Success Stories – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Graduate Builds Career in Health Care, Pursues Further Education

Michelle Lang — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:55:13 +0000

Simone Parkes has always wanted to work in the medical field. She began her career in health care at a job that didn’t require post-secondary training, but after giving birth to her son, she decided she wanted to advance her career and enrolled in the Medical Assistant Clinical (MAC) program at . After completing the program, she began working as a medical assistant and has now decided to further her education and become a nurse.

Parkes was working at when she became pregnant. When she was on maternity leave, she decided to enroll in NCCTI to obtain her MAC certification. Her cousin completed the MAC program and encouraged her to apply. In order to focus on her education, Parkes quit her job at Summit Health and started working for an hospital on the weekends.

“I had the support of my family, so that helped me be able to succeed with the program,” Parkes said.

She had been unable to enroll in school previously because she was caring for her parents when they fell ill. Her siblings all live out of state, so she was the person who took her parents to medical appointments and testing. Her husband stepped in to help so that she could focus on her studies, which was a great weight lifted off her shoulders.

“I spoke to my husband about [enrolling in the program]. He’s like, yeah, go ahead. We’ll take it day by day and we’ll figure it out,” she said. “And I’m happy and thankful that I did because I love what I do at my job.”

Parkes now works as a medical assistant in an RWJBarnabas Health multi-specialty pediatric office in West Orange, which offers care in cardiology, urology, allergy and general surgery. She enjoys working with the children and putting them at ease during their appointments. If she has an anxious cardiology patient, she will let the child put on and take off the EKG stickers before starting the procedure so they know what to expect.

“I try to make the experience most comfortable for them. To where they’re leaving all happy,” Parkes said. “That makes my day.”

Her experience in her current role has inspired her to become a pediatric nurse. She enrolled in ’s nursing program for the fall. She will retain her current job and attend school part-time. She hopes to eventually work in a pediatric emergency department or a pediatric unit in a hospital.

“Those kids need that proper nursing where they’re not going to get upset with what’s going on with the child. They’re going to find the best way to help them heal,” Parkes said.

She said her experience at NCCTI was positive and she recommends the school to anyone interested in launching a career in health care.

“The staff was amazing. The program was amazing,” Parkes said. “Being able to do book work and hands-on was great because we weren’t being thrown out there when we got to a doctor’s office or hospital, not knowing what was going on.”

Instructor Dr. Mamdouh Sorial prepared students for both the certification exam and the work world, according to Parkes. She said he broke down the steps of the medical procedures and provided little tricks to help students remember what to do.

NCCTI Interim Director Frances Teabout is happy the school has been a positive part of Parkes’ journey.

“At NCCTI, we aim to help our students launch their careers in their preferred program of study. It’s fulfilling to hear that Ms. Parkes has found meaningful employment and is continuing her education to further her career goals,” Teabout said. “We wish her great success going forward.”

Parkes lives with her husband and 1-year-old son and has two step-daughters, ages 10 and 5, who live with them part-time.

She is excited to be taking the next step in her educational journey and is thankful to have had NCCTI lay the foundation for her success.

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that is currently enrolling for the following programs: Automotive Technician, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician. For more information, call 973-824-6484, email nccti@newcommunity.org, log onto or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Helps Newark Resident Find Quality Care for Her Brother

Michelle Lang — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:45:58 +0000

Frednitta Gunning of Newark coordinates care and serves as power of attorney for her older brother, Stanley McKoy, who has dementia. She was unhappy with the facility he was in and found when she was researching alternatives. She moved her brother to Extended Care in May and is happy with her decision.

“I was looking for a different level of care for him,” Gunning explained. “And a better quality of life.”

When McKoy first needed long-term care, Gunning chose a facility in an affluent neighborhood with a high rating. But once he was there, Gunning found the facility unwelcoming and questioned the quality of care being provided.

“I was leaving there every day in tears, just heartbroken that I had put my brother in that predicament,” she said.

