Congratulations to our 2024 mini-grantees!  The Partnership for a Healthier JC awarded organizations with mini-grants to build a greater culture of health in Jersey City.  They are listed below with a brief synopsis of the work they intend to do in partnership with HealthierJC.

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Organize safety fairs and workshops that address the unique safety concerns and needs of young people.  The program would focus on topics like cyber safety, peer pressure, substance abuse prevention, conflict resolution, and mental health awareness.  It will also build skills to empower youth to actively promote safety within their communities. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.academicexcellencenj.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Funds will support the Brain Health Initiative which addresses seniors, caregivers, and individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia.  The initiative targets the socially and economically disadvantaged Jersey City households with dementia family members. Programming will cover a spectrum of mental health conditions and care implications.  Fair attendees will be given information, offered free health screenings, and can experience a Brain Discovery Zone, fitness classes, music, food… and more. There are also six educational seminars planned to tackle topics like aging, the caregiver role, legal decisions, and planning for long-term care. For more info about our grantee visit: www.actnowfoundation.org/  

Will address Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Seeking to implement Project Connect in two ways: 1) Participate in the Liberty State Park Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s, and 2) Develop and instruct a presentation related to Understanding Memory Loss Awareness as part of the annual NJ state education catalog.  The walk will be an opportunity to raise visibility and educate. The presentation will explore the normal vs abnormal age-related memory changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, including some of the common warning signs. For more info about our grantee visit: www.alzni.org/

Will address Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. To increase awareness and knowledge of prevalent health issues within ethnic communities, AngelaCARES proposes to host a series of workshops on cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, stroke, cancer, and more.  Workshops will also include healthcare screenings and information on early detection and prevention. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.angelacares.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. The proposal focuses on crisis intervention and mental health support for victims of domestic and gun violence.  The goal is to implement a program in a welcoming and secure environment to promote healing and resilience.  through community engagement and outreach, and thus creating a community network aligned against violence.  The organization seeks to bridge gaps in mental health services and empower survivors to reclaim their sense of agency and well-being. For more info about our grantee visit: https://antiviolencecoalition.org/
 

Will address Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces.Requested funding for the 2024 ABCKidz Summer Camp for underserved children, ages 6 to 13 from low-income families that reside in the Marion Gardens Housing Project.  The camp prioritizes nutrition, mental health, creativity, and physical well-being through open space recreation at Martucci Field. For more info about our grantee visit: www.abcinckidz.com/

*Additional funding made available through Opioid Settlement Dollars.

Will address Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Launch of two park programs in 2024: 1) Yoga in the Park, aimed at enhancing physical and mental well-being for Jersey City residents. The curriculum integrates meditation, deep breathing, creative movement, and the art of breath work to cultivate resilience, self-regulation, and lifelong healthy habits.  2) Park Safety Education Series, designed to empower the community with essential knowledge and skills to ensure their safety and well-being in the park environment. Topics include fire safety protocols, CPR training, self-defense, and input into a park lighting plan. For more info about our grantee visit: http://www.bhp-a.com/

Will address Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Mini-grant funding will support 1:1 mentorships to mitigate the negative effects of what the CDC refers to as an “epidemic” of loneliness in youth today.  The program brings in community leaders, corporate executives, educators, healthcare workers, college students, and law enforcement personnel as mentors for Jersey City youth.  A total of 6 events will be hosted and promote intergenerational relationships with volunteers and caregivers ages 50+, and youth ages 5-24.  Planned event topics include a career day, talent show, transition to adulthood, health screenings, and application support for college and scholarships. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.bigsandkids.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Maternal and Child Health. The program sought funding to implement a community-based program providing mental health support to underserved populations.  Programming will include prenatal and postnatal counseling, mental health counseling, lactation support, parenting workshops, childcare assistance, and maternal healthcare services.  Perinatal support promotes the well-being of both mothers and their infants, which combats high childbirth mortality in low-income minority communities. For more info about our grantee visit: https://communitytreasures.wixsite.com/communitytreasuresof

