Author: Yeni Friesen

New Trustees elected to serve on the Partners for Health Foundation Board

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Partners for Health is pleased to announce the following individuals have been elected to serve as Trustees of the Foundation: 

David Moore, originally from London, UK, began his professional journey in finance, entering the world of International Banking in the City of London. However, his passion for music soon led him to pivot, blending his financial acumen with the entertainment industry. He joined Metropolis Studios during its formative years, where he played a key role in the growth of what is now Europe’s leading independent recording studio. David’s diverse career also includes notable roles with Jazz Summers (manager for Wham! and Lisa Stansfield), Big Life Records, Management & Publishing, and Polygram Records.

A trip to New York City sparked David’s ambition to build a future in the United States. After eight years of dedication, he earned his green card. Inspired by his husband’s pursuit of a theatre career, David shifted his focus from music to the theatre arts, merging his financial expertise with his passion for the performing arts. He joined Dramatists Play Service as Accounts Manager, where his hard work and commitment eventually led him to serve as Acting President and VP of Finance & Administration.

Currently, David serves as the Controller for the New Jersey Symphony, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect with New Jersey’s diverse communities through the transformative power of live symphonic music, inspiring, entertaining, and educating audiences.

A steadfast advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the arts, David now resides in New Jersey with his family and an eclectic assortment of pets. Outside of work, he enjoys dancing around the house and sharing his love of music with his son.

Jenny Peck has dedicated much of her professional life to public health initiatives, working on various projects aimed at improving health outcomes in underserved communities. She is currently the Deputy Director of Development for Amref Health Africa in the USA, the largest African-based and African-led health development NGO in the world. Working in 35 countries across the continent, Amref Health Africa focuses on the most critical health issues, working in the space of HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, water and sanitation, maternal and family health, clinical and surgical outreach, and the training of hundreds of thousands of health workers.

Jenny lived in Tanzania, East Africa from 2006 – 2018, serving for the first two of these years as an Education Volunteer for the U.S. Peace Corps. In this role, she taught math and science at a government high school with a class size often in excess of 100 students. Subsequently, she served as the U.S. Program and Operations Manager for Global Health Corps; Managing Director for Mufindi Orphans, and Director of Community Health for Mufindi Orphans.

Jenny’s areas of expertise include donor support, engagement, and resource mobilization, individual and institutional fundraising, as well as management, leadership training, and cross-cultural coaching.  Jenny has also served as a Den Leader for BSA Scouting, and she is the Co-founder of Every Child Tanzania NGO. 

Jenny earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from the University of Kansas. She and her husband have four children.

Steve Reid is a seasoned leader with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit accounting, finance, and operations. As Chief Growth Officer for Charter School Business Management (CSBM) and FOREsight Services for Good, Steve spearheads the growth and strategic direction of both organizations, driving innovation and expanding their impact. He is deeply committed to supporting clients through fiscal challenges, with a proven track record in financial turnarounds and implementing robust financial systems.

A champion of leveraging technology to foster efficiency and collaboration, Steve has transformed how his organizations operate and deliver value to clients. Under his leadership, CSBM and FOREsight have adopted various financial technologies, streamlining processes, improving accuracy, and enhancing team and client experiences. Steve’s ability to align technology with organizational goals has been instrumental in helping hundreds of various non-profits across the country achieve sustainable growth.

Steve’s leadership philosophy is rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and resilience. He draws inspiration from the influential mentors in his life, who taught him to embrace challenges as opportunities and lead with empathy. A graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Arts, and Cambridge College with a Master’s in Management, Steve was recognized in 2020 as one of Profiles in Diversity Journal’s “Black Leaders Worth Watching.”

As a board member of the Partners for Health Foundation, Steve brings his expertise in strategic growth, finance & accounting, and technological innovation to advance the Foundation’s mission of promoting health equity through learning, grantmaking, and advocacy.

Pictured from left are newly elected Trustees Steve Reid, David Moore and Jenny Peck.

Gloria C. Essoka, PhD, RN, Elected Trustee Emerita

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Gloria C. Essoka, PhD, RN has been elected Trustee Emerita of the Partners for Health Board in recognition of her significant and continued service to the Foundation. During her tenure as a Trustee (2015-2023), she served as First Vice Chair of the Board, Co-Chair of the Grants Committee, and on several other committees.

Dr. Essoka had a distinguished nursing career that spanned five decades. She worked in baccalaureate and higher degree programs nationally and internationally as a nurse educator and administrator. She retired from the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing of the City University of New York in 2004. She then served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor and Department Chair at Seton Hall University; permanently retired in 2016.

