Category Archives: Uncategorized

Children’s Home Society of New Jersey Accelerates Learning for Preschoolers

By Neyssa Deriphonse 

The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ), established in 1894, has had a long-standing mission to connect children with loving families, safeguard them from harm and assist parents in enhancing their parenting skills to maintain family unity. 

The vision is for every child to experience the security of a nurturing family environment, enjoy good physical and mental health, and thrive cognitively, emotionally and behaviorally. 

To fulfill this vision, CHSofNJ’s comprehensive programs encompass behavioral health and mental health services, permanency planning, community and neighborhood-based support, school-based initiatives, as well as early childhood and parent education services. 

They offer a spectrum of services, one of which is the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs (HS and EHS). These programs provide free quality and comprehensive early childhood education and services to children between the ages of three to five (Head Start) and zero to three (Early Head Start) at the HS and EHS Center or at their homes in Trenton, New Jersey. 

According to a press release published by Insider NJ,  the HS and EHS programs offer indoor and outdoor play space, an office for staff and nurse of the program, a community area, conference rooms, a laundry room and a kitchen with commercial appliances to prepare nutritious food for social events designed for “infants, toddlers, preschoolers and pregnant moms” participating in the programs.

Four of the organization’s sites are located in Trenton: 715 Bellevue Avenue, 1198 Southard Street, 794 East State Street and 1746 South Clinton Avenue.

Children in HS and EHS engage in interesting, interactive classes and activities that are intended to reinforce important developmental skills. The six main domains of cognitive, social-emotional, physical, linguistic, literacy and mathematical development are all addressed in CHSofNJ research-based curriculum for young children. Through CHSofNJ’s comprehensive services and individualized support, these six areas collectively establish a robust educational groundwork, equipping children for success not only in preschool but also in their future endeavors.

CHSofNJ collaborates with the Trenton Public Schools Office of Early Childhood to deliver the program. The Trenton Board of Education contributes funds to improve the kids’ educational experiences and strengthens the credentials of teachers by obtaining NJ State certification. Children with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) can attend inclusion classrooms.

HS and EHS embody a trauma-informed perspective on children, families and services, which is similar to the rest of CHSofNJ programs. As Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have the potential to significantly impact conduct, overall well-being, developmental growth, cognitive processes and overall life satisfaction, CHSofNJ’s dedicated staff undergoes comprehensive training to proficiently comprehend and provide essential support for children navigating through ACEs. The existence of trauma in the lives of parents, guardians, and other family members is also acknowledged by the team. In order to ensure comfortability and establish a reliable working relationship with families, every interaction is treated with respect and consideration.

“The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey Early Head Start program is proud to provide these important early childhood education services in Trenton, and we are thrilled to now expand our reach to serve families in Hamilton as well,” Isaac Dorsey, the Executive Director of CHSofNJ Head Start/Early Head Start, said in the press release. Since 2021, parents in Hamilton enroll their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to take advantage of the accelerated learning program, HS and EHS.

“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Cities of Trenton and Hamilton in our mission of saving children’s lives and building healthy families,” Dorsey said. “Investing in the education of preschoolers will benefit families, communities, and the world.”

Fran’s Pantry Distributes Resources at HomeFront

By Tori Duym

Local Mercer County shelter and resource center HomeFront continues providing necessities to individuals experiencing homelessness. Fran’s Pantry offers ample opportunities to get supplies such as food and hygiene products for no cost. 

The pantry is located in Lawrenceville and is open on Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Fran’s Pantry was opened as a result of the pandemic and is named after a major contributor and volunteer at HomeFront. It has proven to be a huge success, as it is beloved by many community members. The pantry provides countless opportunities for individuals who may lack access to food or hygiene products otherwise. 

According to Dylan O’Neill, HomeFront’s resource network director, the organization is on the lower end of the spectrum as far as requirements in order to receive access to the products and services. No documentation is needed; simply any type of photo ID is acceptable as a new client. Filling out a few forms to help better understand each individual’s unique needs is also requested upon first access to Fran’s Pantry. Clients are able to receive goods from the pantry starting that same day after filling out the forms. 

Fran’s Pantry reaches about 150 to 200 individuals per day, according to O’Neill, based on the data gathered by staff and volunteers. “Our pantry processes a client every five to eight minutes,” O’Neill continues. Ultimately, the pantry provides food for 5,000 to 7,000 individuals monthly.

Food is not the only resource available to those who may need to utilize Fran’s Pantry. Diapers, feminine hygiene products, backpacks, bedding, kitchen supplies and even furniture are often distributed to families or individuals as well. 

