ALIANZA conducts coat drive for HFC consumers
In the fall of 2011, Rutgers Camden’s Latino Law Student Association ALIANZA conducted a coat drive to benefit consumers of the Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey. Over 45 coats were donated that included sizes for young children, teens and adults. Pictured on the left, is ALIANZA President Kiomiery Csepes during the coat drop off. We thank Rutgers ALIANZA and all the students who donated a coat!
Gloucestor County Family Success Center Opens
This fall, HFC opened Gloucester County’s first Family Success Center, which is co-located at HFC’s Woodbury office with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at 3 S. Broad Street suite 2B. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 2, 2011. This event provided HFC the opportunity to officially introduce the center and staff to area partners, as well as local, county and state officials; providing them with an opportunity to learn more about what Family Success Center’s aim to do– strengthen families. Those in attendance were given tours of the facility and provided with information on the resources and supports available to every family.
Family Success Centers are community-based, family-centered neighborhood gather places where any community resident can go for family support, information, and services. Family Success Centers aim to enrich the lives of children and adults by making families and neighborhoods stronger and seek to empower all families to success. Funding for this initiative is provided through the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families and is carried out in collaboration with the Woodbury School District. HFC's Family Success Center can be reached at 856-848-7150.
Zoe Rodriguez, Board Member, is honored as 2011 Camden County 'prominent Hispanic'
On October 7, 2011 the Camden County Freeholder Board’s Office of Hispanic Affairs hosted the 16th Annual Prominent Hispanic Awards at the
Mansion in Voorhees, in combination with its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Ten members of Camden County’s Hispanic community were
honored including Zoe Rodriguez, a member of HFC’s Board of Directors. Rodriguez has been serving on the Hispanic Family Center's Board of Directors since 2005. Rodriguez is the Corporate Director of Pathology & Laboratory Services with the Kennedy Health System in southern New Jersey.Congratulations, Zoe!
Community Health Fair Commemorating National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
In honor of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) the Hispanic Family Center (HFC) sponsored a community wide health fair in Camden, NJ on Friday, October 14, 2011 from 1-5PM. This year’s theme, Latinos Unite! Let's Stay Healthy, identified the need for HIV testing and comprehensive prevention education services, such as the Hispanic Family Center's LUCES and Latino Initiative Programs, in high-risk population areas.
Despite the rain, the event drew hundreds of Latinos from the City of Camden and over 15 health related vendors who provided the community with important health information. More than 50 individuals recieved health screenings. October 15 is National HIV testing day; therefore, HFC partners with other area organizations, such as AHEC, Cooper EIP, Dooley House and others who are dedicated to raising awareness to provide HIV counseling, testing, and referral services for all health fair participants.
Community Garden Ribbon Cutting
Hispanic Family Center held a ribbon cutting for its new East Camden community garden in mid October, 2011. Hispanic Family Center received support for the garden from the American Water Company, NJ Department of Health and Seniors Service/Office of Minority and Multicultural Health, the Camden Children's Garden and Americorps members to establish the East Camden Garden on HFC property located on Cramer Street. Hispanic Family Center's consumers and local residents will plant and harvest vegetables and herbs throughout the year to promote healthy eating.
There are many benefits to community gardening including: improvement in quality of life; providing an opportunity for exercise, therapy and education; encouraging self-reliance and social interaction; reduction of family food budgets; and production of nutritious food. HFC is happy to provide this opportunity to its consumers and to community residents!
Cultural Event Held in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. This year, the Hispanic Family Center highlighted the contributions of Hispanic Americans as well as celebrated the diversity within Latino cultures by holding a Multicultural Latino Fair at its Family Success Center on Friday, October 7 from 4-7PM. This event showcased the music, food, games, and histories of Latin American countries.
Today, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 44 million people in the United States are of Hispanic origin. This year's theme, Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now, recognizes the strength and hard work of these 44 million Hispanic Americans, whose zeal for family and country has helped shaped society. You can learn more about Hispanic Heritage by visiting www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov.
Hispanic Family Center Graduates First Class of the WomenBuild Training Program
HFC congratulates its first class of WomenBuild Training program graduates. Graduates and their families enjoyed a celebration and dinner. The graduation was held at Camden City Hall on July 13, 2011 and featured special guests: Assemblyman Angel Fuentes; Melissa Castro from US Senator Bob Menendez' office; Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez; and HFC Executive Director, Elsa Candelario.
Commendations were provided to graduates from Camden City Mayor Dana Redd, Camden City Council, NJ State Assemby and the US Senate. A total of 16 trainees completed the program. Trainees will go on to be placed in jobs in the field of construction throughout the region.