Gunning researched long-term care facilities closer to home in Newark and found Extended Care. She spoke with Admissions Director Julienne Van-Nooten and toured the facility a few times, including with McKoy, before deciding to move him there.

Since McKoy entered Extended Care in mid-May, Gunning has seen a positive change in her brother.

“To me, he’s definitely different here than where he was,” she said. “One day I was here, he stood up in the room and he was like, ‘I like it. This is pretty nice.’”

She also saw a difference in the way Extended Care staff interacted with McKoy. She said they initiate communication with her brother without her prompting and make sure that he’s happy. She said staff members call her with updates about McKoy when she isn’t able to be there physically.

“It’s important that there’s a partnership between family and facility. I’m a school director, so I understand partnership,” Gunning said. “I understand that it’s a village. You can’t do it by yourself. I need them to support me as I support him.”

Administrator Veronica Onwunaka said Extended Care’s mission is to meet the needs of its patients, their family members and the community.

“It gives us joy to hear and be told that we’re living up to the mission and the vision that is the leading force in what we do,” she said. “Stories of people being satisfied with the care we deliver only empowers us to do more. And we’re happy and glad that we are making an impact in people’s lives because that’s the whole idea of why this nursing home was built.”

Extended Care provides specialized services to support long-term residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia to minimize the progression of their conditions.

While McKoy’s memory is fading, Gunning said he still lights up when she and other family members visit. She is hopeful that the care he receives will serve him well.

“I’m looking forward to his time here and just hope he remains happy and supported as best as he can,” Gunning said. “It’s about his quality of life, whatever that is and whatever that takes as time goes on. Things will change for him as his disease progresses. I make sure I’m ahead of it so I know next steps for him or what else we could do.”

For now, Gunning visits McKoy as often as she can and continues to advocate for him. She also recommends Extended Care to others looking for quality long-term care.

She’s become familiar with his care team and discovered she had a previous connection with one member whose children attended the school she worked at.

“Look at all these years later, now this woman is caring for someone I love,” Gunning said. “I cared for her children and she knew when she dropped them off that they were in a safe place. I feel the same way.”

91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility is a skilled nursing facility located at 266 South Orange Ave., Newark. It offers long-term care, short-term care, subacute care and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. For more information, visit or call 973-624-2020.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Celebrates the Class of 2025

Michelle Lang — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:30:49 +0000

hosted graduation on June 27 at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza, 233 West Market St., Newark. Students who completed the Automotive Technician, Building Trades Specialist, High School Equivalency, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician programs were honored during the ceremony.

91��Ƭ Interim Board Chairman Edgar Nemorin welcomed graduates and thanked them for trusting NCCTI to provide their education.

“I admire your strength, perseverance and will in getting through this technical school year and mastering your craft,” he said.

91��Ƭ CEO Simone Gagneron reminded graduates that their journey doesn’t end with obtaining their certificates and that they are always welcome back to the organization, especially since they have made friends and family during the course of their studies. She also encouraged them to continue on the trajectory of making positive choices.

“You said yes to advancing your career. You said yes to making a difference in your lives and making a difference in the lives of your family and making a difference in the lives of your community,” she said. “And everything else from here on out is a yes. No one can tell you no.”

Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly served as the keynote speaker and told graduates to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.

“This achievement is just a testament to the fact that a dream, no matter how big, can be realized with dedication and determination. Today we don’t just celebrate your academic milestones and your technical milestones. We honor your resilience. Each of you have faced distinct challenges,” he said. “Yet you are still here and ready to take on the world.”

Kelly also reminded graduates that they are the reason for their success and that success isn’t defined by the type of work that they do. He said success has more to do with the impact you make on those around you.

“I’m excited to see how you bring your skills and passion to not only Newark, N.J., but to the world,” he said.

