Cape May Court House, NJ – In a continued effort to streamline Cape May County Government and services, the “Department of Community Affairs and Mental Health Administration”, formerly known as the “Department of Human Services”, was established, by resolution, as part of the 2017 County Reorganization.   The new name was created to better reflect the mission and work of the Department. 

Freeholder Jeffrey L. Pierson, liaison to the “Department of Community Affairs and Mental Health Administration”, said, “The department remains under the expert direction of Patricia Devaney, there are no staff changes and their scope of services has not changed.  The office location and contact information remains the same.” 

Also part of the 2017 Reorganization, the Department of Social Services has undergone a structural change to include the Department of Aging and Disability Services under the umbrella with Social Services.  The name of the combined department has been more appropriately changed to “The Department of Human Services”; joining Social Services with Aging and Disability Services to better provide assistance to the residents and improve efficiency within the department.  The combined Department of Human 

Services is under the Direction of Donna Groome, a longtime employee and prior Director of Aging and Disability Services. Mary Dozier has been appointed as Division Director of Aging.  Again, the scope of work has not changes, and the public can expect the same services as provided in the past.

“The new names and regrouping of departments are part of a three step proposal set in place in 2016.  The Board of Social Services was changed to the “Department of Social Services”, last year.  As we move forward, we are implementing changes that reflect the challenges and increasing needs of the residents,” Pierson added.

All contact information will remain the same.  Those who need services can contact the Department of Community Affairs and Mental Health Administration at 609 465-1055. 

The contact phone number for new Department of Human Services is 609 886-6200; the phone number of the Division of Aging and Disability Services is 609 886-2784.

“Names and changes can be confusing, but there is security in knowing that the residents of Cape May County are being served so well,” Pierson concluded.