February 2026 Inspirations
Unsung Hero Spotlight: Dr. Leslie M. Showell
Today we celebrate Dr. Leslie M. Showell — a dedicated educator, community advocate, and lifelong champion for equity in education. For nearly three decades, Dr. Showell has poured her heart into supporting young learners and their families throughout Camden County, New Jersey.
As a Preschool Intervention & Referral Specialist with the Camden City School District, she focuses on early identification and equitable access to educational services, ensuring that every child — especially those from underserved communities — gets the support they deserve. Her work is grounded in culturally responsive practices and building strong partnerships between schools and families.
Dr. Showell is also the founder of Thoughts of Creative Learning, LLC, a service devoted to literacy, phonics, and math enrichment for K–3 students — helping close opportunity gaps and foster confidence in young learners.
Her leadership goes beyond the classroom — she has served on executive boards of community organizations like the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc., volunteered in reading initiatives, supported food distributions, and empowered youth through dance and literacy programs.
In recognition of her decades of service, Dr. Showell was honored with the 2026 Camden County MLK Freedom Medal — a tribute to her compassion, dedication, and lasting impact on children, families, and educators across the region.
Thank you, Dr. Showell, for your passion, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities through education. You truly are an unsung hero.
FEBRUARY 2026 POSTS
10 Essential Crisis & Support Hotlines Every Southern NJ Parent Should Know
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Whatever you’re going through, feeling, or thinking, we are here to listen and support you. Don’t face it alone.
The mission of the New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline (NJ Hopeline) is to provide 24/7 support, assessment and, if needed, intervention in the most cooperative and least restrictive manner to New Jersey residents in emotional distress and suicidal crisis. Contact us by phone, chat, email, or text.
877-292-5588
The Peer Recovery WarmLine is a peer-run service providing ongoing telephone support to mental health consumers as they work towards their recovery. All calls are answered by peers who are trained, supportive people with lived experience with mental health disorder.
800-382-6717
The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) oversees the provision of a broad range of community mental health and addiction services throughout the State. DMHAS publishes directories to provide information about mental health programs in the state of New Jersey.
888-222-2228
Give Yourself a Second Whenever You Need Help
No matter what is on your mind, we are here to provide free, anonymous, and confidential 24/7 support.
1-866-626-4664
Crisis episodes related to mental illness can feel overwhelming and confusing. It’s important to remember that we all do the best that we can with the information and the resources we have available to us. At NAMI we want you to know that: You are not alone; this is not your fault; you deserve help and support; and there is support available for you.
866-202-4357
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s NJMentalHealthCares Helpline offers free, anonymous online mental health screenings in cooperation with Mental Health America. Self-assessments are available for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as screens for youth and parents.
877-294-4357
The NJ Disaster Mental Health Helpline provides public access to targeted mental health services in case of natural or man-made disaster or terrorist attack. The helpline is equipped to quickly develop resources to better assist New Jersey’s affected populations.
877-652-7624
PerformCare New Jersey can connect you and your child 24/7 to behavioral health services through the New Jersey Children’s System of Care. This can include Mobile Response, a 24/7 service where a specially trained behavioral health professional can come to someone's home within an hour of calling to diffuse a crisis and connect families and youth to needed services.
856-299-3001
Healthcare Commons Inc. is a not-for-profit licensed community mental health agency serving all of Salem County, as well as parts of Cumberland and Gloucester counties. The Emergency Services Department provides 24/7 mental health crisis intervention to individuals.
800-367-6274
New Jersey families suffering from behavioral health crises, chronic mental illness and substance use disorders can benefit from peer family support and education. The NJ Self-Help Groups Clearinghouse can connect you with opportunities for family members to join self-help groups, receive education and training about these disorders as well as gain the support and experience from those with the same life experience.