July 31, 2020
As your partner in building healthy communities, NJHCN curates the most useful and current resources to help you and your organization build capacity, raise funds, network and learn.

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Grantee Spotlight
Borough of Audubon
NJHCN Funder: New Jersey Health Initiatives
After getting tied up due to COVID-19, The Borough of Audubon is clearing through the brush and moving forward with their healthy communities project-- In addition to the construction on the Audubon Recreation/Community Center just being finalized, staff and volunteers have kept busy by coordinating a food distribution strategy with local churches and food pantries, as well as continuing to prepare the land for the soon to be community garden! “We will keep pushing forward as long as we can do so safely. This will be such an amazing nook for our community!”

The Family Resource Network
NJHCN Funder: New Jersey Division of Disability Services
The Family Resource Network’s healthy communities project is well underway-- While they continue to develop the environmental scan that will help to 1) identify the available school nutrition guidelines for children with special needs and 2) increase awareness of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs, they are being mindful in their approach by implementing a three-pronged organizational to continue working towards meeting the needs and achieving public health equity among all individuals and families.

Ocean County Health Department
NJHCN Funder: New Jersey Department of Health
As we move towards phasing-out COVID-19 and phasing-in reopening plans in New Jersey, the Ocean County Health Department is excited to move forward with their healthy communities plan--The unveiling of the Toms River “Field of Dreams” Park. This community will not only have access to fun but they along with their families and friends [of all abilities] will have the opportunity to become the healthiest versions of themselves.”     

Resources
USDA Farmers to Families Food Box
Source: USDA
As part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program the USDA is partnering with national, regional and local distributors to supply food boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat products and a combination box of fresh produce, dairy or meat products. The family-sized boxes are available to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. The program is available through August 31 but may be extended, dependent upon program success and available remaining funds.

NJHCN Grantee GRACE is participating in the program and is receiving approximately 400 FREE boxes per week. The program is projected to save the organization approximately $100,000 over several months.

Change Library
Source: 100 Million Healthier Lives and Community Commons
The 100MLives Change Library is a practical, searchable, peer-reviewed implementation library that helps change-makers by sharing things that work--and things that don’t work--to improve health, well-being, and equity for people and communities.
  • Implementation details: How long did the work take? In what context was it used? What details do you need to use this resource? 
  • Learn skills and get inspired by stories of community transformation
  • Find bright spots and tools to implement evidence-based practices, policies, and programs
  • Share your story of community change

Grants and Funding
Culture of Health Prize
Informational Webinar: August 6 - 3 pm ET
Prize Alumni Webinar: September 15 - 2 pm ET
Deadline: October 15, 2020
Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize recognizes communities working at the forefront of advancing health, opportunity, and equity for all. The Culture of Health Prize elevates the compelling stories of places where residents are working together to transform education, jobs, transportation, housing, and more so better health flourishes for all. A Culture of Health recognizes that where we live—such as our access to affordable homes, quality schools, good jobs, and reliable transportation—affects how long and how well we live. 

News and Media
Source: New Jersey Department of Human Services - Division of Disability Services
Future of our Food Supply
Source: Bloomberg CityLab
From grocery stores and online delivery to farms and restaurants, how and where we get our food may never look the same. How does the entire food system begin to collaborate?

Training, Collaborations and Networking
Race to Lead Revisited
August 4 - 3 pm ET
Host: Leadership Learning Community
Learn about the results from the recently released report “ Race to Lead Revisited: Obstacles and Opportunities in Addressing the Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap .” The report finds that awareness has not “translated into significant change or more equity in how people of color experience their organizations or the nonprofit sector."

Responding to Crisis in the Latino Population with an Equity Lens
August 13 - 3 pm ET
Host: County Health Rankings and Roadmaps
Join the discussion and learn how COVID-19 is placing an even brighter spotlight on many existing disparities experienced by Latino communities. Together we will explore: 

  • How this pandemic intersects with other key issues including economic and civic engagement, language and culture barriers, and the crisis concerning immigration status in Latino communities
  • Approaches for informing Latino communities about coronavirus testing and prevention
  • What community groups can do to support Latino families during this crisis
  • Policy priorities for addressing the larger systemic issues brought to the forefront because of COVID-19

Working with the Media
September 17, 2020 - 2 pm ET
Host: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
RWJF’s  Joe Marx  hosts a panel discussion with  Jordan Reese John Siniff  and  Adam Zimmerman  who share their extensive experience in newsrooms and in advancing public policy. They will take about case studies and offer guidance on how to work with journalists to create important, compelling content aimed at helping communities heal with resilience. The speakers will answer your questions in the latter half of the program.