The Camden Community Partnership has received a significant boost in its efforts to promote health and fitness within the city, thanks to a generous grant of $75,000 from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Facilitated through The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, this donation will fund evidence-based initiatives aimed at combating obesity and related chronic conditions while fostering a culture of wellness among Camden residents.
Dana L. Redd, President & CEO of Camden Community Partnership, expressed gratitude for the funding, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to enhancing the overall health and well-being of the community. She highlighted the importance of health equity in Camden’s evolution and affirmed the pivotal role that the funding would play in launching impactful initiatives geared towards education, awareness, and prevention.
Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen echoed these sentiments, underscoring the alignment between the grant and the city’s efforts to prioritize residents’ health. He commended the initiatives funded by the grant for combining fun-filled activities with educational components, aiming to inspire healthier lifestyles among residents.
The grant will support two innovative health-based initiatives in Camden:
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Healthy Food & Lifestyles Initiative: This initiative aims to integrate youth obesity prevention and education into daily life routines, focusing on healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Activities under this initiative include large-scale food insecurity/food distribution events, health screenings at special events, provision of healthy snacks at public spaces, cooking/education programs, and collaborations with local nonprofits.
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Camden’s Youth Athletics & Fitness Initiative: With a focus on physical activity, this initiative seeks to engage youth in obesity prevention and education through various health education events, speaker series, fitness activities for families, and youth-centric fitness events in public spaces.
These initiatives will complement the existing Connect the Lots program—a collaborative effort with the City of Camden to transform neighborhoods and create safe hubs of activity. Through Connect the Lots, residents have access to a wide array of free, family-friendly events and programming throughout the city.
The success of these initiatives will rely on partnerships with organizations such as Better Tomorrows, Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, and Urban Promise, among others. Mark McDonough, Board Chair of Camden Community Partnership, emphasized the organization’s commitment to producing positive change through collaboration and innovation.
Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, expressed Horizon’s support for Camden Community Partnership’s efforts to improve healthy living and fitness among residents.
For more information about Camden Community Partnership and its initiatives, visit https://camdencommunitypartnership.com/.
About Camden Community Partnership: Founded in 1984, Camden Community Partnership is a non-profit corporation dedicated to urban redevelopment projects aimed at revitalizing the City of Camden. The organization focuses on various aspects of community development, including housing, public safety, education, and neighborhood initiatives, with a residents-first approach.
About The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey: The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the philanthropic arm of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, supports non-profit organizations dedicated to improving access to healthcare and promoting wellness initiatives in New Jersey communities.
