Community Partner Letters of Support

Read why continued state funding is vital to sustaining the progress we've made.

“Without this funding, the ripple effect would be felt across our city: fewer families served, fewer local businesses supported, and fewer opportunities to address the social determinants of health that shape our community’s future.” — Mayor Ras Baraka, City of Newark

Click here to read Mayor Baraka’s letter of support.

"The partnership between Saint James Health and RWJBarnabas Health exemplifies how state-supported investments can directly strengthen community health infrastructure, improve access to care, and address the social and clinical needs of underserved populations." — Nicole Fields, Executive Director, Saint James Health FQHC

Click here to read Nicole’s letter of support.

"RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to supporting community-based solutions reflects a profound understanding that health begins with access to fresh, nutritious food and opportunities for communities to grow and thrive together." — Emilio Panasci, Co-Founder, Executive Director, Urban Agriculture Cooperative

Click here to read Emilio’s letter of support.

"These State-appropriated funds allow RWJBarnabas Health to support organizations like ours that directly address health disparities for people who earn low incomes and are either Medicaid-insured or uninsured." — Michelle Blanchfield, VP of Community Engagement, ZuFall Health

Click here to read Michelle’s letter of support.

"Continued State investment in RWJBarnabas Health’s community partnerships is essential to sustaining programs that directly benefit families across New Jersey—especially those who depend on these critical nutrition and wellness resources." — Bishop William Edwards, Pastor, Long Branch Church of God

Click here to read Pastor Edwards’s letter of support.

"Continued investment in RWJBarnabas Health’s community partnerships is essential to sustaining programs that directly benefit youth and communities across New Jersey." — Susan Haspel, State Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of NJ

Click here to read Susan’s letter of support.

“We express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for our partnership with RWJBarnabas Health and for their unwavering commitment to building and sustaining healthier communities. Through our longtime partnership, we have been able to work together to strengthen food security and community health for the most vulnerable members of our Central New Jersey community.” — Michelle Wilson, Executive Director of Elijah’s Promise

Click here to read Michelle’s letter of support.

“We express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for our partnership with RWJBarnabas Health and their unwavering commitment to building and sustaining healthier, more economically secure communities.” — Catherine P. Wilson, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Newark

Click here to read Catherine’s letter of support.

Read more letters of support from our community partners: