Engaging Young Mothers in Health (EYMIH)
Comprehensive Resource Guide
This website is a consolidated, plain‑language resource designed to support birthing people/individuals under age 26 in South Jersey. It brings together essential information on health insurance, medical care, childcare, transportation, and financial/coverage assistance.
Whether you're planning a pregnancy, expecting a baby, or looking for routine reproductive health care, finding the right provider is an important first step. This section highlights affordable clinics, hospital-based maternity services, and community health centers throughout Southern New Jersey that offer comprehensive care, including prenatal services, family planning, STI testing, and primary care.
In addition to a directory of healthcare providers, you'll find a step-by-step guide to help you compare your options, ask the right questions, and choose a healthcare provider that best meets your needs, preferences, and budget.
Choosing a health insurance plan is an important step for individuals and families preparing for pregnancy or caring for a new baby. While all Marketplace plans cover essential maternity and newborn care, the costs you pay, such as deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums, can vary significantly between plans. Understanding these differences can help you select a plan that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.
These sites provide low‑cost or free care and accept NJ FamilyCare, Medicaid, and uninsured patients.
Planned Parenthood - Camden Health Center
Camden, NJ | All ages
Services include pregnancy testing, contraception, STI/HIV testing, vaccines, abortion care, and tele‑mental health.
Teens & adults | Sliding‑scale fees
Family planning, pregnancy testing, STI services.
Multiple locations in Camden & Gloucester Counties
Women’s health, prenatal care, pediatrics, behavioral health.
Cumberland, Salem & Atlantic Counties
Prenatal care, primary care, pediatrics, STI testing.
Hospital‑Based OB‑GYN & Maternity Care
Premier Women’s Health of South Jersey (Woodbury)
These systems provide prenatal care, labor & delivery, high‑risk OB services, and access to social workers and financial counselors.
Taking care of your health matters just as much as taking care of your baby. If you’re trying to find the right doctor or clinic for things like birth control, pregnancy care, or general reproductive health, here’s an easy way to do it:
More information: https://activatecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AR3-27_Identifying-Accessible-SRH-Resources_R25v2.pdf
Start by writing down a few clinics or doctors in your area.
You can:
Google “women’s health clinic near me”
Ask friends, family, or other moms
Check local hospitals or community centers
Don’t stress about finding the “perfect” one yet just make a list to start.
Once you have a few options, think about what matters most for YOU.
Here are some simple things to look for:
Do they feel welcoming?
Do their hours work for you?
Do they offer what you need?
Can you afford it?
Is it easy to get there?
Do you feel comfortable there?
Do they actually support you long-term?
Look at your list and ask yourself:
Which place feels the most supportive?
Which one fits your schedule and budget best?
Which one would you feel most comfortable going to?
There’s no “perfect” choice, just what works best for your life right now
Once you pick a place:
Call or book an appointment
Ask any questions you have (no question is “dumb”)
Bring anything you might need (ID, insurance, etc.)
The examples below compare several Gold-level Marketplace plans available in New Jersey. These examples are intended to illustrate how plan costs and coverage may differ and should not be considered recommendations. Coverage, premiums, and benefits may change each year, so always review the most current plan information before enrolling.
Sample Gold Plans Overview
AmeriHealth IHC Select Gold EPO
No deductible
Labor & delivery: 50% coinsurance
Out‑of‑pocket max: $9,500
Horizon OMNIA Gold
$550 deductible
Labor & delivery: $500/day copay (up to 5 days)
Out‑of‑pocket max: $7,500
UnitedHealthcare Gold
$1,200 deductible
Labor & delivery: 20% coinsurance
Out‑of‑pocket max: $8,500
All plans include no‑cost preventive OB‑GYN visits and well‑baby care.
More information: https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/individual-family-health-insurance?allid=ehe12862000
The birth of a child qualifies as a special enrollment event in New Jersey. However, newborns are not automatically enrolled in health insurance. Parents must actively complete enrollment steps within required timelines.
Identify the Type of Insurance
Know the Enrollment Deadline
Employer plans: typically 30 days from birth
Marketplace plans: up to 60 days
NJ FamilyCare: birth must be reported immediately
Baby’s name and date of birth
Hospital proof of birth (crib card can be used temporarily)
A Social Security number is not required initially
Report the Birth
Contact the appropriate portal or agency (employer HR, Get Covered NJ, or NJ FamilyCare)
Complete Enrollment
Add the baby as a dependent or household member
Confirm plan selection if required
Confirm Coverage Start Date
When completed on time, coverage is usually retroactive to the baby’s birth date
Submit Missing Documents
Provide the Social Security number once received
Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible
You can apply for WIC if you are:
Pregnant
A parent who gave birth in the last 6 months
Breastfeeding and gave birth in the last year
A parent or caregiver of a child under age 5
To qualify, you must:
Live in New Jersey
Meet income guidelines
Have a medical or nutrition-related need
Step 2: Contact Your Local WIC Office
Call your local WIC agency or clinic
Schedule an appointment to apply
Step 3: Prepare for Your Appointment
All family members applying for WIC must attend the appointment, including children.
