Partners for Health Welcomes New Members to its Board!

Partners for Health is pleased to announce the following individuals have been elected to serve as Trustees of the Foundation:  . . . . . . Three of our five new trustees are pictured, from left to right: Lori Ann Palmieri, Casey Castañeda, and Gara M. Sommers M.D. FACOG Casey Castañeda is a Senior Consultant …Read More…

Toothache: The Painful Truth About Oral Health Care Inequity, a KinderSmile Documentary

KinderSmile Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing barrier-free oral health education and dental care in Bloomfield, Newark, and Trenton, New Jersey, announces the dual premiere of their documentary Toothache: The Painful Truth about Oral Health Care Inequity. Toothache exposes the gap in access to oral health care and forges innovative solutions for a healthier future. KinderSmile …read more…

Welcome – Yeni Friesen!

Meet Yeni Friesen, the latest addition to the Partners for Health team, who has stepped into the newly created role of Grants Coordinator. Yeni traces her roots to Mexico City; she has lived in Montclair for six years. Yeni brings more than a decade of expertise in buying, marketing, and sales analysis. She graduated with …Read More…

Grants totaling more than $200,000 awarded in first half of 2023

The Partners for Health Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to announce it approved grants totaling more than $200,000 in the first half of 2023, including: General Operating funds to the Northeast Earth Coalition to enhance their efforts to protect the environment, and promote local sustainability and food security. Their initiatives include the Free Little …Read More…

Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place: Architecture Design Competition to encourage ADU Adoption

Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place has launched an architectural design competition for freestanding, practical, and reusable Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The competition will address the housing income challenge for seniors who want to age in place, and propose solutions for increasing density in suburban communities that will have the least impact on streetscapes and …Read More…

Better Together: Stories about how our communities lift us up!

Montclair Film will present BETTER TOGETHER: A Special Evening of Storytelling sponsored by Partners for Health Foundation on Thursday, April 27, 2023. The event will feature stories about being lifted up and supported by your community when things in life don’t go as planned. This StorySlam will begin at 7:30 PM at Montclair Film’s headquarters, …Read More…

New Trustees Join the Foundation Board!

Partners for Health Foundation is pleased to welcome five new members to its Board of Trustees. Vikram Gupta, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician with private practices in Clifton and Paterson; he is also board-certified in Hospice and Palliative Care.  He has attending privileges at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, Hackensack University Medical Center …Read More…

Retiring Trustees are Recognized

Partners for Health Board Chair Doug Bauer recognized three retiring Trustees at the Foundation’s December 2022 Board meeting. Robert L. Erickson, MD joined the Foundation Board in mid-2014. “Doctor Bob” originally engaged with Partners for Health as a volunteer who was interested in researching local health data and trends. During his eight years as a …Read More…

MILLy wins Nonprofit Scarecrow Contest

The Montclair Foundation and Van Vleck House & Gardens recently sponsored their third annual community exhibition, Scarecrow Exhibit in the Gardens. The exhibit featured handcrafted scarecrows created by scout troops, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, families, classes, and individuals. Scarecrow designs ranged from the traditional to dark-and-scary tributes to Halloween, from repurposed and upcycled creatures to …Read More…

Foundation Co-Led Exponent Philanthropy Session on Funder Collaborations

Jackie Gifuni-Koutsouris, PfH Program and Evaluation Officer, was one of the session leads for a workshop, Move Beyond Misconceptions to Create Effective Place-Based Funder Collaborations, which was presented at the Exponent Philanthropy Conference in Minneapolis, MN on October 12. Kathy Smith, PfH Program Director, also served as a panelist. More than 50 conference attendees registered …Read More…

Essex-Hudson Greenway Closer!

