$1.5M Donation Will Support Anti-Poverty Programs In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A major health care company in New Jersey recently announced that it will be donating $1.5 million to support anti-poverty programs in Newark.

RWJBarnabas Health is providing funds to the Newark Asset Building Coalition (NABC) – which is led by the United Way of Greater Newark – to support its efforts to address poverty in New Jersey’s largest city.

According to advocates, 70 percent of Newark households meet the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold, meaning that they are working – but struggle to meet their basic housing, child care, education, food, transportation, health care and technology needs.

Here’s where the money will go, according to a news release:

“RWJBarnabas Health’s contribution will support NABC’s coordinated, city-wide financial stability strategy to provide Newark residents with the necessary tools to increase income and assets while reducing debt. The holistic initiative, which aims to reduce the number of residents who meet the ALICE threshold, includes the expansion of financial coaching services and job skills training programs and a public education campaign to reach residents, particularly in communities with limited access to resources.”

Supporting partners of the NABC include BRICK, Ironbound Community Corporation, Urban League Essex County, New Community Corporation, South Ward Environmental Alliance, Programs for Parents and New Jersey Citizen Action.

“We’re excited to partner with RWJBarnabas Health and growing NABC’s funding to further support our ALICE population,” said Catherine Wilson, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Newark.

“ALICE populations are growing each year and with this support we hope to expand our reach and help more families achieve financial stability and growth,” Wilson added.

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