SOMERSET, NJ – September 8, 2020 – Parker at Somerset’s “Living With A Purpose Club” (LWAPC) has been honored with the 2020 Community Commitment Award (CCA), a national distinction that recognizes resident-driven programs that would not be possible if it were not for organizations like Parker Health Group, Inc, who provide support and encourage ongoing efforts which enrich lives in meaning and purpose to its Elders.

The CCA, presented by the Pioneer Network and Rockport Healthcare Services, acknowledges members of the long-term care community for volunteer service, benefiting not only those living in a residential home, but their communities at-large.

LWAPC was formed five years ago after a group of residents at Parker at Somerset expressed the desire to make a greater impact on the lives of others. Members of the club believe it is their duty to serve others.

“Parker’s Living with Purpose Club exemplifies what the CCA is all about, the difference that residents can make in creating greater purpose in their lives as they support the needs of the greater community,” said Joan Devine, Director of Education, Pioneer Network. “The way the program has adapted over time is a wonderful example of how a program can be sustained.”

Members of the LWAPC have raised thousands of dollars in cash and gift cards, as well as food donations and holiday presents. Members have also raised money to donate sporting goods, clothing and school supplies to children and young adults. They have sponsored theatrical performances and collaborated with other charitable causes in the Somerset community.

“The Living with A Purpose Club is a perfect example of Parker’s mission, which is to discover ways to make aging manageable, relatable and enriching for all of society. This club is certainly making a difference in our society and we are grateful that their purpose has been recognized through this prestigious award,” said Roberto Muñiz, President & CEO of Parker.

The club combines passionate and driven elders and caring and compassionate care partners who created opportunities and guidance.  The effort that goes into this club is tremendous and beyond task. PSO has exceptional care partners who works in partnership with our elders to make their lives purposeful at all phases.

Due to social distancing guidelines, the LWAPC hasn’t met in-person over the past few months, but is eager to continue in its mission.
Eleven current residents, three family members and eight employees from various departments were honored with certificates at a virtual event of the Pioneer Network, “Envisioning the Future:  2020 & Beyond,” held Sept. 3^rd.

Learn more at Parkerlife.org

About Parker Health Group, Inc.
Parker Health Group, Inc. is a non-for-profit, New Jersey-based aging services organization with over 113 years’ experience that is committed to empowering older Americans. Since 1907 Parker has been challenging, changing, and expanding the idea of what it means to grow older in America and how all of us can make aging part of life.

HIGHLAND PARK, NJ – Three Highland Park sisters donated more than $1,100 to Parker Health Group, a nonprofit New Jersey-based aging services organization in the borough, to provide PPE for its nursing home staff.  Sophia, Olivia and Gabriella Cohen raised the funds by selling snow cones at their stand and setting up a Go Fund Me page for donations. Parker President & CEO Roberto Muñiz and staff recently met with the girls and their family to accept this generous donation.

“It is so admirable to see such caring young ladies,” Muñiz wrote, in a letter of gratitude. “You fill me with such hope for the future generations. I know your kindness is appreciated by our staff and all those residents we serve in our nursing homes and in our assisted living. We will use your donation to purchase the necessary PPE to help keep our employees and residents safe.”

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NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that health care service providers across New Jersey have been awarded a combined $3.25 million in federal funding through the Federal Communications Commission's COVID-19 Telehealth Program to expand telehealth services throughout the state during the pandemic. The program was created as part of the CARES Act passed by congress in April.

'Expanding telehealth services is critical to ensuring the health and safety not only of patients and clients, but also our medical professionals and caregivers, especially as we continue to fight the coronavirus,' said Sen. Menendez. 'These awards will help providers build the framework and infrastructure necessary to keep patients connected with the evaluation, treatment, monitoring, therapy, and services they need with the caregivers they trust.'

'The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a bright light on the critical importance of tools like telehealth services in ensuring New Jerseyans receive the care they need,'said Sen. Booker. 'Expanding telehealth capabilities in New Jersey through federal funding like this will help provide both patients and heath care professionals the flexibility needed to safely deliver care to some of our most vulnerable populations impacted by this public health crisis.'

The awards include:
Parker Health Group in Somerset was awarded $28,838 to provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy through telehealth for elderly members of the community.

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