In this Week's Edition
News
SHA Member Meeting Recap
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Governor Murphy Signs
Sweeping Housing Eviction
Prevention and Utility Assistance Bill
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Governor Murphy Signs
First in the Nation Postpartum Care Bill
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System Performance Measures
Updates for CoCs
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Federal Housing Finance Agency
Extends Foreclosure Moratorium
to September 30th
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DMHAS RFP for
Gambling Disorder Clinician Co-Occurring
Gambling and Substance Use Treatment
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Governor Murphy Signs
First in the Nation Postpartum Care Bill
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NJ's Legislative Disability Caucus
Recent Gathering Focuses Efforts on Accessible, Affordable Housing
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DCF / HSAC Needs Assessment Webinar
Video and Additional Resources
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Groundbreaking 5-Year
Denver-based Supportive Housing
Project Achieves "Remarkable Success"
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Nominate Excellence
in Housing by tomorrow, August 6th
Join SHA's Awards and Conference
Sept 27th, Nov 9th and Nov 10th
Resources & Virtual Forums
Mutual of America Webinar:
Realize the Value of Building Equity
into your Retirement Benefits
August 10, 2021
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Using Assistive Technology
to Support Tenants to Age in Place
August 10, 2021
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Webinar Series: Coordinating
HHS Housing-Related Supports and Services with HUD Housing Assistance for
People Experiencing Homelessness
August 12 & 16, 2021
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NAMI NJ - From Denial to Accountability: Addressing Systemic Barriers
in Diversity within Mental Health Care
August 17, 2021
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Regional Event with Resources for
Veterans in Atlantic City
September 8, 2021
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Access To Recovery (ATR) Prepares
National Symposium on Working Recovery
September 14, 2021
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Community-Based Health and Wellness Resource Events - 2021 Sustainable Health & Wellness Village® Festival Tour
September - October
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Next SHA
Developers Meeting
1:00–3:00PM via Zoom
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Next SHA
Members Meeting
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Save the Date!
NJ DMHAS
Opioid Summit
September 21-22, 2021
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Sept. 22, 2021 | 6-9:30pm
Wilshire Grand Hotel
West Orange, NJ
RSVP by August 31, 2021
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Save the Date!
September 27, 2021
SHA Supportive Housing Awards Reception
The Palace - Somerset, NJ
Save the Date!
November 9-10, 2021
SHA 23rd Annual Supportive Housing Conference
Virtual Event
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Save the Date!
Virtual Celebration
September 28, 1-5 pm ET
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Registration Open
Virtual Event
September 29th & 30th
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New Housing Posted
Check out the latest postings for housing on SHA's Housing Search Tool including:
Old Bridge
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Check out these opportunities with NAMI New Jersey |
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Congratulations to Mark Duffy (former COO, CSPNJ) for being honored at the upcoming CHLP Ann Klein Advocate Awards on September 22nd. Attendees should RSVP by August 31, 2021 .
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Join Community Access Unlimited as they host Arts in the Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on August 20th in Warinanco Park in Roselle. All are invited to enjoy a summer day of arts and entertainment. Community Access Unlimited is seeking artists, musicians, singers and dancers to share their creative passions and participate.
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SHA Welcomes New Members In 2021 |
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Thank you to everyone who joined our latest member meeting. We send a special thanks to our guests who included: |
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Jennifer Langer Jacobs
Assistant Commissioner
Division of Medical Assistance
& Health Services
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Jennifer reviewed updates on Medicaid in the state such as the 1115 Waiver, upcoming opportunities in HCBS, and Nurture NJ initiative to support post-partum health visits. |
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Lorna Runkle
Act-Cess USA
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Lorna discussed the upcoming DOL training grants and the process that SHA is preparing to apply as a consortium with other organizations for this free training. |
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Kate Kelly, MSW
Integrated Community
Project Manager
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Kate shared updates on the successes of the ICP focus groups and some of the key themes learned from participants including better access and advanced notice of events in communities. |
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Elaine Helms
The Rain Foundation
Mabel Elmore
YMCA Newark and Vicinity
Asish Patel
COO, Monarch Housing
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During our feature presentation, Elaine Helms, Founder of The Rain Foundation spoke of the work to develop New Jersey's first Permanent Supportive Housing for LGBTQIA+ young adults as well as the urgent needs faced by members of the community. Mabel Elmore representing the YMCA and Asish Patel from Monarch Housing added to the discussion on how their organizations supported this innovative project. |
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Want to get the most of SHA Membership?