A highly anticipated “greenway” that will thread through eight towns and cities in North Jersey is getting closer to fruition. But officials say it could take “years” before the massive project reaches the finish line. On Thursday, September 15th Gov. Phil Murphy gave a status update on the Essex-Hudson Greenway, a new state park that …Read More…

Nursing Student Scholarships Support Healthier Communities

The Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ) has posted a scholarship opportunity funded by Partners for Health. Based on the demand for nurses and the high cost to attend nursing school, Partners for Health is expanding its Nursing Scholarship awards program to 14 scholarships of $7,500 each in 2022 and 2023. To be consistent …Read More…

Spring Grants Announced

Partners for Health has announced Spring 2022 grants totaling $200,000 for the following initiatives: Funding to Zufall Health Center will support efforts to achieve Joint Commission Ambulatory Care Accreditation for their network of seven New Jersey-based Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). This grant will be used for consultants to assist in the preparation and submission …Read More…

NFSB Begins Accreditation Process to Bring Highest Standard of Care to the Nutley Community

Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is excited to announce that we are going through an accreditation process that will ensure all areas of the organization are functioning according to best practices. We’re partnering with Social Current (formerly Council on Accreditation), which has been accrediting human service organizations for decades, to navigate this process. The accreditation …Read More…

Toni’s Kitchen Expansion Project Underway

Toni’s Kitchen, a food ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Montclair, broke ground on a significant expansion of its space on Saturday, June 18.  The expansion project will open up over 5,000 square feet of space below the sanctuary building but currently inaccessible.  The new space will house pallets of food, shelving units, work …Read More…

Partners for Health Team Updates!

Congratulations Jackie! Jackie Gifuni-Koutsouris has recently been promoted from Program Associate to Program and Evaluation Officer. Jackie joined the Foundation more than six years ago and has advanced through progressively more responsible positions in our grantmaking process, where she has played a key role during our strategic planning process. In this new role, Jackie will …Read More…

Josh S. Weston honored at Golf Outing and Tribute Dinner

Partners for Health honored Josh S. Weston at its Golf Outing and Tribute Dinner on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Josh was an original member of the Partners for Health Foundation Board when it was incorporated as the Mountainside Hospital Foundation in 1990. At that time, he was also the Chair of the Mountainside Hospital Board. …Read More…

Partners for Health awards grants totaling $473,500 in the first quarter of 2022

In the first quarter of 2022, Partners for Health awarded grants totaling $473,500 to support the following organizations and initiatives: Matching grants were disbursed to 10 soup kitchens, food pantries and organizations working toward affordable housing and healthy food. Grantees included City Green, Family Promise of Essex County, HOMECorp, Human Needs Food Pantry, MESH (Montclair Emergency Services …Read More…

Montclair Gateway To Aging in Place Awarded $10,000 Grant To Help Seniors Get Connected

The work of Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place – the recently established nonprofit Senior Center for our digital world – has been recognized for its efforts with a $10,000 grant from Partners for Health. The funding will be utilized in the organization’s Campaign for Digital Connectivity; specifically, the SmartSeniors/SmartPhones© (SS/SP) pilot project. “Digital competency …Read More…

Matching Grants totaling $315,000 awarded to community health partners

Partners for Health has awarded grants totaling $315,000 to support local soup kitchens, food pantries and organizations working toward affordable housing and healthy food for all.  Participating organizations include:  City Green, Family Promise of Essex County, HOMECorp, Human Needs Food Pantry, MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope), MNDC (Montclair Community Farms, Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation, …Read More…

Daytime Warming Centers Open In Montclair Until Spring

Daytime warming centers in three Montclair locations are now open for individuals without a permanent home at the Salvation Army, Toni’s Kitchen, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair (staffed by Montclair Emergency Services for Hope, Inc., or MESH). The sites will be available parts of each day, seven days a week, through April 3rd. …Read More…

Doug Bauer Elected Foundation Board Chair; Dana Van Wie Joins The Board

Partners for Health Foundation is pleased to announce that Douglas B. Bauer has been elected to serve as Board Chair for 2022-2023, and Dana A. Van Wie has joined the Board for a three year-term (2022-2024). Doug Bauer has been a Partners for Health Trustee since 2014, and most recently served as the Foundation’s Second …Read More…

A Tribute to Retiring Trustees

Partners for Health recognized retiring Trustees, Deborah McLean Leow and Christopher D. Petermann, at the Foundation’s December 2021 Board meeting. Deb Leow first partnered with the Foundation as the emcee at TEDxMontclair 2013, an event that Partners for Health helped to plan and sponsor. Following this she was elected to the Foundation Board in March …Read More…

City Green expands its New Jersey nutrition incentive program with $500,000 USDA NIFA GusNIP grant

On Wednesday, November 24, 2021, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced a $500,000 award to City Green supporting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) statewide nutrition incentive program, The Garden State Good Food Network. Over three years, the award from the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) will support the Garden State Good …Read More…

Thank you for supporting our Annual Golf Tournament!

