Scholarships Support Nursing Education at Bloomfield College

The Partners for Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship Fund has been established at Bloomfield College to support junior and senior nursing students.  A total of $150,000 will be dispersed over five years beginning in the fall of 2017 to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to successfully completing their education.

“In choosing to assist Bloomfield College nursing students, the Partners for Health Foundation is lifting a financial burden and helping future nurses from one of the best programs in the state achieve their dreams,” said Jackie Bartley, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

The Frances M. McLaughlin Division of Nursing at Bloomfield College boasts the second highest NCLEX passing rate in the state and was recently ranked the third best nursing program in New Jersey by RegisteredNursing.org. Nursing programs were assessed on several factors that represent how well a program supports students toward licensure and beyond including analyzing past and present NCLEX-RN pass-rates, weighted by year.

“As a member of the Bloomfield College Board of Trustees, I am ecstatic to learn the Partners for Health Foundation is providing funding toward our nursing students, which will help them reach their full potential,” said Jim Axelrod, Senior National Correspondent for CBS News.  “I often refer to Bloomfield College as an ‘on ramp.’ The College is designed to make sure as many people can gain access to a college degree as possible. It’s not just economic security, but emotional security, which the Partners for the Health Foundation is helping us provide with this grant.”

Pam Scott, Executive Director of Partners for Health, said, “Scholarships recipients will be able to focus on their academics rather than on the economics of paying for college.  We are proud to support their dream of becoming a nurse.”

Zufall Health Dental Mobile Provides Services to Underserved Communities

More than 250 underserved adults and children in the Partners for Health Foundation service area received affordable, high quality dental care on the Zufall Delta Dental Mobile Van in its first year of service.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the dental van in August 2016, Eva Turbina, Zufall’s president and chief executive officer noted, “This dental van will allow Zufall to bring greatly needed services directly to our most vulnerable populations, especially to who otherwise cannot get to one of our six dental offices.”

Zufall's Eva Turbiner, President and Chief Executive Officer, with Dr. Sam Wakim, Chief Dental Officer

Zufall’s Eva Turbiner, President and Chief Executive Officer, with Dr. Sam Wakim, Chief Dental Officer

A dental clinic-on-wheels had long been on Zufall’s wish list, according to Dr. Sam Wakim, chief dental officer at the nonprofit community health center. Having provided limited dental services on Zufall’s medical van for some time, he said a sustainable, efficient solution was needed to improve patients’ access and provide them with a permanent dental home.  The dental van reduces barriers to care such as cost and transportation, improves the level of care and provides regular access to care.

The 39-foot, state-of-the-art mobile unit has two fully equipped operatories utilizing cutting-edge technology that accommodate comprehensive preventative and restorative dental services. At a cost of $350,000, it was funded by primary sponsor Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation. Additional funding was provided by Partners for Health Foundation in Montclair.

Ribbon cutting on August 10, 2016

Ribbon cutting on August 10, 2016

“Partners for Health has long recognized oral healthcare as an area where access to care is compromised,” said Pam Scott, executive director of Partners for Health Foundation. “In addition to a focus on children and seniors, the van provides clinical services to residents of public housing, homeless individuals and families, and veterans, and goes a long way in addressing the oral health needs of the communities we serve.”

Dental van ribbon cutting, 2

Eva Turbiner, Zufall’s President and Chief Executive Officer, with Partners for Health Foundation’s Executive Director, Pam Scott, and Program Director, Kathy Smith

The van is manned by a general dentist and support staff and operates five days a week, spending one full day in the Montclair area and the rest of the week at sites throughout Zufall’s north and central New Jersey service area.  While its primary focus is low-income children and seniors, it also serves populations including farmworkers, veterans, the homeless, public housing residents, and school children. Services are charged on an income-based sliding fee scale. NJ Family Care insurance plans and some Delta Dental plans are also accepted.

Organizations interested in information about scheduling a van visit to their site may contact Michelle Blanchfield, director of Outreach and Special Populations, at 973-328-9100, Ext. 323. Patients who want more information about eligibility and the van’s schedule may call dental van manager William Torres at 973-329-3344 or visit www.zufallhealth.org.

 

About Zufall Health

Zufall Health is a not-for-profit, state-licensed community health center that has been providing high-quality, affordable medical and dental treatment to the working poor, uninsured, and underserved for over 25 years. More than 30,000 patients are served at its headquarters site in Dover as well as medical and/or dental offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Flemington, Somerville, West Orange, Newton, and on its Highlands Health Van. For more information, visit zufallhealth.org.

 

 

The Peace Model Project

The Peace Model Project, a school-based mental health & wellness initiative, is a collaborative venture between The Bridge, Inc. and the Caldwell-West Caldwell School district.  It is designed to fully integrate community mental health services in the district’s four elementary schools.  The vision for the project was inspired in response to increased school violence across the nation and growing awareness that mental health intervention in the elementary years can promote emotional resilience and decrease mental health risk factors in adolescence and beyond. Launched in 2015 with funding from the US Department of Education, The Peace Model Project enters its third year of development in the 2017-18 academic year.

 

“The Caldwell – West Caldwell Schools have been working with The Bridge for over forty years.   Our most recent collaboration on the Peace Model Project has been highly successful,” commented James Heinegg, superintendent of the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District. “It is helping our students become healthier individuals, better friends to one another, stronger learners, and more caring members of the community and the world at large.  We are very grateful to the Partners for Health Foundation for this generous grant, which will allow us to continue the positive work of the Peace Model Project in the 2017-18 school year and beyond.”

 

The Bridge, Inc. employs and supports four full-time, credentialed mental health counselors in each elementary school who provide individual & group counseling; parent education; character and community-building curriculum; intervention and referral services.

 

“We are happy to work with the Caldwell-West Caldwell School district and Partners for Health to build a program that is a model of how community based mental health agencies can work with local schools to promote resiliency in children early in life,” announced Lou Schwarcz, CEO of The Bridge, Inc.  “Through The Peace Model Project, we are teaching skills that will help children to achieve their aspirations and prevent future life problems, such as self-harm, harm to others, and substance abuse.”

