SAIF – 91��Ƭ

Longtime Security Personnel Reflect on Time at 91��Ƭ

Michelle Lang — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:49:20 +0000

It’s rare for an individual to stay with a particular company for decades, but there are five members of 91��Ƭ’s Security Department who have worked for the organization for 30 years or more. Jerome Barrow, William Folsom, Michelle Grier-Porch, Malinda Liptrot and Gerard Mansare have more than 165 years of service to 91��Ƭ combined.

Folsom has the longest tenure with 91��Ƭ. He will celebrate 40 years as a security officer in August. He has worked mainly in the organization’s residential buildings, with Hudson Senior in Jersey City currently serving as his main post. He started his NCC career at Extended Care where he met his wife who was working in the facility’s kitchen. The couple will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary in August.

He enjoys his work and doesn’t have plans to leave.

“I could retire now but I’m just not ready to sit back yet,” Folsom said. “I like being around different people.”

Grier-Porch greets visitors at the 91��Ƭ Health Care Building, which houses , , the Family Resource Success Center, Family Service Bureau of Newark (FSB) and Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF). She has worked at 91��Ƭ for nearly 34 years as a security officer, serving in residential buildings and , which used to fall under NCC, in addition to her current post.

She plans to stay at 91��Ƭ until retirement.

“I love my job. I love working with the people that I work with,” Grier-Porch said. “91��Ƭ’s a good place to be.”

Mansare will reach 30 years at 91��Ƭ in August. He first learned about 91��Ƭ from NCC’s late founder Monsignor William J. Linder, who was serving as the pastor at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newark. Mansare is a very traditional Catholic and was searching for a church after coming to the United States from Guinea in West Africa. He found St. Rose of Lima and became close with Monsignor Linder who encouraged him to continue his education and told him about the security positions available at 91��Ƭ.

Monsignor Linder connected Mansare to lawyers to help him bring his fiance to the United States. He wed the couple and baptized each of their three children. Mansare’s connection to Monsignor Linder and his coworkers has kept him at the organization.

“I love 91��Ƭ,” he said. “It’s like a family.”

Security Sgt. Barrow has worked at 91��Ƭ for about 30 years. He left the organization for a time to deal with family issues but decided to return.

“I came back because I love 91��Ƭ,” he said. “I loved the job I was doing.”

Barrow first came to 91��Ƭ as a security officer in 1979, shortly after the organization had finished construction on many of its residential buildings. He has worked at a variety of sites and all shifts and was promoted to supervisor. He now supervises the 4 p.m. to midnight shift, ensuring the safety and security of residents, staff members and 91��Ƭ property.

Security Operations Manager Derek White is proud of the longtime personnel on his staff.

“They are all an asset to NCC and continue to help residents improve the quality of their lives,” he said. “I’d like to personally thank them for all they have done and continue to do. Their contributions are an important part of our continued success.”

The group of longtime employees has seen many changes over the years, including the expansion of buildings and services. Folsom remembers the creation of Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, as well as the opening of the Health Care Building. The group also saw residential buildings go up and the rehabilitation of properties.

Commitment to 91��Ƭ’s mission, a desire to help others and a sense of camaraderie has kept the longtime members of the Security Department at the organization.

“In the Security Department, we all stick together to try to make everything better than before,” Barrow said. “You learn from your mistakes, build from your mistakes and you move on.”

While some are nearing retirement, they’re happy to come to work each day.

“Anybody that comes in that needs help, 91��Ƭ is there,” Grier-Porch said. “I’m glad that we can be of help to them.”

Former 91��Ƭ Client Now Full-Time Employee

Michelle Lang — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:51:42 +0000

Muharrar Beyah is well suited for her role as the receptionist for the Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF) program at 91��Ƭ. She not only has transferable skills from experience in customer service, but she knows how the SAIF program works because she was previously a client.