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Requested funding for Camp Liberty where Jersey City children from diverse backgrounds make new friends while exploring new skills and activities.  Conducted in a unique outdoor setting, Camp Liberty seeks to mitigate summer learning loss and provides a valuable childcare option for Jersey City families. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.educationalartsteam.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Seeks to transform the historic Speer Cemetery into a sanctuary to launch the free “Mindfulness in Green Spaces” program, focusing on mental health and environmental well-being through guided meditation.  The program has been designed to accommodate meditation sessions for 200+ Jersey City residents and will provide inclusive options like folding chairs and bench options that welcome the participation of seniors, the disabled, and veterans. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.friendsofspeer.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Developed a proposal to fund the Drop-In Center at 514 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, which provides the homeless a safe respite, and access to case management services for mental health and substance abuse, job placement and housing assistance, and life skills like nutrition, budgeting, personal hygiene and financial education. For more info about our grantee visit: www.gardenstatecdc.org/   

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Expand Jersey City’s participation in Glamming The Warrior events throughout the remainder of 2024, focused on uplifting individuals battling cancer. These events focus on fostering healing through self-care workshops, therapeutic sessions, motivational talks, and personalized wardrobe consultations.  For more info about our grantee visit: https://glammingthewarrior.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Greenville Community Leaders seeks to implement a series of community-based activities aimed at providing counseling services, health education workshops, and support groups to underserved Jersey City populations.  Through partnerships with local organizations and trained professionals, the organization intends to address gaps in mental health and wellness services, and promote individual and community well-being. For more info about our grantee visit: https://healthierjc.com/partners/greenville-community-leaders-jersey-city/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Launch the “Empowering Youth Through Basketball” after-school program to address low high school graduation rates among for at-risk Jersey Cit youth aged 13 to 19.  By combining basketball training with nutrition, educational interventions, mentorship, and life skills development, the program seeks to improve academic outcomes and adolescent well-being. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.facebook.com/GoGetMyKids

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Conduct and promote Community/Family Healing events that teach restorative justice.  During weekend and evening events, Jersey City residents will learn about healing circles, served nutritious meals, and participate in/observe victim-survivor speak-out sessions.  The goal is to facilitate healing from trauma and stress-induced experiences in low-income, high-risk environments. For more info about our grantee visit: https://helpinghim.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Funds will be used to transform the focus of the LezFest social program to better support adult Lesbian/Bisexual women, an often overlooked subset of the LGBTQ+ community.  In addition to social and therapeutic activities like movie night, karaoke yoga, and mindful art classes, the program will offer free queer-affirming wellness workshops to address health disparities such as obesity, sexual assault, stress, and breast cancer. For more info about our grantee visit: www.hudsonpride.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. This peer mentoring program is an effective prevention strategy for mental health disorders among young adults and teens. The grant will fund 8-weeks of intensive training to equip a new class of peer mentors to address adolescent topics like trust, peer pressure, coping mechanisms, suicide prevention, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ issues, racism, violence, and consent. For more info about our grantee visit: www.huntersworld.org/  

*Additional funding made available through Opioid Settlement Dollars.

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. The Jersey City Library system looks to establish “seed” libraries in twelve in-network Jersey City locations. Funding will enable procurement of seed packets and appropriate containers for seed storage, as well as starter pots for plants. This initiative will then use the seed inventory for educational workshops on urban gardening conducted by partner community garden groups in Jersey City. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.jclibrary.org/ 

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. In response to a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) conducted in 2022, an analysis of community health needs identified priorities that informed Jersey City’s improvement strategies.  The high cost of healthcare and chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes were common resident concerns.  Requested funding for a Cholesterol, A1C, and Health Education program, which will provide free cholesterol screenings and raise awareness of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.rwjbh.org/jersey-city-medical-center/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Produce a series of diverse arts activities in 2024, to promote inclusivity and foster community connections with minorities like seniors, children, immigrants, veterans, refugees, the disabled, and LGBTQ+ groups.  Planned activities include youth workshops at Jersey City Libraries, a dance performance with a deaf interpreter, poetry from a civil rights activist, as well as workshops and art classes during the JC Pride Festival. For more info about our grantee visit: www.jctcenter.org/  

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Funding will be used for the GSW (Girls and Senior Women) Community Outreach Program, to address COVID-19-related isolation, mental health stress, and increased alcohol and substance use.  The 30 participants (15 girls/15 single senior women) will focus on personal development, nutrition, mental wellness, and participation in a community theater performance. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.facebook.com/womensclergyalliance/

*Additional funding made available through Opioid Settlement Dollars.