Bring the following documents:
Proof of identity
Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
Proof of income
Proof of New Jersey residency
Health care referral form (if completed by a provider)
Children’s Universal Child Health Record (UCHR) Children’s vaccination records
Step 4: Attend the Appointment
At the appointment, WIC staff will:
Review your documents
Check eligibility
Provide nutrition education
Enroll eligible family members
Step 5: Receive WIC Benefits
Once approved, you will receive:
Monthly food benefits
Nutrition support and education
Referrals to healthcare and community resources
Support Services and Resources for Birthing People and Parenting Individuals in Southern New Jersey
Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative
The Cooperative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of pregnant individuals, infants, children, families, and communities throughout Southern New Jersey. Their programs focus on maternal and child health, family support, health education, and community wellness.
For Pregnant Individuals
Healthy Pregnancies: Provides education, resources, and support to promote healthy pregnancies and improve birth outcomes.
Maternal Warning Signs: Educates pregnant and postpartum individuals about serious health symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
For Parents and Infants
Healthy Babies: Supports infant health through safe sleep education, breastfeeding support, and developmental resources.
Three Little Birds: Offers support and resources for families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.
For Children and Families
Healthy Children & Youth: Promotes healthy development, wellness, and injury prevention for children and adolescents.
Healthy Families: Provides parenting education and family support resources to strengthen family well-being.
Healthy Homes: Educates families about creating safe and healthy living environments.
For Communities
Healthy Communities: Works with community organizations and leaders to address health disparities and improve overall community health.
Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR): Examines fetal and infant deaths to identify preventable factors and improve healthcare systems and policies.
Services Offered:
Parenting education and support
Home visiting services
Child development guidance
Infant health and safety education
Early childhood education and preschool programs
School readiness support
Best For: Expectant parents, first-time parents, families with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
Youth & Teens Programs:
Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU), Family and Youth Support Services, Project FIRST A
Services Offered:
Crisis intervention
Counseling and case management
School and court advocacy
Life skills development
Family mediation
Behavioral and emotional support
Best For: Youth experiencing family conflict, behavioral challenges, school difficulties, or emotional crises.
Homeless Youth & Young Adults Programs:
Together Youth Shelter, HomeBase, Street Outreach Services
Services Offered:
Emergency shelter and housing
Food, clothing, and basic necessities
Educational and employment support
Life-skills training
Transitional housing
Family reunification services
Best For: Youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or family crises.
Mental Health & Counseling Programs:
Behavioral Health Services, Mobile Response & Stabilization Services
Services Offered:
Individual, family, and group counseling
Mental health treatment
Crisis response and stabilization
Trauma-informed care
Support for anxiety, depression, grief, and behavioral concerns
Best For: Children, adolescents, adults, and families seeking mental health support.
Substance Use & Recovery Programs
Pathways to Recovery, Living Proof Recovery Centers
Services Offered:
Substance use treatment
Recovery planning
Peer support services
Recovery coaching
Family support
Best For: Individuals struggling with substance use or seeking long-term recovery support.
Families Needing Parenting & Family Support Programs:
Family Outreach Program, Self-Assurance Self-Sufficiency (SASS), Family Preservation Services
Services Offered:
Parenting education
In-home counseling and support
Crisis intervention
Family advocacy
Financial and budgeting assistance
Resource navigation and referrals
Family stabilization and reunification services
Best For: Families facing parenting challenges, financial hardship, family conflict, or involvement with child welfare services.
Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence & Trauma Survivors Programs:
SERV, Trauma Recovery Services
Services Offered:
Emergency shelter and safe housing
Crisis intervention
Counseling and therapy
Legal and court advocacy
Human trafficking support
Trauma recovery services
Best For: Survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and other traumatic experiences.
Planned Parenthood provides healthcare, education, and support services for individuals, families, and communities.
