91��Ƭ Extended Care – 91��Ƭ

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 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 Extended Care Facility Hosts Open House

Michelle Lang — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:30:56 +0000

, 266 South Orange Ave., Newark, hosted an Open House on Feb. 26. Staff members welcomed members of the community to the facility. They shared information about services, introduced attendees to the team, gave tours and answered questions. If you weren’t able to attend but would like more information, please visit or call 973-624-2020.

Watch a video from the Open House:

91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility Celebrates Valentine’s Day

Michelle Lang — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 22:11:25 +0000

91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility, 266 South Orange Ave., Newark, held a Valentine’s Day celebration for residents on Feb. 14. Residents and staff members wore festive colors and enjoyed an […]

91��Ƭ Extended Care Residents Get Health Information

Michelle Lang — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 17:31:49 +0000

Residents of , 266 South Orange Ave., Newark, learned about geriatric care from representatives of on Jan. 25. We thank the facility for sharing useful information with our residents. Photos courtesy of Julienne Van-Nooten.

91��Ƭ Residents Enjoy Thanksgiving Meals

Michelle Lang — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:41:06 +0000

Residents of 91��Ƭ properties were treated to Thanksgiving meals in November.

Residents of Manor Senior received Thanksgiving meals on Nov. 23 from Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly. Photo courtesy of Guadalupe Cepeda.

Residents of Commons Senior enjoyed a Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 23, organized by Millenial Social Club.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka, right, organized a Thanksgiving luncheon for residents on Nov. 24. Photo courtesy of Julienne Van-Nooten.

Roseville Senior resident Linda Pearson prepares the food for the building’s Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 22. Photo courtesy of Gladys Artis.

Residents of Manor Senior enjoyed desserts in the Community Room on Nov. 23. Photo courtesy of Guadalupe Cepeda.

Members of Millenial Social Club hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon for Commons Senior residents on Nov. 23.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Thanks New Jersey National Guard for Assistance

Michelle Lang — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 22:05:10 +0000

Members of the New Jersey National Guard were assigned to 91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility from Jan. 27 to Feb. 11 to assist with resident care. The deployment was part of a statewide effort to assist long-term care facilities with their COVID-19 response and to help with staffing shortages brought on by the surge of cases due to the Omicron variant of the virus.

Extended Care residents and staff members showed their appreciation to the service members on Feb. 11 by presenting them with gift bags and words of gratitude during the residents’ Valentine’s Day party.

“We at 91��Ƭ greatly appreciate the assistance the members of the New Jersey National Guard provided to our Extended Care Facility,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Financial Officer/Interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya. “The COVID-19 pandemic has posed numerous challenges, including staffing, and the additional support made a difference for those living and working in the facility.”

The New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services fulfilled the request for assistance by assigning 10 members of the New Jersey National Guard to Extended Care. The National Guard members were permitted to assist in a variety of areas, including helping to move residents from bed to chair, helping with dressing and daily hygiene activities, meal set-up and feeding, routine assistance and testing and screening staff, residents and visitors.

“The members of the New Jersey National Guard coming in to provide help like this really goes a long way. We have staff shortages in all areas and they are ready to jump in without any hesitation,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter. “I would just like to say thank you. It has been a pleasure and honor to have them here. This is what America is all about: giving a helping hand to our brothers in need.”

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka was grateful to be able to welcome the service members to the facility.

“It was not only an answer to a prayer but an act of humanity to ensure that our residents receive the best care and staff who serve the underserved community get relief,” she said. “With the shortage of staffing happening everywhere, the help from our National Guard members was most appreciated by our residents and staff. They were very professional, caring, humble and dedicated to serving. We thank them sincerely and wish them the best of luck.”

This wasn’t the first time Extended Care welcomed service members to the facility. Members of the New Jersey National Guard provided support at Extended Care for about a month in the summer of 2020, shortly after the onset of the pandemic and before vaccines were available.

The 10 members of the New Jersey National Guard who assisted at Extended Care this year were Sergeant First Class Gary Collins, Sergeant Evan Howe, Sergeant Jeffrey Joy, Specialist Nicole Mejia, Specialist Zachary Porter, Private First Class Sean Martin, Private First Class Robert Morello, Private First Class James Pica, Private First Class Charles Asare and Private Mukesh Balram. 91��Ƭ thanks them for their service.

Extended Care Staff and Residents Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Michelle Lang — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 22:16:16 +0000

Staff members and residents of 91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 26. For many, it was their second dose of the vaccine. Thanks to CVS personnel who administered the injections.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility, 266 South Orange Ave., Newark, is a 180-bed skilled nursing facility that serves inner city seniors and disabled adults. The facility specializes in offering customized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. For more information, visit or call 973-624-2020.

