AFSP New Jersey
The New Jersey Chapter is fueled by the mission to save lives by providing education and support to the Garden State.
About the AFSP New Jersey Chapter
The New Jersey Chapter is fueled by the mission to save lives by providing education and support to the Garden State.
The grassroots work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.
Volunteering with the New Jersey Chapter
We always welcome new volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please fill out the form below:
https://afsp.wufoo.com/forms/volunteer-application-new-jersey/
Request a Program
The AFSP New Jersey Chapter offers many community programs for suicide prevention to individuals, organizations, and employers across the state. If you or the group you represent is interested in hosting a presentation, educational program, or professional training, please complete our Program Request Form.
Request Educational Materials
View our Volunteer Opportunities Calendar to see and sign up for upcoming volunteer opportunities! If you have any questions regarding a community event, please contact [email protected]
Hosting an awareness event or fundraising for AFSP within your school or local community? Please complete our Materials & Giveaways Request Form to have educational resources sent directly to you!
Weekly Quote
"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within." — Maya Angelou
For Urgent Assistance
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Chapter contact
Elizabeth Clemens Executive Director, New Jersey
[email protected]
(908) 514-6028
Deanna Finizio Programs Manager
[email protected]
862.395.0252
Marissa Vargas Special Events Manager
[email protected]
862.395.1650
Upcoming events and activities
Featured Programs
More Than Sad
More Than Sad has taught over a million students and educators how to be smarter about mental health.
It’s Real
It’s Real is a documentary featuring the stories of six college students from across the country.
Talk Saves Lives™
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to help save lives.
Join the AFSP New Jersey Chapter
Stories and updates
Meet the NJ Chapter Board
Meet the New Jersey Chapter Board. Wendy Sefcik (Board Chair) On December 1, 2010, Wendy’s 16-year-old son T.J. died by suicide. Since losing her son, she has ... Siobhan Power (Board Member) is the Assistant Director of Survey and Evaluation Research at the Bloustein Center for Survey Research at Rutgers University.
Meet the NJ Chapter Junior Board
The New Jersey Chapter Junior Board, established in July 2024, is an advisory body of the NJ Chapter Board of Directors and is responsible for providing feedback and new perspectives on our efforts in Events, Preventative Education, Loss & Healing, and Advocacy.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kayla Stahl
Kayla Stahl, a dedicated volunteer with AFSP for three years, serves as a committee member for the Jersey Shore Out of the Darkness Walk. Her work with AFSP is driven by the desire to destigmatize mental health.
Opportunity: Apply to the New Jersey Chapter Junior Board
The AFSP New Jersey Chapter's Junior Board brings fresh talent and perspectives to support the organization's leadership while providing us with a pool of next-generation leaders. Junior Board members serve as AFSP NJ ambassadors bringing the mission and values of AFSP NJ to their communities
Volunteer Spotlight: Volunteer Week 2024
This month, we're excited to bring you a unique edition of our Volunteer Spotlight. To commemorate National Volunteer Week, we're highlighting seven of our exceptional volunteers who contribute to our chapter in diverse capacities. These individuals play pivotal roles across various areas
Volunteer Spotlight: Christie Schweighardt
"Christie joined the AFSP NJ Advocacy Committee because she understands that government decisions have a big impact on suicide prevention. She is passionate about making change not only in New Jersey but across the country and knows that advocacy is a major way to help implement change. She has experience advocating
Volunteer Spotlight: Nutan Chaturvedi
It's that time again: February Volunteer Spotlight! Today, we shine a light on Nutan Chaturvedi, a dedicated volunteer who has been making a difference with AFSP for the past 5 years.
New Jersey: OVERALL Chapter of the Year!
Orlando, January 28, 2024: The AFSP New Jersey Chapter is honored to win the Richard B. Kirchhoff Overall Chapter of the Year award at the AFSP annual Chapter Leadership Conference!
Volunteer Spotlight: Beth Fitch
Greetings New Jersey! We're excited to re-introduce a series that aims to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes in our community—the Volunteer Spotlight! In this monthly series, we'll shine a spotlight on one exceptional volunteer who goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in our community.
Volunteer with the New Jersey Chapter!
All of our chapter operations are made possible with the dedication of volunteers across the State. Join us in our mission to #StopSuicide! Complete our Volunteer Application to get started!
NJ Board Member Spotlight - Beth Stapleton
What brought you to AFSP?: I found AFSP after I lost my son Brian in May 2018. I went into research mode looking for more information, and I discovered AFSP. The first activity I got involved with was leading a team in memory of my son at the 2018 Hoboken Walk.
AFSP NJ/SPTS Joint Press Conference
On May 31st, AFSP NJ held a press conference in Red Bank, NJ with the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. The two organizations joined forces to emphasize the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention in New Jersey
New Jersey brings home Chapter of the Year – Large Market for the second year in a row from the annual AFSP Chapter Leadership Conference
We are proud to share the accomplishments of our hard work throughout 2022, with an expanse in leadership, educational programming, volunteer participation, Project 2025, and fundraising. We are excited by the ways our chapter has continued to take form, working to support those affected by suicide.
Volunteer Spotlight: Tracy Klingener
Tracy Klingener is the Director of Suicide Prevention at the Mental Health Association Morris/Essex where she has dedicated 16 years of her life.
Everytown for Gun Safety and NJ Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense
The NJ Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is pleased to share resources available for two campaigns sponsored by Everytown for Gun Safety and NJ Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense.
NJ AFSP collaborates with the NJ Devils and Prudential Center to host a Mental Health Awareness Night in support of Hockey Talks
The New Jersey Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) had the honor of participating in the New Jersey Devils and Prudential’s Mental Health Awareness Night on January 25th. This night was in support of the Hockey Talks annual initiative which began in 2013
New Jersey Wins Large Market Chapter of the Year!
New Jersey, April 19, 2022 – More than 300-chapter leaders, volunteers, and staff joined together in Houston, Texas, earlier this month to celebrate the essential work being done to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide during the 17th annual Chapter Leadership Conference
Double Dough
The AFSP New Jersey Chapter would like to shout out Double Dough for their support of the Hoboken Out of the Darkness Walk. They created individually wrapped cookies for our walkers on walk day. Double Dough is a hobby baking venture started by Jordan and Joelle about eight years ago.
Veterans Health Administration - New Jersey Health Care System
The NJ Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is pleased to support the VA New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCS) by sharing its Suicide Prevention QR Code. This QR Code has been created to increase access to local suicide prevention resources, reduce access to lethal means, and connect Veterans,
Volunteer Spotlight: Cherise Krug
Cherise Krug is a part of the Social Media team for the New Jersey Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Her typical day in her role is going onto the social media ambassadors page, usually over the weekend, and looking at a spreadsheet that the National organization of AFSP shares which ...
A Mother’s Perspective: The Need for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Education in Schools
It’s more important than ever before that we make mental health and suicide prevention education in schools a priority – and the good news is that anyone can get involved in helping to advocate for it.