Let’s Walk!

 

Let’s Walk is a free walking program of guided and themed walks for those who are interested in developing a healthier lifestyle.  The program offers walks at various locations throughout the week and is coordinated by the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition.

 

Regular walking has been identified by health experts and the US Surgeon General as one of the easiest, most accessible and safest ways to maintain health and combat diseases related to sedentary lifestyles.  Benefits include boosting energy, reducing stress and risk factors for heart disease, lowering blood pressure and weight, and reducing risk for other preventable diseases related to sedentary lifestyles.  The walks can easily be incorporated into busy schedules on a regular basis; some of the themed walks include Roaming Readers, Walk With A Leader, and walks to farmers markets.

 

During this grant 2016-20107 period, more than 1,600 registered walkers participated in 207 walks. Walks are currently held 6 days a week, with ones regularly scheduled in West Orange, Nutley, Bloomfield, Verona and Montclair.

Several regular walks are offered in conjunction with partners that include the Nutley Health Department, Montclair Public Library, Bloomfield Health Department, the Walk With A Doc organization- local chapter, and the YMCA of Montclair.  One-time walk partners include Fleet Feet, Davis Integrated Medicine in Montclair’s South End and the NY-NJ Trail Conference.

 

Click here to learn more!

City Green Veggie Mobile Returns to South End

Fourth Ward Councilwoman Renee Baskerville and the Township of Montclair are partnering with Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, Partners for Health and City Green, to once again welcome the City Green Veggie Mobile – a mobile farm stand that brings fresh produce and other healthful foods to Montclair’s South End district.

The Veggie Mobile will be at the Garden State Community Bank parking lot, 323 Orange Road from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the following days:

September 13 and 27
October 11 and 25
November 8
The mobile farm stand accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cards, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), SFMNP (Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program) vouchers and cash as payment. The Veggie Mobile also helps to stretch families’ dollars.

 

Through mid-August, more than $10,000 of locally grown fruits and vegetables have been provided in Montclair, Bloomfield, Clifton and Little Falls.  City Green farm stands in these communities have served 170+ federal benefit customers (SNAP, WIC and Senior FMNP).

 

City Green also supports the Montclair Farmers’ Market (MFM) and the Nutley Farmers’ Market in providing Good Food Buck incentive dollars to SNAP, WIC, and Senior FMNP customers through the Garden State Good Food Network Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP).  They anticipate serving nearly 650 federal benefit customers at the Montclair market by the end of the 2017 season.

 

Summer Lunch Program at Montclair Public Library Nourishing Body and Mind of Local Youth

 

The Montclair Public Library in partnership with Toni’s Kitchen is nourishing the bodies and minds of Montclair youth this summer.  The program is open to all children and teens, regardless of need.

The Library is implementing the Summer Lunch Program for children and teens under 18 through a grant from Partners for Health Foundation. During the summer vacation, low-income families often struggle to have their basic needs met. For many, the summer months mean reduced or limited access to healthy food, learning and enrichment programs, and safe places to congregate and be active. This program addresses all of these issues by offering free and healthy lunches plus summer reading and enrichment programs. Six out of ten schools in Montclair are Title 1 schools and close to 1,000 students are enrolled in free or reduced-price lunch programs. 

Toni’s Kitchen is providing a healthy brown bag lunch on Monday through Friday from the end of June through early September. More than 1,100 healthy lunches were served in the first five weeks of the program.  Lunches includes a sandwich, fruit, dessert and a drink. Registration is not required. Anne Mernin, Director of Outreach at Toni’s Kitchen stated, “Toni’s Kitchen is delighted to work with the Montclair Public Library to ensure that children are learning and healthy during the summer months.”

A pilot lunch program during Spring Break, generously funded by Susan and Thomas Dunn, served more than 145 children and teens. “The free lunch program is a perfect example of the essential services the Montclair Public Library provides,” said Peter Coyl, Library Director. “This grant from Partners for Health Foundation ensures that kids and teens have a nutritious meal during the summer, and welcomes them into the library to participate in other programs.”

“Increasing access to healthy foods is a key focus area for Partners for Health and we’re delighted to support this innovative partnership between the Library and Toni’s Kitchen,” said Pam Scott, Executive Director of Partners for Health Foundation.

This grant from Partners for Health funds several other successful programs that were begun during the summer of 2016. These include Roaming Readers, a walking book club for adults led by MPL’s Adult Department and the NJ Bike and Walk Coalition; Yoga on the Plaza for teens and adults; and weekly exercise classes for children, both taught by YMCA Staff. Registration for these programs can be made at www.montclairlibrary.org.

Seniors in Taxis in Montclair (S.I.T.)

SIT is a pilot program which offers senior residents of Montclair reduced cost taxi vouchers for local travel.  SIT is not a taxi service – residents can use SIT vouchers to pay for taxi services with participating companies.  

 

 

SIT Vouchers can be used outside of Montclair.

  • Great savings – pay $15 for $30 in rides
  • Travel anytime 24 / 7
  • Door- to-door convenience
  • Taxi sharing permitted
  • Just call – no advanced booking required
  • Includes vicinity of Mountainside
  • Enjoy mobility freedom
  • Use for ANY purpose: medical appointments, grocery shopping, visiting friends and family, shopping
  • Travel options: day, night, weekdays, weekends, holidays
  • Use in bad weather or instead of searching for a parking space

How to Purchase: 

Purchase vouchers at Montclair Health Department, Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, Third Floor, Montclair 07042

  • Bring Proof of Age (62+) & Montclair Residency
  • Payment: Cash or Check Made out to Township of Montclair
  • For Information, call the Montclair Health Department at 973-509-4970, weekdays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Participating Companies:

  • Good Taxi: (609) 922-5179
  • Le Rubicon Taxi: (201) 463-8344
  • M&M Taxi: (973) 746-7575

SIT User Guide

This pilot project, funded through Partners for Health Foundation, is being administered by the Montclair Department of Health & Human Services and Lifelong Montclair, with the support and assistance of the Township’s Senior Citizens Advisory Committee.