Two graduates spoke to their peers and supporters during the ceremony. Simone Parkes, who completed the Medical Assistant Clinical program, quit a full-time job to become a student and also married, became a stepmom and became a mom to an infant. She juggled her family responsibilities with studying and is grateful for her family’s support and to NCCTI for helping her excel. She currently works in a pediatric office and draws on the knowledge she learned from the program when speaking with patients and their parents during appointments.

“I’m beyond proud of our accomplishments. You never know how much impact you have on others. You’re amazing,” she said. “Continue pouring that positive energy into other people.”

Automotive Technician graduate Shareif Gilmer spoke about the challenges of growing up without a mother or a father. After finishing high school, he obtained a CDL license to support his family and decided to enroll in NCCTI to further his career. His current role has him maintaining medical transportation vehicles.

“It has been a race worth finishing. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life, which is the reason for encouraging all of you to be the best you can be,” he said. “I encourage you all to continue paving the many ways to your success.”

NCCTI Career Services Coordinator Chanda Webb presented employer partners and with awards for their ongoing support, providing students with tours and information and for hiring graduates.

University Hospital Manager of Recruitment Patient Care Services Claudia Alves said the relationship is changing lives, shaping the community and shows what is possible when organizations come together with a common goal.

“By partnering with NCC, University Hospital is helping to create a direct bridge between education and employment,” she said. “The program doesn’t just train workers. It builds careers, strengthens families and uplifts the entire neighborhood.”

Newark Community Health Centers Inc. Human Resources Recruiter Kobie Brown said his company has hired more than 28 NCCTI graduates from both medical programs and looks forward to welcoming even more in the future.

“It’s a pleasure for us to be here to serve our community and help see you guys grow as individuals,” he said.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Student Will Start Automotive Career in Newark

Michelle Lang — Mon, 05 May 2025 14:08:18 +0000

It’s somewhat rare to see a female fixing a vehicle, but student Eula Juanita Lovett hopes that is changing. She will complete the Automotive Technician program at NCCTI in May and already has a full-time job lined up at in Newark.

Lovett is particularly excited about her job because the auto repair shop is in Newark, where she lives, and is co-owned by a woman. Hilda Mera owns S&A Auto Center with her husband and has requested to be connected with female NCCTI students in the Automotive Technician program.

“For me, it is very important to hire women,” Mera said.

In addition to hiring female technicians to work on vehicles, Mera exposes them to the administrative side of the business should they want to pursue positions as managers or owners. Lovett is interested in furthering her career in the automotive field beyond the technician level, so she’s excited to learn more about leadership opportunities, especially from a female perspective.

Lovett also wants to be an honest mechanic that customers trust.

“I want to help women understand their cars better and keep up with maintenance so they’re not going to get scammed,” she said.

Lovett decided to pursue a career in the automotive industry because of the connection she developed with cars through her brother, who passed away two years ago. The pair bonded over video games, and the first one that they played together was the racing game Need for Speed. Her brother also gave her driving lessons and helped her pass her road test on the first try.

The independence that comes with being able to drive has always been important to Lovett as well.

“It’s freedom to be able to get to where you need to go, when you have to go,” she said.

Lovett lives close to NCCTI’s main campus and saw the school’s sign when she was walking to the corner store. She saw the program offerings and liked the idea that community was in the name since she is very connected to Newark. She spoke with NCCTI Admissions Representative Aziza Johnson and decided to enroll in the Automotive Technician program. She started in July.

Her experience at NCCTI has been positive. She has learned a lot and says instructors John Zaccheus and Winston Thomas have built an environment that promotes learning.

“They create this space where you can make mistakes, ask for help and correct it,” she said. “And now I have the tools that I need to prevent that next time.”

Lovett also said the hands-on aspect of the training is incredibly valuable in preparing students for the real world.

“I can read about cars all day, but until I actually pop the hood, put it on a lift and see what’s wrong, it doesn’t mean anything,” she said.