“Gloria enriches our conversations in countless ways, and we’re delighted we will continue to benefit from her wise counsel,” said Sara Elnakib, PhD, MPH, RDN, Board Chair, Partners for Health Foundation.

Social Worker now available at Montclair Public Library

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Members of the public can meet one-on-one with a social worker, Margarette Ouji, at the main branch of the Montclair Public Library. This service is free and can be reserved in advance or on a walk-in, first-come first-served basis. 

The social worker is available: 

  • Tuesdays: 4-6:15 p.m. (walk-ins) and 6:30-7:15 p.m. (by appointment)
  • Thursdays: 12-2 p.m. (by appointment)
  • 4th Saturday of the month: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (walk-ins) and 1-1:45 p.m. (by appointment).

Note: In December, it will be the 3rd Saturday instead.

Stop by to chat or ask about college information, resources for emotional development and coping skills, job assistance, and time management. Get help finding community resources, completing applications for Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare, and other benefit programs, or getting an ID, Birth Certificate, and other vital documents. To make an appointment, visit https://montclairlibrary.libnet.info/v/assets/925 or call 973-744-0500 ext. 2286. 

The social worker is funded by a generous grant from the Partners for Health Foundation, whose vision is to make our communities healthier, better places to live. The grant was awarded to the Montclair Public Library Foundation at the end of 2023. 

  “Many of our Montclair neighbors visit the Library for information, shelter, and a sense of community. Partners for Health is pleased to support the social worker position and the Library’s efforts to welcome all who seek assistance and guidance within their building,” says Pam Scott, Executive Director of the Partners for Health Foundation. 

This service was first piloted from fall 2021 to spring 2023 with interns from Montclair State University’s Master of Social Work program. With funding secured for 2024 and 2025, the new social worker will enhance the Library’s existing efforts and will connect with local agencies in addressing the overall health and wellness needs of the community, including its most at-risk members. The social worker will also train Library staff, develop programs addressing equity and inclusion, and oversee the continuing partnership with Montclair State University. 

About the Montclair Public Library 

Founded in 1893, the Montclair Public Library serves the residents of Montclair, New Jersey. It has two facilities: the Main Library at 50 S. Fullerton Avenue and the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue. The Library has been changing lives every day for over 125 years through words, ideas, and community building by providing unlimited opportunities for lifelong learning, discovery, and community engagement. Visit montclairlibrary.org for more information. 

Verona Community Center Playground & Fitness Area is Now Open

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The Township of Verona recently  held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Verona’s Inclusive Playground & Fitness Area.  The new playground and fitness area includes specifically selected playground elements to promote inclusivity and cognitive learning activities for families and children of all abilities. The playground area, fitness area and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

The project was made possible through the time and commitment from many members of Verona Township and the community, as well as the support from Essex County Division of Housing & Community Development Block Grant, Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, Partners for Health Foundation and Greenfields Outdoor Fitness.

Pictured (from left): Elisa Northrop, Public Information Officer for the Township of Verona; Kate Kelly, Partners for Health Trustee and Verona resident; and Pam Scott, Executive Director of Partners for Health

Partners for Health Foundation Receives National Award for Library Collaboration

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The Montclair-based Partners for Health Foundation is among 11 winners named in the national “I Partner with My Public Library” awards. Created by the non-profit organization Let’s Move in Libraries, this award celebrates the crucial work of community collaborators to the work of public libraries across the United States and Canada. This year’s winners were selected from a pool of 61 total nominees and will be recognized at an online award ceremony on November 8. Partners for Health is the only winner from New Jersey.

“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Partners for Health, whose commitment to improving the well-being of our community strengthens the impact of our services every day. Their unwavering support has helped us address essential needs like food security, social services, and raising awareness of poverty, which are vital to the health and resilience of Montclair. We are grateful for their partnership and dedication,” said Radwa Ali, Director of Montclair Public Library.

“Partnerships with anchor institutions like the Montclair Public Library are integral to the Foundation’s ability to meeting its mission. The Library is a true partner that cares for all community members who utilize their facilities and participate in their programs. We are proud to share this recognition with them,” said Pam Scott, Executive Director of Partners for Health.

The Montclair Public Library Foundation nominated Partners for Health for their steadfast support and partnership, specifically for the Library’s summer lunch program, social worker position, and recent “Poverty, by America” author talk and discussions.

The Library’s summer lunch program aims to feed children who do not have access to schools’ free and reduced lunch programs due to the summer break. In the past, Partners for Health’s funding allowed for summer staff who organized and served healthy lunches donated by Toni’s Kitchen. In 2018, the New Jersey Library Association awarded Partners for Health a Library Service Award for its role in this initiative.