Beyah was participating in the SAIF program, which provides intensive case management to individuals and families who have received public assistance for 48 months or more. She was searching for employment, but nothing was working out, mainly because many of the positions required hours that she couldn’t work because she has to care for her school-aged son. Although at times she was frustrated, Beyah continued applying and interviewing because she wanted to work.

SAIF Intensive Case Manager Sonia Garcia provided Beyah with job leads and helped her with her resume.

“She never gave up,” Garcia said of Beyah. “She went to all those job fairs and she applied and never stopped applying.”

Beyah said the support Garcia provided to her and other SAIF participants is important and appreciated.

“Sometimes when you’re trying to get a job and trying to get yourself together, sometimes your spirits can be kind of broken down,” Beyah said. “But Ms. Garcia is always here to try to uplift her clients.”

SAIF Intensive Case Manager Sonia Garcia assists her coworker and former client Muharrar Beyah.

When Garcia was out for medical reasons, SAIF Program Director Dr. Jackie Andrews was meeting with her clients, including Beyah, as the program resumed in-person meetings following COVID shutdowns. When she met with Beyah, Andrews found her to be personable and employable. Since SAIF was in need of a receptionist following a retirement, Andrews asked Beyah if she would be interested in volunteering in the role to try it out.

“I didn’t expect her to say yes because people don’t really like to volunteer,” Andrews said.

But Beyah agreed and volunteered for SAIF for a week.

“That’s when I really made up my mind to hire her because she showed that she really wanted a job and she was dedicated and loyal,” Andrews said. “Those are some good qualities that I look for in a staff person.”

Beyah officially applied for the position and became a full-time employee on Aug. 1, 2022. Her favorite part of her job is interacting with the clients. That sometimes includes providing a bit of inspiration as a former client.

“You don’t have to stay where you are. There’s always room for improvement and growth,” Beyah said. “I was there and now I’m here.”

Andrews called Beyah an asset to the SAIF program, saying she’s cooperative, willing to learn and open to constructive feedback.

“She could possibly move up to be a case manager because she knows both sides of the service,” Andrews said.

In her free time, Beyah writes poetry and attends slam poetry sessions where she shares her work. She also participates in humanitarian efforts with a group of girlfriends, donating food and other items to individuals in need.

Coping with COVID-19: How 91��Ƭ is Helping During the Pandemic

Michelle Lang — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:23:47 +0000

The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of life for people and businesses around the world. 91��Ƭ has had to make adjustments to its operations, but it has continued to provide vital services during the pandemic, keeping in mind and taking steps to ensure the safety of employees, residents and clients.

“NCC has risen to the challenges brought on by COVID-19. Even during a global pandemic, our dedicated staff members have embodied our mission, finding ways to safely provide essential services to our residents and clients in the community at a time of great need,” said NCC CEO Richard Rohrman. “I want to especially thank our teams at Extended Care, Security and Housing who have been continuously working to help our seniors and disabled residents through this crisis. As we move forward in a new normal, we will continue to make adjustments to our operations as necessary, always keeping in mind the health and safety of our employees and those we serve.”

Members of NCC’s Board of Directors have remained involved during the pandemic.

“As a Board, and working very closely with the Management Team at 91��Ƭ, we have witnessed the enormous toll COVID-19 is taking on our residents, employees and the community at large,” said NCC Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba. “With dedication and compassion, the leadership team at NCC rose to the occasion to minimize and contain the spread of this deadly virus and to ensure that lives were saved and livelihood was protected.”

Before action was taken by government officials in New Jersey, NCC leadership created a task force made up of department directors and senior leaders to discuss and create plans for each department’s response to the virus. When it became clear that COVID-19 was going to impact the state and NCC’s footprint, those plans were put into practice.

“Our early action made an impact,” said NCC Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter.

Hand sanitizer stations were installed in all NCC buildings and increased cleaning protocols were put in place in early March. NCC’s Environmental Services Department has maintained cleaning and sanitizing protocols throughout the pandemic, at times with fewer staff members.

