About Us

Interfaith Health & Support Services of Southern Ocean County, Inc.

Founded in 1997

Interfaith Health and Support Services was incorporated in January 1997 as a 501c3 non-profit organization. IHSS opened its doors in January of 1998. In one month, it was serving 35 care receivers and had trained 53 volunteers. Within 10 months, IHSS was serving 160 care receivers facilitated by a part time Director and Coordinator. Twenty-three different congregations on the Island, in Manahawkin, Waretown, West Creek, Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton participate in providing volunteers and care receivers. Hackensack Meridian Health, St. Francis Community Center and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services are also participating agencies.

Today, volunteers and staff provide visits to the homebound, transportation to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, telephone reassurance, pet therapy, arts & crafts programs, in-home hair cutting and Alzheimer respite care. More than 175 volunteers have provided more than 10,200 hours of service in 2022. That number is expected to increase in 2023 based on requests already seen and services provided. Typically, IHSS volunteers are retired men and women looking for volunteer service opportunities and want to give back to their communities—more volunteers are needed and welcome in both Manahawkin and in our Little Egg Harbor office.

Even at the height of the pandemic, IHSS’s doors remained open to its mission of providing services. IHSS food shopping and reassurance calls increased by more than 60%.

Donated free medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs are available for our caregivers or to anyone in the community in need. Just call the Manahawkin office at 609-978-3839.

Interfaith Board President Joanne Leichte notes, “It has been such a blessing to be part of Interfaith, to serve God’s people for many years. The generosity of spirit of our volunteers and community partners has been so inspiring and has lifted up countless neighbors in need. We look forward to continuing to serve for many more years.”