Partners for Health Foundation raised more than $110,000 at its Annual Golf Tournament held on Thursday, October 7 at the Green Brook Country Club in North Caldwell.  “On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I want to thank everyone who supported this year’s outing. I also want to acknowledge the event honoree, Co Bertsche, for …Read More…

New MCDC Van Played a Vital Role during COVID

The Montclair Child Development Center, Inc. (MCDC) provides early childhood education and related services to Head Start eligible students aged birth to five years old. Prior to COVID, MCDC staff prepared a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack in their industrial kitchen in Montclair and then delivered meals to their other schools located in Glen Ridge and Orange.  …Read More…

MILL Classes Continue to Bring Seniors Together – Virtually!

By Michelle DeWittSenior Citizens Coordinator for the Township of Montclair-Lifelong Montclair When we kicked off the Winter 2021 semester of the MILL (Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning) after almost a full year of virtual programming, we thought that local seniors would be tired of experiencing the world virtually from their computers. Instead, they continued to …Read More…

Welcome to Montclair Community Farm’s New Cohort of Farmpreneurs!

Written and Submitted by Marissa Staffen, Montclair Community Farms This past week we welcomed a group of 9 energetic and ambitious high school students from across Essex County onto the farm! Our farmpreneurs will be busy this season gaining hands-on experience in agriculture, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship as participants in our “Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs From …Read More…

MHS’S BLUE SCRUB CLUB DONATES TO MOUNTAINSIDE MEDICAL CENTER

As published in Montclair Local The Blue Scrub Club at Montclair High School has donated $500 to Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center’s Pastoral Care department through the Partners for Health Foundation. The Blue Scrub Club’s purpose is to inspire and educate students who are interested inexploring careers in the medical field. The club hosts weekly …Read More…

Access to Oral Health Care and a Link to a Dental Home

Written and submitted by: Michal Herman, Dental Home Director, KinderSmile Bloomfield Esther’s first visit with KinderSmile Oral Health Program was at her school in 2019, where she received her very first oral exam and dental cleaning. She was immediately linked to our Dental Home, KinderSmile Community Oral Health Center Bloomfield, where she returned for her …Read More…

Good Food Bucks: Putting Families First

Written and submitted by: Lisa Martin, Director of Food Access, City Green City Green’s Garden State Good Food Network (GSGFN) is a statewide farmers’ market incentive program for New Jersey’s SNAP, WIC, and Senior FMNP shoppers. Through this program, anytime a SNAP, WIC, or Senior FMNP customer uses their Families First EBT card at a …Read More…

Montclair Community Partners Collaborate To Provide Daytime Shelter From Cold For Those In Need

News story courtesy of the nonprofit subcommittee of the Township of Montclair’s COVID-19 Task Force. The nonprofit subcommittee of the Township of Montclair’s COVID-19 Task Force convened emergency meetings last week (January 27 and 28) to address yet another crisis triggered by the pandemic: daytime respite from the cold for community members who are homeless. …Read More…

PFH Grant to Inform the Development of the Essex-Hudson Greenway

Partners for Health Foundation has made a two-year grant to the Open Space Institute (OSI) to inform the development and design of a long-sought nine-mile, multi-use greenway following the path of the Old Boonton train line through Montclair, Glen Ridge and Bloomfield on through Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City. The Essex-Hudson Greenway would …Read More…

A Year Defined by Silver Linings

Submitted by the KinderSmile Foundation The year 2020 has proven to be a difficult year, but for KinderSmile Foundation, it was defined by silver linings. Thanks to a technology capital improvement grant from Partners for Health Foundation, which was received immediately prior to the Dental Home closures necessitated by COVID-19, we were able to continue …Read More…

Partners for Health Welcomes Three New Trustees

The Partners for Health Foundation Board of Trustees elected three new members who joined the Board on January 1, 2021.  Diana Candelejo, MPA is the Corporate Director of Anchor Strategy for the Social Impact and Community Investment (SICI) practice at RWJBarnabas Health. With an emphasis on ensuring health equity, the SICI practice is rooted in …Read More…

We Salute our Communities!