Free Tax Preperation Services to be Offered in the Montclair/Bloomfield Area

As New Jersey continues to struggle with its poor economy, marked by high rates of unemployment, foreclosures, and an increasing cost of living, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) remains a crucial lifeline for low-income families. By lifting families out of poverty and giving a boost to local economies, the EITC is a vital tax credit for the more than 600,000 working New Jerseyans who rely on it ‘to make ends meet.’ Unfortunately, many families are unaware that the EITC even exists, or that they are eligible for these tax credits. In other instances, they spend hundreds of dollars paying high cost tax preparers for services that are available for free at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.

In response to this need, Partners for Health Foundation has once again partnered with NJ Citizen Action, United Way of Northern New Jersey, and HOMECorp to provide free tax preparation services and financial literacy education to encourage community members to take full advantage of their tax credit.

nj citizen

New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) will coordinate and conduct a targeted Montclair & Bloomfield Area VITA Project during the upcoming 2017 tax season. NJCA will staff and coordinate a mobile VITA team of 3-4 tax preparers and quality reviewers to provide free tax preparation at the Bloomfield Public Library on Wednesdays in February and March 2017.

Families earning less than $54,000 are eligible for free quality tax preparation, which allows them to receive the fullest extent of the refunds owed to them.  This year, NJCA’s Tax office launched the SaveYourRefund incentive program, which promotes tax-time savings. Recognizing that tax refunds are often the largest sums of cash many American households receive all year, the SaveYourRefund program capitalizes on this tax-time moment as an easy method of saving and adds an incentive to nudge filers into opting in to saving for their future.

EITC 1-23-2017

Pictured at a press conference to launch the 2017 tax preparation season are Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director of New Jersey Citizen Action; Pam Scott and Jackie Gifuni of Partners for Health Foundation; Ann Vardeman, NJCA Program Director; and Naomi Anderson, NJCA Director of VITA

 

United Way helps individuals build savings and improve their financial stability by putting them on a path toward self-sufficiency through free financial education, job coaching, and tax preparation services. For the 2017 tax season, United Way of Northern New Jersey will engage a Community Outreach Coordinator and a Savings Specialist to increase awareness of and access to their Free Tax and Savings Program, and to help low and moderate income tax payers set savings goals and become savers.  Residents who take advantage of these programs will save tax preparation fees they cannot afford, maximize the Earned Income Tax Credits they are entitled to

The Savings Specialist will focus on Tax Time Savings for tax payers who are working hard and still struggling save while making ends meet . For the past several years they have implemented a variety of savings incentives, provided savings information, and conducted workshops to introduce financial empowerment tools alongside the tax program.

 

pfh-homecorpwebbutton

HOMECorp will once again be providing a financial literacy program for VITA clients.  VITA clients face a choice: whether or not to use a tax refund to improve their long term financial outlook or to spend it on current expenses.  HOMECorp’s financial counseling services are uniquely prepared to help VITA clients make an informed decision that is right for their family. HOMECorp’s financial education services are provided through its H.O.P.E. Program (Housing, Opportunity, Preparation and Education).  H.O.P.E. is a financial education toolkit designed to promote the growth of low and moderate income (LMI) communities and strengthen the ability of LMI residents to remain in current affordable housing or purchase a new home.

This year HOMECorp will be expanding the EITC counseling to a new population:  college students at Montclair State University who have aged out of the foster care system and are involved in the SHIP and Transitions for Youth programs, partnerships between Rutgers and MSU that provide multi-faceted counseling to support these vulnerable young adults.  Because most come from backgrounds of poverty, they need to work and take on student loans while in college and have limited financial literacy. HOMECorp has already begun to work with 15 students between the ages of 19 to 28, with annual income ranges from $1,680 to $28,000.  HOMECorp will incorporate EITC information into their counseling services.

 

Please see attached flyers for more information on these free tax return and financial literacy services being provided in our area!

New Trustees Join Partners for Health Foundation Board

The Trustees of the Partners for Health Foundation Board of Trustees have elected Fred Guterl and Lynne Katzmann, both of Montclair, to the Board. Board Chair Kevin Rendino noted, “We welcome these talented individuals and are confident their expertise will enhance our work.”

Fred Guterl is executive editor of Scientific American and author of The Fate of the Species: Why the Human Race May Cause Its Own Extinction and How To Stop It (Bloomsbury 2012). He has won numerous awards for writing and editing from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Overseas Press Club, the American Society of Magazine Editors and other organizations. He led Scientific American to its first-ever National Magazine Award for General Excellence in 2011. Guterl was formerly deputy editor at Newsweek International. He makes frequent speaking appearances at conferences, such as the World Economic Forum, and on television and radio, such as Charlie Rose, the Today Show, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Leonard Lopate, Brian Lehrer and other venues. Guterl holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Rochester and has taught writing at Princeton University.

Lynne Katzmann is Founder and President of Juniper Communities, which invests in, develops and manages senior living and long term care communities. With 18 properties in four states and more than 1,200 employees, Juniper, has $75 million in revenues. Celebrating its 28th Anniversary, Juniper is ranked #12 by Crain’s New York on its Top 50 ranking of woman-owned companies for the New York tri-state area.

Juniper is the only woman-founded, owned and led business among the top 40 national assisted living companies. Katzmann launched the business when she was 32, with six years’ experience in the health care industry and a PhD in economics. An active leader in the social entrepreneurship movement at its beginning, she was a firm believer in the so-called double bottom line: doing well by doing good.