With the holidays approaching, HomeFront is kicking their efforts into high gear. Their annual Thanksgiving drive provides a turkey dinner to 300-400 families, as well as their Christmas drive to provide gifts for as many families as possible. HomeFront works with parents and provides two gifts up to $75 dollar value for each child in the family for Christmas.

While the language barrier has become a growing concern, Fran’s Pantry is equipped with several bilingual volunteers. According to O’Neill, only about 10% of clients speak English, making these staff members’ skills extremely useful. 

The pantry has received over 2.6 million dollars in donations over the past year and was able to distribute them throughout the community to those in need. HomeFront’s mission is to “pull families out of the cycle of poverty,” O’Neill said, as Fran’s Pantry has made strides toward accomplishing this goal. 

Dylan O’Neill touched upon the subject of decreasing resources as time passes and COVID-19 fades into the past. The governmental benefits are ceasing to continue, so HomeFront is working around the clock to provide all of the resources needed for individuals in the Mercer County community. Poverty has become a serious issue according to O’Neill, but they are working very hard to turn this around and support all community members.

Fran’s Pantry has grown into an extremely useful resource for the community. Contact HomeFront at homefront@homefrontnj.org or (609) 989-9417 with any questions or if you or anyone you know may benefit from their resources. 

Art on the Move: HomeFront’s New Mobile Initiative Fosters Creativity in Underserved Communities

By Rebecca Heath

In an effort to engage and enrich children and families living in under-resourced Mercer County communities, HomeFront recently unveiled “Artie the ArtSpace Mobile.”

HomeFront’s ArtSpace fosters a safe environment for individuals who have experienced homelessness to express creativity, according to the organization’s website.

The nonprofit, which is based in Ewing and managed by Ruthann Traylor, facilitates therapeutic art programs and seeks to empower clients by offering a number of opportunities throughout the year to showcase their skills.

ArtSpace’s new mobile initiative was developed to educate potential clients about the organization’s programs and support services. Chock-full of supplies and clients’ artwork, the vibrant truck will also host hands-on activities for children while serving as a pop-up shop to benefit HomeFront artists.

The journey of bringing Artie to life involved collaborative efforts, said Traylor, who worked alongside local graphic designers Barbara DiLorenzo and Kim Moulder, in addition to Leigh Visual Imaging, to make her vision a reality.

“The process for creating Artie was brewing for a few years,” Traylor said. “Once we received the grant and the truck was donated we worked with a few local designers to help us create our vision.”

The innovative art truck currently partners with community-minded businesses to collect art supplies, and hosts company team-building workshops as part of ArtSpace’s corporate engagement efforts.

Artie is also slated to travel to HomeFront properties and motels to serve families experiencing homelessness, in addition to arts and music festivals, community events, summer camps, craft fairs, schools, day care centers and after-school programs for disadvantaged youth, according to the organization’s website.

An Update on the Covid Restrictions

By: Brie Wells

Update on the Covid Restrictions

As the anniversary of the Covid 19 pandemic rounds the corner, many Americans are questioning what the future will look like as vaccine rollout continues across the United States and covid regulations relax. With vaccine rollout expanding to child care workers, transportation workers, and additional public safety workers in the state of New Jersey as of March 15th, many wonder when the state can continue to reopen and students can start going back to school. According to New Jersey Covid 19 Informational Hub, New Jersey is in Stage 2 of Governor Murphy’s reopening plan. In stage 2 moderate risk activities are allowed to restart and all New Jerseyans are advised to wear a face covering and to participate in social distancing. New Jerseyans are also advised to work from home if it is feasible to do so. Since June 15th, 2020 relaxation of restrictions has been declared from the governor’s office, with the newest being announced March 19th, 2021, which states that the limit on general indoor gatherings increases to 25 people and increases the limit to general outdoor gatherings to 50 people according to Executive Order 225.