Partners for Health Foundation salutes our communities for their tremendous efforts during this difficult year! Please enjoy this video featuring music from the Passing Notes, Montclair High School’s student-run a cappella group, and photos submitted from community partners. Thank you!

MFF Panel Discussion Addresses Food Insecurity

A timely and important discussion about food insecurity in New Jersey and advocacy efforts to address hunger was produced as part of Partners for Health Foundation’s sponsorship of the 2020 Montclair Film Festival.  With the COVID-19 pandemic having an outsized economic impact on families and communities in need, support to end food insecurity is at …Read More…

KinderSmile Foundation Provides Access to Oral Health Care to At-Risk Youth

Submitted by KinderSmile Foundation  The mission of KinderSmile Foundation is to provide underserved children with access to comprehensive dental care and to educate children and their families about the importance of dental hygiene as related to total health. We envision a future where every child has access to a dentist, and preventable dental diseases are …Read More…

West Orange Designated as an Age-Friendly Community

West Orange recently received formal acceptance into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and the World Health Organization Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.   This prestigious award reaffirms the Township’s commitment to an age-friendly community, which benefits residents of all ages. The age-friendly movement, launched by the World Health Organization in 2005, continues …Read More…

Community Health Worker Improves Outcomes for those who are Homeless

Zufall Health Center’s Community Health Worker has been reaching out to those who are homeless and reducing barriers to seeking primary care services, made possible in part by a two-year grant from Partners for Health Foundation. Lakshmi Silva, Zufall’s Community Health Worker, provides consistent outreach to homeless individuals in West Orange and surrounding areas, linking …Read More…

Milbank Park Community Garden Expands Access to Fresh Produce in Bloomfield

Neighbor to Neighbor Network (NTNN), in collaboration with the Township of Bloomfield and the Bloomfield Garden Committee, established the Community Garden at Milbank Park in 2019 and is enjoying it first full growing season this year. This volunteer-led project is a grassroots effort designed to create gardening space for residents, as well as a community …Read More…

MFEE America to Me Real Talk on Race Takes on Greater Urgency

MFEE America to Me Real Talk on Race Takes on Greater Urgency Since 2018, the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) has engaged over 600 Montclairians in a town-wide process for understanding issues of race and equity more deeply using the America to Me documentary series. The series examines racial inequities through the eyes of …Read More…

Registration is Now Open for “All Remote” MILL Summer MILL Classes

The Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL) will once again offer “all remote” programming for its summer sessions, with virtual classes in program areas that include the Arts, History and Current Events, and Health and Wellness.  When the Division of Senior Services/Lifelong Montclair closed Edgemont Park House for programs in early March due to the …Read More…

T-shirt Sales Support Emergency Funding efforts

Proceeds from the sale of “Montclair Strong” T-shirts have been donated to Partners for Health and will be used for emergency grants to address increased demand at local soup kitchens and food pantries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Pam Scott, Executive Director of the Foundation, said, “We are grateful to the enterprising Montclair High School …Read More…

$80K in Contributions Reached for Toni’s Kitchen!

In late April, three local funders joined the Township of Montclair to address the escalating food need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Partners for Health Foundation, The Schumann Fund for New Jersey, the Montclair Fund for Women and the Township contributed a total of $80,000 to establish a pooled Matching Fund for Toni’s Kitchen. Donations made directly to Toni’s …Read More…

VIRTUAL MONTCLAIR BOUNCE ANNOUNCES SPRING ONLINE OFFERINGS

The second MONTCLAIR Bounce Festival scheduled for this Spring has been postponed indefinitely but organizers are offering online experiences and resources reflecting the Festival’s goals of helping the community sustain itself through life’s ups and downs. These include creative collaborations with local partners, practical information and a virtual place for neighbors to come together. Upcoming …Read More…

THE VICTORY GARDEN COMES BACK: HOW-TO GUIDE

By JOSE GERMANOriginal Article can be found at the Montclair Local Jose German writes the “Gardening for Life” column for Montclair Local and is the founder of the Northeast Earth Coalition. Shared with permission from Jose German. The Victory Garden movement, nowadays more commonly referred to as urban farming, is very strong in Montclair. In the …Read More…