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Governor Murphy Signs Sweeping
Housing Eviction Prevention and Utility Assistance Bill
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UNION CITY - Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that will provide comprehensive housing eviction prevention and utility assistance for renters who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation (S-3691) appropriates an additional $500 million for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) and $250 million for utility assistance, both programs administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The bill also mandates new eviction and foreclosure moratorium deadlines and special eviction protections for tenants who were directly impacted by the pandemic. This legislation will ensure that New Jersey’s eviction moratorium continues through August for all state residents with household incomes below 120% Area Medium Income (AMI) and through the end of the year for certain households with incomes below 80% AMI. The Governor also signed legislation (A-4463) providing additional protections for individuals who were unable to pay rent during the public health emergency by mandating that court records pertaining to their non-payment during this period be kept confidential.
New Jerseyans seeking more information on these changes should check out “paying the bills” on www.covidnj.com and those seeking help and housing counseling should go to www.housinghelpnj.org." said Amanda Devecka-Rinear of the New Jersey Organizing Project. HUD-certified housing counselors are bracing themselves for the end of the eviction moratorium and the projected overwhelming number of families who will be in need of assistance to stay in their homes.
The new funds appropriated through S-3691 bring the total funds allocated to the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program and Eviction Prevention Program to more than $1.2 billion.
The DCA Division of Housing and Community Resources (DHCR) also announced that it has reached the milestone of delivering more than $100 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds throughout the state with nearly $131 million in rental relief having been distributed to more than 15,000 households to date. This funding milestone is in addition to the $91.75 million that DCA distributed to 15,000 households in the first phase of the CVERAP program last year.
U.S. Treasury recently published a report on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in which it describes DCA’s program as a high performer. For the month of June, DCA’s program ranked 6th among all state programs in the amount of ERAP funds expended for that month. According to the report, DCA’s program is also ranked 8th among all state programs in the total amount of ERAP funds expended to date. The report can be found at: Emergency Rental Assistance Program | U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Click here to view the signing statement for S-3691.
Click here to view the signing statement for A-4463.
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Governor Murphy Signs
First in the Nation Postpartum Care Bill
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Universal, statewide, nurse home visiting is a critical recommendation in the First Lady’s Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan. This program moves us a great deal closer to making New Jersey the safest, most equitable place in the nation to deliver and raise a child.
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System Performance Measures Updates for CoCs |
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Federal Housing Finance Agency
Extends Foreclosure Moratorium to September 30th
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The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Government-Sponsored Enterprises, or GSEs) will extend their respective foreclosure moratoriums on GSE-backed single-family loans through September 30, 2021. The GSEs will also extend their moratoriums on real estate owned-related (REO) evictions, which apply to single-family properties that have been acquired by a GSE through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transactions, through September 30, 2021. Additionally, the Federal Housing Administration, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced extensions of their moratoria on evictions for foreclosed borrowers and occupants of properties with loans issued, financed or insured by these agencies, through September 30, 2021. These moratoria were all set to expire on July 31, 2021.
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DMHAS RFP for Gambling Disorder Clinician
Co-Occurring Gambling and Substance Use Treatment
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The New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) announces the availability of funding for Gambling Disorder Clinician Services Program. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to develop gambling disorder services rendered through a Gambling Disorder Clinician to provide treatment and case management for individuals with a dual disorder of gambling and substance use. Individuals with a co-occurring mental health disorder shall not be excluded. This RFP is funded through DMHAS.
Total annualized funding for this RFP is $1.2 million subject to State appropriation, is expected to be available. DMHAS anticipates making ten (10) awards to providers licensed as substance use disorder (SUD) providers who are interested in treating individuals with a gambling disorder. Awarded providers will hire, at minimum, 1 FTE equivalent Gambling Disorder Clinician and provide case management services provided by the clinician or additional staffing.