Hispanic Family Center Graduates Fourth Class from the Green Jobs Training Program
HFC congratulates its fourth class of Green Jobs training program graduates. Graduates and their families enjoyed a festive celebration and dinner. The graduation was held at the Hispanic Family Center on April 26, 2011 and featured special guests: Assemblyman, Angel Fuentes; Camden City Council members Marilyn Torres and Dana Burley;Melissa Castro from US Senator Bob Menendez' office; Reverend Floyd White of the Woodland Community Development Corporation; and HFC Executive Director, Elsa Candelario.
In addition to Green Jobs Training diplomas and Center for Energy and Environmental Training certificates, commendations from Camden City Mayor Dana Redd, Camden City Council, NJ State Assemby and US Senate were also presented to the graduates. A total of 16 trainees completed the Green Jobs program. Trainees will go on to be placed in jobs in the energy efficiency or weatherization field throughout New Jersey.
HFC Community Health Fair and partnership with La Parada San Juan Bautista
The Hispanic Family Center (HFC) sponsored a community wide health fair in Camden, NJ on Friday, June 10, 2011 from 12-5PM. The events goal was to screen individuals for HIV, diabetes and other illnesses and to provide health related information to the public. The event featured performers from Woodrow Wilson High Schools WEPA program (EducationWorks).
The event drew 380 adults and hundreds of children from the entire City of Camden and over 15 health related vendors who provided the community with important health information. The 50+ year old "Parada San Juan Bautista" (PSJB) is Camden's Puerto Rican Parade with many events held in the month of June leading up to the parade which is held the last Sunday of the month. HFC has partnered with PSJB for the last 10 years in carrying out an annual health fair.
This year, Hispanic Family Center's float won first place in the Parade's float contest. Hispanic Family Center's Youth Center and staff spearheaded the design and decoration of the elaborately adorned float that represented the Puerto Rican culture.
HFC employee, Sonia Martinez, to Receive Camden County Prominent Hispanic AwardThe Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey is happy to congratulate Sonia Martinez, mental health therapist from the Family Counseling Clinic, for being selected as one of Camden County Freeholder's Prominent Hispanics of 2009!
To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month in October, the Camden County Freeholder Board's Office of Hispanic Affairs will honor the awardees at the 13th Annual Prominent Hispanic Awards Dinner, held at the Mansion in Voorhees on October 8, 2009. "We recognize the dedication and contributions of the unsung members of the Hispanic community that serve as role models and make a difference in the quality of life for all residents," said Louis Cappelli, Jr., Freeholder Director. Individuals will be recognized in the fields of Arts and Culture, Education, Business, Law Enforcement, Governmental Services, Humanitarianism, Youth Advocacy, Leadership, Community Service and Journalism. Ms. Martinez continues an HFC tradition of award winners. HFC Executive Director, Elsa Candelario and Program Director, Altie Carrasquillo are also recipients of the Prominent Hispanic Award.
Congratulations, Sonia!
Executive Director Honored by The Parada San Juan Bautista at Annual Gala
Elsa Candelario, Executive Director of the Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey, was awarded one of several 2009 Achievement Awards for her achievement and dedication to the community by the Parada San Juan Bautista. The award was presented to her and five other distinguished individuals during the 52nd Annual Gala and Dinner Dance at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The Gala was held in conjunction with several other events this month sponsored by the San Juan Bautista organization which celebrates Ruerto Rican culture and heritage. All events lead up to the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and concert held in downtown Camden on June 28. Congratulations, Elsa!
Seniors Show Their Style during Fashion Show
Personal style was the talk of the day at the Senior Fashion Show held at the Family Counseling Clinic earlier this month. Eight models from HFC's Senior Day Care program walked the runway for guests attending the show. Each modeled outfits from their personal wardrobe which best showcased their own sense of style. The models are pictured here along with Yahaira Walters-Banks, the geriatric worker for the program (far left, seated), and Margie Graber, Director of the Family Counseling Clinic (Far right, standing). Seniors who attended and participated hope to make this fashion show and annual event.
Puppet Show Teaches Children How to Manage their Asthma
Teens from HFC's Youth Center program joined forces with members of the Pediatric Asthma Prevention staff to put on a puppet show for kids. The free event, held at the Camden Family Success Center, drew a variety of parents and kids from the community. Held in honor of Asthma Awareness month in May, the show was meant to teach children how to manage their asthma.
Prevention Walk Raises Awareness on Asthma
HFC Staff along with students and faculty from St. Joseph's Pro-Cathedral School participated in an Asthma Prevention Walk-a-Thon in East Camden in May. Participants walked the streets in the surrounding neighborhood to give out free information on asthma and to increase awareness about asthma treatment and prevention. The walk is part of a larger series of events designated for Asthma Awareness Month.
For more HFC news visit the following pages:
35-47 S. 29th St | Camden, NJ 08105 | 856-541-6985 | 856-963-2663 (fax)