Monday, May 13, 2024
5/13/2024
Located at the southern tip of New Jersey, Lower Township has the largest year-round population in the county. The 2010 United States Census reported the population at 22,866 people, and the racial makeup of the township was 94% White, 2% Black, 0.2% Native American, 0.6%, Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. 17% of the population is under 18 and its older adults make up, by far, the largest percentage of the population at 23%. Lower Township is home to several large Christian churches that are active in the community. And Although there are no numbers to substantiate, the coalition is partners with an active nonprofit that is supporting of the LGTQ community in the county. The township has a long and rich history. In the early 1800s, the land was developed into a prosperous fishing and whaling community and the commercial fishing industry continues to play a leading business role in Lower Township today. The driving economic force in the Township is the tourist industry. The area prides itself on being a premier vacation destination on the East Coast and has been a popular vacation spot for more than 100 years. It hosts an abundant number of vacationers each season. Expensive vacation homes near the water are only minutes way from small one-bedroom homes located inland, where 10.6% of the population are below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18. This influx of visitors also impacts resource utilization, social services availability and stresses the capacity of the township to respond to the needs of the residents and visitors. Lower Township is faced with two extremes each year: the bustling resort destination and the winter ghost town. In the summer season, parents work several jobs to make ends meet which leaves youth home without parental supervision. Many youth are employed at an early age and are introduced to alcohol and drugs at work. Then, in the colder months, residents are faced with high unemployment rates. This sudden shift creates a desolate and isolated feeling among year-round residents. Youth have few diversions and safe places to congregate. Many businesses close and public transportation to further away activities is an issue. The county also suffers from a bruised identity. Originally named “Lower Township” to describe its geographic position in the county, in recent years the name has taken on the connotation of lower social status. Young people feel a sense of hopelessness, beyond normal adolescence emotional strife. “Slower Lower” and “At least it’s not lowest” are the running jokes among youth and adults here. This inferiority complex exacerbates the low community attachment and feeds the culture of acceptance in youth and adults regarding substance use. That acceptance is compounded by the resort economy and the “I am on vacation” attitude. Lower Township sees the excessive use of alcohol, the issue of legalizing recreational marijuana and the spread of heroin and other drug use as a clear and present danger for the community’s youth. Based on the unique local economic, social, and environmental conditions described, the coalition will work to reduce underage drinking that occurs with parental/community consent/knowledge, and work to reduce its availability. The coalition will work to increase the perception of risk of regular marijuana use. And regarding the use of prescription drugs, the coalition will work reduce the availability of prescription drugs and increase the perception of harm.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