Being part of the Automotive Technician class has had its challenges, with Lovett facing some doubts and fears along the way. But she’s grateful for the opportunity and knows the experience will make her stronger and she will have a career she enjoys.

“Women deserve to be in this program,” Lovett said. “I just want this school to keep encouraging more women to sign up and give more women autonomy in any field that they choose.”

Mera agrees and hopes to continue working with NCCTI to give women opportunities in the automotive field.

“I love what the school is doing with the young generation, or whoever wants to learn this trade,” she said. “Especially because they’re empowering young ladies that want to pursue this career.”

NCCTI Director Miguel Pacheco said the school is committed to helping all students realize their career goals.

“We enroll students in their program of choice and work to educate them and prepare them for a career in that field,” he said. “We’re so pleased to have employer partners like S&A Auto Center that are looking to not just employ our students but mentor them and help them navigate the next steps in their career.”

Lovett appreciates the staff at NCCTI and recommends the school to everyone she meets who might be interested in automotive and health care training. She also said if she has children and they’re looking for those types of programs, she will sign them up at NCCTI.

91��Ƭ Hosts Employee Appreciation Day Luncheon

Michelle Lang — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:54:28 +0000

91��Ƭ hosted an Employee Appreciation Day Luncheon on March 7, which was National Employee Appreciation Day, to honor and celebrate employees who reached career milestones in 2024. A total of 49 employees who have collectively served 91��Ƭ for 660 years were recognized at the event.

CEO Simone Gagneron highlighted the importance of each employee working toward a common goal. She quoted an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” At 91��Ƭ, Gagneron said only collectively can the organization move forward.

She acknowledged that the work involves dealing with real life challenges on a daily basis that can be draining. But she knows that 91��Ƭ employees continue to show up to do their jobs because they take pride in their work helping others.

“We care and we put that into every piece of the work that we do,” Gagneron said. “We work together and we care and it shows and it delivers. And it makes a difference.”

Gagneron said the talents the honorees have dedicated to 91��Ƭ in Newark, Orange and Jersey City have helped keep families housed, helped children develop a love of learning, kept individuals and families safe and saved lives.

“We honor and celebrate each of you today not because of your years that you have worked for NCC. We honor and celebrate you today for the thousands of lives you have touched,” she said. “Today we say thank you and congratulations and we can’t wait to move forward together.”

Director of Human Resources Benjamin Galvez thanked the honorees for their many years of service and their commitment to 91��Ƭ’s mission.

“I want to remind you that what you do and what you have done for many years makes an impact on every single client, resident and member of the public that you see every day,” he said.

Each honoree who reached a milestone year was presented with a certificate and later received a rewards program gift, which was based on years of service.

2024 Honorees

5 Years of Service
Anibal Alvelo, Resident Services
Fernando Argueta, Environmental Services
Milton Austin, Extended Care
Guadalupe Cepeda Reyes, Resident Services
Abiola Dyall, CHELC
Olakunle Fadayomi, Security
Marva Gillens, Security
Pablo Guzman, Environmental Services
Harriet Harrison, Extended Care
Tina Howard, Human Resources
Leonard Hughes, Security
Kenneth Izuogu, Extended Care
Azmar Kemp, Security
Shabana Khan, HHELC
Sunil Kumar, Security
Francine McLaughlin, SAIF
Kate Okolo, Extended Care
Noemi Sanabria, Family Service Bureau
Jermaine Simpkins, Environmental Services
Ricky Smith, Security
Paola Vasquez, CHELC
Akash Verma, Security

10 Years of Service
Lawrece Anderson, HHELC
Philip Arthur, Extended Care
Carlos Batista, Environmental Services
Jill DeRios, Resident Services
Edwin Negron, Environmental Services
Marycomfort Opara, HHELC
Keith Ransom, Security