The awards will be chosen regionally and based on need in order to offer statewide gambling disorder services. Gambling services can be added to treatment at the following ASAM levels of care: Standard Traditional Outpatient (1.0), Intensive Outpatient (2.1), Medically Managed High Intensity Residential Services (3.5), and Medically Monitored Intensive Residential Services (3.7). Gambling counseling will be in addition to substance abuse treatment services required by regulation and contract.
In addition to treatment services, the Gambling Disorder Clinician will work with individuals to assist with issues that often occur concurrently with gambling disorders, such as financial ruin, broken relationships, legal issues, need for social services, etc.
Bidders applying for more than one (1) county must submit separate proposals for each county.
No Mandatory Bidders Conference.
Proposal Due Date – no later than 4:00 p.m. on August 17, 2021
Notify Date – September 10, 2021
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NJ's Legislative Disability Caucus Recent Gathering
Focuses Efforts on Accessible, Affordable Housing
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TRENTON, NJ – Members of the bipartisan New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus joined members of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, and disabilities advocates to discuss housing accessibility for the disability community.
“For individuals with disabilities, finding housing that is both accessible and affordable is a very real challenge,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/ Cumberland), Chair of the Disability Caucus. “New Jersey’s housing throughout the state must be accessible to all residents. Ramps, elevators, braille, accessible signage and other necessary tools should be readily available for any individual.”
New Jersey ranks #35 in the country in terms of livability for residents with disabilities, according to the website Policygenius. Lack of affordable housing for the I/DD community was one of the primary factors for the low rating. This was the third meeting of the Disability Caucus. New Jersey is among just a handful of states that have formed a Disability Caucus within its state legislature.
“Members of the New Jersey Disability Caucus were excited to focus on affordable housing at the Legislative Disability Caucus,” said Mercedes Witowsky, executive director, New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities. “Affordable, Accessible and Available housing resources and supports are critical to meeting the needs of one in four New Jersey residents who identify as having a disability. Individuals with disabilities, their families and those who support them remain grateful for the bipartisan Legislative Disability Caucus members who participate in these critical discussions.”
“SHA applauds the State Legislature for their recent investments in housing and supports for people with disabilities,” said Diane Riley, Executive Director of the Supportive Housing Association of NJ. “This focused conversation will build upon this success to pave the way for better access, additional options, and streamlined coordination that will make it easier for all people to participate in the life of their community.” (TapInto/Bordentown, August 1, 2021)
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DCF / HSAC Needs Assessment Webinar
Video and Additional Resources
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Recently, the Department of Children and Families and the county Human Services Advisory Councils shared a webinar on the two-year needs assessment, performed by DCF and the county HCAS in 2019 and 2020. If you missed the webinar presentation, you may watch the prerecorded webinar replay at https://youtu.be/IZarSDEgYDY .
You may also review detailed information on the DCF / HSAC Needs Assessment, including county-by-county breakdowns, research protocols, and the summary report, at
County Data Profiles
DCF will provide HSACs in each county with a county data profile, which will include county population data and the most recently available administrative data. The county data profiles, which are compiled in partnership with Rutgers University, School of Social Work, may include data to demonstrate need areas including: housing, food, health care, community safety, employment and career services, child care, services for families caring for a child of a relative/family friend, behavioral/mental health services for children, behavioral/mental health services for adults, substance use disorder services, domestic violence services, parenting skills services, and legal and advocacy services. The county data profiles and existing county trends will highlight areas of need to help support HSACs in identifying, prioritizing and addressing county needs, services and resources.
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Groundbreaking 5-Year Denver-based Supportive
Housing Project Achieves "Remarkable Success"
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The Denver Social Impact Bond (SIB) Initiative has released their findings on the strong link between housing and supportive services. The individuals who were in the study represented people who had histories of experiencing chronic homelessness, and the results showed greatly improved stability and health in those who received housing and services.
