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Born Learning Trail Coming to Newark’s Nat Turner Park

July 20, 2012

Nat Turner Park in Newark, NJ will be the new home for the construction of the Born Learning Trail. Nat Turner Park, the largest city-owned park in Newark, NJ sits on nine-acres across from Central High School and is named after the American slave who led revolt in 1831 in Virginia. The Born Learning Trail will provide 10 engaging, interactive activities that adults can use to create early learning opportunities for children. By following a series of colorful shapes, signs and hopscotch squares, children can learn their numbers and letters through active play. The Trail is a great way for a community to use outdoor space to promote literacy and social development. SHARE:

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Spotlight on NJPHK’s New State Program Director, Bill Lovett

July 19, 2012

Bill Lovett has been appointed the New Program Director of New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids. Prior to taking on his new leadership assignment, Lovett served the YMCA for 35 years, spending the last 23 years of his career as the CEO of the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy before retiring in 2012. During his reign as CEO, the YMCA grew from one branch and an annual $785,000 budget to five branches and a budget of $14,000,000. The YMCA currently has more than 40,000 members and a staff of more than 500. Additionally, the YMCA operates ten child-care centers, six day camps and four outdoor pools and is the leading provider of childcare, day camp, aquaticsl and wellness programs in Middlesex County. He is past chairperson of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and is a past Board Member of the YMCA of the USA. Bill Lovett graduated from Hiram […]

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Making Our Communities Safe

July 19, 2012

Nearly 50 residents, planners, parks and recreation staff, police officers, safety officers and community advocates from Camden, New Brunswick and Trenton attended a three-day Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) workshop. Held at Middlesex County Community College on April 24-26, the workshop was co-sponsored by New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids, ShapingNJ and the John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy at Thomas Edison State College. The curriculum focused on crime-reducing strategies through site design, landscaping, lighting and community engagement, among others. Individuals participated in “hands on” exercises that included developing and reviewing site plans for parks using CPTED principles of natural access control, natural surveillance, territoriality, and maintenance. SHARE:

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New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids Alliance A Key Factor in United Way of Camden County Chosen as Finalist for Top International Award

July 15, 2012

United Way of Camden County today was recognized as a finalist for the United Way Common Good Awards at the United Way Community Leaders Conference in Nashville, Tennessee on May 3, 2012. The inaugural Common Good Awards, created for the 125th Anniversary of United Way, highlight coalitions that are creating community-wide change in education, income and health. SHARE:

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Farm Fresh Produce Comes to Camden

July 15, 2012

This year Camden residents can enjoy locally grown, affordable produce from May to October thanks to the Greensgrow Farm Neighborhood Markets. Markets will operate one day each week in nine locations. Produce can be purchased with EBT/ Food Stamp benefits, and the Market offers a Double Value Coupon program to increase the amount of fresh local food families and individuals can buy by matching all purchases made with EBT cards dollar for dollar. Jersey Fresh produce is a “win win” for all: Camden neighbors will benefit from increased healthy food choices and family farmers from rural New Jersey will benefit from more outlets and sales of their products. Greensgrow Farm Neighborhood Markets is a partner in the Campbells Soup Company Camden Childhood Hunger and Obesity Initiative.  As a partner with the initiative, Greensgrow actively participates as a team member with the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids and other Program […]

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Implementing New Wellness Policies

July 15, 2012

NJPHK-Camden reports strong momentum in the efforts of its community partners to bring more opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity to Camden residents. As a result of the NJPHK-Camden efforts, three community partners will be adopting wellness policies in the coming months. Slated for the Camden Public Schools, Respond Inc. and the Parkside Methodist Church the policies will benefit children and their families throughout Camden. Camden Public Schools: The NJPHK-Camden subcommittee has been working diligently on a new and enhanced wellness policy for the Camden Board of Education to adopt by this upcoming school year. The new policy includes high standards for nutrition and physical activity to be implemented for all Camden Public Schools. The Board expects to consider the policy at the July-August board meetings. The Superintendent’s office has reviewed the policy and understands that students’ health and wellness are critical for successful academic achievement. Therefore, they are […]

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To Win, We Have to Lose

July 1, 2012

“Weight of the Nation” is a four-part documentary series depicting the current obesity crisis across the U.S. and what we can do better for ourselves and our kids.  The HBO series was created by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente. Learn more SHARE:

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Faith-Based Conference Brings Healthy Living to NJ Congregations

April 27, 2012

Darrin Anderson, NJPHK’s Deputy Director, spoke on community engagement and advocacy at the first ShapingNJ faith-based conference, “Healthy Living for All: Bringing Healthy Eating and Active Living to Your Faith-Based Community.” The conference was held at the Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness in Mercerville.  Hosted by ShapingNJ and the New Jersey Office of Minority and Multicultural Health, the conference brought together over 100 representatives from nearly 50 New Jersey congregations to learn about existing programs and activities that promote healthy eating and active living in NJ congregations. Anderson participated in the “Lend Your Voice” panel, explaining how changing policies and environmental factors impact those that live, play and work in a community and why it’s important for faith-based organizations to advocate for policy and environmental change. “When people have access to local playgrounds, pools and trails, they are more likely to choose physical activity and less […]

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