This bill establishes the South Jersey Community Resilience Center, which will be located in Atlantic City and administered by the Department of Human Services in consultation with the Department of Health. The center aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community in South Jersey, which currently lacks dedicated resources for its estimated 200,000 LGBTQIA+ residents. The center will offer a variety of services, including access to LGBTQIA+-specific resources, peer discussion groups, mental health workshops, educational seminars on healthcare matters, and a collaborative space for community organizations and individuals.
To support the establishment of the center, the bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services. The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Health, is tasked with adopting necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the act. The bill emphasizes the importance of creating a centralized hub that addresses the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals, fostering a sense of safety and belonging within the community.