Across the board, NCC has leveraged remote activity. Meetings moved to remote means to limit in-person contact. Many employees who were able to perform their duties off-site did so at least part of the time.

Each of NCC’s departments has made changes in response to the pandemic. The following provides highlights from these different areas.

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka, right, checks the temperature of an employee before she starts her shift. Screenings were enacted at the skilled nursing facility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo courtesy of Fred Hunter.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility
To help reduce the risk of infection to residents and staff members of the skilled nursing facility, Extended Care has taken several steps. Visitation was suspended and the building was closed to the public in March. Screening of staff members was put in place, including temperature checks before the start of every shift. Staff members were provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) to use when caring for residents. Plexiglass was installed at the reception desk to serve as a barrier. A specialized environmental professional group that used EPA approved disinfectants sterilized the entire building, from the basement to the fourth floor. Each floor was cleared for several hours during the disinfecting. In addition to the deep cleaning, staff members continually clean the facility with government-approved cleaning products.

All residents and staff members were tested for COVID-19. Residents who tested positive were isolated and staff members found to have the virus were removed from duty and not permitted to return until they received a doctor’s clearance. Retesting was completed in late May and isolation protocols remain in place for those with positive test results.

As an additional precaution, the facility designated a washing machine to launder linens and personal clothing for residents who were identified as COVID-19 positive.

Hunter said Extended Care staff members deserve recognition for their commitment to the residents.

“We have a dedicated group of folks working at Extended Care in all areas, from laundry to nurses to security,” he said. “They’re doing a fine job. I’m proud of them.”

Extended Care received a donation of face shields and ear savers from SOMA NJ 3D Printers Alliance in May, which staff members put to good use when attending to residents’ needs.

Plexiglass has been installed at Security stations, including the one at Harmony House. Photo courtesy of John Wade.

Security
Members of the NCC Security Department have continued to provide services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of staff and residents. They wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and take other preventative measures to keep them as safe as possible. In addition to their traditional duties, Security personnel make sure everyone at their post wears the proper PPE and adheres to social distancing guidelines. For increased safety, Security staff members have minimal direct interaction with the general resident population.

Plexiglass has been installed at Security stations throughout the network to protect staff members from other individuals’ coughs and sneezes.

Members of Security have also assisted with the execution of COVID-19 testing at NCC senior buildings.

Environmental Services
NCC’s Environmental Services Department has managed emergency work orders for NCC residences and cleaned common areas and the grounds throughout the pandemic. Personnel installed hand sanitizer stations in all NCC buildings and plexiglass coverings at security posts. The department was also tasked with handling procurement of PPE for all departments except Extended Care.

Associates Resident Services Coordinator Desiree Crespo hands a hot meal to a resident. Photo courtesy of Resident Services.

Resident Services
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Resident Services has continued to provide support for NCC residents. Resident Services Coordinators conduct phone wellness checks on residents twice per day. The calls range from five to 40 minutes and provide residents with a listening ear. Coordinators have managed more than 1,500 cases per month during the pandemic. In addition to the wellness checks, they provide rental payment and rental assistance reminders; assist tenants filing for unemployment; provide families with baby food, diapers and clothing as needed; help residents complete their census forms by phone or internet; assist residents who don’t normally file tax returns apply for stimulus checks; make routine hospital calls after admission to keep track of residents’ health and wellbeing; call in necessary prescriptions; teleconference with residents to assist with doctor calls after residents experience symptoms possibly related to COVID-19; and share resources related to COVID-19 with residents, including referrals to mental health services when needed.

The Emergency Food Pantry has remained in operation throughout the pandemic, providing food to the community on its regular schedule, opening the first business day after the 15th of each month. Food is also provided to the community on the first Tuesday of each month. During the pandemic, the Emergency Food Pantry has served more than 500 clients per month including seniors, adults and children. From March to April, the food pantry fed 1,069 clients. The number of individuals in need of assistance is expected to increase with a high unemployment rate.