The SIB researchers identified more than 700 individuals in Denver who were chronically homeless, had numerous arrests, and were battling substance use and mental health challenges. Roughly half (365) were selected randomly to receive supportive housing, with the remaining receiving services as they normally would through their interactions with multiple systems.
The study was groundbreaking in that it measured outcomes of people who received supportive housing over three years, where most studies measure results over one or two years. Also, the randomized control trial revealed that those connected to supportive housing improved their well-being, decreased their use of costly emergency care, and reduced their stays in jail and overall interactions with police.
The five-year project ended in December of 2020, and the Urban Institute released the final results.
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Join SHA for the 23rd Annual
Supportive Housing Conference
and Nominate Excellence in Housing
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September 27, 2021
The Palace – Somerset, NJ
Join us this September at The Palace as we celebrate our honorees during the 2021 Supportive Housing Awards Reception. Attendees will have opportunities to reconnect, speak with sponsoring partners, and network over refreshments before honoring our 2021 Award recipients.
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November 9, 2021
November 10, 2021
Join us this November from the comfort of your computer as we provide two half-days of excellent workshop presentations and discussions. Registered attendees won't miss a moment as all sessions will be recorded and accessible to attendees for 3-months following.
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Over the past year the Supportive Housing Community watched people Renewing and Rising, showing us the very best we can be as we strive to build supportive, affordable, and inclusive communities. Help us honor those whose examples inspire our progress.
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Do you know an example of Excellence in Supportive Housing?
Nominate by August 6th — Winners notified by September 1st
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Project of the Year
Use the form below to nominate a supportive housing project which demonstrates excellence. Each project must:
- Receive a certificate of occupancy after April 2020
- Be completed by December 2021
Full eligibility details in linked form below and multiple projects may be selected for this award.
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Housing Hero Leadership
Use the form below to nominate a housing hero who demonstrated leadership and excellence over the past year. Awardees may include but are not limited to:
Executive Directors, Clinical staff, Direct Support Professionals, Administrators, Operations Managers, Tenants, Volunteers, Teams, Elected Officials, Municipalities
Full eligibility details in linked form below and multiple heroes may be selected for this award.
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Resources & Virtual Forums |
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Mutual of America Webinar: Realize the Value of
Building Equity into your Retirement Benefits
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August 10, 2021 | 2:00 PM ET
SHA members are invited to a webinar on 8/10 at 2PM entitled, “Realize the Value of Building Equity into your Retirement Benefits” hosted by Nonstop Wellness and Mutual of America.
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CSH Webinar: Using Assistive Technology
to Support Tenants to Age in Place
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Thursday, August 10, 2021 | 1:00 PM ET
CSH is providing this free webinar on how supportive housing providers can use technology to help older residents stay healthy and thrive.
During this 90-minute webinar, they will discuss the advantages and the barriers of using technology successfully with aging tenants. Topics will include:
- Assistive Technology
- Technology in Design
- Telehealth
- Technology and Community Connection
This webinar is made possible by the generous support of JP Morgan Chase.
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Webinar Series: Coordinating HHS Housing-Related
Supports and Services with HUD Housing Assistance
for People Experiencing Homelessness
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This webinar series will introduce Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Continuums of Care (CoCs), and other housing stakeholders to U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opportunities that fund and provide housing-related supports and services. Each webinar will provide information on partnership opportunities and on-the-ground examples of successful approaches to pairing HHS agency resources with HUD housing assistance for people experiencing homelessness, including the 70,000 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) awarded by HUD to PHAs through the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
The series will introduce HHS opportunities and resources offered by:
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
Training Objectives
Attendees will be equipped to:
- Identify available HHS resources that fund and cover housing-related supports and services in their state and communities
- Locate their state and local agencies responsible for funding and delivering these resources
- Reach out and form partnerships to ensure successful referrals, lease-up, and ongoing tenancy
Who Should Attend?
This series will be informative for affordable housing stakeholders, including PHAs, CoCs, HUD Multifamily operators, affordable housing owners/operators, local funders, and community partners, who are looking to pair services with their housing subsidy to better serve clients experiencing homelessness.