Pregnancy & Parenting Support:
Pregnancy testing and options counseling
Information on parenting, adoption, and prenatal care
Referrals to healthcare and community resources for pregnant individuals and young parents
Healthcare & Reproductive Services:
Birth control and family planning
STI/STD testing and treatment
HIV testing
Wellness exams and preventive care
Telehealth services
Teen & Young Adult Education:
Sexual health education
Healthy relationships and consent
Puberty and reproductive health information
Online educational resources and workshops
Parent & Caregiver Resources:
Guidance for discussing sexual health with children and teens
Educational workshops and communication tools
Resources to support healthy development and relationships
Healthy Families & Communities
Healthy Families & Communities (HFCNJ) is a nonprofit organization that provides support services to children, families, and individuals throughout New Jersey.
Their programs focus on strengthening families, promoting health and wellness, improving economic stability, and connecting community members with essential resources.
Family Support & Parenting:
Family Success Centers that offer parenting education, support groups, family activities, and referrals to community resources.
Services designed to strengthen family relationships and build support networks.
Mental Health & Wellness:
Counseling and behavioral health services for children, adults, and families.
Health education programs that promote emotional and physical well-being.
Crisis & Housing Assitance:
Housing stability and eviction prevention services.
Crisis intervention and support for families experiencing emergencies or financial hardship.
Employment & Education:
Resume building and job application assistance.
Career readiness and workforce development programs that help individuals gain employment and improve financial stability.
Youth Services:
Programs that support child development, safety, education, and positive youth engagement.
Resource Navigation:
Assistance connecting families to healthcare, public benefits, financial assistance, and community resources.
Energy assistance programs that help eligible households manage utility costs.
Nutrition & Wellness:
SNAP-Ed cooking and nutrition classes that teach healthy eating, meal planning, and budgeting skills.
Acenda Health – Healthy Families & “A Place to Call Home”
Healthy Families: Free home-visiting for pregnant and new moms
Parenting support, emotional check-ins, and child development guidance
A Place to Call Home: Safe housing for pregnant/postpartum women in recovery
Basic Needs: Help with clothing, diapers, formula, and other essentials for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding Support: Guidance and help for feeding your baby.
Child Care: Finding safe, reliable care for your child.
Child Development: Tips and support to help your baby grow and learn.
Community Health Worker Help: Someone who can connect you to services and resources you need.
Domestic Violence Support: Help if you’re experiencing abuse or unsafe situations.
Doula Services: Support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum from trained professionals.
Employment Assistance: Help finding or keeping a job.
Food Assistance: Programs that provide meals or groceries for your family.
Health Insurance Help: Guidance on getting insurance for you and your children.
Health Care for You and Your Children: Access to doctors, dentists, physical therapy, and other medical care.
Home Visiting Support: Professionals who visit your home to offer parenting guidance and support.
Housing, Rent, and Utility Help: Assistance finding safe housing or paying bills.
Legal Advice: Help with legal questions or issues.
Mental Health Support: Counseling, therapy, or other mental health services
Prenatal and Postpartum Care: Care before and after your baby is born
Public Benefits: Help applying for programs like TANF, GA, or SSI.
Who it's for: New Jersey families welcoming a newborn through birth, adoption, foster care, or kinship care.
Services:
Free nurse home visit after birth
Newborn and parent health assessments
Feeding, sleep, and postpartum support
Referrals to community resources
Connecting NJ:
Pregnant individuals and families with young children.
Services:
Resource navigation and referrals
Home visiting program connections
Parenting and family support services
Healthcare and public benefits assistance
Connecting NJ Resource Navigation:
Services:
Food assistance (SNAP)
Healthcare enrollment
Housing resources
Legal and social services referrals
NJ FamilyCare:
Eligible pregnant individuals, children, and families.
Services:
Prenatal and postpartum care
Medical, dental, and mental health coverage
Prescription benefits
Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families America, & Parent as Teachers:
Expecting parents and families with young children.
Services:
Parenting education
Child development support
Regular home visits
Connections to community resources
Family Connections:
Parents and families needing mental health or substance use support.
Services:
Counseling and therapy
Substance use treatment
Family support services
A screening completed during pregnancy that helps identify medical, emotional, and social needs.
The assessment allows healthcare providers and insurance plans to connect pregnant individuals with appropriate support services and resources.
Resource Matching and Referrals
Based on PRA results, families may be connected to local services that support healthy pregnancies and family well-being.
Examples include:
Prenatal and postpartum support
Mental health services
Food and nutrition assistance
Housing and transportation resources
Parenting education
The Perinatal Risk Assessment (PRA) is a statewide screening and referral system used during pregnancy to identify medical, behavioral, and social factors that could affect pregnancy outcomes.