In 2023, Partners for Health granted $100,000 to the Library to hire a part-time social worker for two years. This public-facing staff member is responsible for a range of services, including consulting and assisting patrons, training staff on how to approach vulnerable individuals, developing policy and programs addressing equity and inclusion, overseeing a partnership with Montclair State University, and connecting at-risk patrons with social service agencies.

“Partners for Health followed a detailed process with multiple interviews in order to assemble a fuller understanding of the community that specifically seeks out the Library for services,” said Selwa Shamy, Assistant Director at the Library. “From their findings, they awarded more money for the grant than was requested to expand hours and hire a highly qualified professional.”

In 2024, Partners for Health and the Library collaborated on a project to raise awareness of poverty that was centered on “Poverty, by America,” the bestselling book by Matthew Desmond, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Princeton sociologist. Local book clubs read “Poverty, by America” throughout the summer with books donated by the Foundation. The project culminated on September 12 when Desmond joined Andrea Elliott, a New York Times reporter and author of the Pulitzer-winning “Invisible Child,” for a conversation as part of the Library’s Open Book / Open Mind series.

About the Award

Since 2016, the North Carolina-based non-profit organization Let’s Move in Libraries has been a national and international voice advocating for strengthened partnerships between public libraries and others that want communities to be healthier places for all. Through this work, it has seen that public libraries can do a lot to promote health, but this health promotion work is almost always made possible by community partners and community collaborators. Recognizing a gap around this topic, in 2023 Let’s Move in Libraries launched the annual I Partner with My Public Library Award to begin the process of creating a platform to celebrate and acknowledge the crucial work of community collaborators to the work of public librarianship. Visit letsmovelibraries.org/partner-award for more information.

Learn more about the 2024 winners and read the inspiring stories behind each recipient.

About the Montclair Public Library

Founded in 1893, the Montclair Public Library serves the residents of Montclair, New Jersey. It has two facilities: the Main Library at 50 South Fullerton Avenue (open seven days a week) and the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue (open six days a week). In 2023, the Library saw 170,000 visits; circulated 390,000 items including books, eBooks, movies, Wi-Fi hotspots, museum passes, tools, and recreational objects; and welcomed 22,000 participants in a wide variety of programs that reflect Montclair’s energy and diversity. Visit montclairlibrary.org for hours of operation and current services.

About the Montclair Public Library Foundation

The Montclair Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that provides support and advocacy for a strong public library in Montclair, NJ. The Board and staff raise funds year-round for library programs, events, collection enhancement, staff development, special projects, and other critical needs that exceed municipal funding. The vision of the Foundation is to enhance and expand the library’s role as a community pillar; to ensure free and equitable access to resources; and to ensure the future of our library as a robust center of literacy, economic opportunity, life-long learning, discovery, and community life. Visit https://montclairplf.org/ for more information.

Montclair Gateway To Aging in Place Set to Launch Emergency Messaging Pilot Program Focusing on Modern Agers

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Partners for Health Foundation is pleased to announce that Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place (mGAP) has been awarded a $14,600 grant. This funding will enhance the recently received AARP Community Challenge grant, together supporting mGAP’s digital navigation program. This initiative directly benefits our community’s modern agers (age 50+), improving their access to digital communication, assistive technology, and emergency alerts.

“Having lived before technology transformed our banking/healthcare/government/ shopping enterprises from interpersonal to digital, we empathize with peers who are skeptical about sharing their personnel information digitally,” says Ann Lippel, mGAP president. “This is our opportunity to teach modern agers how to be in control of their devices rather than controlled by them, especially as it relates to emergency communication.”

Staying Connected When it Matters Most

In cooperation with the Township of Montclair, this mGAP test project will help modern agers take control of emergency messaging on digital devices.  Funds from Partners for Health will be used to purchase loaner devices for trainees, and produce a video on the “ABCs of Digital Messaging During Emergencies.”

Test group participants will be able to use loaner Smartwatches during this fall trial phase. Montclair Gateway will gather feedback on clarity and usability of the text messages they receive. Ultimately the organization’s digital navigators will work with participants to personalize their own Smartphones and Smartwatches to easily send and receive emergency messages.

Volunteer to Be A Digital Navigator

If you are relatively comfortable with digital technology and want to help others in our community take control of digital emergency messaging, please fill out this intake form. You do not have to be an expert, just someone who knows the basics and is willing to learn. The navigator group will meet weekly throughout the fall. As our current team of digital navigators can testify, it is truly rewarding to help and learn through the experience of peer-to-peer connection.

For more information and/or to volunteer, see www.MontclairGateway.org or contact or call 973-518-3867.