Montclair and Bloomfield Join Forces to Ensure All Residents Counted

Montclair and Bloomfield are joining forces to form a Complete Count Committee to ensure that the 2020 Census brings appropriate funding and resources to our communities. The Committee will focus on those who are at risk for being significantly undercounted, including very young children, low income residents, people living in multigenerational housing, and others. Montclair …Read More…

Double the Value

On a fall day at the Montclair Farmers’ Market, a customer walked up to the market managers’ tent with a $5 bill. But it wasn’t your average $5 bill – it was a Good Food Bucks coupon, part of the Double Bucks program that allows federal food benefit recipients to buy twice as much local …Read More…

Bloomfield College Joins JED Campus to Support Student Mental Health

Bloomfield College to Assess and Enhance Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicide Prevention Efforts in Partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED) Bloomfield College announced that it has joined JED Campus in support of student well-being and mental health. The program is a nationwide initiative of The Jed Foundation (JED) designed to help schools evaluate and …Read More…

Rita Bettenbender Memorial Fund Honors Legacy of MILL Film Class Instructor

When the Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning launched in March 2015, Rita Bettenbender’s Film Class was among its first offerings.  Rita passed away in January 2020 and to honor her legacy, the MILL has created the Rita Bettenbender Memorial Fund.  Donations to the fund will support future film classes in Rita’s memory, and will be …Read More…

City Green’s Farm to Preschool Program Establishes Healthy Eating Habits

Early childhood is the ideal time to establish healthy behaviors, including healthy eating habits. According to the Food and Nutrition Service of the US Department of Agriculture, “Farm to Preschool works to connect early child care and education settings to local food producers with the objectives of serving locally-grown, healthy foods to young children, providing …Read More…

Explore the Lenape Trail!

An Official Guide to the Lenape Trail developed by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, is now available to guide exploration of the trail and the parks that it traverses. The 36-mile Lenape Trail brings visitors to Essex County’s great outdoor destinations by connecting 18 parks and 11 communities. This unique urban-suburban trail is a destination for …Read More…

Cliff Finkle Elected PfH Board Chair!

Please join us in welcoming PFH’s new Board Chair, Clifford B. Finkle IV! Cliff joined the PFH Board in 2014, and has served as Finance Chair since 2015 and First Vice Chair since 2016.  Additionally, Cliff sits on the Foundation’s Nominating and Strategic Planning Committees. Cliff Finkle is a Senior Vice President with EVO Transportation …Read More…

KinderSmile Foundation Hosts Inaugural SMILE! Awards Breakfast

KinderSmile Foundation recognized community partners – including Partners for Health Foundation – at the inaugural SMILE! Awards Breakfast, held in October at RWJ Barnabas Clara Maass Medical Center. First Lady Tammy Murphy gave a keynote address, speaking passionately about her efforts to expose and eradicate the maternal and infant mortality crisis significantly impacting women of color …Read More…

Annual Turkey Ride to Benefit the Human Needs Food Pantry

Continuing a tradition that began six years ago, the Montclair Bikery 7th Annual Turkey Ride to collect turkeys for the Human Needs Food Pantry will take place on Sunday, November 24, 2019.  Cyclists will meet at the Montclair Bikery at 145 Valley Road at 9 AM and ride a flat, 15-mile circuitous route to the …Read More…

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

The Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL) fosters opportunities to expand social connections and build knowledge and new skills for adults age 55+.  It is a core program of Lifelong Montclair, part of the Township’s commitment to becoming an age-friendly community. More than 250 classes have been offered since 2015, and there have been 1,500 …Read More…

A Legacy of Support for Nursing Education

Edward A. Smith appreciated the excellent nursing care he received at Mountainside Hospital, and starting in the 1970s he was an ardent supporter of both the hospital and the Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing.  Though he passed away in June of 2003, his legacy to helping students pursue careers in nursing has continued through the …Read More…

Food Pantries in Need of Donations and Volunteers!

This back to school season, we ask you to remember your local food pantries and soup kitchens, who are always in need of help! There are many ways you can help keep their shelves stocked and kitchens open: Organize a community food drive to collect food Volunteer at a summer feeding programs Collect and donate …Read More…

VIDEO TELLS THE STORIES OF COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDEES

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, Partners for Health Foundation awarded 10 Community Impact Awards, and grants totaling $100,000, to recognize nonprofit organizations and individuals making a significant difference in the health and well-being of local communities. A video produced that evening tells the story of several of the Awardees, what inspires them, what they’ve been …Read More…

Thank you for making our Annual Golf Tournament a success!

