Category: Covid-19

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Covid-19 Feature Stories Recent News

COVID-19 Exposure Tracking App Launched in New Jersey

(Camden, NJ) – Governor Phil Murphy announced on October 1, 2020 the launch of a new COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app that will serve to supplement the state’s contact tracing efforts.

The governor announced the app in partnership with New York governor Andrew Cuomo, and the states will join a regional network that includes Pennsylvania and Delaware to track and alert exposures. Connecticut has also announced it will launch an app in the near future using the same technology.

The free mobile app – available to anyone 18 or older who lives, works, or attends college in New Jersey – is available for download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

“I applaud the state for joining this regional effort to track and notify potential exposures so that we can more effectively conduct our contact tracing operations and reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “Please consider going to your app store, downloading the app, and helping by contributing your information to the database. Your privacy will always be protected and you are helping to keep yourself and others protected.”

The apps use Exposure Notification System technology developed by Google and Apple to strengthen New Jersey and New York’s contact tracing programs statewide.

The COVID Alert apps will notify users if they have been in close contact – within six feet for at least 10 minutes – with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Knowing about a potential exposure can help individuals quickly make a plan to stay safe, including contacting their physician or the State Health Department hotlines to get more information about quarantining and testing to prevent community spread.

COVID Alert NJ and COVID Alert NY are completely anonymous and do not track or collect any location data or personal data from your phone. The COVID Alert apps do not use GPS location data.

The Exposure Notification System uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to detect when another phone with the same app is within six feet. Proximity is measured, but not geographic location. COVID Alert app users must explicitly choose to turn on exposure notifications – and can turn it off at any time.

After downloading the app, users must opt-in to receive “Exposure Notifications.” When the app senses a close contact, your phone will exchange a secure random code with the close contact’s phone. Of note, your location, name or personally identifiable data are never disclosed. If you test positive for COVID-19, a public health representative from the local health department will call as part of the states’ contact tracing programs and ask if you are willing to anonymously notify your “close contacts” by uploading your app’s anonymous close contact codes. Each day, the app will compare your list of close contact codes to the list of codes associated with positive COVID-19 app users. If there’s a match, you will get an Exposure Alert, along with appropriate next steps to stay safe and prevent community spread like self-quarantining and getting tested. COVID Alert apps never reveal the identity of the COVID-19 positive individual.

The COVID Alert NJ app will work in conjunction with similar apps in Delaware, New York, and Pennsylvania, allowing New Jerseyans to continue to receive exposure notifications when exposed to residents of those states. If a New Jersey resident travels to one of those states and is exposed to someone with COVID-19 who has an equivalent app, the resident will receive a notification.

COVID Alert NJ and COVID Alert NY provide users with the latest information about COVID-19 in their states, including publicly reported testing data. In addition, the app features a symptom checker where users can anonymously record daily symptoms.

Visit covid19.nj.gov/app for more information about COVID Alert NJ.

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Bright Side Covid-19 Recent News

Haddon Avenue Small Businesses Receive Relief Grant Funding Through M&T Bank

Parkside Business & Community in Partnership (PBCIP) recently announced it has partnered with M&T Bank to deliver a total of $25,000 in grant funding to eight New Jersey small businesses located on the Haddon Avenue corridor.

Due to unprecedented circumstances, many small businesses, like those on Camden’s Haddon Avenue corridor, were forced to shut their doors for more than three months.

MT FHLB’s Alle-Ries with Visionary Entertainment owner, Rashaan-Hornsby (Photo provided)

As a result, many of these businesses are facing adverse economic impacts, making it difficult to pay essential bills and return to business as usual as the statewide reopening was phased in (FYI, there are still regulations in place in NJ).

To reopen, small business owners needed money upfront for rent, staff and supplies, without knowing when or if customers would return.

M&T Bank FHLB Alle Ries (center) with The Camden Store’s Bridget Phifer and Anjeenah Brown Riggs (Photo provided)

Understanding the depth of the small business dilemma, PBCIP partnered with M&T Bank to secure grant dollars through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG) Program.

The program provides small business grant funds to support business owners in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that have suffered a 25% decrease in revenue because of COVID-19. The program has been made available to member banks like M&T.

“As a community bank, M&T is acutely aware of the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses and commercial districts like Haddon Avenue,” said M&T Bank Regional President for Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey Bernie Shields. “We feel it is our responsibility as a banking partner in South Jersey to provide solutions and are happy to partner with Parkside Business Community in Partnership and the Latin American Economic Development Association to facilitate grant funding to businesses on the corridor.”

