Alexander Gladney

Essex County

Eric Kiefer

New York City Metropolitan Area

Newark

New Jersey

Alexander Gladney is Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President at Capital Health. Alexander is licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

South Orange

Maplewood

West Orange

Bloomfield

Belleville-Nutley

Hudson County

Caren Lissner

Jersey City

Millburn-Short Hills

Union County

Springfield

Cranford

Montclair

South Mountain Reservation

From 12 Meals to 2 Million: Franciscan Charities Launches First 5K Run &amp; Walk
September 12th event at South Mountain Recreation Complex – Franciscan Charities invites the community to run, walk, volunteer and support Newark neighbors in need
Franciscan Charities, a Newark nonprofit that has grown from serving 12 meals on its first day to providing 2 million hot meals for more than two decades, will host its first 5K Run &amp; Walk on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange.
The event will bring runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters together from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Participants can register online at <a href="https://franciscancharitiesinc.org/ways-to-give/5km-walk-run" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://franciscancharitiesinc.org/ways-to-give/5km-walk-run</a> or on event day at the Clipper Pavilion beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Franciscan Charities began more than 20 years ago as a small soup kitchen in the basement of St. Ann's Church in Newark. Since then, the organization has served 2 million hot meals, including approximately 140,000 meals last year.
Beyond meals, Franciscan Charities provides diapers and formula to families, school supplies and uniforms to children, winter coats, and holiday gifts. The organization's work during the COVID-19 pandemic was recognized nationally by the Obama Foundation, which featured Franciscan Charities as a "Story of Hope" and described the organization as "small but mighty." The City of Newark has also recognized Franciscan Charities as a "beacon of hope and inspiration."
“Food insecurity remains a serious challenge for many Newark residents, particularly families and individuals struggling with the rising costs of food, housing, and other basic necessities. Please come out and join us on the 12th - your support will make a real difference. We can do this together!” Brother Paul Miller, Founder and CEO

Local Event: Franciscan Charities 5K Run & Walk Fundraiser

Franciscan Charities 5K Run & Walk Fundraiser

From 12 Meals to 2 Million: Franciscan Charities Launches First 5K Run & Walk
September 12th event at South Mountain Recreation...

Newark Public Library - Main Branch

NAACP Newark and Partners to Host Literacy Fair to support creating stronger readers .

Local Event: Literacy Fair

Literacy Fair

NAACP Newark and Partners to Host Literacy Fair to support creating stronger readers .

 Newark, NJ, 08901

<h1>CareSparc’s 12th Annual Sustainable Health &amp; Wellness Village Festival Brings Free Health Resources, Fresh Food and Family Fun to Newark</h1>
<h3>“Healthy Communities. Thriving Futures.” statewide series connects families, seniors and residents with free screenings, wellness resources, fresh produce and community services</h3>
Newark, —
CareSparc Community Connections will mark the 12th Annual Sustainable Health &amp; Wellness Village (SHWV) Festival&nbsp;on September 26th at Branch Brook Park at the Prudential Concert Grove, bringing free health and wellness resources, preventive screenings, fresh produce, family activities, live entertainment and community services directly to New Jersey residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;Festival-goers will receive free and accessible services and resources, health screenings, vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses, fresh produce, health education, wellness information and connections to community-based programs and services. Come experience House Meets Health with DJ&nbsp;Antoine Que, DJ&nbsp;Moneta-Kai Price and live music featuring Valerie Adams &amp; The Dimension Band.
“For 12 years, CareSparc Community Connections has remained committed to meeting residents and families where they are and creating opportunities for people to take greater control of their health and well-being,” said Keith DaCosta, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CareSparc Community Connections. “This anniversary represents more than a milestone. It reflects our continued commitment to strengthening community health across New Jersey and building partnerships that connect residents with the services, information and support they need to live healthier lives.”

<ul>
 <li>NEWARK — Saturday, September 26, 2026 
 Essex County Branch Brook Park — Prudential Concert Grove, Newark, NJ 
 The statewide series will culminate in Newark with an intergenerational day of health, wellness, food, entertainment, family activities, screenings and community resources from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<h2>WHAT</h2>
The Sustainable Health &amp; Wellness Village Festival is a community-centered health and wellness experience designed to connect residents with resources that support healthier families and stronger communities.
Festival activities and services will include:
·Free health screenings
·Free vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses
·Fresh produce distribution
·Panel discussions and community conversations on health equity
·Family, Senior &amp; Veteran’s Resources
·Mental health and wellness resources
·Free Haircuts
·Access to health insurance
·Health education and preventive care information
·Family and children’s activities
·Food Trucks
·Live entertainment and community activities
·Giveaways &amp; Prizes
The festivals will highlight issues affecting New Jersey communities, including mental health, maternal and family health, food insecurity and nutrition, healthcare provider shortages, preventive care and health equity.
<h2>WHY</h2>
The Sustainable Health &amp; Wellness Village model recognizes that improving community health extends beyond hospitals and doctors’ offices. Families also need convenient access to nutritious food, preventive services, reliable health information and culturally responsive resources in the communities where they live, work and raise their children.
Since its inception, the SHWV initiative has served more than 43,000 residents across New Jersey, connecting individuals and families with health, wellness and social resources. The Sustainable Health and Wellness Village model was informed by the CDC’s Social Determinants of Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Action Framework.
<h2>WHO</h2>
Johnson &amp; Johnson is this year’s presenting sponsor, with Daiichi Sankyo, UnitedHealthcare and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey joining as statewide sponsors. CareSparc Community Connections is also partnering with the City of Newark, the Essex County Board of Commissioners, Saint Michael's Medical Center, University Hospital, Rutgers Health - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers School of Nursing, Montclair State University, and the Newark Teacher's Union to broaden the festival’s reach and connect residents with critical health and community resources.

<h3>About CareSparc Community Connections</h3>
CareSparc Community Connections is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing health equity, strengthening community partnerships and connecting residents and families with health, wellness and social resources. Through its Sustainable Health &amp; Wellness Village initiative, CareSparc brings healthcare providers, community organizations, advocates and residents together to address barriers to care, promote prevention and help build healthier, more resilient communities across New Jersey.
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To learn more, visit CareSparcCommunityConnections.org
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Local Event: CareSparc Community Connections Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Fest

CareSparc Community Connections Sustainable...

CareSparc’s 12th Annual Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Festival Brings Free Health Resources, Fresh Food and Family Fun...

CareSparc Community Connections Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Fest

Branch Brook Park – Prudential Concert Grove

Join the 12th Annual Village Fest for a day of community empowerment featuring live entertainment from Grupo Kndela, Valarie Adams &amp; The Dimension Band and DJ Antoine Qua. Attendees can access free eye screenings and glasses, hair cuts, fresh produce, and vital resources for families, seniors, and veterans at this free-entry event.

Local Event: Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Fest Green Fest Newark

Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Fest...

Join the 12th Annual Village Fest for a day of community empowerment featuring live entertainment from Grupo Kndela, Valarie...

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Franciscan Charities 5K Run & Walk Fundraiser

Literacy Fair

CareSparc Community Connections Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Fest

Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Fest Green Fest Newark