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Requested funding for this established mentoring program, structured to enhance the personal development, confidence, and leadership skills of underserved Jersey City youth.  Program activities will include team building, conflict resolution, tutoring, essay writing, community service, resume building, college tours, and participation in a competitive Double Dutch jump rope team. For more info about our grantee visit: https://jump4jerry.com/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. Grant dollars for the Kismet Health is Wealth Initiative will address mental health disparities among minority youth aged 11-18 from low to moderate income families.  Operating during the summer months, the program will provide breakfast, lunch, and a safe productive environment from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Participants will receive coaching, breakfast and lunch, transportation to and from home, and ‘Life Orientation Circle’ training to develop self-regulation, resilience, and confidence. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.kismetofkings.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. To expand Jersey City’s access to preventative care and health education, LWL is seeking to move to a larger space and deploy a mobile food truck.  The truck would enable broader community outreach for nutrition and education and tutoring programs, as well as mentorship opportunities for both children and adults. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.lwlnj.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Seeking to expand CPR and emergency preparedness training programs throughout Jersey City to reduce cardiac arrest mortality rates in minority and ow income communities. Training to include Community Outreach Workshops, Cross-Cultural Engagement, Youth Education, and Small Business Empowerment. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.mediczero.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Funding is needed to continue providing non-surgical hair replacements for adults and children who suffer from hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, tragedies or any type of hair loss condition. For more info about our grantee visit: https://mohairfoundation.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. Funding will be used to introduce C.A.M.P. Me (Cultivating, Aspiring, Manifesting a Powerful Me) – a four-week program designed to ignite the potential of young individuals.  The core goals are to empower youth, foster meaningful connections, and instill a sense of self-belief. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.wearemonumental.org/

Will address Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Funding will be used for the Fatherhood Engagement Project (FEP), an initiative dedicated to supporting and rehabilitating men aged 23-55 years who are re-entering society following imprisonment for manslaughter or assault. Program participants are identified before release, and receive case management and peer mentors to help navigate the mental, physical, sobriety and daily living challenges of recovery and reintegration. For more info about our grantee visit: www.mostexcellentwaylifecenter.com/

*Additional funding made available through Opioid Settlement Dollars.

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Establish Health Education workshops, provide culturally aware outreach, enable access to healthcare resources, cultivate partners, and build sustainable wellness models. These efforts will reduce chronic illness, improve health literacy, and empower self-care. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.wearemtpisgah.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority Education. Requested a grant to expand youth programs in underserved communities by improving afterschool staffing ratios at New City Kids After School Centers, and supporting “Teen Life” Internships.  Afterschool programs have been proven to improve life outcomes, and internships develop skills, provide valuable work experience, and cultivate adolescent maturity.  For more info about our grantee visit: https://newcitykids.org/jerseycity/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority Education. Launch a comprehensive health and wellness series for Filipino Jersey City residents, addressing topics like aging, dental care, reproductive health, mental health, sexuality, and gender identity – and hosting activities like Zumba, Line Dancing and food distribution.  The goal is to encourage positive interaction among seniors, women, and LGBTQ members of the Filipino community.  For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.pafcomnj.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces.

Funds will be used for the After School Exploration Program.  It is dedicated to youth crime prevention and offers a supportive environment where participants can engage in activities and meaningful interactions, allowing them to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.  Each evening starts with a nutritious meal followed by tutoring, workshops on mental health and life skills, educational field trips, as well as athletic and recreational programs. For more info about our grantee visit: https://thejcpal.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. Youth mentoring programs at the Barack Obama Elementary School will be extended through June 2024.  These programs focus on life skills and mentoring for at-risk 6th-8th  graders. During the summer months, the Cook, Eat, Talk program will be held for adolescents at Jersey City Public Libraries across the city. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.ps5pta.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Looking to undertake several capital projects to improve garden intelligence and safety.  Projects include conducting 2024 community garden education programs (food justice, medicinal, composting, and beekeeping), implementing 35 raised planting beds, pruning/replacement of damaged ailanthus tree, and repairing damaged compost bins, wheelbarrow, and tools. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.facebook.com/riverviewgardenjc

