BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield has been awarded two state grants totaling $137,600 to help the township expand its local programs for seniors and people with special needs.
The township received a $117,600 Senior Wellness Pilot Grant through the New Jersey Department of Human Services. It also got a $20,000 Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Together, the awards will fund specialized instruction, expanded class offerings, community outings and new wellness initiatives across the township's Recreation and Human Services departments, municipal spokespeople said.
The township released the following details about each grant:
SENIOR WELLNESS – The Senior Wellness grant will launch a one-year pilot program through the Department of Human Services, expanding programming for the approximately 100 older adults who participate in Township senior activities each week. Guided by a participant survey, planned offerings may include art, music, and history programs; language and computer workshops; adaptive exercise classes for residents with arthritis or Parkinson's; fraud prevention seminars; intergenerational activities; and expanded social events. The pilot will also explore virtual programming and at-home technology access for homebound seniors, and builds on partnerships with Table to Table, Toni's Kitchen, RWJBarnabas Health, local schools, and the Township's Senior Advisory Committee to reduce food insecurity and increase socialization.
SPECIAL NEEDS RECREATION – The DCA grant will fund the continuation and enhancement of Bloomfield's Special Needs Recreation Program, including specialized instructors for art, yoga, dance, cooking, and fitness classes, as well as community outings, special events, and the Township's growing administration of the Special Olympics – Bloomfield Community Program in partnership with Essex County Special Olympics. The program serves children, teens, and adults through offerings including the C.A.R.E. Station after-school program, Horizons adult social and life-skills programming, Station II summer camp, and Special Olympics sports in soccer, basketball, bowling, softball, track and field, and bocce.
"These grants allow us to expand programming that promotes inclusion, independence, wellness and social connection," Mayor Jenny Mundell said.
Paula Peikes, the town's director of human services, said older adults in Bloomfield have asked for more socialization, fitness and learning opportunities.
"Many of our older residents live on fixed incomes, and this grant allows us to offer free, accessible programming — and food — right in their community," Peikes said.
Michael Sceurman, director of Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, said the funding will help to provide high-quality programming that enriches the lives of local residents – while reducing financial barriers for families.
"From adaptive fitness and creative arts programs to social outings and Special Olympics sports, these opportunities build confidence, foster friendships, and create a stronger sense of community," Sceurman said.
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