Extended Care Provides ‘Amazing Experience’ for Married Couple

Michelle Lang — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 22:03:14 +0000

Steven and Jessica Johnson have been married for more than 30 years and have shared many experiences together. Due to different circumstances, they both have required stays at a skilled nursing facility, and at different times they have been patients at 91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility. Both were extremely happy with the care they received.

“We both had an amazing experience,” Jessica said. “91��Ƭ made me feel like home. They did the same thing for my husband.”

Jessica went to Extended Care about five years ago after having surgery to receive physical therapy to regain the use of her legs. She stayed there less than a month, but during that time, she became involved in the facility, participating in activities and attending church services in the chapel. She also made friends with other residents and still keeps in touch with some of them today.

“The therapy was amazing. The place was really nice and clean and warm and welcoming,” she said. “I didn’t have a bad day while I was there.”

When her husband suffered a minor stroke and needed to be placed in a nursing facility in October, Jessica insisted he go to Extended Care.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in-person visits were prohibited for everyone’s safety. Jessica said it was very difficult for her not to be able to physically see her husband since they had never been separated for an extended period. She said the staff at Extended Care knew what she was going through and helped her through, explaining that he would be discharged when he was ready and able to do well at home. To ease the separation, Jessica and Steven used technology to communicate.

“There were a lot of lonely nights, but we were able to comfort each other through FaceTime and pray together,” Jessica said. “He always told me he was comfortable.”

Technology has been essential at Extended Care during the pandemic to keep residents connected to their loved ones.

“These last 10 months have been difficult for our residents. It’s been difficult for residents not to be able to see their family. Using dedicated facility technology to connect on FaceTime with family has allowed our residents to stay in touch during the pandemic,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter. “Our dedicated staff continues to give their all to serve our wonderful residents.”

Steven spent his birthday and Thanksgiving at Extended Care, but after about eight weeks at the facility, he was discharged and returned home. The couple was happy they were able to spend Christmas together.

“91��Ƭ has given me back my life when I needed it, when I felt down and depressed,” Jessica said. “The staff gives you that incentive. They push you. You never feel like you’re forgotten about. It’s amazing.”

91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman isn’t surprised by Jessica and Steven’s experiences.

“The staff and management of the facility have a dedication and empathy for the residents that never ceases to amaze me. Their conduct and dedication through the continuing COVID crisis has been inspiring,” he said. “We so appreciate the story that the Johnsons tell and wish them all the best for their health and happiness.”

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka said Extended Care is committed to delivering high-quality services to help patients thrive.

“Our goal at 91��Ƭ is to ensure that we can provide the most effective and best care that will help return our residents back to their pre-illness health to make them effective citizens,” she said. “Ms. Johnson is a typical example of how effective quality care can help the people that we serve and the community at large.”

While Jessica hopes she and her husband don’t have to return in the future, she encourages anyone in need of a skilled nursing facility to use Extended Care.

“Extended Care is an amazing place and if I had to have somebody else go into a facility, I will always recommend it,” she said.

Extended Care RN Credits 91��Ƭ for Helping Her Achieve Success

Michelle Lang — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 18:45:17 +0000

Joyce Misiani has faced numerous challenges since coming to New Jersey from Kenya about 15 years ago. 91��Ƭ has helped her through difficult times and provided support that has enabled her to have a successful career in health care as a registered nurse.

Misiani first became involved with 91��Ƭ when she enrolled in the licensed practical nurse (LPN) program it used to offer. She was working a security job while living in Newark and decided she wanted to obtain a certification in the nursing field. 91��Ƭ’s program was the closest to where she was living, so she enrolled.

Shortly after joining the program, Misiani became homeless. She was staying in a friend’s basement with her daughters and her grades began to slip. Her instructor, Ellen Boddie, noticed something was wrong and questioned her about it. Although she resisted at first, Misiani eventually told Boddie what was going on. Boddie reached out to NCC Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson about the situation and they helped Misiani get placed at Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing for homeless families.

From Harmony House, Wilson helped Misiani get an NCC apartment on Bruce Street. Even during the moves, Misiani continued attending the LPN program with encouragement from Boddie. She said her grades began to improve after she obtained permanent housing.

One of Misiani’s classmates told her she would be a good candidate for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. She did her research and visited a local office to see if she would qualify. She did and was accepted into the program. For two and a half years, Misiani helped build her house, along with several others, using what Habitat for Humanity calls “sweat equity” for payment. At the end, she became a homeowner of a home in Irvington, where she lives today.

After Misiani completed the LPN program, she was hired at 91��Ƭ Extended Care. She was a good employee and dedicated to her work and the residents at the facility. Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka, who served as the Director of Nursing at the time, took notice.

“She cares about people and she shows a lot of dedication and that was why, when I saw and noticed that she could do more and she has the tools and the knowledge in her to do more, I spoke with Monsignor about training her to become a registered nurse,” Onwunaka said.

