The Branches Outreach | CapeMayOutreach

WELCOME TO The Branches Outreach

The Branches Outreach is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing social services and programs for vulnerable individuals in Cape May County with dignity and respect.

Our Journey

The Branches opened in 2007 in one bay of a strip mall as a place for parishioners of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stone Harbor and members of St. Barnabas by the Bay in Villas, to come together for coffee and conversation, Bible studies, and special events.

With the church thrift shop next door, there were lots of walk-in visitors and it became apparent that there was a growing population in need in Rio Grande. The Branches started providing meals, clothing, and other support for those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty. Word rapidly spread throughout the county and soon churches, restaurants, local agencies, businesses and individuals were donating food, clothing, and their time to care for the growing underserved population. The mission and services were expanded and we became The Branches Outreach, an official 501(3)c non-profit.

Sandra and Fr. Ron Lockhart started a mobile ministry – loading up cars and delivering food and basic necessities to several nearby motels. In 2021, The Branches Outreach purchased an official van to handle this ministry. Soon after the food pantry opened, where people can select groceries for the week.

In 2015, Terri Mascione, having tragically lost her son, joined The Branches Outreach staff in his honor. In addition to working alongside Sandra and the volunteers, Terri began special programs for children – a day at Morey’s Pier, birthday parties, and holiday gift events.

In 2023, Tyler Keene joined the staff of The Branches Outreach as Executive Director. Tyler is a passionate and dedicated nonprofit leader known for finding solutions to complex problems in order to better serve communities in need. Tyler has stewarded the Branches mission and expansion of programs as we continue to transition from a small grassroots nonprofit to a full service outreach

In December 2024, Alana Maldonado joined the team. Prior to taking on her new role as Executive Director at The Branches Outreach, Alana spent six years working at Cape Assist, a non-profit agency that specializes in Substance Use Prevention and Treatment in Cape May County. Through her work at Cape Assist, Alana engaged in assessment, research, community collaboration, outreach initiatives and activities to reduce risk and enhance protective factors in Cape May County. She wore many hats at the agency, first serving as the coordinator of Older Adult Programs from 2018-2020, the Youth Sector Coalition Coordinator from 2018-2022, and most recently, the Mental Health Awareness Trainings Coordinator from 2022-2024. In her most recent role Alana worked to spread education and awareness about biopsychosocial factors that lead to mental health and substance use challenges, how to address these topics, and link individuals with resources in the community.

Alana holds many trainer certifications in evidence-based curriculums in subjects such as Life Skills, Wellness Initiatives, Strengthening Families, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Substance Use Education, Suicide Prevention, and Mental Health. Alana has also been an active participant in community coalition work and remains actively engaged with all 12 sectors of the community.

Alana believes wholeheartedly in the mission of The Branches to provide personal care, case management, and compassionate support to those in need in Cape May County.

It is Alana’s belief that through human connections and acts of kindness, we can empower individuals to take necessary steps to connect with additional resources and achieve recovery. The first step is to meet an individual’s basic needs.

Alana’s experience in the field, personal life experience, and education in Human Services and Social Work drive her passion to lead The Branches Outreach.

Expanding Services and Impact

As the number of people in need of services in the area continues to increase, The Branches Outreach has done everything we can to step up for our community. Through partnerships with agencies like Acenda, Jewish Family Services, Cape May County Division of Social Services, SJ Aids Alliance, Community Food Bank of NJ, CSPNJ Community Wellness Center, South Jersey Legal Services, local healthcare providers and more we connect guests to the resources they need. The Branches has brought on many qualified industry veterans to help continue to expand our services and support our community.

Thanks to a very generous benefactor, The Branches Outreach Center moved into a new building located at 201 Hirst Avenue in Rio Grande in September 2022. The building has been completely renovated to our specifications to meet the growing needs of the clients.

Thank you for joining us on our journey to reduce human suffering in our area. We are all in this together!

Food Services

Breakfast and Lunch

The Branches Outreach Center – 201 Hirst Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ

Warm breakfast is served Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at The Branches Outreach Center.

Freshly prepared lunch is served Monday through Friday 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at The Branches Outreach Center.

All are welcome but IDs are requested on the first visit. If you need assistance obtaining an ID, you can contact us here. https://thebranchesoutreach.org/contact/

Donated food for meal distribution is required to be prepared in an inspected kitchen adhering to all food donation requirements.

Food Pantry

Our Food Pantry is located at 3401 Rt. 47, Unit AJ, Rio Grande, NJ – in the Village Shoppes Center

The Food Pantry offers free perishable and non-perishable groceries, personal care items, and some household items based on family size.

Our Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 9 am and 12 pm.

In order to ensure adequate supplies guests from zip codes 08251, 08204, and 08242 are regularly served through The Branches Outreach Pantry. Guests outside these three zip codes are encouraged to utilize the food pantry closest to their location. Our staff is happy to assist in locating a closer food pantry. Personal grocery delivery is not available outside of the locations served via our mobile delivery van.

If you need assistance obtaining an ID, come by the Outreach Center, M-F; 8:30 am-1 pm.

Other Food Resources

Mobile Food Pantry

Food is also delivered to two local motels where families reside and to local recovery houses.

For information on donating to the food pantry please see our list of accepted items.

SNAP Benefits (Formerly Food Stamps)

You can enroll in the NJ food assistance program SNAP here:

Apply For SNAP https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/apply/app/

For assistance enrolling, the Community Food Bank of NJ can provide help applying.

SNAP Application Assistance cfbnj.org/how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-nj/

Personal Care

The Branches Outreach Center – 201 Hirst Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ

Clothing & Personal Care Items
Guests of The Branches Outreach Center can request free clothing, shoes, and personal care items. Guests needing appropriate clothing for interviews, jobs, or other occasions can request a thrift store voucher. Services are offered Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 1 pm.

Guests of The Branches Outreach Center have access to free haircuts monthly. Check the calendar for dates and times. https://thebranchesoutreach.org/news-events/

Showers
Guests of The Branches Outreach Center can request to take a shower Monday – Friday between 8:30 am and 1 pm. Towels and toiletries are provided. Unopened toiletries and used towels can be donated. See donation details here.

Health
Guests of The Branches Outreach Center have access to services including basic health screenings, education on disease prevention, and addiction support Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 1 pm. See the calendar of events for program details. https://thebranchesoutreach.org/news-events/

Immediate Needs

Guests of The Branches Outreach Center can request to meet privately with a trained advocate for assistance with navigating local social service agencies for housing, substance abuse, mental health, employment, and legal issues Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 1 pm.

The Branches Outreach does not provide housing vouchers.

Clients can meet with a trained advocate to discuss housing services in the area between 8:30 and 1 pm, M – F.

Those in need of housing should contact Cape May Social Services:
Social Services | Cape May County, NJ – https://capemaycountynj.gov/984/Division-of-Social-Services
3801 Route 9 S, Unit 4, Rio Grande, NJ 08242
Phone: 609-886-6200 | Email: social.services@co.cape-may.nj.us

Code Blue

Cape May County determines there is a Code Blue when the temperature is 32 degrees or lower. The Branches Outreach Center extends its hours for guests traveling to the warming centers. 2023 winter code blue details will be provided here as needed.

Outreach Center

201 Hirst Ave
Rio Grande, NJ 08242

Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 1:30pm

Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Food Pantry

1304 Rt. 47, Unit AJ
Rio Grande, NJ 08242

Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Saturday: 10am-12pm

Tue, Thurs, Sun: Closed

If you or someone you know is in need of food, please call 609-886-5091 and leave a message.

Email: Infoatthebranchesoutreach.org

Phone: 609-886-5091