15 Years of Service
Mercy Attah, Security
Dashon Hall, Extended Care
Madeline Miller, Extended Care

20 Years of Service
Michelle Jenkins, CHELC
Hope Okpala, CHELC
Roslyn Skyles, Adult Learning Center

25 Years of Service
Jacqueline Andrews, SAIF
Dorothy Artis, Property Management
Maximo DeLeon, Food Services
Genoveva Ferreras, Food Services
Ramon Gerena, IT
Jermaine Jones, Security
Sharon Jordan, Extended Care
James Massey, Security
Angela Potts, HHELC
Susan Williams, Extended Care

30 Years of Service
Mulu Gebreyesus, Credit Union
Robin Harris, Extended Care
Gary Taylor, Environmental Services

35 Years of Service
Michelle Grier-Porch, Security

91��Ƭ Extended Care Helps Homeless Patient Heal and Find Housing

Michelle Lang — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:17:48 +0000

When Leonardo Ortiz arrived at , he was homeless and had just been discharged from the hospital after having a toe amputated following an ulcer in his foot. After receiving care at the facility and coordination with his health insurance, Extended Care staff members were able to discharge him to a new home on Jan. 30.

Ortiz entered Extended Care in October 2022 after leaving . He was weak and unable to walk so he participated in physical therapy and received wound care for his foot until it healed completely. Staff members also helped him manage his diabetes.

He is grateful for the treatment he received at Extended Care.

“If it wasn’t for coming here, I would be dead,” he said.

In addition to treating his physical ailments, Extended Care personnel worked with Ortiz and his health insurance company to find him a permanent home. When he was hospitalized, Ortiz was living in a garage used to store his car. Now he lives in an apartment for low-income and disabled individuals in Newark.

Extended Care’s Social Services Department contacted Ortiz’s health insurance company and they were able to establish home health services for him, including a visiting nurse, and necessary equipment like a blood pressure machine and glucometer. The insurance company also provided furnishings for the apartment, including furniture, kitchen supplies and even clothing.

Licensed Practical Nurse Maria Cruz, who was one of the nurses to care for Ortiz, said she is very happy that Extended Care was able to help him find stable housing and ensure a safe transition upon discharge. Cruz encouraged Ortiz not to rush the discharge process but instead wait until he had everything he needed in the apartment to set him up for success.

Ortiz’s sister is involved in his care and will be helping him with medication administration and making sure he attends doctors’ appointments. As a diabetic, he always needs to manage that condition.

Cruz said the visiting nurse will check his blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as make sure he is taking his prescribed medication. He will also have a home health aide who will help with meal prepping because Ortiz doesn’t cook.

“We’re trying to keep the system rolling so he can be safe,” Cruz said.

Ortiz is happy to be in his own home. He recommends Extended Care to anyone in need of its services.

“It was very good and the staff was very nice,” he said.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Graduate Enjoys Helping Others at Newark Community Health Center

Michelle Lang — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:15:33 +0000

Tavaine Salmon decided she wanted to work in the medical field after having negative experiences in health care settings. She wanted to provide better care for patients than she had received so she began researching schools that offered medical training. She found and enrolled in its Patient Care Technician (PCT) program. She graduated from NCCTI in June and now spends her working hours greeting, registering and assisting patients at the Ferry Street location of as a Patient Service Representative (PSR).

The road to her health care career wasn’t easy but with the assistance of NCCTI staff, Salmon was able to complete the program and find employment. Shortly after beginning the PCT program, she became sick and had to take a three-month leave of absence to recover. While she was out, communication with NCCTI staff continued.

“Everybody kept checking on me and making sure that I was ready to come back and I was healed and ready to take it on,” she said. “I’m grateful for that part.”

When she returned to class, PCT Instructor Dr. Ehab Salib monitored her progress, provided practice tests and coached her on what to study so that she would be able to pass the exam. She passed the exam on her first attempt.

Salib praised Salmon for her hard work and dedication to the program.

“She was a very good student, coming in on time, never leaving early, studying hard, doing all her homework in due time, asking reasonable questions related to the subject and showing great interest,” he said.

