NJ Statewide Student Support Services

Dear [Governor/Assemblyman/Assemblywoman/Senator],

I am writing to express my strong support for the continued funding of the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) program. I am a deeply concerned advocate for the students of [       ] [School/District] in [  ] County. I urge you to support NJ4S in New Jersey’s FY2027 budget.

As a [your position/title] with over [   ] years of experience in [ field/occupation ], I have worked with many programs intended to connect students with mental health services. NJ4S has been the most effective program I have seen in ensuring that students receive the support they need. The [ ] County NJ4S cohort has become an indispensable pillar of our school community, providing specific, high-tier interventions.

One of NJ4S’ greatest strengths is its accessibility. The program removes two of the most common barriers to mental health care which are insurance requirements and transportation. Because services are provided directly in schools, students who might otherwise go without support are able to receive timely help.

[The following is data specific to Hudson County.]

NJ4S has had a critical impact on our high-need students through clinical intervention/therapy, and evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs. In the first three years of NJ4S, in Hudson County alone, over 500 students have received individual clinical intervention/therapy sessions, with an average of 8 clinical sessions per student. There have been over 3,000 therapy sessions delivered. Additionally, over 20,000 students have received evidence-based prevention programs, proven through rigorous research to have positive health outcomes and reduce risk factors associated with mental health crises. Over 60,000 Hudson County residents have received mental health training through the NJ4S staff.

[ insert non-identifying specific instances of assistance/success ]

Mental health support is not a luxury for schools, it is a necessity. Programs like NJ4S allow schools to intervene early, support students before situations escalate, and help ensure that students are able to remain focused on learning and success in the classroom. If this program were lost, the impact would be felt most by the students who rely on these services every day and would not have access elsewhere.

While I appreciate that the governor intends to initiate new targeted mental health interventions, I respectfully ask that you prioritize the continued funding and support of NJ4S in full. This will ensure that the schools, in partnership with NJ4S, can continue providing students with the mental health support they need to succeed, without interruption and without sacrificing desperately needed prevention services.

Thank you for your time and for your commitment to New Jersey’s students.

Sincerely,

Name
Title
Organization
Optional: email address

Dear [Governor/Assemblyman/Assemblywoman/Senator],

I am writing to express my strong support for the continued funding of the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) program. I am a deeply concerned advocate for the students of [       ] [School/District] in Hudson County. I urge you to support NJ4S in New Jersey’s FY2027 budget.

As a [your position/title] with over [   ] years of experience in [public education/other], I have worked with many programs intended to connect students with mental health services. NJ4S has been the most effective program I have seen in ensuring that students receive the support they need. The Hudson County NJ4S cohort has become an indispensable pillar of our school community, providing specific, high-tier interventions that our traditional budget and staffing models simply cannot replicate.

NJ4S has had a critical impact on our neediest students through clinical intervention/therapy, and needed evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs. The program has also empowered our educators, fundamentally improving how our school operates through specialized staff training on student crisis intervention, among other topics, allowing our educators to feel confident in their ability to handle student distress.

Another of NJ4S’ greatest strengths is its accessibility. The program removes two of the most common barriers to mental health care, insurance requirements and transportation. Because services are provided directly in schools, students who might otherwise go without support are able to receive timely help.

The efficiency of the program has also been remarkable. The referral process is simple and quick, and services begin soon after a student is referred, often preventing challenges from escalating into larger crises. The NJ4S team has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and collaboration with our school staff. Their responsiveness, expertise, and commitment to students have made a meaningful difference in our ability to support both students and families.

In the first three years of NJ4S, in Hudson County alone, over 500 students have received individual clinical intervention/therapy sessions, with an average of 8 clinical sessions per student. There have been over 3,000 therapy sessions delivered. Additionally, over 20,000 students have received evidence-based prevention programs, proven through rigorous research to have positive health outcomes and reduce risk factors associated with mental health crises. Over 60,000 Hudson County residents have received mental health training through the NJ4S staff.

[ insert non-identifying specific instances of assistance/success]

Mental health support is not a luxury for schools, it is a necessity. Programs like NJ4S allow schools to intervene early, support students before situations escalate, and help ensure that students are able to remain focused on learning and success in the classroom. We have seen firsthand the positive shift in our school culture and the individual lives saved by these services.

The partnership we have built with NJ4S has become an essential resource for our school community. If this program were lost, the impact would be felt most by the students who rely on these services every day.

While I appreciate that the governor intends to initiate new targeted mental health interventions, I respectfully ask that you prioritize the continued funding and support of NJ4S in full. This will ensure that our school, in partnership with NJ4S, can continue providing students with the mental health support they need to succeed, without interruption and without sacrificing desperately needed prevention services.

Thank you for your time and for your commitment to New Jersey’s students.

Sincerely,

Name
Title
Organization
Optional: email address

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling from [City, New Jersey].

I’m reaching out to Governor Sherrill to urge her to fully fund the Statewide Student Support Services program, also known as NJ4S, to support youth mental health.

As New Jersey continues to shape its budget priorities this year, I’m asking the Governor to ensure NJ4S receives sustained and full funding in the upcoming state budget so schools can continue providing critical mental health services to students. With rising youth mental health needs across the state, cutting or underfunding this program would directly impact students who rely on these supports every day.

NJ4S is already making a difference by connecting young people to care early, reducing crises, and supporting schools and families. Continued investment is essential to maintain and expand this impact.

I hope the Governor will prioritize NJ4S and demonstrate New Jersey’s commitment to student well-being.

Thank you for your time.
[Your First Name]