A local nonprofit is partnering with the Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop in Ridgewood to raise funds and awareness for behavioral health support through a community event combining ice cream sales with mental health resources. Care Plus NJ, a nonprofit providing children and adults with behavioral health services, substance use disorder support, and primary care medical care, will staff the event at 104–106 Franklin Ave. from 6–9 p.m.
Care Plus NJ staff will be scooping ice cream, sharing practical coping strategies, and connecting community members with resources to support behavioral health and overall well-being. The event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to purchase ice cream during the event, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Care Plus Foundation.
The Care Plus Foundation provides financial assistance to help individuals and families overcome life’s challenges and access essential support. Assistance includes medication support for behavioral health conditions and addiction recovery, rent and utility assistance to help prevent eviction and homelessness, groceries and personal care items, therapeutic services for children and families, educational and professional scholarships, and access to basic technology to help individuals stay connected.
“It’s a relaxed setting where people can grab a scoop, ask questions, and walk away with practical tools to support their well-being,” said Jaime Arlia, executive senior vice president of clinical services and Executive Director of the Care Plus NJ Foundation. “We’re grateful to Ben & Jerry’s for opening their doors and helping us connect with the community in such a meaningful way.”
In 2025, the Care Plus Foundation provided more than $190,000 in assistance to over 190 individuals, children, and families. To learn more about Care Plus NJ, visit https://careplusnj.org/.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/buying-ben-jerrys-ice-cream-ridgewood-monday-will-support-mental-health