Local Initiative Support Corporation’s Black Economic Development Fund Partners with The New Jersey “40 Acres and a Mule” Fund to Invest Up to $25M in New Jersey, 10.20.21

Partnership to Provide Greater Access to Capital for the State’s Black and Latinx Businesses October 20, 2021 08:46 ET | Source: New Jersey FAM Fund Newark, NJ, Oct. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The New Jersey “40 Acres and a Mule” Fund (NJ “FAM Fund”), a private investment vehicle established to reduce socio-economic disparities resulting from systemic racism, announced…

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Newark nearly doubled its youth vaccination rate in 2 months. Here’s how., 09.17.21

By Patrick Wall  Sep 17, 2021, 7:30pm EDT Earlier this summer, Newark’s youth vaccination rate was still alarmingly low. As of mid-July, only 30% of eligible Newark children had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine — a full 14 percentage points below the statewide rate. That month, Mayor Ras Baraka warned Newark residents that, with so few young…

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‘Looking for hope’: Newark students anxiously return to classrooms after 18 months away., 09.07.21

By Patrick Wall and Catherine Carrera  Sep 7, 2021, 2:14pm EDT After 18 months of eerie silence, classrooms across Newark echoed once again Tuesday with the sound of students — their jittery excitement only partially muffled by the mandatory masks. “I don’t mind wearing my mask because I know it stops me from catching the virus,” said Angela Villa,…

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F.D.A. Fully Approves Pfizer-BioNTech’s Vaccine, a First for a Covid-19 Shot. 08.23.21

The move was expected to kick off a round of new vaccination mandates from hospitals, schools and private companies. By Sharon LaFraniere and Noah Weiland Aug. 23, 2021 WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration on Monday granted full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine for people 16 and older, a decision that is likely to set off a…

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NJ gets final signoff on $2.7B COVID-19 aid for schools, 08.12.21

JOHN MOONEY, EDUCATION WRITER | AUGUST 12, 2021 | EDUCATION, CORONAVIRUS IN NJ Federal regulators approve plan for school spending ahead of September reopening. New Jersey’s plan for spending more than $2 billion in federal money for extra services addressing the COVID-19 pandemic has won final approval from Washington, the federal Department of Education announced Thursday. New Jersey…

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Governor Murphy Announces Indoor Mask Requirement for Beginning of 2021-2022 School Year, 08.06.21

08/6/2021 EAST BRUNSWICK – Joined by educators, medical professionals, parents, and school administrators, Governor Phil Murphy today announced that all students, educators, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face masks indoors for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. The Governor signed Executive Order (EO) 251, which will mandate masking in the indoor premises…

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Here’s What The CDC Says Summer Camps Should Do To Prevent And Respond To COVID Cases, 04.26.21

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidance detailing steps summer camps should take to prevent and respond to COVID-19 infections. Brandon Chew/Tribune News Service via Getty Images April 26, 202111:22 AM ET Last year, the coronavirus pandemic forced many summer camps to close and families to change their plans. Now, new guidance from…

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Coalition Seeks to Amplify Community Voices to Promote Nutritious Food in Schools

Food must nourish the bodies and minds of students, contribute to mental and physical well-being, and help prevent chronic illness—leading to overall success. A groundbreaking initiative, the Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools (HFINS), has been launched to ensure every child in Newark schools receives nutritious meals every day.  The Coalition is hosting community listening…

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People experiencing homelessness can now receive mental health services at emergency shelters in New Jersey

People experiencing homelessness in New Jersey will now have easier access to mental health services. On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that allows mental health professionals to provide care at shelters. It removes red tape that previously prohibited this. “The stress individuals often face when experiencing homelessness can unfortunately lead to or exacerbate…

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As COVID-19 dollars run out, NJ residents face ‘hunger cliffs’ and food deserts

Struggling New Jersey residents could see their monthly food benefit nearly double under a proposal designed to avoid what advocates describe as a looming “hunger cliff” after federal emergency funding expires in February. Lawmakers unanimously approved a bill Thursday to establish a $95 minimum monthly allotment to participants in SNAP, the state and federally funded…

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