Katzmann has been involved in the health care industry for almost 30 years, working in the public and private sectors in the United States and Europe. She serves as a board member of several for-profit and non-profit organizations including Senior Care Centers of Dallas, ElderCare Alliance of San Francisco, Naropa University of Boulder, Colorado, ArtsConnection of New York City and the Social Venture Network.

Partners for Health Foundation’s vision is to make its 15 communities healthier, better places to live. The Foundation harnesses the efforts of engaged partners to work collaboratively toward shared goals. Funds target the health of all members of the community, particularly our most vulnerable neighbors.

Three Leading Community Agencies Join Together to Support Youth in Recovery

‘ASPIRE’ aims to help young adults maintain long-term sobriety

The YMCA of Montclair, in partnership with the National Youth Recovery Foundation (NYRF) and Partners for Health Foundation in Montclair, will launch three 12-week programs geared to adults between the ages of 18 and 30 in long-term recovery. ASPIRE (Achieving Sobriety by Promoting an Insightful Recovery Experience) will provide lifestyle and professional skills coaching from business people in the recovery community to help participants launch their next life chapters. The program will be held at the YMCA of Montclair’s Park Street Branch. The first cohort of 20 young adults, who have six months or more of recovery, begins February 15. Applications and more information on the schedule can be found at www.montclairymca.org/aspire.

The NYRF works with young adults and educators in recovery and, using documented research from the leading institutes studying addiction and recovery, built the ASPIRE curriculum that is compatible with the needs of people in long-term recovery and the philosophy of the Y that life, health and community are keys to happiness and fulfillment.

Partners for Health is funding this pilot program, which fills a significant gap in the journey of recovery of young people. Participants of the three cohorts will receive hands-on experiential learning that supports improvement of relationships, career and education enhancement and health and fitness. During the three months, participants will explore their own personalities, goals and communication styles; focus on acquiring life skills needed to stay sober; improve their health and wellness; learn a variety of socialization skills; and complete a number of practical tasks leading to furthering their education, advancing career objectives and improving personal relationships.

“We are pleased to support ASPIRE’s innovative approach which aligns with our strategic focus to strengthen the mental health safety net,” said Pam Scott, Executive Director of Partners for Health.  “The YMCA’s stigma-free environment offers a safe, supportive place for those in early recovery to convene.  We hope this program will become a model that other communities across the country will be able to replicate.”

Jo Ann Short, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair, added, “Supporting everyone in our community is core to the Y’s mission and to be able to accommodate and welcome participants in this program is our privilege and duty. It’s a natural addition to our portfolio of mission-driven programs such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA for cancer survivors and our Diabetes Exercise Program. Addiction is a chronic disease and the nation’s number one epidemic; to support those on their journey to sustainable recovery is an opportunity for which we’re delighted to be involved. We depend on our community partners for support and, with the expertise of the NYRF and the generous support of PFH, we are able to together have true collective impact.”

For more information and to apply to participate in ASPIRE, please email or call 973-744-6161 x186.

New Jersey Healthy Communities Network – 2016 Community Highlights

Five grantee communities—Bloomfield, Clifton, Montclair, Nutley and West Orange—are now part of the New Jersey Healthy Communities Network. The network has 43 grantee communities across the state supported by four funders in addition to Partners for Health. The Steering Committee believes communities learn best from their peers though face-to-face regional and statewide meetings, and that personalized coaching and technical assistance for each site can maximize the impact of small grants. New Jersey Healthy Communities Network Steering Committee is comprised of partners who guide the movement and identify and share financial and capacity building resources that focus on improving healthy eating and active living through evidence-based strategies and shared measures.

All communities are implementing proven strategies to help people eat more healthily and be more physically active—the essential behaviors for preventing chronic disease. A sample of successes from the five communities that Partners is supporting:

  • Some store owners in Montclair’s Healthy Corner Store project are stocking healthier products on their own—because it’s good for business. Montclair also just won a $1,500 competitive grant to renovate one of the corner stores!
  • Informed by a statewide workshop on conducting walking audits, Bloomfield health department staff members are working with EZ Ride and Voorhees Transportation Center to gather community input to identify where they should implement changes to make routes to school safer for walking and biking.
  • Nutley invited some 20 community leaders—corresponding to each of its seasonal farmers’ markets—to lead well-attended walks before each weekly market opened.
  • New grantee Clifton health department brought the City Green mobile market truck to city hall weekly throughout the summer and fall. Some 600 people bought fresh produce and the Clifton health officer declared a “home run.”
  • West Orange’s middle school principal and the local coalition lead by the YMCA collaborated to create a garden on school property and are now uniting to push for safer walking routes to the school.

To read community blogs posted throughout the year, or to learn more about the New Jersey Healthy Communities Network, click here.

Grand-Opening: KinderSmile Community Oral Health Center

 

Ribbons were cut and doors opened on October 25th at KinderSmile Community Oral Health Center (KSCOHC), 10 Broad Street, Bloomfield. Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce members, business leaders, dental and health care professionals as well as KinderSmile Foundation trustees, friends, and staff joyously celebrated the realization of a longtime goal–a Dental Home for underserved children age 0-17.

Donna Pietroiacovo – Executive Administrator, Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Dr. Maria Madonna – Clinical Director, KinderSmile Community Oral Health Center Laurence Whittam – KSF Board Member Dr. Sara Kalambur – KSF Board Member, Program Director Dr. Ethan Glickman – KSF Board Member Dr. Nicole McGrath – President & CEO, KinderSmile Foundation Andrea McDonagh – KSF Board Member Lois Tirrel – Memberships Vice President, Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Nicole Panzica – Deputy Director, Institutional Advancement of KinderSmile Foundation

From left to right: Donna Pietroiacovo – Executive Administrator, Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Dr. Maria Madonna – Clinical Director, KSF Laurence Whittam – KSF Board Member Dr. Sara Kalambur – KSF Board Member, Program Director Dr. Ethan Glickman – KSF Board Member Dr. Nicole McGrath – President & CEO, KSF Andrea McDonagh – KSF Board Member Lois Tirrel – Memberships VP, Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Nicole Panzica – Deputy Director, Institutional Advancement of KSF

Tours of the state-of-the-art dental clinic and talk of present & future plans marked the evening’s festivities, which reinforced KinderSmile’s commitment to eradicating pediatric dental disease. Guests were equally moved by stories of the extreme need for this facility, whether they had just been introduced to KinderSmile Foundation or had been toiling in the dust & wire-strewn construction site as KSCOHC came to fruition right before their eyes on the “soft” opening day, August 29th.