Partners for Health Foundation held its Annual Golf Tournament on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. The event raised more than $75,000 to support local organizations that address Hunger & Homelessness. We would like to extend a warm thank you to all who participated and helped to make it a memorable day! Special congratulations to the event …Read More…

Summer Learning and Lunch Program at Montclair Public Library

Montclair Public Library Foundation will continue its summer feeding program for Montclair’s youth. The Summer Learning and Lunch Program is the result of a collaboration among Montclair Public Library, Partners for Health Foundation and Toni’s Kitchen. Going into its third year, this program is meeting a real need in the Montclair community as evidenced by …Read More…

Videos featuring the 2018 Community Impact Awardees

To celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2018, Partners for Health Foundation awarded 10 Community Impact Awards, and grants totaling $100,000, to recognize nonprofit organizations and individuals making a significant difference in the health and well-being of local communities.  Watch the videos below to hear how Community Impact Awardees are making a difference in their communities. …Read More…

Montclair Art Museum – Art Party Luncheon

Montclair Art Museum hosted its annual spring fundraising events last week with the Art Party Luncheon and the Art Party Evening. These events support the Museum’s exhibitions, the Vance Wall Art Education Center, and engaging diverse audiences from across the region. Beth Hart, Director of Development, says about the event, “This annual fundraiser serves as …Read More…

S.O.F.I.A.’s Teen Healthy Relationship Workshop Leaves a Lasting Impression

Teens and young people experience abuse in intimate relationships at disproportionately high levels. Continuing the work reflected in the Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (S.O.F.I.A.) tag-line, “With Awareness There is Hope,” the non-profit’s Teen Safe Dating and Healthy Relationship Workshops ensure that young people learn about the warning signs, negative effects, and strategies to help …Read More…

“Beyond the Silence” Film Screening and Q & A with Filmmaker Michael Barbee

Toni’s Kitchen and the YMCA of Montclair have partnered to launch Montclair Bounce (https://montclairbounce.org/), a week-long festival that will explore opportunities and resources to strengthen emotional health and connections within the community.  Partners for Health will co-present a screening of Beyond the Silence during the BOUNCE festival on: Thursday, June 6th @ 7:00 PM505 Bloomfield …Read More…

Partners for Health receives award at Senior Citizen Prom

The Township of Bloomfield hosted a Hollywood-themed prom for Bloomfield and Glen Ridge Senior citizens on Friday, May 3.  The event was sponsored by the Neighbor to Neighbor Network, the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services, and Bloomfield College Nursing Students. Pam Scott, Executive Director of Partners for Health Foundation, was presented with an …Read More…

Take the KINDNESS Challenge!

Partners for Health is proud to be a sponsor of Montclair Film’s KINDNESS Challenge, taking place throughout the Film Festival (May 3 – 12, 2019).  Research shows that even the smallest acts of kindness can lift a person’s spirits.  Kindness, together with empathy, forges a path forward even when we disagree with another’s behavior or …Read More…

Verona Brownie Troop Visits Toni’s Kitchen

On April 3, 2019 the Brookdale Avenue School (Verona, NJ) 3rd grade Brownie Troop had the opportunity to learn more about the work of Toni’s Kitchen in Montclair.  Anne Mernin, Executive Director of Toni’s Kitchen, and Jessica from her staff spoke to the girls about the work of Toni’s, answered their many questions and shared …Read More…

Seniors in Taxis Program Revived

Through a Community Impact Awards from the Partners for Health Foundation grant the township will revive its Seniors in Taxis program that ended the first of the year. With the $6,600 grant, the township will partner with the Ryde4Life program to offset Seniors in Taxis. Effective immediately, Montclair residents, age 55 or older, will be …Read More…

Montclair BOUNCE, A Festival of Optimism and Resilience, Coming Spring 2019

Toni’s Kitchen will partner with The YMCA of Montclair to launch MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience, May 31 to June 7, 2019. The first-annual BOUNCE Festival will explore everyday opportunities and oft-unnoticed resources to strengthen emotional health and connections to the community. This townwide, playful adventure will also do the serious work …Read More…

