Finding help with transportation, housing, meals, health care and other essential services just got easier for Ocean County residents. The county has launched a new, free text messaging service that connects older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers and families with local programs and community resources.
The Age-Friendly Ocean County Text Line, available at 848-266-6981, gives residents a convenient way to find information and assistance without downloading an app, registering for an account or navigating multiple websites.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and supports multiple languages.
Connecting Ocean County Residents with the Help They Need
Finding the right community resources can be challenging, especially for older adults and caregivers who may be managing several needs at once. Ocean County’s new text line is designed to simplify that process by putting information about local services just a text message away.
Residents can send questions about transportation, meal programs, housing assistance, health care, social activities, home care and other services. The system responds with information about relevant resources available in the community.
There’s no need to use specific keywords or worry about spelling. Residents can ask questions in their preferred language, making the service accessible to more people throughout Ocean County. “Access to reliable information about available services is essential to helping older adults remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
Early Results Show a Need for Accessible Community Information
Although Ocean County officially launched the text line on September 11, 2026, the service was tested with residents from June through September. During that pilot period, 111 individuals used the service, generating 571 referrals to community resources. The text line reached residents in 16 of Ocean County’s 33 municipalities.
Transportation, housing and meals were the most frequently requested resources. Residents also sought information about community activities, opportunities for social connection and home care services.
These early results offer insight into the everyday challenges facing Ocean County residents, particularly older adults who want to remain independent and connected to their communities.
Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers Across Ocean County
The text line is part of Ocean County’s broader efforts to make the community more accessible and supportive for its aging population. The initiative aligns with the county’s 2026–2030 Multisector Plan for Aging, which focuses on improving access to housing, transportation, health care, food security, caregiving assistance and social connections.
For caregivers helping an aging parent or family member, having one convenient place to ask about available services can make an important difference. The text line also gives older adults a simple way to explore programs that may help them continue living independently. “Our goal is to make it easier for older adults and caregivers to find the information and support they need,” said Maria La Face, Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
A Community Partnership Focused on Accessibility
The Age-Friendly Ocean County Text Line is a collaborative effort involving Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, the Rutgers Hub for Aging Collaboration and technology partner Bridge Social. The Grunin Foundation provided seed funding to help launch the initiative.
The project team continues to update the database of community resources and evaluate residents’ needs to improve the service. Ocean County is also encouraging local libraries, senior centers, health care providers, retirement communities, municipal offices and nonprofit organizations to help spread the word.
How to Use the Age-Friendly Ocean County Text Line
Getting started is simple. Residents can text 848-266-6981 at any time and ask a question about the services or assistance they need.
The service is free, available around the clock and does not require registration.
Community organizations interested in sharing information about the text line or requesting outreach materials can contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County at agefriendlyocean@njaes.rutgers.edu.
For older adults, caregivers and families throughout Ocean County, this new service provides another way to stay informed, connected and supported.
Lisa Mazzuca is owner of On Your Mark Designs, a digital marketing agency working with small business clients throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey and beyond. Lisa has been a webmaster, content marketer, and SEO specialist since 2001. Mazzuca serves on the board of directors of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce, and the local non-profit organization, A Need We Feed. Lisa is also the Vice President of the Ocean County Business Association, an industry exclusive business networking and referral group.