Monsignor William J. Linder, founder of 91��Ƭ, who lived the last years of his life at Extended Care, encouraged Misiani to return to school and become an RN.

“I couldn’t be what I am today if it were not for him,” Misiani said.

He insisted Misiani apply to colleges, even telling her that she had to take a day off work to complete applications. She planned to continue her education, but it was difficult as a single mother of four girls. Monsignor insisted and Misiani settled on Chamberlain University in New Brunswick. She received a scholarship from 91��Ƭ to attend.

Obtaining her bachelor’s degree certainly wasn’t easy. She continued working and felt guilty that she wasn’t spending as much time with her four daughters as she thought she should. But she said it was a sacrifice that was necessary to improve her family’s life. And she didn’t want to let anyone down.

“So many times I wanted to just quit. So many things happening,” Misiani said. “But then I kept saying, if I quit Monsignor really went out of his way. This is just too much to lose. It’s a lot of money. Just study hard.”

The hard work paid off. Misiani is now a registered nurse and is still working at Extended Care as an assistant unit manager.

“I said I have to come back. How else can you really say thank you?” she said. “NCC has really shaped me. Because if I weren’t here, I don’t know where I would be. I will always be grateful.”

Wilson said she was happy to help Misiani find an apartment and remembers providing her children with gifts for Christmas.

“She’s a good worker but she is also a mother who loves her four children. Even though she is a single mom, she takes care of her children,” Wilson said. “When I heard she had become a registered nurse, I was happy for her.”

Misiani is relieved that she has completed her studies and is now able to spend more time with her four daughters, who she said were extremely happy when she graduated. Her oldest daughter, who is 24, lives with her full-time and was a recipient of the Monsignor William J. Linder Scholarship for her high school education. Misiani’s three younger daughters, twins who are 13 and a younger girl who is 11, attend boarding school in Pennsylvania and are home for summers and holiday breaks.

“I feel like I’m so blessed. Because when you start, you’re so miserable, desperate. There are times you feel like you’re just nothing,” Misiani said. “I’m honored to be one of Monsignor’s recipients of the scholarship. I don’t know how to put it into words but I really thank God for everything.”

Extended Care Helps New Mother Return to Son

Michelle Lang — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 19:04:36 +0000

Becoming a mother is never easy, but imagine facing serious health issues, the recent loss of your child’s father and a diagnosis of a rare disorder for your child. Those are the challenges Valarie Dickerson had when she was pregnant and shortly after giving birth to her son.

Dickerson is a diabetic. She says she wasn’t managing her condition as well as she should have and that led to health problems. She started having amputations in 2014 when she had to have a toe removed. Her health worsened, especially after a fall in February 2019, and she decided to have part of her right leg amputated.

The decision wasn’t easy. Dickerson’s son was only 6 months old at the time and the only family she had were her cousins. She had experienced the loss of her mother in 2016, just four days after the death of her son’s father’s mother. Her son’s father passed away in December 2017, before she even knew she was pregnant.

She found out about her pregnancy in February 2018, which was a surprise. At 5 months pregnant, Dickerson was told her son had Dandy-Walker Syndrome, a rare congenital brain malformation involving the area of the back of the brain that coordinates movement. The condition often causes developmental delays. Dickerson said children with Dandy-Walker can have other conditions as well, including ADHD and autism.

“But you look at my son, you can’t tell there’s anything wrong with him,” she said.

Dickerson gave birth in August 2018 and said he is the love of her life. She said he was the main reason she decided to have part of her leg amputated earlier this year.

“He’s my motivation. He got me through all of this,” Dickerson said of her son.

After the amputation, Dickerson went to Kessler Institute in West Orange but decided to transfer to 91��Ƭ Extended Care to be closer to her family members who live in Newark. She is very close with her cousins, who took care of her son while she was recovering.

She praised Extended Care and said she would recommend the facility to anyone in need.

“They help you with everything,” Dickerson said of Extended Care staff members, who even helped her put in housing applications. “They’re so pleasant, so nice.”

At Extended Care, Dickerson underwent physical therapy and staff members helped her with the wound from the amputation. She also learned how to walk with a prosthetic during her stay. She plans to continue coming to Extended Care for outpatient therapy for as long as it’s necessary.

“I want this to be 100 percent,” Dickerson said.

Dickerson’s positive attitude was inspirational for other patients and staff members at Extended Care.

“Through her actions, she shows that in every situation there is hope and life is what you make it,” said Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka. “You cannot crumble down because things have just happened to you. For me, she’s an inspiration because no matter how my day is going, when I think about her, I pick up courage. When you have faith and have a positive attitude, even when the going is very rough, you can always overcome.”

Dickerson was discharged from Extended Care in August. She said since the amputation she feels so much better. At 40, she is beginning a new chapter in her life.

“Sometimes I miss my leg,” Dickerson said. “Then I have to realize, that was the problem I was having.”