Ocean County Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month with Recognition of Community Advocates
Ocean County honored mental health champions at its annual “Celebrating Wellness” event Wednesday evening at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library, where equine therapy pioneer Amy Liputt was awarded the prestigious 2025 Outstanding Community Advocate Award.
The ceremony, attended by representatives from Bright Harbor Healthcare and various mental health organizations, showcased the county’s commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Commissioner Haines presented a proclamation on behalf of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners officially designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness resources throughout the community.
The event also featured recognition of creative expression contest winners and the “What A Difference A Friend Makes” program participants, highlighting the diverse efforts to promote mental health awareness across Ocean County.
Mental Health Awareness Month Highlights Community Resources
May’s designation as Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental health resources and the ongoing effort to reduce stigma. The Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee, a county-wide coalition of concerned community members, has been instrumental in coordinating awareness initiatives throughout the region.
The committee’s mission centers on educating Ocean County residents about mental illness as a treatable brain disorder while promoting awareness and advocacy. Through events like the Celebrating Wellness ceremony, the committee aims to showcase the significant progress made in creating a more supportive and understanding community for those dealing with mental health challenges.
Equine Therapy Pioneer Receives Distinguished Award
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Ocean County 2025 Outstanding Community Advocate Award to Amy Liputt, founder of Hope In Her Eyes, a nonprofit organization offering innovative approaches to mental health treatment through equine therapy. Liputt, who will be further recognized at the county’s annual Celebrating Wellness event, has dedicated her career to helping veterans, individuals with autism, and others dealing with trauma and mental health challenges.
“After many years in the financial industry, Amy Liputt made the decision to follow her life’s mission of healing the noise in our heads that distorts our reality,” according to the organization’s website. Her innovative therapy program uses rescue horses to help individuals process trauma, particularly focusing on veterans’ mental health. As a certified Equine Specialist and Mental Health First Aid provider for veterans and families, Liputt has pioneered programs like Operation TRIBE, specifically designed to combat veteran suicide.
Bright Harbor Healthcare’s Ongoing Community Impact
As a key partner organization in the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee, Bright Harbor Healthcare continues to play a vital role in providing mental health services throughout the region. Formerly known as Ocean Mental Health Services until its rebranding in 2021, the organization has grown from a single office with two counselors in 1959 to an extensive network of over 400 professionals operating more than 40 specialized mental health programs.
“At Bright Harbor Healthcare, we work with you to address all of your health and wellness issues,” states the organization’s website, highlighting their comprehensive approach to integrated healthcare. The organization’s participation in the Celebrating Wellness event underscores their ongoing commitment to community-based mental health initiatives and collaborative care approaches.
BrewGrounds Recovery Cafe: A New Approach to Community Healing
Adding to Ocean County’s growing mental health resources, Bright Harbor Healthcare recently launched BrewGrounds Cafe, New Jersey’s first Recovery Network Cafe, which opened its doors on May 5th in Toms River. This innovative establishment, whose name stands for Building Recovery, Empowering Wellness, represents a significant advancement in the county’s approach to addiction and mental health support, offering a judgment-free space where individuals in recovery, their families, and community supporters can gather.
“This is about building community resilience,” explains a community advocate involved with the project. “It’s about creating a space where people can show up as they are, share their story, and realize they’re not alone,” according to NJ Breaking News. Unlike traditional treatment centers, BrewGrounds operates on a community-driven model that emphasizes belonging and social connection in a cafe setting, addressing the often-overlooked aspects of social isolation and stigma in recovery.
Looking Forward: Building a Stigma-Free Community
The Celebrating Wellness event also recognized the expanding network of “Stigma Free Zones” across Ocean County, with 29 municipalities now officially designated as areas committed to eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness. This growing movement represents a significant step toward creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment.
The evening concluded with a reminder of the importance of continued advocacy and support for mental health initiatives. As Ocean County enters Mental Health Awareness Month, events like the Celebrating Wellness ceremony serve as both a celebration of progress made and a call to action for further community engagement in supporting mental wellness resources for all residents.
