Community Relations and Social Services

The purpose of the Asbury Park Department of Social Services Department is to promote the health and well being of the citizens of Asbury Park by assisting them to become more self-sufficient; prevent dependency; to strengthen family relationships; and to restore individuals, families, groups as well as the entire community to successful social functioning.

As a systems advocate, The Department’s objective is to enable all residents of the City of Asbury Park to live independent, dignified and meaningful lives by offering and coordinating services & programs beneficial to their specific & individual needs.

The Department of Social Services is comprised of specialized staff that interacts with diverse populations throughout the community and responds to their needs. The overall objective of the Asbury Park Department of Social Services is to assist residents to live better lives. A major goal of the Department is to coordinate and network with community-based programs and organizations as they provide services to the citizens of the City of Asbury Park.

The department provides advocacy for children's needs, crisis intervention, assessment and evaluation, nursing services, programs and opportunities for children and senior citizens, community outreach, referrals, transportation, friendly visiting, meal services and other such services for all members of the community. In addition, the Department also provides specific services which include but are not limited to helping residents to obtain adequate financial resources for their needs, evaluating the capabilities of individuals to care for themselves, their children and other dependents, referral, advocating for social causes, coordinating organizations and community service providers in their obligations to individuals, facilitating services, and linking clients to resources.

The Department through specialized personnel also serves as an "informal" Employee Assistance program and as a resource and referral source for City personnel and departments. Toward that end, the Department interfaces with each City Department in a continued effort to reduce the impact & inappropriate time demands made by or on behalf of these "Special Needs" and "At Risk" populations.

The Department also provides screening at the municipal court level in an effort to link "at risk" individuals to appropriate mental health and substance abuse services as a possible alternative to entry into the Criminal Justice System.

The Asbury Park Senior Citizen Program has been temporarily located at the Philip-Seaview Tower until a new program site is readied to accommodate the program.

Following is a list of Social Services Personnel. Please contact the person appropriate for your needs or questions.

Director
Anthony J. Nuccio
(732) 502-5757

Social Worker
Douglas Schultz
(732) 502-5731

Community Health Nurse
Rosemary Jakimowicz
(732) 502-5732

Program Development Aide
Su Chapman
(732) 502-4528

Senior Center Director
Guy Villapiano
(732) 504-5040
(temporary)

Outreach Worker Senior Center
Wendy Lukowitz
(732) 984-3906
(temporary)

Senior Center Main Number
(732) 988-5252