Since that date, nearly 500 children have benefited from the new Dental Home. Children can often be seen everywhere, learning interactively at our Education Station, practicing oral healthcare at the Toothbrush Station and receiving dental care in a placed created just for them. Smiles abound; healthy ones!

For more information, call 973-744-7003 Ext. 209

Little Falls Schools Help Raise $2,000 to Fight Hunger

By Sara Nowen, 6th & 7th grade teacher, School #1 in Little Falls, NJ

 

In 2014, I brought the Turkey Ride event to the middle school where I work, School #1 in Little Falls.  The Montclair Bikery’s Turkey Ride is an annual event that invites bicyclists to collect turkeys for the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

 

With the help of our Student Council, our fundraiser, which we affectionately named the “Turkey Wars,” was born. This week-long competition between students in grades 5-8 allowed us to fundraise for the event, while imparting a little friendly competition for added incentive. Staff members also got in the spirit, contributing funds for a faculty dress down day. In just one week we were able to raise $680!

 

This year I set a new goal to raise $1,000 in support of this special cause. In addition to conducting the Turkey Wars at our school, we extended the fundraising event to students and families across our district. With the help of some very creative student volunteers and a bell, contributions started to pour in on the final two days of fundraising. In the same week’s time, our generous staff, students and families of Little Falls donated $1,689.65 to the Turkey Ride event – well-exceeding our goal of $1,000, and more than doubling last year’s efforts.

 

Also contributing to the Turkey Ride this year was the Red Hawk Swim Club, a competitive swim team run through Montclair State University, where I coach throughout the school year. Swimmers, coaches and parents from RHSC raised an additional $200 toward the Turkey Ride cause, bringing our total donation to $2,000!

 

Even better, the funds we raised plus contributions from many other individuals and businesses totaled more than $10,000 – and every dollar is being matched by Partners for Health Foundation.  So the Human Needs Food Pantry will receive a check for more than $20,000 from the Foundation.

 

The Little Falls School District’s motto is “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” True to form, there is great pride in all we’ve accomplished as a community. Giving is what this season is all about, and together we’ve proved it in a very big way.

 

 

Partners for Health Foundation is launching the Third Annual Holiday Matching Grants program

1 IN 5 CHILDREN IN NJ IS FOOD INSECURE:

 Make a Difference and DOUBLE Your Impact through Partners for Health Foundation’s Matching Grants Program

 

Partners for Health Foundation is launching the Third Annual Holiday Matching Grants program to benefit local soup kitchens, food pantries and organizations working to address the persistent issues of hunger and homelessness.  Up to $225,000 in matching funds will be awarded for donations of $50 that are made by December 31.

 

“The community was overwhelming supportive last year, when we received contributions of $202,700 from 438 individuals and families,” said Pam Scott, Executive Director of the Foundation.  “These gifts were matched dollar for dollar by Partners for Health, resulting in grants totaling $405,400 that were distributed in Montclair to the Human Needs Food Pantry, Toni’s Kitchen, Salvation Army, HOMECorp, Interfaith Hospitality Network, and Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless.  St. Peter’s Haven Healthy Food Pantry & Family Shelter in Clifton also received a grant.

 

The same organizations are participating in this year’s Matching Grants program.  For more information, visit www.partnersfdn.org/HUNGER or call (973) 746-6130.

 

Remember to fight hunger and homelessness by giving online on #GivingTuesday on November 29.

Edgemont Park House for Senior Programs and Activities

The Edgemont Park House for Senior Programs and Activities opened in April, 2016. The building has seen significant upgrades, new equipment, and additional staff for its function as a space for Montclair area seniors. These improvements were made possible with support from the Township and a grant from the Partners for Health Foundation.

The Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services collaborated through the Lifelong Montclair initiative to provide a place for senior residents in town to gather, socialize and relax with their peers, and participate in a wide variety of educational and recreational activities in a beautiful park setting.

The building is open Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for classes and walk-in activities.  There is free coffee and wifi available, and seniors can participate in existing activities or take the initiative to start new programming.  There are reading materials, games, a TV, and a Wii system available.  Organized activities, including Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL) classes, are highlighted on the calendar.

The Edgemont Park House is located on Valley Road in Edgemont Memorial Park, and the phone number is 973-744-3278.

 

Talking about Walking on Caucus: New Jersey with Steve Adubato

Steve Adubato and a panel of experts discuss “The Walking Movement” – the ways New Jersey towns and cities are making streets and neighborhoods safer places to walk. The panel reviews pedestrian and driver education, street improvements, and changes to traffic signals as viable strategies for improving pedestrian safety.

 

Panelists:

  • Charles Brown – Senior Researcher, Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University
  • Kate Kraft – Executive Director, America Walks
  • Kathy Smith – Program Director, Partners for Health Foundation
  • Cyndi Steiner – Executive Director, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition

 

Let’s Walk Group Meeting Schedule

By Liz Brady

 

I have been facilitating walks with the Let’s Walk Group in North Jersey for the past several years. I have met so many wonderful people, some who have continued to walk with me while others have continued to walk on their own or with new friends they met while walking with the Let’s Walk Group.

 

A few years ago I started walking with a group in Brookdale Park.  In the beginning, the group told me they could not walk more than a mile.  After several weeks of walking and chatting I announced to the group that they just completed a three mile walk.  The reaction   of joy and pride from this group is what continues to inspire me to share my time and knowledge of how “Just Walking” can help improve your life.