With the relaxation of restrictions continuing, many are questioning if Governor Murphy will take the lead of other states and radically lessen Covid 19 restrictions.  On March 2, 2021, the Texas Governor, Gregg Abott, issued Executive Order (GA-34), which lifted the mask mandate in Texas and increased the capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent. Similarly, in Mississippi, Governor Tates issued Executive Order 1549 on March 3rd, 2021 in which the mask mandate would be lifted in Mississippi. Other states such as Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut also continue to lift restrictions on restaurants and other businesses as vaccine rollout continues. According to the CDC Covid Data tracker, 127 million vaccines have been administered in the United States and the amount of Covid 19 cases have been decreasing generally in the past nine weeks. Although Covid 19 cases are generally declining, the CDC has advised against the rapid relaxation of restrictions in states like Texas and Mississippi. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control, said in a briefing on March 3rd,2021 that “We at the CDC have been very clear that now is not the time to release all restrictions.” She also went on to state that “The next month or two is really pivotal with how this pandemic goes as we scale up vaccinations, we really do need to decrease the amount of the virus that is circulating as we are trying to vaccinate all of the public.”

Seemingly Governor Murphy is following in the footsteps of the CDC and other states as he remains cautionary about reopening. In an interview with CNN, Governor Murphy stated “My guess is we won’t be opening up further capacities for some time now because of the caseload.” He then went on to say “We are back to leading the nation in the spread of this virus…” and, “We want to do this safely, responsibly, we don’t want to ever have to go back.” At this time New Jerseyans can expect restrictions to stay in place and should continue to hope that with more vaccine rollout and stricter control of variants within the Garden State, that it will hopefully lead to the arrival of Stage 3 on the road back to normalcy.

Update 

As the summer approaches Covid 19 vaccination rates continue to increase across the United States. According to the CDC, as of June 3rd, 2021  169,090,262 doses of the vaccine have been given out in the United States. In the state of New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Health 8,755,436 doses of the vaccine have been administered in the State of New Jersey and the rates will continue to increase as the Governor continues to push New Jerseyans to get vaccinated. As vaccination rates increase and mask mandates restrictions relax, New Jersyeans can expect the arrival of Stage 3 of Governor Murphy’s Covid 19 Relief plan to be near in the distant future.

Food Insecure in the Garden State

By: Zion Lee

In 2020, America’s Health Rankings United Health Foundation reported that New Jersey was the third most food insecure state in the U.S. preceded by New Hampshire and Hawaii. Such disparity presented by the data is concerning as, despite New Jersey being reported as amongst the top three richest states in the U.S., a portion of its population is struggling with food insecurity. Food insecurity, lacking the ability to financially access food resources, is a major concern that has a widespread impact. Not only does food insecurity affect the basic needs of those affected, but many individuals will see an increase in risk for food insecurity. Food insecurity does not discriminate as those who are living below or above the poverty line and who are impacted by specific environmental conditions such as where individuals were born, live, work, and learn, factors known as social determinants, are all susceptible to the issue.

 This inequity must be addressed as obtaining one’s daily nutritional requirements is imperative to not only maintaining physical health, but also cognitive health as supported by the CDC. While food insecurity deals with food and hunger, there are other factors that can contribute and be exacerbated by food insecurity, including health and quality of life. The basic needs of individuals must be met in order to increase the quality of life and provide them with the time and ability to address the complexities of life such as maintaining a job, supporting ones’ family, enriching ones’ social life, and prevent serious debilitating medical issues that can lead to further complications as food insecurity prevails.

If you or someone you know is impacted by food insecurity in Mercer County, The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (72 Escher St, Trenton, NJ 08609),  Arm in Arm (123 E Hanover St, Trenton, NJ 08608), and various other sites in The Streetlight Resource Guide are able to help provide you with resources and food.  Together, we can work towards ensuring food security.  

Source Link: https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/understand-food-insecurity/

Vaccine Availability In Mercer County

By: Zion Lee

For more than a year, the global COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of people contracting the virus, becoming ill, and in some cases, dying. However, thanks to modern medicine, there are currently three types of COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized for large-scale clinical trials in the United States. These vaccines help the recipients’ bodies develop immunity to the virus without having to catch the illness. The mRNA vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, and vector vaccines help give our bodies the ability to recognize the virus if COVID-19 is ever contracted. It is important to note that none of the vaccines can give you COVID-19, but instead they help your immune system in the event that you should ever get COVID-19. 

Governor Phil Murphy announced that those experiencing homelessness, in addition to those who are currently in domestic violence and homeless shelters, are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on March 15th, which since has past. Soon after, Governor Phil Murphy announced that everyone over the age of 16 are eligible to be vaccinated.  The COVID-19 vaccine does not cost the recipient any money and will not require individuals to pay any coinsurance, deductibles, or copay. In fact, the vaccine is available regardless of whether or not you possess health insurance coverage or not.  Some places that are offering vaccination appointments are Capital Health System- Hopewell, CURE Arena Trenton, Henry J Austin Health Center, Hunterdon Family & Sports Medicine at Hopewell Valley, Mercer County Community College, Rite Aid in Trenton, Riverside Urgent Care of Ewing, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton, ShopRite Hamilton, and ShopRite Pennington. After being vaccinated, your immune system will be prepared to fight the virus. However, even after being vaccinated, The Streetlight suggests that everyone continues to exercise caution and follow CDC guidelines.

