Don’t panic—the “public charge” rule might not affect you. Find out more on October 19th.
by Mayra Episcopo, Guest Columnist When my phone rings at the Division of Immigrant Affairs, the person on the other end of the line is likely an immigrant with a question. I help immigrants every day with employment, housing, food, lawyers, schooling—whatever is needed. I connect them with our local services network, our HealthierJC partners, and our own human services team. But what would happen if my phone stopped ringing? If immigrants stopped trusting local government? In a city where two of every five residents were born in another country, the health of immigrants is a barometer of the city’s public health at large. If immigrants stop calling my phone, that signals a deficiency in the health of our entire City. This month the federal government will use a new “public charge” immigration rule to restrict admission of immigrants who are poor, undereducated, underemployed, and who depend on public assistance [...]
A Van for Our Vets!
Thursday, August 8th was Military Appreciation Day when the PGA Tour made a stop at Jersey City's Liberty National Golf Course. The tour's sponsors showed their appreciation for veterans by giving them access to a private lounge, and had a special surprise for Jersey City's local veteran community. Northern Trust President of Wealth Management in the East Region, Henry Johnson, surprised Purple Heart recipient, Vietnam War hero and Commander of VFW Post 2294 Tony Goodson with the keys to a brand new 15-passenger van that is going to be outfitted to be wheelchair accessible and will help transport veterans to and from their medical appointments. VFW Post 2294 was one of the HealthierJC 2018 mini-grantees. They described in great detail what their needs were, and how they would use our grant to assist local veterans. However, it was obvious from their grant application that one of the greatest needs for [...]
ANNOUNCEMENT: 2019 Healthier JC Mini Grantees!
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop just sent out this press release about our 2019 Culture of Health Mini-Grantees! Congratulations to you all, and we look forward to featuring you on this very blog in the near future!!! PARTNERSHIP FOR A HEALTHIER JERSEY CITY ANNOUNCES 2019 CULTURE OF HEALTH MINI-GRANT AWARDEES JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Partnership for a Healthier Jersey City, an Office within the Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services, are proud to announce the complete list of 2019 Culture of Health Mini-Grantees. This year’s grant recipients are part of the largest ever group of awardees, with a total grant funding of nearly $100,000. The 2019 Culture of Health Mini-Grants are the final major expenditure of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health grant that was awarded to the City of Jersey City in 2014. Since then, the City has been [...]
Jersey City will shine on June 20—World Refugee Day
By Mike McLean, Immigrant Affairs Division Director World Refugee Day will not only show who we are, but what we can become. As millions around the globe recognize World Refugee Day, Jersey City will shine on June 20, showcasing community action, public and non-profit partnerships, and the resilience of our newest refugee and asylee neighbors. • The Division of Immigrant Affairs will publish a comprehensive study of refugee and asylee resettlement in Jersey City. Conducted by Church World Service, the report informs how our collaborative public health strategy can better address short-term resettlement needs to ensure long-term citywide gains. According to the New American Economy, refugees make enormous economic contributions, become citizens, and consistently engage in democracy. • Mayor Steven M. Fulop will sign a Mayoral Proclamation on Jersey City’s commitment to refugees and asylees. Himself a decedent of Holocaust survivors, the Mayor will highlight Jersey City’s role in welcoming [...]
4th Annual Keep Jersey City Beautiful Day: A Recap!
On Saturday, April 13th, Jersey City celebrated the fourth annual “Keep Jersey City Beautiful Day.” Each year, this day brings thousands of Jersey City residents together to focus on litter reduction, recycling, greening initiatives, and neighborhood beautification. Clean up activities took place across the City, including at Adopt-A-Lot (AAL) community gardens. This program allows residents to transform vacant City-owned properties into community gardens. During Keep Jersey City Beautiful Day, AAL gardens held open hours for the public to stop by, learn how to become a member, and get their hands in the soil. Riverview Community Garden is one of Jersey City's longest-running Adopt-a-Lot Gardens For more information on how to become a member or volunteer, contact Carena Miles, Healthy Food Access Coordinator, at 201-547-5289. Make sure to visit any of our five Adopt-A-Lots including: Brunswick Community Garden (174-176 Brunswick St) The Children’s Garden (280 Grove St) Mandela Lot [...]
All About: Mental Health First Aid!
Imagine you are in your local grocery store, and you see a fellow shopper who appears to have trouble breathing. She cannot seem to catch her breath, looks troubled and scared. What do you do? Call 9-1-1? Keep Shopping? Alert another shopper? Ask her if she needs help? This is a disturbing situation, and one that can happen almost anywhere. There is help available. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a wonderful resource that can help provide answers. What is Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an 8-hour course that gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, helping the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. What do people learn in a Mental Health First Aid course? Just [...]