The assessment helps healthcare providers identify risks early and connect families with appropriate services and supports.
What the PRA Screens For
Using the clinically validated 4Ps Plus® screening tool, providers assess factors such as:
Tobacco and nicotine use
Alcohol and substance use
Depression and mental health concerns
Domestic violence and safety concerns
Social and environmental needs
Other health risks that may impact pregnancy outcomes
How It Works
A prenatal provider completes the PRA during an early prenatal visit.
The assessment is updated again during the third trimester.
Risk information is securely shared through the PRA Connect platform.
Families can be referred directly to community programs and support services based on their needs.
Ages: 6 weeks–12 years | Full & part‑time
Meals included; before/after school care available.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Helps eligible families pay for childcare
Application available online
Spanish‑language support available
Stage 4: Ongoing Family Support
Transportation Resources - Get better access to medical or non-medical appointments with these resources below.
Free non‑emergency rides to medical appointments
Must schedule at least 2 days in advance
Provides 24–26 free rides for medical visits
Free transportation to medical facilities
Reservations required 3 business days in advance
Expanded Transportation Resources
NJMIHIA / Access Link Transportation Assistance
For high‑risk pregnancies without transportation access
Requires medical verification
GOTrent! Electric Shuttle (Trenton only)
Free unlimited rides through June 30, 2026
Available for medical, work, grocery, and social service visits
Section 9: Resources for Immediate Financial Support
If you’re looking to address your immediate financial needs, there are several professional resources as well as government and local programs that can provide support. We’ll cover some of them in this section.
Free or Low-Cost Help With an Expert
Whether you’re having trouble keeping track of your finances or dealing with debt, working with a financial professional or other expert resource can offer personalized support for your concerns.
If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to managing your finances, try reaching out to a financial planner or other expert resource through these resources:
Your School, Employer, or Financial Institution
Check with your school, employer, or financial institution to see if they offer free financial planning resources.
Some financial institutions may also offer free financial counseling services.
Financial Planning Association :
This resource can connect you with a financial planner at no cost.
Working with a professional can help you set realistic savings goals that can help improve your financial situation.
Foundation for Financial Planning :
Consult this resource for pro bono financial planning services that can include help with budgeting, debt management, or saving for retirement.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling :
This nonprofit organization offers free one-to-one consultations with accredited counselors who can provide personalized debt relief solutions to help improve your credit.
If you’re facing food and housing insecurity, consult these resources for assistance:
Calling 211 or visiting the 211 website can connect you to a variety of free food programs and emergency housing resources in your area.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This federal program provides nutrition benefits that supplement the food budget of low-to-no-income individuals and families.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) :
This federal resource offers financial assistance in purchasing essential food supplies for pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants, and young children.
This portal provides detailed information on the different housing resources offered by federal, state and local agencies.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development : HUD offers free housing counseling nationwide that can provide advice on issues such as homeownership, reverse mortgages, and foreclosure avoidance.
If you’re in need of unemployment assistance, look into these resources:
If you’ve recently lost your job or internship, this resource can guide you through the process of applying for unemployment benefits.
USA.gov’s Unemployment Assistance:
Refer to this webpage for a list of federal and state unemployment benefits.
If you’re looking for support with childcare, refer to this resource:
This federal resource provides information on various financial assistance programs that offer help with paying for childcare.
If you need emotional support along your financial journey, reach out to these resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline :
NAMI’s Helpline volunteers can help you address any mental health concerns. NAMI also offers text-based counseling with a trained crisis counselor.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) :
Depending on your needs, SAMHSA’s treatment locator can help you find free or low-cost mental health resources such as therapy services, mental health clinics, and support groups.
Your School or Employer:
Students may be able to access free mental health resources through their school.
Employees may also have access to free or low-cost mental health services through their employers.
Resources for Education-Related Concerns
Being a student comes with its own set of financial challenges.
If you're a student, consider the following resources:
Your School:
Check whether your school has dedicated financial aid offices or financial support services that can assist you.
You may also be eligible to apply for scholarships through your school.
Visit this website for information on federal student aid programs and sources of financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and federal loans you may be eligible to receive.
National and Local Scholarships:
There may be many scholarship opportunities offered through your local community or nationwide.
Consider utilizing tools that may help you with your scholarship search and application process.
If you’re looking for free assistance with your taxes, these resources can offer some guidance:
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance :
This program provides free tax support for those earning under a certain income amount, people with disabilities, the elderly, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers.
Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) :
Consult this IRS resource for information on common tax questions and issues that may apply to your personal situation