What’s New?

Honoring the Experience of the Black Mother – Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week

Post author By Catherine Felegi2
Post date April 11, 2023

Posted on April 11, 2023

Are you aware of the stark maternal health disparities in New Jersey? Shockingly, a Black mother is seven times more likely to die from maternity-related complications compared to a white mother, and a Black baby is over three times more likely to die before their first birthday. Nurture NJ, the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), and other grassroots organizations are committed to transforming these statistics, but we need everyone's support to make this happen because we can no longer ignore that systemic racism is a root cause of the disparities we see in maternal health. April 11 - 17th is Black Maternal Health Week, and we want to encourage expectant moms, but especially Black expectant moms, to prioritize self-care by following our To-Do list.

Download the Check List

Help improve outcomes for children in Salem County

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 5, 2023

Posted on April 5, 2023

Tuesday, May 2, 2023
10:30AM - 12PM
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
437 Grieves Parkway, Salem City, NJ

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation, in partnership with Advocates for Children of New Jersey is having a discussion on Salem County Kids Count data- another in a series of community conversation sponsored by the Foundation.

This is an important opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing children and their families in Salem County. The Kids Count Data is an excellent way to highlight the critical data points for those who work with children, advocate for them and care about their future. We encourage your participation to help improve outcomes for children in Salem County.

Presenters:

Mary Coogan, Pres/CEO of Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Alena Siddiqui, Kids Count Coordinator, ACNJ
Assemblywoman Beth Sawyer
Salem City Mayor Jody Veler
Christy Burnham, Executive Director of Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center
Paul DiLorenzo, Executive Director of the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation

Welcome remarks: Pastor Awood Jones, Pastor Mt. Zion Church

Moderator: Jasmin McMillon and Keath Gerald from the Forman Acton Foundation

* A light lunch will provided to participants. Parking available.

All residents of Salem County are invited to attend but must register in advance.

Click here to register.

#ReimagineChildCare B-I-N-G-O for Week of the Young Child!

Post author By Lana Lee
Post date March 31, 2023

Posted on March 31, 2023

It’s one of our favorite times of the year! Celebrate #WeekOfTheYoungChild with us! Download our bingo game and complete three tasks throughout the week to win a prize. Once you reach BINGO or if you have any questions, contact the Reimagine Child Care Coordinator Aaliyah Roulhac at aroulhac@acnj.org for more info! #ReimagineChildCare #WOYC23

Remember to sign up for our #ReimagineChildCare campaign!

Download the Bingo Card

Check out ACNJ’s “About Us” Brochure/Handout

Post author By Lana Lee
Post date March 29, 2023

Posted on March 29, 2023

ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN OF NEW JERSEY
Investments in our children reap results. Not just for one child, but for thousands of children all over New Jersey.

That is why Advocates for Children of New Jersey, in partnership with parents and community members, works with local, state, and federal leaders to develop solutions
that will give every child the chance to grow up safe, healthy, and educated. Our work results in better laws and policies, more effective funding, and stronger services for children and families.

Download ACNJ's "About Us" Brochure/Handout

HOW DOES ACNJ GIVE EVERY CHILD A CHANCE?

We Inform. ACNJ’s well-researched policy reports and publications inform the public and policymakers to advance solutions. Most notably, our NJ KIDS COUNT project provides critical data on child well-being to state leaders, advocates, and community members, using data to drive decisions that lead to smarter choices to help more children.
We Advocate. ACNJ works closely with state and federal lawmakers and policymakers to bolster their understanding and response to the needs of children and families.

We Elevate Voices. Through ACNJ, thousands of parents, caregivers, and young people have had their concerns shared with elected officials and other influential leaders, giving them a say in the decisions that drive their future.

WE NEED YOUR VOICE. GET INVOLVED TODAY.

Valuing the expertise of lived experiences, ACNJ empowers parents and youth advocates through the Parent Leadership Council and Newark Future Policymakers program. Their insight informs ACNJ's policy agenda, recognizing that solutions should both engage and be designed by those affected.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO REIMAGINE CHILD CARE
Child care is the backbone of our economy. In order for parents to work, they need safe, reliable care for their children. Without access to this critical support, the workforce will be impacted and businesses will pay the price.

Join the movement to #ReimagineChildCare so that care is affordable and accessible for all who need it. Child care is everyone's business! Visit reimaginechildcare.org to learn more.

VISIT NEW JERSEY'S FOREMOST INFORMATION SOURCE ON CHILDREN AND THE LAW

Thousands of parents, caregiverS, and professionals have gained the information and assistance they need to be their child’s strongest ally and advocate. ACNJ also conducts training on education rights. Resources are available in English and Spanish.
Email advocates@acnj.org to learn more.

Infant and Toddler Child Care Capacity Factsheets by County, Congressional and Legislative Districts

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date March 28, 2023

Posted on March 28, 2023

In 2022, Advocates for Children of New Jersey conducted a survey regarding the availability of infant-toddler care in New Jersey and found that licensed child care for babies is in short supply with only enough space to serve roughly a third of the children that need care because all parents in the household work.

Read about the findings in the report Still No Room for Babies: Child Care Staffing Crisis Impacts Supply of Infant-Toddler Child Care.
Click on the county to view a fact sheet on child care capacity by municipality. You can also view factsheets by Congressional District.