Resident Services Coordinators have facilitated the distribution of meals to residents in NCC’s senior buildings, which have been provided by the City of Newark. They also ensure residents receive food commodities donated by food banks and others.

“The meals are sorted and delivered daily by the Resident Services Coordinators. They do a fantastic and tireless job in assuring that all who want a meal will receive a meal,” said Hector Torres, Director of Property Management. “Our Resident Services Coordinators have been true heroes from day one of this pandemic. I applaud them and their relentless efforts to make sure our residents are at least provided a meal or food during this crisis.”

For more photos of Resident Services in action, click here.

Property Management
NCC residents were informed about COVID-19 through flyers, building intercoms, website updates and follow-up telephone calls. Residents were given ways to reach out to their Property Managers and Management offices to provide for minimal physical contact and when Newark instituted the shelter-in-place order, all physical contact was eliminated. To ensure residents have the most up to date information, the Property Management Department provides flyers and posters and makes follow-up phone calls with updates about changing protocols and food distributions.

Property Managers continue to be at buildings daily and address the recertification process for residents as best as possible with physical limitations. The residents have been cooperative and understanding during the pandemic.

COVID-19 testing for residents and staff members at NCC senior buildings began in May. services were coordinated with Sunrise Diagnostics and the City of Newark. All residents and staff members in the buildings receiving testing were given the opportunity to be tested in the Community Room. A doctor was on site for testing. Social distancing guidelines were adhered to for the testing and residents waited outside for their turn to be swabbed. Anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 had their primary care physician notified.

“There are many people to thank and give appreciation to as we move forward to assure that NCC is doing all it can to make sure our residents are looked out for,” Torres said. “The true meaning of community is reflected during times such as we are experiencing and our employees are true warriors and heroes each and every day.”

Family Resource Success Center
The Family Resource Success Center has remained available throughout the pandemic to ensure that vulnerable, low-income families and individuals can remain in their homes and have access to resources and benefits during and beyond the crisis. The center offers guidance and support to ensure residents are connected to critical local and national resources, and social outlets to maintain their economic and mental health to lessen the impact of the pandemic.

“As the hub for NCC services, we are connecting residents to a range of strategies and activities. We will continue to support communities in an effort to address needs during this public health crisis, and respond to future needs,” said Family Resource Center Director Joann Williams-Swiney. “We hope to leave our communities better prepared and secured for future emergencies and crises.”

The Family Resource Success Center connects individuals to the myriad of services provided by NCC, as well as outside entities. During the pandemic, the center has referred clients and provided the following services: online training programs available through 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI); senior services; health care services for seniors, the disabled and uninsured; housing resources through NCC and specialized housing for those with HIV, the homeless and veterans; counseling services; benefits screenings; energy assistance; prescription assistance; free tax prep, which continues since the tax deadline was pushed back to July 15; detox placements; food referrals; rental assistance programs; financial literacy programs; furniture referrals; and legal services.

Harmony House
Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, has been open for regular services throughout the pandemic and is accepting new referrals. The staff has provided 854 case management hours in eight weeks. Food is also distributed to families through collaboration with the City of Newark and other supporters. Family counseling is available through Family Service Bureau for all families.

Family Service Bureau (FSB)
Family Service Bureau (FSB), a licensed outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment center, has continued to operate during the pandemic with remote services. FSB provided 1,200 sessions in eight weeks with a combination of telehealth and telemedicine.

In addition to servicing community clients, the facility has worked with NCC employees as part of the Employee Assistance Program to provide free support during these difficult times. Mental health and substance abuse services are also available to senior residents and Harmony House families.