Clipper Park, West Orange - Saturday Morning Walk

Clipper Park, West Orange – Saturday Morning Walk

Becoming active is one of the most rewarding and beneficial thing you can give yourself and those you care about.  People who are active see positive changes in mood, have less stress and more energy.  The good thing is you do not have to do high amounts of vigorous-intense activity. Walking doesn’t require special skills or equipment; making it possible for most people. Walking groups offer you instant support which helps you adhere to your fitness goals. Walking with a group encourages you to be social, provides motivation, accountability, and safety.  So take control of your physical and mental health and join me for a walk.

Nutley Farmer's Market - Sunday Walk

Nutley Farmer’s Market – Sunday Walk

The Let’s Walk Group is sponsored by a grant from Partners for Health Foundation and the leadership of New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition.

 

Here is a list of where you will find us walking.

Tuesday Early Morning

Where:  Eagle Rock Reservation

Time: 8:00 AM

 

Wednesday Afternoon

Where: Brookdale Park

Time: 5:45

 

Thursday Afternoon

Where:  Verona Park

Time:  10:00 AM

 

Friday Morning

Where:  Verona Park

Time:  11:00 AM

 

Saturday Morning  

Where: Clipper Pavilion – South Mountain Reservation, Under the Pavilion

Time: 8:30 AM

 

Sunday Morning

Where:  Nutley Farmer’s Market – Williams Street, Nutley, NJ

Time:  8:15 AM

 

For detail information on current walks and future walks:

Email Liz Brady to register for walks or for questions

Or find us on meet up at http://www.meetup.com/Lets-all-walk-together/

 

Kids, teens, and adults are invited to Montclair Public Library’s Summer Reading Celebration!

Save the date!

Montclair Public Library & Foundation’s Summer Reading Celebration will be at Edgemont Park on Saturday, August 20 from 9am to 5pm.

Kids, teens, and adults are invited to this day of programs, activities and good old fashioned fun. The event will feature yoga, mini-Adult School of Montclair programs focused on health, fitness, and nutrition, as well as a story-book walk for the little ones. Health and fitness groups from town will also be there to help you keep moving to a happy healthy life!

For event day details, click here.

 

 

Civic participation through the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

By Stephanie Grove, RSVP Director of Essex and Hudson Counties

 

Civic engagement refers to the ways in which citizens participate in the life of a community in order to improve conditions for others or to help shape the community’s future.  We often hear this term used in the context of motivating younger people to become involved, but what about older adults?  According to the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), only 24.2% of US residents over the age of 55 actively volunteer.  Older adults are arguably the most experienced and knowledgeable cohort of people out there.  With years of involvement in work settings, caring for children or grandchildren, being neighbors, friends and supporting each other in the community, older adults can be assets to any community.

We all know that volunteering can be a great way to keep skills sharp, develop new talents, make friends, get exercise, or get that overall good feeling from giving back, but new research is emerging showing us that volunteering is so much more.  Studies released by CNCS demonstrate that volunteering leads to better health and that older volunteers are the most likely to receive physical and mental health benefits from their volunteer activities.  It also showed that those who gave social support to others had lower rates of mortality than those who did not.  The very act of volunteering may allow individuals to maintain their independence as they grow older.

To emphasize the importance of civic engagement, Lifelong Montclair has partnered with the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  RSVP is a central hub for volunteers age 55+ to review and be matched with a local volunteer opportunity.  RSVP provides the support of a trained volunteer coordinator to match each person with an opportunity that meets their goals, interests and availability.

In Montclair, RSVP has opportunities for volunteers to:

  • visit homebound seniors
  • assist at senior day programs
  • tutor low-income children
  • work in community gardens
  • prepare and serve food in soup kitchens
  • support programs that find affordable housing for struggling residents

Civic participation not only benefits the individual, but helps our entire community continue to grow into an ideal place for people to age.  In NJ alone 65.5% of residents engage in “informal volunteering”.  Residents provide personal care for family, help neighbors in times of crisis, drive friends to doctor appointments, watch each other’s children, etc.  Caring for one another is at the root of any thriving community.  Now just imagine the impact older adults could make in Montclair by lending their experience and knowledge to the community through volunteer service.  Providing services such as visiting homebound seniors, delivering meals to disabled residents, helping low income residents find affordable housing, tutoring children who are struggling in school and so many more could strengthen Montclair as a whole.  A few hours a week could be all it takes to make a difference.

To learn more about RSVP and ways to give back in Montclair, contact the RSVP Director Stephanie Grove at 973-637-1766 or .  You can also visit RSVP at www.jfsmetrowest.org/RSVP or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RSVPEssexHudson.

HomeSharing Serving the Montclair Area

 

The cost of living in New Jersey is one of the highest in the nation while incomes have become stagnant; therefore people struggling to make ends meet are open to considering creative options such as sharing their homes.  HomeSharing, Inc. began 31 years ago with the mission of creating these affordable housing solutions by matching those seeking housing with those who need additional income or services to maintain their homes.  Through this approach, the needs of both home Seekers and Providers are met.

 

HomeSharing received a three year grant from Partners for Health in 2015 to expand their services in Suburban Essex County. Melissa Braxton is the full-time social worker who services Essex County clients, in collaboration with Lifelong Montclair. Since May 2, 2016 HomeSharing has made 12 matches among 26 people!

 

Home providers have the opportunity to remain in their homes without leaving the community, preserve their independence, and receive either a monetary or service contribution to their households. Through home sharing, seekers are able to afford housing below market rate rents, reduce their risk of homelessness, and live in a safe home. There are many benefits for the seeker and provider that are alike, such as companionship and added security, being better able to live on their current incomes, and access to a social worker who is there to help with accessing resources.

 

A Success Story

This story of two older adults is a perfect example of how “home sharing” works. “Ms. C” is a provider who is in her 70’s and lives in a large home, where her property taxes are approximately $19,000 per year. The amount of taxes she pays takes about 70% of her monthly income. She contacted HomeSharing because she had a spare bedroom and needed the monetary contribution to help her with the property taxes.