After graduation, NCCTI Career Services Coordinator Chanda Webb informed Salmon about a job opportunity at Newark Community Health Centers. Salmon was familiar with the Federally Qualified Health Center because Human Resources Recruiter Kobie Brown was a speaker at her graduation. She believed it would be a good fit for her professionally.

“I love the fact that they’re geared towards helping people and making people feel better,” she said. “And they accommodate everybody.”

Salmon applied for the job and after a phone interview and in-person interview was offered the role. She registers patients, makes appointments and checks their insurance. If a patient is without health insurance, she can help set them up through and Medicaid. Since starting the job in September, Salmon has earned two certifications that allow her to complete health care applications for patients.

Sometimes patients come in frustrated or upset but Salmon always makes a point to be respectful and do what she can to assist everyone she encounters.

“It makes a difference the way you treat them, the way you talk to them. Because sometimes they’re so mad at you and then at the end of the appointment, they come to the front and they say, ‘Thank you so much,’” she said. “That’s something that stays with me.”

Salmon said she loves her job and is grateful she found NCCTI.

“The school is amazing,” she said. “I would recommend it every day.”

In addition to providing the necessary education, NCCTI has relationships with employers and brings representatives to the school to meet with students, answer questions and conduct mock interviews. Students also have the opportunity to visit employer locations, including area hospitals, to see the environment firsthand and meet staff members. The interview process is more comfortable for them when they are speaking with someone they have met before.

NCCTI Director Miguel Pacheco is pleased the school was able to set Salmon up for success.

“Our goal is to help all of our students succeed in their area of study and find employment. I’m happy to say we met both of those goals with Ms. Salmon.”

Salmon interviewed for roles in hospitals as well but ultimately decided to work in a medical office setting so she wouldn’t be away from her children for 12 hours at a time. She lives in Maplewood with her husband and three children, ages 11, 7 and 3.

She’s happy with her decision because she enjoys her job and there is room to grow.

“They tell me you can rise from wherever you are to wherever you need to be here so that’s a good thing,” she said.

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that is currently enrolling for the following programs: Automotive Technician, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician. For more information, call 973-824-6484, email nccti@newcommunity.org, log onto or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

91��Ƭ Security Officer Administers Narcan to Men in Need

Michelle Lang — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:15:24 +0000

91��Ƭ Security personnel protect the organization’s property, residents and clients. But they sometimes go beyond that scope to help those in need. Security Officer Satoya Williams recently administered Narcan, a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose, to three men in the parking lot of an NCC residence while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Williams was on duty at Commons Senior, 140 South Orange Ave., Newark, on Nov. 17 when a resident informed her that two men were lying on the ground in the building’s parking lot. Her first instinct was to bring Narcan with her when she went outside to investigate.

“One of the guys was completely out and the other one was going down so I knew it was something related to them being high,” Williams said.

She notified the Security Base Station to call for paramedics and administered Narcan to the unconscious man. She spoke with the other man.

“I asked him, ‘Can I please give you this to avoid you passing out?’ At first, he was saying no, but when he saw that he couldn’t stand up, he was like, ‘Give it to me,’” Williams said.

She administered Narcan to him as well. She located a third man between two cars shortly before paramedics arrived.

None of the men were 91��Ƭ residents, but Williams said that didn’t matter.

“If they’re on our property, we are the first responders before anyone else gets there,” she said.

Williams had never administered Narcan before but followed the instructions on the box.

91��Ƭ Security Operations Manager Derek White praised Williams for her actions.

“Officer Williams’ quick thinking and decision-making in administering Narcan to the men not only saved lives, but it demonstrates the dedication and preparedness that our Security team strives for,” White said. “She is a valuable asset to our department and deserves to be commended for her heroism.”

Williams said she didn’t take action that day to receive accolades.

“I don’t care about recognition for it,” she said. “I did it because they were human and it was the right thing to do.”