Verona breaks ground for inclusive playground

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On Monday, March 25, Verona Mayor Christopher Tamburro and members of the Verona Council kicked off construction on the Township’s new fully inclusive playground located at the Community Center. The new playground space was carefully designed to bring families of all abilities together for play and socialization. 

Funders for the project included the Essex County Community Development Grant Program, Partners for Health Foundation, Verona’s Community Services and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Greenfields Outdoor Fitness. NJ Assemblyman Al Barlas (third from right in the photo) was among the dignitaries who attended the groundbreaking event. 

The new playground will be slightly larger than the previous one, encompassing approximately 5,000 square feet. It will feature both a children’s play area and an adult fitness section. The playground’s design promotes inclusivity and cognitive learning, and all of its components, including the adult exercise equipment, will be wheelchair accessible.  

The Township anticipates that the playground will open to the public by the summer of 2024.  

Partners for Health Welcomes New Members to its Board!

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Partners for Health is pleased to announce the following individuals have been elected to serve as Trustees of the Foundation: 

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New trustees pictured, from left to right: Lori Ann Palmieri, Casey Castañeda, and Gara M. Sommers M.D. FACOG

Casey Castañeda is a Senior Consultant at Ceiba Advisory, a boutique consulting practice that assists families and individuals on issues related to long term philanthropic legacy, governance, multi-generation engagement and grantmaking. Casey also serves as Operations & Program Director of a New England-based private family foundation, where she oversees day-to-day operations and grantmaking activities in partnership with the foundation’s Trustees. Prior to joining Ceiba Advisory, Casey was the COO of Farm Sanctuary, a national nonprofit organization working to address the negative effects of the food system on animals and communities. As COO, she was the strategic and operational lead for human resources/staff culture, technology, finance, and remote and on-site operations. Previously, Casey spent more than 15 years working closely with philanthropic families and decision-makers to support the strategic, grantmaking, administrative and operational needs of private foundations. Much of this time was spent as the team lead for the Private Foundation Services group at J.P. Morgan in New York, where she and her team served as outsourced grantmaking and foundation operations staff for the firm’s clients across the U.S. Casey also has experience working within a family office as a foundation program officer and philanthropy advisor. 

Casey earned an M.P.A. from Baruch College, City University of New York, and a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She serves on the Leadership Council of the Support Center for Nonprofit Management.  

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Casey currently resides in Bloomfield with her husband, César, and their eight-year-old twins.

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Shanti Krishnan is a Vice President of Sales at Cedar, a consumer technology company focused on making it easier for patients to navigate their financial obligations in healthcare. In this role, Shanti is responsible for sales of Cedar’s patient financial engagement platform to enterprise healthcare providers, including large health systems and staffing groups. Prior to Cedar, Shanti served in various sales, implementation, and account management leadership roles at Zocdoc, a New York City based healthcare technology company. Shanti has also worked as a consultant for Dalberg, an advisory firm focused on international development; and as a business development analyst at Audax Group, a middle market private equity firm. She holds a BA with honors in political science from Tulane University and a master’s in international relations and economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.  

She lives in Montclair with her husband and three-year-old daughter.

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Lori Ann Palmieri graduated from Seton Hall University with a BSN. She’s been a registered nurse for more than 32 years, spending all of her bedside nursing time at Clara Maass Medical Center in the medical/surgical/telemetry unit, the Wound Care Center, and radiology. She transitioned to education in 2003 by taking a nurse educator position at Genesis HealthCare Waterview Center, and was promoted to Assistant Director of Nursing. After receiving an MSN from William Paterson University, Lori Ann began teaching in the nursing program at Bloomfield College in 2007. She is currently pursuing a PhD at Seton Hall University and hopes to defend her dissertation this year. She is exploring the relationship between cultural competence, ethnocentrism, and perspective-taking in nurses. 

Lori Ann has devoted much time volunteering abroad with the Foundation for Peace which serves materially impoverished and medically underserved communities.  She spent many months with this organization in Kenya and Haiti either leading a medical team, or as a participant. While the team’s focus is medical and nursing care, they also work closely with local leaders to provide health education based on the needs of the community. She has also served as a nurse volunteer with Inter-Cultural Nursing Inc. in the Dominican Republic. 

She has been a lifelong resident of Bloomfield, and has four children, five grandchildren, and three pets. 

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Gara M. Sommers M.D. FACOG is board certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology practicing at JFK Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, in Edison and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark. 

She graduated from New York University School of Medicine as well as doing her internship and residency program there. She went on to fellowship training at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She has a strong dedication to health care equity and is currently involved in a Gardisil research program with Partnership for Maternal and Child Health out of Newark.  In her free time, she is an avid golfer and equestrian.   

She lives in Montclair with her daughter and two dogs. 

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