 

The CDC has more information regarding how the vaccine works if you’re interested.

 

Vaccine Registration Questions? The New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 855-568-0545

The Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health

By: Abby Duff

Since the arrival of COVID-19 to the U.S. a year ago, the pandemic has led to a rise in unemployment, a shortage of vital resources, and an intense decrease in human contact. The lack of once guaranteed daily interactions with other people has had detrimental negative impacts on individuals’ mental health in one way or another.

There have been increased reports of excessive alcohol consumption, sleep and eating disorders, and chronic conditions such as anxiety and depression as a result of the effects of the pandemic. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Household Pulse Survey, between January 2019 and January 2021, the amount of adults reporting severe anxiety and depression disorders has skyrocketed from 11% in 2019 to 41.1% in 2021. These spikes have been particularly prevalent in individuals who have experienced job loss, communities of color, young adults, and essential workers. 

In addition, the KFF reported that 48% of Non-Hispanic Black adults and 46% of Hispanic or Latino adults were more likely to report a mental health disorder in comparison to White adults, who were reported at 41%. Adults that experienced job loss and, subsequently, a source of income had increased rates of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a higher likelihood of suicide. Essential workers have experienced increased anxiety and thoughts of suicide during the pandemic, as they are subject to conditions that could lead to contracting COVID-19 at their place of employment on any given day. Young adults whose daily routines have been turned upside down by the cease of in-person instruction have reported higher rates of anxiety and depression, as well as, substance abuse. Nearly all of these demographics are afraid to reach out and receive counseling for fear of judgment or financial restrictions. 

It can be hard to talk to friends and loved ones about mental health struggles, especially when you can’t find the words to say how you’re feeling, and speaking to a specialist is usually expensive. However, there are several local organizations that offer free or at least affordable mental health services, and there are other measures that can be taken to improve one’s mental health when struggling, regardless of whether it is the result of the pandemic or a lifelong struggle. The Mercer County Division of Mental Health provides a hotline (877-294-4357) to all residents who are in need of help and do not know who to contact. The Diocese of Trenton also provides free mental health counseling to anyone who is in need. MercerResourceNet.org has a list of organizations in the local area that can help people of all demographics who are suffering. 

As the spring approaches and the weather improves, please remember that even a walk in a park and a conversation with a friend (while adhering to CDC Guidelines, of course) can go a long way for someone who is struggling, so reach out to your friend and loved ones, and do not be ashamed to ask for help, you are loved. 

Mental Health Resources:

Mercer County Division of Mental Health

Diocese of Trenton

MercerResourceNet

Plasma v. COVID-19 In Mercer County

By: Zion Lee

As a global pandemic has driven unemployment to an unprecedented high, millions of people are still without jobs or a steady income.  One way to earn money during this time would be through the donation of plasma.  While jobs may be scarce, almost everyone can donate plasma and be paid for their donation.  In fact, America remains the number one provider of plasma to the world as laws allow individuals to donate their own plasma for monetary compensation. Some argue that the plasma industry thus profits off of “economic desperation”, yet such claims often overlook the benefits of for-profit plasma donation. Not only are donors given money for their donation and time, but individuals in desperate need of plasma and plasma-based products, such as medications, can also receive the aid they need. 

In the past the, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has put out public service announcements (PSAs) that outline the importance of donating plasma. According to the HSS “These studies will require the help of Americans who have recovered from COVID-19 who are willing to donate their plasma.” Thus, there is no real reason as to why donating plasma for money is a bad thing. In fact, such a philanthropic act can help save hundreds or even thousands of lives. So, whether you are someone struggling with homelessness, job insecurity, or even a student who may need some spending money, you can be compensated for helping the world fight against Covid-19 and other diseases.

As the pandemic continues, the plasma shortage must be addressed before it exponentially increases and becomes another global issue that needs to be tackled. According to the Red Cross, if you are in good health or have had COVID-19 but are now symptom-free and recovered for at least 14 days since the last date of symptoms, you can give convalescent plasma. As the pandemic continues on, it may behoove members of society to donate plasma to help fight not only the pandemic but illnesses and diseases that rely on plasma to provide aid to those afflicted in our communities.