The series will be particularly useful for CoCs and PHAs administering the EHV program; PHAs with a homeless admission preference; and PHAs with a special purpose voucher program such as Mainstream, Family Unification Program, HUD-VASH, etc.
Registration and Schedule
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CMS-Medicaid Resources for Housing Supportive Services
August 12, 2021
3:00 - 4:30 PM EDT
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ACF Resources
for Housing
Supportive Services
August 16, 2021
3:00 - 4:30 PM EDT
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NAMI NJ
From Denial to Accountability: Addressing Systemic Barriers in Diversity within Mental Health Care
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Tuesday, August 17, 2021 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
Join NAMI NJ this month to discuss Minority Mental Health. In this webinar, you will hear from distinguished speakers on some of the systemic barriers in our mental health care. The discussion will cover structural racism and how that impacts the access and quality of care that people receive. The dialogue will focus on how to shift systemic denial and oppression to create a truly inclusive environment that holds the organization accountable for equity. Minority communities deserve equitable and quality care everyday, not just during months like Minority Mental Health Month.
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Regional Event with Resources for
Veterans in Atlantic City
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Wednesday, September 8, 2021 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pat Tatum – Veteran Outreach, and Bob Looby, Chairman, Employment, Homeless & Education Committee, National Employment & Homeless Commission, The American Legion, Department of New Jersey, NJ Veterans Service Council Member are spreading the word on the Veterans Regional Stand Down in Atlantic City on September 8, 2021 from 10 am – 3 pm.
NOTE: Questions or Comments should be addressed to:
Pat Tatum (609) 703-2467 or Bob Looby (908) 894-0746
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Access To Recovery (ATR) Prepares
National Symposium Focusing on Working Recovery
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Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EDT
Celebrate Labor Day and National Recovery Month by joining world-renowned experts, including keynote speaker U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, for this special one-day online event focused on cutting-edge ideas to help people in early recovery.
The symposium will be offered at no charge and will include such sessions as:
• Answering the Why: What Does the Research Say About the Importance of Employment
to Recovery?
• Banding Together: Cross-Systems Collaboration Is Key
• Rally Employers: Now Is the Time to Advance “Recovery-Ready Workplaces”
• What We Do and How We Do It: A Groundbreaking Approach—The ATR Model for
Customized Employment Supports for People with Substance Use Disorders
• Call to Action: Next Steps to Carry Us Forward
Watch for registration information coming soon here:
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Community-Based Health and Wellness Resource Events
2021 Sustainable Health & Wellness Village® Festival Tour
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Be sure to visit one of the three upcoming Sustainable Health & Wellness Village® Festivals (SHWV) being held throughout NJ in the coming months. Organized by Caresparc Consulting in conjunction with city officials, these FREE, 3-day community-based health and wellness festivals offer attendees baseline health screenings and consultations, expert-led educational presentations, information on practical lifestyle products and many other healthy and fun activities designed for all ages, such as live music performances, art demonstrations, group fitness activities and more. This year’s festivals were designed with careful attention to current CDC guidelines, including use of face coverings, physical distancing, and open-air pavilions.
Dates and locations as follows:
Please see attached flyers for more information and share widely.
Is your agency/program interested in having a table at the festivals? Contact Kevin Silvestri of Caresparc Consulting at: ksilvestrini@caresparc.com
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There are many great ways of supporting SHA: Join as a member, send donations, or shop with AmazonSmile. Thank you for your support!
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Want all the member benefits with SHA? Visit our website or contact Joseph Christensen to apply or manage your membership.
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Members can post jobs to find applicants within the wider supportive housing community. Click on the button to visit our job page.
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Diane Riley, Executive Director
Joseph Christensen, Membership & Communication Manager
Kate Kelly, MSW – Integrated Community Project Manager
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Advocate ● Educate ● Support
The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey unites its diverse coalition of members engaging development, resources, and information to sustain supportive housing systems within New Jersey. Since 1998, our statewide mission seeks to enhance lives and accessibility to enable independent living within our communities.
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Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
185 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
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