She said everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves help and has families that love them.

“My father was on drugs and I would’ve wanted someone to do everything in their power to help him if he needed that help before he passed away,” she said.

Williams hopes the incident at Commons Senior raises awareness about Narcan and that her fellow Security officers know that it’s available to them as a resource and understand the importance of using it when necessary.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Connects Patient to Resources During Short Stay

Michelle Lang — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 12:47:16 +0000

Newark resident Vivian Ray was having difficulty walking and pain in her hands. After a brief stay at the hospital, she needed physical therapy in an in-patient facility. She chose to come to for services. A little over a month later, she was able to return home after making great progress.

Ray said she couldn’t walk and needed help strengthening her legs and hands. Her condition caused her to stay at for a short time. The hospital recommended that she receive physical therapy at Extended Care to help in her recovery. She agreed and came to the facility on Sept. 9.

Ray called the physical therapy she received at Extended Care “fabulous.”

“I’ve come a long way,” she said. “They helped me a lot with my walking and my hands are much better because I’ve been doing exercises for them.”

Her improvement allowed her to return home on Oct. 12. While she still needs a walker, she’s hopeful that it won’t be for long.

Extended Care Licensed Practical Nurse Maria Cruz said that in addition to providing Ray with physical therapy and pain management, staff members were able to educate her and her daughter about resources available to them that they were unaware of. The staff explained how to get medical transportation so they wouldn’t need to use a cab service to get to and from doctor appointments and also gave them information about resources to help pay utility bills.

“It was a quick stay but she appreciated every bit of it,” Cruz said. “When we did the discharge meeting, they said they were more than grateful for everything we did for them.”

Ray lives in Newark with her daughter and their two cats: Tiny and Midnight. She was happy to return home to them after her stay at Extended Care and hopes that with her continued exercises she will be able to remain there.

The 80-year-old is optimistic about her prognosis.

“I know I’ve got a ways to go but I think I’m capable. I think I can do it,” she said. “It’s just going to take some time.”

She’s grateful for the services she received at Extended Care, saying the people were nice and the nurses worked hard. She has no complaints and recommends the facility to anyone in need of services.

Ray is going to use what she learned at Extended Care to continue her recovery.

“At home, I’m going to keep practicing my stretching and my walking,” she said.

Extended Care Facility Helps 91��Ƭ Resident Return Home

Michelle Lang — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:35:41 +0000

Following a hospital stay, Dorine Edwards needed rehabilitation and physical therapy to strengthen her arms and legs. She has severe arthritis in her legs and a hole in her spine. She chose to come to for services. After two months and two weeks at the skilled nursing facility, Edwards was able to return home to 91��Ƭ Commons Senior.

Edwards was familiar with Extended Care prior to entering the facility on March 27. She had been a patient at Extended Care in 2021 receiving similar rehabilitation and physical therapy. She had good experiences for both of her stays.

“It’s nice here,” she said. “I like everything.”

When gave Edwards the choice of several places to receive rehabilitation and physical therapy, she chose Extended Care because of her past experience. Her doctor also worked on site.

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka is thankful Edwards’ chose to return to the facility and knows she did so because of the care the staff provides.

“Ms. Dorine is an advocate for great care. She really sees the goodness and the kindness and the spirit of welcoming that the staff at Extended Care gives to all our residents,” Onwunaka said. “I am so grateful that she gave us the opportunity to serve her again.”

While her stay was relatively short, Edwards participated in activities, including a cookout and buffet lunch, which she enjoyed.

Edwards has been a 91��Ƭ resident for nine years. She lives in an apartment at Commons Senior, 140 South Orange Ave., Newark. While she was happy to return home, Edwards said she was grateful for the services she received at Extended Care, particularly the physical therapy, which she continued after discharge.

“The people in there are very nice,” she said. “They had me stand and strengthen my arms. It was helpful.”