 

Ms. C was very detailed on what type of seeker she would like to share her home. Ms. Braxton interviewed several candidates and thought “Ms. J” would be a good fit; she’s in her mid-60’s, and was living on a tight fixed income and in desperate need of housing.  Ms. Braxton introduced the clients to each other and they clicked right away. In fact, Ms. C is now teaching Ms. J how to cook authentic Italian food and Ms. J is teaching Ms. C English!

 

To learn more about HomeSharing, visit http://www.homesharing.org/ 

If you would like to become a seeker or provider, contact Melissa Braxton at or call (908) 526-4663.

 

“Home for the Holidays” program seeking volunteers to share their career stories!

By Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless, Inc. (MESH)

MESH’s “Home for the Holidays” program, funded in part by Partners for Health Foundation, sponsors housing for college students who experience homelessness when schools close during the winter and summer breaks. Over this past winter break the program covered the cost of housing and meals for 6 homeless college students at Bloomfield College, and it’s currently covering 7 students during the 12 week summer break.

MESH is seeking volunteers to share their career stories with students at Bloomfield College. Stories of success and self-determination can help young people build strengths to overcome challenges that they may face.

Board member Marybeth Rosenthal and Volunteer Patricia Lowery shared their career stories with college students participating in MESH "Home for the Holidays" program on July 12th.

Board member Marybeth Rosenthal and Volunteer Patricia Lowery shared their career stories with college students participating in MESH “Home for the Holidays” program on July 12th.

If you would like to share your career story, please join us for a MESH Career Conversation at Bloomfield College (July 26, August 9, or August 23). To learn more call Gwen Parker Ames at (862) 621-9488 or email .

 

ABOUT MESH
MESH began as an ad hoc organization in winter 2005 when the Reverend Canon Wade Renn, an Episcopal Priest and former Interim Pastor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, began thinking of colder days ahead as temperatures began to drop. As he toured Montclair, he noticed where some people slept – huddled in doorways, curled up on benches and vulnerable to the harsh winter elements.
MESH continues to pursue its mission as a local, faith-based organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide basic and essential services to Montclair’s most vulnerable homeless adults.

Earned Income Tax Credit Initiative

As New Jersey continues to struggle with a poor economy marked by high rates of unemployment, foreclosures, and an increasing cost of living, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) remains a crucial lifeline for low-income families. By lifting families out of poverty and giving a boost to local economies, the EITC is a vital tax credit for the more than 600,000 working New Jerseyans who rely on it ‘to make ends meet.’  Unfortunately, many families are unaware that the EITC even exists, or that they are eligible for these tax credits. In other instances, they spend hundreds of dollars paying high cost tax preparers for services that are available for free at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.

In response to this need, Partners for Health Foundation partnered with New Jersey Citizen Action and United Way of Northern New Jersey to provide free tax preparation services to make it easier for community members to take full advantage of tax credits that are due to them.

nj citizen New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund (NJCAEF) worked with 6 local partners to coordinate a Montclair VITA Project, which incorporated education and outreach to raise awareness of the state and federal EITCs among area residents.  They provided free tax preparation services on designated “blast” days, which were coordinated through project partners.  NJCAEF held 14 blast days, and provided free tax preparation for 212 individuals and families.

In total, $352,846 in refunds were made, with $117,545 in EITC! Approximately 34% of those who were served claimed the EITC, compared to state and national averages of 30-33%.

united wayUnited Way of Northern New Jersey hired an outreach coordinator to provide information on free tax preparation services and available tax credits. The outreach coordinator made presentations to community groups, sent flyers on the tax program and tax credits, and scheduled appointments. These efforts were focused on organizations who employ large numbers of low-wage workers (restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities); who serve low-wage individuals (health and human service agencies, child care agencies, affordable housing facilities); and who have contact with low-income individuals (faith-based groups and libraries).

During the outreach process, the outreach coordinator was able to schedule and confirm tax appointments. This initiative played an important role in increasing the number of tax returns completed in UWNNJ’s Montclair location. This site saw a 32% increase in the number of tax returns United Way filed, growing from 474 in 2015 to 627 in 2016.  Of the 627, 136 clients received EITC.  In all, refunds totaling $803,234 were made, with $206,253 in EITC!

 

Partners for Health Foundation is grateful to both New Jersey Citizen Action and the United Way of Northern New Jersey for their efforts to secure $1,156,080 in tax refunds to our community members through this EITC initiative.

 

Nursing Student Scholarships Support Healthier Communities

 

The Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ) has posted a new scholarship funded by Partners for Health.  Junior and senior nursing students attending Bloomfield College and Caldwell University can apply for this competitive scholarship through ICFNJ at http://www.njcolleges.org/icfnj-student-scholarship-information#Partners_for_Health. Five successful candidates will receive a $5,000 award toward the cost of attendance in 2016-17.

 

Eligible students must demonstrate a commitment to nursing by having reached their junior or senior year in a nursing degree program at Bloomfield College or Caldwell University – private colleges within the Foundation’s service area – with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2/4. Candidates will also submit a personal statement outlining their career goals and how they plan to support healthy communities and promote healthier lifestyles as part of their application.  Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2016.

 

Working with the Partners for Health Foundation has created new opportunities for students to reach their potential. The recipients will be able to focus more time on academics, clinicals and community programs that build their academic knowledge as well as their technical, communication and leadership skills. This scholarship is exciting news for our students, our member colleges and ultimately for the community,” noted John B. Wilson, President, ICFNJ.

 

“Partners for Health is proud to support nursing students with these new scholarships. Nurses who work in schools, health departments and in many other settings are vital partners in our efforts to make our 15 communities healthier, better places to live,” said Pam Scott, Executive Director of the Foundation.

