At Brookdale Community College, student success is about more than academics. It’s about meeting people where they are and making sure basic needs don’t become barriers to learning. That mission comes to life every day through the Thrive program at the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center, a hub of coordinated services designed to support students’ mental health, stability, and well-being.
Thrive offers free, confidential therapy for Brookdale students, available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments are conveniently scheduled through the Wellness Center, providing students with timely access to professional mental health support right on campus.
Recognizing that transportation and food insecurity can derail even the most motivated students, Thrive also provides monthly bus passes, available free to students, faculty, and staff, with pickup at the Lincroft Wellness Center before the 7th of each month. In addition, weekly grocery support is open to everyone, students, employees, and community members alike. Participants can register and pick up groceries the same day, once per week, helping ensure consistent access to nutritious food.
For students facing technology gaps, Thrive coordinates a loaner laptop program. Brookdale students can apply for a semester-long laptop loan, with availability managed through the Library, helping students stay connected to coursework and online resources.
Personalized guidance is another cornerstone of the program. Thrive connects students with dedicated faculty counselors in Health Sciences & STEM, Social Sciences & Business, Humanities, and Personal/Crisis, offering academic insight alongside personal support.
Together, these services reflect Brookdale’s commitment to a poverty-informed, student-centered approach, one that understands that when students’ basic needs are met, they are better positioned to thrive in the classroom and beyond.