such a shelter should not be in a residential neighborhood.
According to a "point-in-time" count of the homeless conducted in January 2024 by Monarch Housing Group, 556 people were experiencing homelessness in Ocean County, a 28% increase from the 434 homeless counted in 2023.
A similar point in time count was conducted from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 this year, but the results have not yet been released.
On the night of the homeless count, Monarch reported 169 homeless people in Toms River, by far the most in the county.
Adults without homes would be able to stay overnight, from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. They would be able to get something to eat, take a hot shower, and receive counseling meant to assist them in obtaining jobs, identification and permanent homes.
Rodrick said the church property already has adequate parking for a recreation area, making it particularly appealing. He said the township would also be open to acquiring the adjacent Toms River Country Club, which includes a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool and separate diving area, tennis courts and a restaurant.
"If the club ever wanted to sell, or was insolvent, we would be interested in buying it," he said. He said the latest attempt to acquire more downtown property is part of his larger goal to provide more waterfront recreation. The township last year spent about $2 million to buy a former boat works on Robbins Parkway to prevent development there and open up room to build a pier and tiki bar.
Jean Mikle covers Toms River, Seaside Heights and several other Ocean County towns. She is also passionate about Asbury Park's musical history. Contact her: [email protected].
TOMS RIVER -- Toms River Regional's school board unanimously rejected a 2025-2026 budget with a 12.9% tax increase April 30, possibly setting up a similar situation to last year, when the state p...
TOMS RIVER -- Toms River Regional's school board unanimously rejected a 2025-2026 budget with a 12.9% tax increase April 30, possibly setting up a similar situation to last year, when the state put in place a spending plan with a nearly 10% tax rise.
"I just want to say while I know that this sounds difficult because we do need to fund our district, we are not providing anything thorough and efficient," Board President Ashley Lamb said, referring to the state's Constitution, which promises a "thorough and efficient system of free public schools."
"Our kids deserve a lot more," Lamb said. "The only reason we cannot give that to them is because of the state of New Jersey. Since the S2 formula was implemented, nobody can tell us where the money is going, and explain why our kids are constantly disenfranchised."
Under the state's S2 formula, districts that have seen declining enrollments, such as Toms River Regional, have seen cuts in state aid for several years.
The $293.5 million budget rejected by the board included a $21.3 million increase in the property tax levy, as well as $1 million in "tax incentive aid" from the state Department of Education. The aid is a new state funding source reserved for school districts considered "under adequacy," which means school systems that are spending below the amount the state says a district should be spending to educate its children.
Toms River is $106.7 million under adequacy, and the state says district taxpayers should be paying about $120 million more to support the 2025-2026 school budget.
"This is a legislative problem, one we have been fighting through testimony, we have been arguing through lawsuits," Schools Superintendent Mike Citta said. "It is hard not to think that Toms River has been targeted over the years."
Citta said the first hearing on the school district's lawsuit against the state is scheduled for May 9, when the state is seeking to dismiss the suit.
Under the rejected 2025-2026 budget, a property owner in Toms River would have faced a 12% increase in school taxes. A homeowner with a house assessed at the township's average of $448,400 would pay $4,617 in school taxes, an increase of $498 over 2024-2025. The Toms River school tax rate would rise 11 cents per $100 of assessed value, to $1.03.
In Beachwood, school taxes would have risen 16.4%, to $1.47 per $100 of assessed property value. The owner of a home assessed at $208,200, the borough's average, would pay $3,068 in school taxes, an increase of $431.
South Toms River residents would have seen school taxes jump 14.5% under the budget, to $1.27 per $100 of assessed value. For a home assessed at the borough's $170,600 average, annual school taxes would be $2,169, up $275.
Pine Beach residents would have had a 12.9% school tax increase, to 98 cents per $100 in property value. A home assessed at the borough's average of $413,200, that would have been $4,050 in annual school taxes, up $463.
Toms River taxpayers are responsible for more than 90% of the property taxes that support the regional district, which educates 14,700 children in 18 schools. Citta noted that school taxes have risen 18.5% in the past four years.
The district recently closed on the sale of its 1144 Hooper Ave. administration building, which Ocean County purchased for $15.4 million.
That money will balance the 2024-2025 budget, keeping Toms River Regional's doors open through the end of the school year, Citta said.
Toms River Regional has 2,191 employees, down from 2,363 seven years ago, Citta said. The district has cut 301 positions since the 2017-2018 school year, including 222 teachers, 72 non-certified staff members, and 10 administrators.
But an increase in the number of children learning English, as well as a jump in the number of special education students, means the district has hired 16 more English-as-a-Second-Language teachers and shifted 50 teachers to special education.
Jean Mikle covers Toms River, Seaside Heights and several other Ocean County towns. She is also passionate about Asbury Park's musical history. Contact her: [email protected].
Township officials in Toms River, New Jersey have initiated a controversial plan to acquire Christ Episcopal Church through eminent domain, a move critics say is aimed at blocking a proposed 17-bed homeless shelter at the downtown location. The ordinance, scheduled for introduction at Wednesday’s Township Council meeting, would authorize officials to pursue acquisition of the Washington Street property either through purchase or con...
Township officials in Toms River, New Jersey have initiated a controversial plan to acquire Christ Episcopal Church through eminent domain, a move critics say is aimed at blocking a proposed 17-bed homeless shelter at the downtown location. The ordinance, scheduled for introduction at Wednesday’s Township Council meeting, would authorize officials to pursue acquisition of the Washington Street property either through purchase or condemnation proceedings.
Mayor Dan Rodrick and township officials have outlined plans to convert the church property into a public recreation facility with playgrounds, skateparks, and pickleball courts if the acquisition proceeds. “We have always had a plan to do this. It’s been a long-time idea,” said Rodrick. “We had plans to take this property before this process ever began. It’s something we had been talking about as an administration and as a council for some time.”