 

Here are some links to donate plasma!

Donate with CSL in Hamilton

Donate with Red Cross in Princeton

Donate with Grifols in PA

Resuming School in a COVID World

By: Abby Duff

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen school closures across the country. The closures are taking their toll on student’s education, attentiveness, and mental health. Many schools have reopened their doors for the 2020-2021 school year, while others have chosen to go completely online, however that decision has been more difficult to make for schools like Sprout U School of the Arts in Trenton, NJ.

Sprout is an institution that values diversity and embracing culture, and the way they learn has been very hands-on, so the pandemic has been a major shock to their usual system. However, after getting a chance to speak with Danielle Winslow, known by her students as “Miss. Danielle,” the founder and principal of the school, it is clear that they are well-underway this school year, and are operating in the best, most normal way they possibly can.

At first, she said it was a challenge to develop an attainable AND affordable plan that could accommodate all of the students at school, as there is a wide age range stretching from preschool to high school. The majority of the students were unable to afford computers and headphones to support the new virtual learning environment, however generous community donors were able to provide them with the proper technology for classes. Because of this, students can learn online both at the school and remotely if need be. 

Another issue she encountered while developing the reopening plan was that many of the teachers resigned for fear of getting COVID. Because of this, she had to find an affordable, yet an engaging way for her students to continue their education both online and as normally as possible. Ms. Winslow was able to receive a grant from Pearson Online Academy, an online school program that provides both live and self-completed lessons. This program allows everyone to keep learning in person, as well as work from home on days off.

The students have class at the school every day except Wednesday. On Wednesdays, a cleaning service comes in and deep cleans the building to prevent the spread of COVID among the students and teachers at Sprout, and so far they (thankfully) have had no cases this year!

Even though the circumstances are different this year, Ms. Winslow has still found ways to allow her students to continue pursuing their artistic and creative passions. A few days week groups of students travel to dance lessons, and other days, an organization brings in instruments for the students to use and learn how to play at the school. They continue to perform plays and musicals, socially distanced of course, and the spirits are still high at Sprouts. I have been volunteering at Sprouts for the past few months, and have seen firsthand how optimistically and gracefully Miss Danielle and her students are handling this transition year! 

TASK Tackles Quarantine

By: Zion Lee

It seems life has taken a sharp turn with the global pandemic brought by COVID-19. Yet, as time has gone on, society has proven to be able to adapt as the unfortunate circumstances of COVID-19 have become a new normal. Even in the face of adversity, some things never change: like needing to eat. Fortunately, one place in Mercer County comes to mind when thinking about a reliable spot to eat, The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). Whilst COVID-19 has forced many businesses to close, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen has weathered the storm by adapting to these trying times to provide essentials to those in need.

As COVID-19 closed millions of businesses and changed the lives of billions of lives around the world, The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen has done its best to maintain a consistent meal schedule, serving thousands of patrons each week. While indoor dining was halted due to safety concerns, TASK has been able to provide almost 40,000 meals each month through packaged hot meals, prepared lunch and dinner, given out the front door of the facility. 

In addition to the hot meals, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen also has continued conducting social work help over the phone and has begun offering its beloved art and music programs again. In an interview with Jaime Parker of TASK, she shared that TASK’s focus is to “get everyone’s immediate needs met”. Now more than ever, it is the “perfect time for people to work towards their high school diploma” even despite the hardships at hand. And while “the digital divide is a big problem” for many patrons, TASK works to “close the gaps that exist” to this day. Individuals interested in receiving assistance from the case manager have been able to reach them over the phone and in the new tent patio at the TASK location to provide assistance to individuals who do not have cell phones with COVID-19 safety restrictions in mind. TASK has also been providing individuals with guidance on how to set up Zoom accounts for online interviews and even secure jobs with companies like “Amazon”. In addition, as the winter approaches, TASK is working with Homefront to create a warming tent for individuals who are looking for a place to stay when the months get colder.  

Even despite the threat of a global pandemic, it seems that the staff at TASK have been able to develop a plan that would ensure maintaining optimal service for their patrons. Anyone interested in receiving meals or social work help should head to TASK at 72 Escher St, Trenton, NJ 08609. The effective plans deployed by TASK such as providing packaged food, offering social services over the phone, and working to hold art classes have displayed the dedication and adaptability of the staff at TASK in the face of COVID-19.

 

Here is a link to TASK’S Official COVID Response