In addition, FSB is providing free COVID-19 crisis counseling services to families, individuals and youth living in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. Services are available through the Disaster and Terrorism Branch of the State of New Jersey and are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 973-272-7488 or email FSBNJHH@newcommunity.org to utilize the services.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI)
NCCTI was forced to suspend all on-campus classes because of the pandemic. To adjust to the new normal, the school made preparations and began offering three online programs. Clinical Medical Assistant and Patient Care Technician programs began online May 11 and the online Automotive Technician program starts June 8.

“We were able to adjust and offer online learning to ensure we are continuing the pipeline of skilled and trained workers in health care and automotive,” said NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton. “We were able to change our delivery in a matter of weeks and meet our enrollment goals. And the quality has not been jeopardized or diluted.”

Brutton is thankful for NCC’s IT and Finance departments for their assistance making sure online students had the tools and resources necessary to participate in the programs. He also said the Communications Department was instrumental in promoting the online programs, which helped recruit the desired number of students.

The Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) continued its operations during the pandemic, offering financial coaching, job readiness and retention support remotely. The FOC also continues to conduct financial literacy workshops remotely and shares information about topics and online events.

Work for the Newark 2020 initiative also continues during the pandemic. As a community hub, NCCTI personnel participate in weekly conference calls with representatives from other organizations involved in Newark 2020, including Ironbound Community Corporation, Urban League of Essex County, La Casa de Don Pedro and the Newark Alliance, which heads the initiative.

“We are still engaging Newark 2020 clients to assess their education level and work experience and connect them to current job openings within the Newark 2020 employer network,” Brutton said.

Personnel also took an active role in recruiting job seekers for a new virtual career coaching series called Level Up Now!, which is an initiative through the City of Newark and Ironbound Community Corporation for Newark 2020. Sessions began April 29 and continue weekly through June 17. The series includes virtual and essential job opportunities, employer partner facilitators, training on the virtual workplace, remote task delivery, the building power of digital profiles, resume enhancement, virtual interviewing techniques and connections to career coaches.

Adult Learning Center
In-person classes had to be suspended in March because of the pandemic, but the Adult Learning Center moved its classes online April 20 for its last session of the fiscal year. All services are being offered through Google Classroom and Google Meets at their regularly scheduled times. Students were able to pick up their books from the center, which now has office hours of Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While Adult Learning Center Director Cristhian Barcelos said the transition was a challenge since it had to be done quickly and using technology staff members weren’t necessarily familiar with, he said it has been successful and has enabled students to continue their education.

“Our instructors and students have demonstrated an immense capacity to adapt and overcome the challenges that we are facing, especially in the middle of a pandemic and financial crisis,” Barcelos said. “We do not know what awaits for us in the future, but we are working very hard to be prepared for anything that comes our way.”

Early Learning Centers
Both Community Hills Early Learning Center (CHELC) and Harmony House Early Learning Center (HHELC) closed their doors in March because of the pandemic. But just because students and teachers couldn’t come together in the classroom doesn’t mean the learning stopped. Staff members at both centers have continued communicating with families and teaching children through virtual means like Zoom and ClassDojo. Parents share photos and video clips of their children engaged in learning activities. NCC personnel have also reached out to families to provide support through email, WhatsApp and text messages.

HHELC students participated in the Week of the Young Child remotely this year. Throughout the week, they made their own music objects; explored food and cooking; built structures using blocks, wood or legos; and created artwork.

CHELC staff members participate in weekly conference calls to stay updated and discuss how they are dealing with their new normal. Spanish speaking teachers provide remote learning in Spanish for families who primarily speak that language.

Newark Public Schools provided ShopRite gift cards for families at both CHELC and HHELC to help them during this difficult time. Center directors arranged for a family representative to pick up the gift cards.

For photos of CHELC and HHELC families, click here.

Youth Services
Youth Services has provided remote learning to children in the Family Friendly program and the after-school program at the NCC Neighborhood Center. In addition, mentoring services through the Teen Empowerment Network (T.E.N.) program is continuing remotely and assisting high school seniors in preparing for college.

Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF)
Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF) has been operating remotely off-site. Staff members have provided 639 outreach efforts with a total of 240 case management hours.

91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union
The 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union has remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hours changed slightly and are currently Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Employees Recognized For Dedication To 91��Ƭ

Michelle Lang — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 19:11:47 +0000

91��Ƭ held its 2019 Employee Recognition Ceremony Jan. 24 at St. Joseph Plaza where 59 employees were recognized for their years of service to the organization. Plaques were handed out to employees for reaching milestones of five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years with 91��Ƭ.
“Everyone here is responsible for carrying out 91��Ƭ’s mission,” said NCC CEO Richard Rohrman. “And you do such a wonderful job. I just really want to thank you and congratulate you for all of the hard work.”
Director of Human Resources Ben Galvez said the employees recognized have over 730 years of service to 91��Ƭ collectively.
“Your collective years at 91��Ƭ demonstrate your commitment to the people we serve that depend on us,” Galvez said. “It also shows your commitment to helping to fulfill our mission on a daily basis.”
Two employees from Environmental Services, Bryant Hall and Linda Studivant, were recognized for having the longest tenure of 35 years.
“Linda has been the smiling face and the happy voice that you hear whenever you call Environmental Services,” Rohrman said. “I’ve never heard a cross word, I’ve never heard a complaint. I’ve never heard anything other than, ‘What can I do to help?’ out of Linda in all these years.”
Rohrman said Hall can be seen throughout the NCC network.
“Every time you turn around, he’s always fixing a problem. He’s always there when you need him,” Rohrman said. “Whenever there’s a need, Bryant’s on the job. Bryant, thank you so much for all your contributions.”
NCC Chief of Staff Kathy Spivey received a plaque for 25 years of service. Rohrman called her the rock of 91��Ƭ.
“She has been part of everything 91��Ƭ has done. She brought the insights, the compassion, the ideas that have really helped form 91��Ƭ,” he said. “She was with Monsignor every day and was part of making 91��Ƭ what it is now.”
Director of Mission Frances Teabout shared a poem about how people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. She related it to 91��Ƭ saying employees come to NCC for a reason (they need a job and the organization needs a role filled), some stay for a season (a while but then they decide to move on) and others stay for a lifetime.
“Today we just want to pause and thank you all for being a part of 91��Ƭ, for being the spirit of 91��Ƭ,” Teabout said. “Whether you’ve been here for a reason, which is now becoming a season, or for a lifetime.”
Employees recognized at the ceremony each received a plaque commemorating their years of service and were treated to lunch in their honor.
EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED
Five Years: Alicia Adams (SAIF), Akinade Adeyemi (Security), Leslie Andujar (Human Resources), Bridget Bouie (Security), Ramon Cabrera (Environmental Services), Alphonzo Clanton (Environmental Services), Dwayne Clyburn (Environmental Services), Frances Davis (HHELC), Mark Hall (Security), Jacqueline Henry (Extended Care), Evelyn John (CHELC), Sam Joseph (Environmental Services), Ronald Manning (Environmental Services), Gertrude McLean (CHELC), Rhonda Nobles (Extended Care), Helen Okafor (Extended Care), Elsie Palacios (CHELC), Ronald Prysock (Workforce Development), Joseph Takouezim (Management), Dametria Wertz (FSB), Wade Wilcher (Security) and John Zaccheus (YATC).
Ten Years: Solomon O. Airiofolo (Extended Care), Jerome S. Barrow (Security), Tangula Brown (HHELC), Nijeriah T. Coley-Severin (Extended Care), Rose Estaing (Extended Care), Cephus Harris (Environmental Services), Tamara Harris (Extended Care), Mary Ikpa (Extended Care), Ruth J. Kimutai (Extended Care), Ronda Lawrence (Environmental Services), John S. Mensah (Security), Rahel A. Nyambi (Extended Care), Lawretta Odih (Extended Care), Ngozi Onuoha (Extended Care), Rosa Ramirez (Adult Learning), Sattie Samkaran (Security) and Lateisha Telfair (CHELC).
Fifteen Years: Yetunde Amokun (Extended Care), Cristhian F. Barcelos (Adult Learning), Roxana Benjamin (Extended Care), Kala Boxcell (Extended Care), Peter Nyamo (Extended Care) and Prentiss Thompson (Security).
Twenty Years: Richard S. Cammarieri (Administration), Lourdes Fuentes (Resident Services), Elizabeth Mbakaya (Finance), Gwendolyn Robinson (Extended Care) and Delores Thomas (Extended Care).
Twenty-Five Years: Fitzroy Barnett (Harmony House), Gerard Mansare (Security), Wilson Medina (Environmental Services) and Kathy L. Spivey (Administration).
Thirty Years: William Folsom (Security), Samson Gebreyesus (Management) and Fany Lopez (Extended Care).
Thirty-Five Years: Bryant Hall (Environmental Services) and Linda C. Studivant (Environmental Services).