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The eminent domain effort comes amidst heated debate over the church’s plans to establish a 17-bed homeless shelter in partnership with the Affordable Housing Alliance. A recent zoning board meeting drew more than 100 residents, with most expressing opposition to the shelter proposal that would operate from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
Residents have raised concerns about safety, potential property value declines, and fears that the facility could become a gathering point for homeless individuals, particularly given its proximity to the township’s bus station. The church is located adjacent to a residential neighborhood, amplifying neighbors’ concerns about the potential impact on their quality of life.
Proponents of the shelter emphasize the critical shortage of homeless services in Ocean County. The proposal comes at a time when county officials are working to address a growing housing crisis fueled by rising rents and the replacement of coastal motels with higher-end developments. This challenge was exacerbated when Toms River recently cleared a homeless encampment that had housed approximately 32 individuals.
Christ Episcopal Church representatives argue the shelter would provide essential services to vulnerable residents. According to testimony from Reverend Susan Jones, who spoke on behalf of the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition, the shelter would operate as “a partnership between Christ Church, the Affordable Housing Alliance and the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition.” The church already hosts outreach services for unhoused individuals at its property.
The mayor has framed the acquisition as part of a broader vision for downtown redevelopment, positioning it as an opportunity to create public recreational space. “The church wants to put a homeless shelter there — we want to put a playground,” Rodrick said. The proposed park would serve approximately 20,000 residents living in the area who currently lack convenient access to such facilities.
The ordinance encompasses not only the church property but also several waterfront parcels including the Dupont Marina, property adjacent to Marina Grill restaurant, and Sunset Cove Marina. These acquisitions align with longstanding plans to develop a cohesive waterfront district with improved public access to the Toms River, according to township officials.
The proposed ordinance does not address specific financing mechanisms for acquiring the properties. If the process moves forward, property owners would be compensated for the market value of their land, with courts typically overseeing this valuation if disputes arise between township appraisals and owner estimates.
The ordinance would allow the administration to begin the acquisition process, though specific financing arrangements would require additional council approval. This raises questions about how the township would fund potentially significant property purchases and the subsequent development of the proposed recreational facilities, especially given competing priorities in the municipal budget.
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Toms River is moving forward with a plan to buy or seize property belonging to a local church that submitted a controversial request to build a homeless shelter.Local officials introduced an ordinance Wednesday to acquire four properties through eminent domain, including the nearly 11-acre Christ Episcopal Church site on Washington Avenue.The township wants to bui...
Toms River is moving forward with a plan to buy or seize property belonging to a local church that submitted a controversial request to build a homeless shelter.
Local officials introduced an ordinance Wednesday to acquire four properties through eminent domain, including the nearly 11-acre Christ Episcopal Church site on Washington Avenue.
The township wants to build a waterfront park on the property.
Harvey York, the church‘s attorney, said the proposal is a clear act of retaliation for Christ Episcopal’s plans to open a homeless shelter.
“It is blatantly illegal, improper, and violates the United States Constitution, as well as numerous New Jersey laws and case law,” York said. “No town has ever done this, let alone done it to a church and it‘s clearly retribution.”
Last year, Christ Episcopal Church officials proposed converting its outreach office into a 17-bed homeless shelter — the first of its kind in Ocean County. The plan faced backlash from some residents who voiced opposition at local board meetings.
MORE: N.J. church wants to build a 17-bed homeless shelter. Some neighbors are pushing back.
A homeless shelter is not permitted within the site’s zoning district, so the church is requesting a variance from the township‘s zoning board. A hearing on the application is scheduled for May 22.
But, the township council said it has other plans for the property. The council wants to acquire the church site to transform it into a playground with pickleball courts, a skate park and more, according to Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick.
“It‘s a great location. We’ve had our eye on it for some time,” Rodrick said last week. “The ordinance tonight gives me the right to enter into negotiations to purchase it, but I can also use eminent domain.”
A rendering of the proposed park shows a soccer field where the church is currently located and pickleball courts nearby.
Christ Episcopal Church officials said the move to take the property through eminent domain was “snuck” onto to the township‘s meeting agenda with little notice.
According to Mayor Rodrick, the ordinance is part of a larger plan to redevelop the town’s waterfront district, which has been in the works for years.
The other three properties the township is seeking to acquire are privately-owned marinas on Water Street. Merging those properties would consolidate the area into one large municipal marina with public access to the water and nearby restaurants.
Christ Episcopal Church‘s outreach office has been operating since July 2023, serving the needy with meals, clothing and other support services. The 10.8-acre property, valued at nearly $2.5 million, is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey.
The property is in the township‘s downtown, where nearly 20,000 families live. There is currently no neighborhood park in the area, according to the mayor.
The ordinance introduced Wednesday was a first reading. A public hearing and vote has not been scheduled yet.
Toms River officials hope the Episcopal diocese will be willing to sell the land to the township. If not, Mayor Rodrick said the township is “confident” it will be able to legally acquire the site through eminent domain, which allows governments to pay a fair price for property without the owner’s consent for public use.
Due to the church‘s pending zoning board application, Rodrick declined to comment on the plans for a homeless shelter.
Homelessness has been a contentious issue in Toms River. Ocean County lacks an official year-round shelter but operates temporary warming centers during Code Blue alerts, including one that opened in January on Route 9.
A volunteer-run community kitchen affiliated with rock icon Jon Bon Jovi has also faced criticism from Rodrick who wanted to shut it down, arguing Toms River is already overburdened by the influx of people using the warming center.
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Nyah Marshall may be reached at [email protected]
732-483-4611