M&T Bank FHLB Alle Ries and Refresh Laundry Derek Davis (Photo provided)

Due to M&T’s commitment to small business relief and technical support of the Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA), eight Haddon Avenue businesses have been approved for small business grants ranging from $2,000- $3,800 in funding. Funded Haddon Avenue businesses include:

About Parkside Business & Community in Partnership

PBCIP serves as the local community development corporation focused on elevating Parkside thru cooperative partnerships, equitable community development practices and implementing transparent community engagement strategies.  “When we face adversity, we find a way through it.” 

About the Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA)

LAEDA, as part of its commitment to the Parkside neighborhood, has collaborated with PBCIP to assist Parkside residents and business owners toward their business goals.

As a part of the small business grant award, LAEDA and the Women’s Business Center will offer a 5-week business training and counseling course to ensure Haddon Avenue entrepreneurs have a clear pathway to creating business systems that are sustainable over the life of the business.

About M&T Bank

M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. 

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Bright Side Covid-19

South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund Grant Helping Bancroft Continue Its Mission

Cherry Hill, NJ – Bancroft, one of the region’s largest providers of specialized services and supports for children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and brain injury, was awarded a $5,000 grant from the COVID-19 Response Fund, managed by Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ).

The money has helped offset unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 crisis, enabling the organization to continue delivering vital programs and services virtually, and purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the health and safety of individuals served and Bancroft’s essential employees.

Like so many other organizations across the country, COVID-19 has forced the continued closure of Bancroft’s in-person educational services and adult day program and employment services since March – prompting the organization to reimagine the way those services are delivered, including classroom instruction and related therapies.

It has also severely limited opportunities for community integration and recreation that are critical to the well-being of the hundreds of individuals served by Bancroft residential programs.

“COVID-19 has caused a seismic shift in every aspect of our lives and forced nonprofit organizations like Bancroft to rethink the way we deliver our critical, life-sustaining services while protecting the health of this vulnerable population and the essential staff who support them,” said Toni Pergolin, Bancroft President and Chief Executive Officer. “The grant from the Community Foundation of South Jersey will support us in our commitment to our mission of helping people living with disabilities to live their best life.”

“Thank you to Bancroft for its services creating hope, home, and community for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and persons in need of neurological rehabilitation. Their work allows each individual to reach their full potential for a happy and fulfilling life,” said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer. “The COVID-19 Response Fund is a resource that supports, the organization’s such as Bancroft to deliver services in these uncertain times.”

The South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund continues to assist local nonprofits that need support in order to serve communities impacted by the pandemic.

To date, the Fund has raised more than one million dollars, but this is not enough to meet the overwhelming need.  

If you would like to support the only such Fund where donations stay in our South Jersey region, please visit: our South Jersey region, click here.

About Bancroft

Bancroft is a leading regional nonprofit provider of specialized services for individuals with autism, other intellectual or developmental disabilities and those in need of neurological rehabilitation.

Through its innovative programs supporting people throughout different stages in life, Bancroft offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at unlocking the full potential in each person and meeting his or her changing needs.

Programming includes special education, vocational training and supported employment, structured day programs, residential treatment programs, community living programs, and behavioral supports. In 2018, Bancroft opened the Raymond & Joanne Welsh Campus in Mt. Laurel, N.J., for children’s services, featuring the flagship Bancroft School and Lindens Center for Autism.

The campus is the most progressive and expansive campus for children with special needs in the region.

Bancroft NeuroRehab focuses on the therapeutic, day program and residential needs of people in rehabilitation from brain injury or other neurological disorders with four locations throughout New Jersey.

Established in 1883 and now headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., Bancroft boasts 30+ programs in 17 locations serving 2,200 people annually throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, including more than 275 community-based group homes and supervised apartments.

For more information, visit bancroft.org.

About the Community Foundation of South Jersey

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) envisions an eight-county region thriving, where all neighbors aspire, succeed, participate, and give.

The vision is realized as CFSJ inspires generosity, manages and deploys permanent charitable assets, and exercises collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region. CFSJ works with South Jersey philanthropists, local nonprofits, and neighbors to build capital, contribute assets, and create permanent endowments for impact in perpetuity.

By aligning donor interests and using the investment earnings on each of its endowed funds, CFSJ makes grants and builds leadership within the community to create thriving, equitable, and livable communities for all. Currently, CFSJ manages assets of more than $23 million.

CFSJ has issued more than $9 million in nonprofit grants and scholarships.

Learn more about CFSJ at www.CommunityFoundationSJ.org.

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Bright Side Covid-19

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $15M in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants

WASHINGTON – On September 1, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $15 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to capitalize and administer Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic across New Jersey.

“President Trump is working diligently every day to support our nation’s economy following the impacts of COVID-19 through the CARES Act,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These investments will provide small businesses across New Jersey with the necessary capital to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic and, in turn, create a stronger and more resilient state economy for the future.”