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces Education. Funding requested for a jersey City performing art wellness program.  The program leverages the transformative impact of the arts — dance, music, yoga, theatre — to help young people develop academic discipline, perseverance, and determination to adopt a healthy lifestyle free of violence and drug use. For more info about our grantee visit: https://saveafew.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Requested funding for student internship experiences within Jersey City that provide public health educational programs and services. Several interns have worked with HealthierJC over the past 3 years gaining practical experience and building a professional network in the public sector.  Students also find intern opportunities at the Center for Urban Research in Agriculture (CURA) on the campus of St. Peter’s University. CURA is a “smart” hydroponic farm that yields produce year-round and builds 3^rd party commercial partnerships for food distribution.  For more info about our grantee visit: http://www.saingpeters.edu/

Will address the Urgent Priority of Health Behaviors – Sexual Activity.  Sarah’s Daughters assists survivors of domestic violence, their families, and perpetrators  Their mission is to effectively aid in the healing process of program participants and help them by offering violence awareness education, group counseling and workshops on nutrition and making lifestyle changes, and therapeutic “painting away the pain” sessions.  Victims are also connected to experts who can provide legal advice, and victims’ rights education.   For more info about our grantee visit:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Sarahs-Daughters/100010382648000

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. Expand the Café con Leche: Cultivating Community Health and Belonging program successfully piloted in 2023.  This program will focus on programming for young, adult, and elderly Jersey City Latinx residents. It is designed to build a sense of belonging, promote health and well-being, foster resilience, and celebrate indigenous Afro-Puerto Rican heritage.  Activities will include sharing Puerto Rican cuisine recipes, learning about Puerto Rican folklore, music, dance, and art, mentoring networks, and inter-generational participation in story circles and the Latino oral history project. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.scoresreentrynj.org/  

Will address the Urgent Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Requested funding to host a free Janani workshop in Jersey City to address the increase in suicide within the South Asian community.  During this workshop, medical experts will discuss suicide among South Asians, and recent murder-suicides that have impacted the Asian Jersey City community. The workshop will also address risk factors and warning signs like increased drug use, dealing with grief, and suicide prevention strategies. For more info about our grantee visit:  www.samhin.org/

*Additional funding made available through Opioid Settlement Dollars.

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education. Launch an education program focused on:  mental health, domestic violence, physical activity & weight management, drug and tobacco use, diabetes, sexual health, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease.  Group sessions will also address Xylazine, a potentially lethal veterinary sedative that is increasingly found in the illegal drug supply, and Fentanyl, a hyper-potent, highly addictive synthetic opioid that once consumed, commonly results in a lethal overdose. For more info about our grantee visit: http://www.spectruminc.org/

*Additional funding made available through Opioid Settlement Dollars.

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Surati for Performing Arts will be using dance, yoga, and music in a series of 20-25 festivals and creative, educational, therapeutic, and life skill workshops. The program is designed to coach and educate participants about managing chronic illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and mental health. Activities will enlist youth volunteers and venues will include both indoor spaces and outdoor public parks and plazas. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.suratifpa.org/#/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Environmental Health & Justice Stewardship Program For A #HealthierJC (https://sustainablejc.squarespace.com/projects/jc-ehj) was launched in 2023 in advance of an upcoming EPA air quality study.   Given Jersey City has the highest rate of asthma in Hudson County, funds were requested in 2024 for a series of community meetings, email broadcasts, and social media to alert high-risk Lafayette and Greenville residents and educate everyone in Jersey City about environmental exposures and related health implications. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.sustainablejc.org/