John Fromhold honored at 2019 Golf Tournament

Partners for Health was proud to recognize John Fromhold, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, as the honoree of the Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament on July 16, 2019. Since 2008, Partners for Health Foundation has made grants totaling $3.6 million to address Hunger & Homelessness in Montclair and surrounding communities.  Sponsorship support of the …Read More…

Partners for Health Welcomes Sara Elnakib to the Board

The Partners for Health Foundation Board of Trustees elected Sara Elnakib to the Board for a three-year term, effective January 2019.  Sara has worked in community nutrition for more than 10 years. She joined the Rutgers Cooperative Extension in the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences as an Assistant Professor in January 2015. As …Read More…

A Fond Farewell to Trustees Leaving our Board!

              At the December Board meeting, Chris Petermann, Chair, praised the tremendous contributions of three members who are leaving the Partners for Health Board on December 31, 2018.   Fred Guterl who served as a Trustee from mid-2016 through 2018, was an active and thoughtful member of the Nominating …Read More…

Farm Camp paintings inspire holiday greetings!

  In August 2018, Karen DeLuca, a local artist, art instructor and graphic designer, spent two mornings at the Montclair Community Farms “Farm Camp.”  She invited the campers, ages 7-11, to paint images informed by their one-week camp experience.  Fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers that were picked on the farm – along with eggs, honey …Read More…

Foundation marks 10th anniversary by honoring community partnership and collaboration

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Partners for Health Foundation awarded 10 Community Impact Awards, and grants totaling $100,000, to recognize nonprofit organizations and individuals making a significant difference in the health and well-being of local communities. The awardees were selected from 65 nominations that cited contributions in areas such as hunger, homelessness, chronic disease prevention, oral health, and mental …Read More…

Founder’s Award: Paul A. Lisovicz honored for leadership of the Foundation

Partners for Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees presented its 10-Year Anniversary Founder’s Award to longtime Board member Paul A. Lisovicz, who served as a Trustee from 2005-2015 and Board Chair from 2009-2013. The Founder’s Award was established to recognize an individual whose efforts significantly shaped the Foundation through commitment, innovation, professional expertise, philanthropy and overall …Read More…

New floors at MCDC helping children to Breathe Easy

With a grant from Partners for Health Foundation, the Montclair Child Development Center has been able to remove carpet and install child-friendly, non-porous floors at their Montclair school. More than 10% of the children who attend MCDC have asthma and more than 25% have allergies, both of which cause labored breathing at times.  These children …Read More…

ChangingAging Tour is coming to Montclair!

Renowned geriatrician and visionary Dr. Bill Thomas’s ChangingAging tour is coming to northern New Jersey! The tour kicks off in Ridgewood on November 7th and continues in Montclair for two live “nonfiction theater” stage productions on November 8th. Featuring Dr. Bill Thomas, international recording artist Samité and reggae legend Nate Silas Richardson, the tour explores …Read More…

Addressing local hunger through Breakfast After the Bell

More than 13 million kids in the country go to school hungry, and hunger detracts from their ability to focus on learning during the school day. That’s why Partners for Heath Foundation is taking action to make sure children in Northern New Jersey get a healthy breakfast this school year. Our very own Kathy Smith …Read More…

New Jersey Healthy Communities Network Blog

The New Jersey Healthy Communities Network’s Community Grants Program brings together local, regional, and statewide funders, leaders and partners to support communities in implementing healthy eating and active living strategies to advance environment, policy and system changes. Since 2011, the NJHCN Community Grants Program has provided $3.2 million in grants. Partners for Health Foundation is proud …Read More…

New Walking Tour Booklets Highlights Montclair’s History

A new self-guided walking and biking tour booklet that highlights some of Montclair’s historic districts is now available through the Montclair History Center. The booklet includes six self-guided tours, five of which are less than 2 miles and can easily be accomplished on foot. A tour of the Montclair Art Colony’s studios and homes is …Read More…

Toni’s Kitchen’s Summer Love Food Program

Toni’s Kitchen’s Summer Love Food Program, running from June 25 through August 31, works to ensure local children at summer camps, preschools, libraries and sports programs are well fed all summer long. Summer can be a tough time for low-income families. As school closes, breakfast and lunch programs that children rely on disappear. Working families …Read More…