 

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT COLLEGE FUND OF NEW JERSEY (ICFNJ)

ICFNJ was founded in 1953 as a cooperative involving business and academic leaders to broaden support for private higher education in New Jersey. Today, ICFNJ continues the tradition of empowering students to realize their goals by strengthening New Jersey’s independent colleges and universities with support for strategic investments in innovative programs, student scholarships and educational advancement. Through these efforts, ICFNJ has raised and contributed close to $72 million providing opportunities for its member institutions to continuously enhance program quality, to increase accessibility and affordability; and thus fulfill their respective missions. Learn more at www.njcolleges.org.

Access to Oral Health Care: Meeting the Challenge

Caucus Educational Corporation produces important educational programming that tackles a range of issues of concern to New Jerseyans.  In this segment of Caucus: New Jersey, Steve Adubato is joined by a panel of experts to discuss access to oral health, how poor dental hygiene can negatively affect the overall health of adults and children, and what can be done to prevent these types of issues.

Guest experts include:

  • Sam Wakim, Chief Dental Officer, Zufall Community Health Centers
  • Nicole McGrath, Founder, President & CEO, KinderSmile Foundation
  • Mary Voytus, Director, Dental Residency, HackensackUMC Mountainside Hospital
  • Mario Ramos, Assistant Director, Boys and Girls Club of Newark’s Children’s Dental Center

You can watch the program at this link.

YOUNG VOICES: A Community Conversation

The subjects that teens explore when creating films provided a platform for a wonderful panel discussion about the concerns of local youth and how our community can provide a safety net to support them.  The event was held on Wednesday, May 4 and was presented by Partners for Health as part of the Montclair Film Festival.

Moderator John Mooney, Founding Editor and Education Writer of NJ Spotlight, guided the conversation with these local experts:

 

Andrew D. Evangelista LCSW, LCADC, DRCC
Student Assistance Counselor, Montclair Public Schools

Sonja B. Gray MD
Gray Consulting Services INC

Linda B. Mithaug
Director of Pupil Services, Montclair Public Schools

Betty Strauss MA, RN, NCSN
District Head Nurse, Montclair Public Schools

The works of these young filmmakers were screened prior to the discussion:

Individuality – by Al-Naf Walker, Jahleel Giles and Jailene Perez
Hue – by Holly Grobholz and AnnMarie Ciulla
I’m not Okay – by Samantha Cordero
Listen – by Samantha Nochimsom

An article in The Alternative Press (TAP) provides more information, and comments from various attendees that were compiled by one of the film festival’s bloggers can be read at this link.  More photos can be viewed by clicking here.

Partners for Health will explore further collaboration with the Montclair Film Festival to build youth resiliency through art and film.

Event photos courtesy of Brad Resnick Photography and the Montclair Film Festival:

MFF event photo #1MFF event photo #4MFF event photo #2MFF event photo #5MFF event photo #6MFF event photo #3MFF event photo #7

 

Edgemont Park House – Open House & Ribbon Cutting

The Township of Montclair celebrated Older American’s Month with an open house and ribbon cutting to officially kick-off senior programs and activities at Edgemont Park House.  The event was held on Tuesday, May 3. Edgemont Park House has seen significant upgrades, new equipment and additional staff in anticipation of its opening as a space for seniors.  This was made possible with support from the Township and a grant from the Partners for Health Foundation.

The Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services collaborated through the Lifelong Montclair initiative to provide senior residents in Montclair with a place to gather, socialize and relax with their peers, and participate in a wide variety of educational and recreational activities in a beautiful park setting.

Edgemont Park House will be open Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for classes and walk-in activities. Opportunities will be available for both group activities and individual interests. Seniors will have reading materials, games, TV and a Wii system available for their use. Organized activities have been planned, including monthly movies, a quilting club, book clubs, walking groups, health screenings and others.

See the Edgemont Park House calendar of events for more information and how to register for classes, or call (973) 509-4915 for more information.

Making Healthy Choices Easier

By Matthew LaZaro

In early March, my Package Design class at Montclair State University was given an assignment to design a label for a bag of popcorn, a healthy snack that would be distributed to major sponsors of the 2016 Montclair Film Festival.  The “client” was Partners for Health Foundation, which is co-presenting a panel discussion at the festival called Young Voices.  The assignment was also a class competition:  the winning design would actually be printed and used.

The graphic solution struck me very quickly:  put “Enjoy the Festival” in a bold, retro typeface, with the letter O cleverly illustrated as a film reel. I wanted it to be simple, so it would send a clear message and resonate quickly.

My design was the winning entry, and I spent the next few weeks revising it based on the Foundation’s input.  I worked closely throughout this process with my Package Design professor, Karen DeLuca, who consults with Partners for Health on all of their communication materials.

After the final design was approved and sent off to the printer, I felt proud to have offered a tidbit of my design skills to share such as important message: Making healthy choices easier!

Expanding Counseling Hotline Services in Northern New Jersey

Caldwell University will expand the services it provides through its Counseling HelpLine, made possible through a grant from Partners for Health. Graduate students provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Dr. Thomson Ling, professor of psychology and supervisor of the graduate students, says they are very pleased that Partners for Health is able to help expand “this valuable service which helps to promote positive mental health in the community.”

The HelpLine is a free, anonymous, and non-judgmental telephone hotline where callers can speak to a peer-counselor in confidence about any matter that concerns them. “Callers don’t have to provide their name or any identifying information. All calls made to the HelpLine are kept confidential and answered by highly trained volunteers who can provide a listening ear,” said Dr. Ling. “It serves the dual purpose of serving the community and giving our graduate students real hands-on crisis counseling experience.”

With the grant, Dr. Ling is putting plans together to double the number of highly trained counseling graduate students who volunteer and double the number of hours of services to the public.

Dr. Ling says that over the last several years the HelpLine has grown in the number of graduate student volunteers who provide over 2,000 hours of service annually. “Each year the center responds to thousands of calls from northern New Jersey and beyond.”