SAIF Hosts First Of Its Kind Event With NCJW/Essex Period.Project

Michelle Lang — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 14:36:21 +0000

When people decide to donate to those less fortunate than themselves, items like food, money and clothing often come to mind. But there is another area of need that many people don’t think about or discuss: feminine hygiene products.

The food stamp program, SNAP, doesn’t cover feminine hygiene products and many women go without them, including some associates of the 91��Ƭ Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families Program (SAIF).

SAIF hosted the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section (NCJW/Essex) Period.Project July 18. SAIF associates helped four members of the Period.Project fill bags with feminine hygiene products to hand out to women and also shared their struggles with obtaining the products.

SAIF Intensive Case Manager Alicia Adams said NCJW/Essex reached out to SAIF with the opportunity to host the event.

“We thought it was a great idea,” she said. “It is a big issue our clients are having.”

The Period.Project was formed in November 2016 to raise awareness about the problems caused by women and girls not having adequate access to feminine hygiene products. Females will miss work or school because they lack products. Some women are forced to choose between diapers, food and feminine hygiene products.

Period.Project Co-Chair Laurie Kahn said the more people that talk about the issue, the better. “We feel so passionate about it,” she said. “Let’s give women dignity. Men shave every day. Women should have pads and tampons.”

91��Ƭ 10 women participated in the event. Each received products to take home and filled bags to be distributed to other SAIF associates with products that Period.Project members provided.

Adams said SAIF welcomes donations of feminine hygiene products. When she inquired about getting supplies from companies that produce the items, she found that they typically donate to larger organizations.

SAIF Associate Latisha Holt decided to participate in the event because she sometimes finds herself without feminine hygiene products.

“It is a struggle for me to keep up with cosmetics and items like tampons and pads,” she said. “I borrow until I run across extra currency.”

Holt also said she has used towels in place of feminine hygiene products and made her own tampon at one point.

Ayesha Campbell was one of the participants and hopes more people become aware of the issue. “If people in the community can help each other, they should,” she said.

Period.Project Co-Chair Karen Feinblatt said the goal was to make the event fun and educational. The committee provided snacks and drinks to the women and they spoke informally while they filled bags with the products.

Another important part of the day was documenting women’s experiences. Feinblatt said statistics aren’t available for how many women struggle to obtain these supplies. Volunteer SAIF associates went on camera for the Period.Project to share their stories about how lacking feminine hygiene products impacted their lives.

“My hope is to go to Trenton and show these videos and others like them to the Children and Families committees. This is a desperate need,” Feinblatt said. “We want them to add money to every agency’s budget strictly for feminine hygiene products.”

Feinblatt said the larger goal is to take the project to the national level and have SNAP cover feminine hygiene products.

“It’s not a luxury,” she said.