Will address the Urgent Priority of Clinical Care – Access and Integration. Team Wilderness will use funding to continue two year-round programs for Jersey City youth.  One is the EmpowerYouth Program, which provides after school activities for young adults, and focuses on intervention, prevention, mentorship and keeping kids engaged and active.  And the other program is the North Star Project, which offers free group therapy during monthly outdoor excursions, and 1:1 mental health counseling for Jersey City high school students. For more info about our grantee visit: www.teamwilderness.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Maternal and Child Health. Support Jersey City families with gender-expansive youth through programming facilitated by trained psychologists and teachers.  Planned programs includes 2 retreats and monthly family group discussions where parents can collectively discuss gender youth concerns, issue resolution tactics, and management of related family dynamics. For more info about our grantee visit: https://tertiumquidcamp.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Funding will be used for a 4-month expansion of the “Wellness & Health Care Access for the Community” program for Jersey City seniors that integrates mental health support, physical activity, and artistic expression.  The goal is to empower seniors to actively manage chronic illnesses like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, and mental health disorders while fostering social connection and overall well-being. For more info about our grantee visit: https://kennedydancers.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. To promote health, teamwork, and leadership skills, Together Towards Tomorrow will offer after-school programs to engage underprivileged youth in sports and physical activities like football.  By offering sports equipment, coaching, and facilities, the program provides a safe and supportive environment.  This fosters positive social interaction and empowers young people to lead healthier, more active lives. For more info about our grantee visit: http://togethertowardstmr.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. Funding will support the continuation and expansion of programming aimed at physical fitness and academic enrichment, for both children and adults. The current roster of programming includes basketball, youth strength and fitness, art, and free ESL (English as a Second Language) tutoring. These programs will be enhanced, and new programs introduced to focus on health, wellness, and participant well-being.  For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.tongyantang.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. Launch of the “Free Teens” program, to educate teens aged 13-19 about STIs, unprotected sex, drugs, and alcohol use. The program will be instructed by doctors, nurses, and teachers and include trips to hospitals and clinics to see the real-life impact of venereal disease and addiction. For more info about our grantee visit: http://www.ulohc.org/

*Additional funding made available through Opioid Settlement Dollars.

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces.  Funds requested for additional resources to expand the Fun Club program for Jersey City refugees to gather and culturally interact in a safe community space.  Weekly meetings at Saint Peter’s University are used to conduct adult ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, provide homework tutors for children, and help refugees obtain needed healthcare services. For more info about our grantee visit: https://welcomehomerefugees.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces.  The organization plans to collaborate with the Jersey City Parks Coalition to promote participation of Westside seniors and schools in Thai Chi, Chair Yoga and fitness classes. The grant will also be used to expand the Lincoln Park Farmers Market program to include healthy food prep and storage, food waste reduction, composting, herb gardening, guest chef cooking demonstrations. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.jcwsca.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Maternal and Child Health. Whole Spectrum Autism plans to organize a Jersey City health fair for parents with children and adults on the autism spectrum.  The fair will bring in medical professionals to discuss the importance of healthy eating, as well as spectrum-specific dental and eyecare concerns and best practices. For more info about our grantee visit: https://wholespectrumautism.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Health Education and Management of Chronic Illness. Funds will be used to conduct nutritional workshops that educate Jersey City attendees on the Dr. Dean Ornish Program.  Based on a whole food, plant-based diet, this regimen has successfully managed and even reversed lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease,  and Type 2 diabetes.   For more info about our grantee visit: visit: https://worldveganvision.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Education. Expand the Partners In Education program that helps underserved Jersey City students prepare for higher education, complete the college entry process, and obtain a degree.  Funds will be used to recruit a new class of 160 11th-grade students in 2024 to begin the college application process. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.ypie.org/jerseycity

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Maternal and Child Health. Offer play, art, and music classes for fifty (50) children, from birth to age 7, and their parents in Jersey City.  These classes are designed to enhance adult-child interactive play and the cognitive, physical, and social skills of children living in emergency family shelters or transitional housing. For more info about our grantee visit: https://yorkstreetproject.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces Education. Funding will renovate and enhance the gym facilities at PS #33 Dr. Paul Rafalides School, which serves low-income youth in Jersey City.  Plans include updating equipment, creating a more motivating atmosphere, and optimizing space utilization to accommodate a wider range of activities.  For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.youthfoundationofjerseycity.org/

Will address the Urgent Health Priority of Community Safety and Open Spaces. Multifaceted food pantry program that combines access to nutritious food with healthy meal preparation classes led by nutritionists and local Jersey City chefs. The program will also include mentorship programs for children and adults, as well as outdoor activities and educational field trips to improve the wellbeing of community residents. For more info about our grantee visit: https://www.zioncaresjc.org/