“These investments come at a crucial time to help New Jersey’s and our nation’s economy come roaring back and provide hard-working Americans with new opportunities,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and EDA is pleased to invest these CARES Act funds so that New Jersey businesses have access to capital to respond to and recover from the coronavirus pandemic.”

“This grant will help Jersey City officials continue to support small businesses through this coronavirus economic crisis,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. “I have voted for several bills in Congress, like the CARES and HEROES Act, because they provided funds to Americans and American communities that need it the most.  I want to thank the Department of Commerce for recognizing the need for additional funding in Jersey City.  Now, we need the Senate to pass the Heroes Act to help Jersey City continue to protect the health and safety of residents and their small businesses.”

The EDA Investments Announced Are:

  • New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Trenton, New Jersey, will receive an $11 million EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to capitalize and administer an RLF that will provide loans to coronavirus-impacted businesses across New Jersey.
  • Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, will receive a $2.7 million EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to capitalize and administer an RLF that will provide loans to coronavirus-impacted businesses in the city of Camden; Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties in New Jersey; and the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • Burlington County, Mount Holly, New Jersey, will receive a $660,000 EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to capitalize and administer an RLF to provide loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Burlington County.
  • Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, Jersey City, New Jersey, will receive a $550,000 EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to capitalize and administer an RLF to provide loan to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Jersey City.

These current EDA RLF grantees are some of the more than 850 existing, high-performing EDA RLF, Economic Development District, University Center, and Tribal grant recipients invited to apply for supplemental funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The CARES Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump, provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

On May 7, Secretary Ross announced that EDA is accepting applications for CARES Act Recovery Assistance funding opportunities.

EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) (PDF) program, provides a wide-range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. For complete information, please visit our recently updated EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

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Bright Side Covid-19 Feature Stories

Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center Enlists South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund Grant to Provide Food Assistance

Haddonfield, NJ – The Community Foundation of South Jersey made a $5,000 grant to the Salvation Army Kroc Center from the South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund. With support from CFSJ and others, the Kroc Center has provided tens of thousands worth of grocery items and food to local residents since the pandemic onset. 

The Salvation Army New Jersey Division has experienced a four hundred percent increase in families seeking aid, including food, statewide.  

In order to meet the demand, The Salvation Army opened three warehouses located in Vineland, Red Bank, and Newark. At these locations, they receive and store food from New Jersey food banks in bulk. 

“We are so thankful that the Community Foundation of South Jersey was able to help fund our organization and support our families in need,” said Kroc Center Administrator Major Terry Wood, “The pandemic is not only an economic crisis but a mental health crisis caused by the stress residents are feeling.  We are working hard to help alleviate some of that stress as we provide help and hope. This grant surely helps.”

“Food access is a basic need. With the COVID-19 Response Fund, we prioritized these triage needs,” said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer. “Now, more than ever, nonprofits such as the Kroc Center need help, and we are so proud of our South Jersey neighbors for stepping up to the challenge and providing the money needed to make our COVID-19 response possible.”

The South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund continues to assist local nonprofits that need support in order to serve communities impacted by the pandemic.

To date, the Fund has raised over $1 million, but this is not enough to meet the overwhelming need.  Since March, CFSH has gotten over $6 million in grant requests.  

If you would like to support the only such Fund where donations stay in our South Jersey region, please visit www.southjerseyresponsefund.org.

About The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden

The 120,000 square-foot Salvation Army Kroc Center redefines what a community center is all about.

This extraordinary facility houses an array of education, sports, faith, arts, and other support programs never before assembled under one roof in the City of Camden.  

The Kroc Center ministry, as well as the building itself, has been designed to stimulate the mind, body and spirit, to provide hope, and to transform lives within the community.  

It is a dynamic regional asset that is open and accessible to all.  For more information about the Center or to donate directly, please visit www.camdenkroccenter.org.

About the Community Foundation of South Jersey

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) envisions an eight-county region thriving, where all neighbors aspire, succeed, participate, and give.

The vision is realized as CFSJ inspires generosity, manages and deploys permanent charitable assets, and exercises collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region. CFSJ works with South Jersey philanthropists, local nonprofits, and neighbors to build capital, contribute assets, and create permanent endowments for impact in perpetuity.

By aligning donor interests and using the investment earnings on each of its endowed funds, CFSJ makes grants and builds leadership within the community to create thriving, equitable, and livable communities for all.

Currently, CFSJ manages assets of more than $23 million. CFSJ has issued more than $9 million in nonprofit grants and scholarships. Learn more about CFSJ at www.CommunityFoundationSJ.org.