(EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Easterseals NJ received a $99,000 grant from The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey to increase access to mental health and healthcare services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Essex County. The funds will be geared toward identifying and engaging underserved residents who need navigation assistance with healthcare visits. The project goal is to enrich the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing with services that include ASL-fluent counseling and case management staff.

“The deaf and hard of hearing community are too often-overlooked. This significant grant shows they are not forgotten and gives us the opportunity to provide them with services,” said Easterseals NJ CEO and President Brian Fitzgerald. “We look forward to continuing to serve and improve their lives in as many ways as we can and are grateful to The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey for making that possible.”

The funds were given to Easterseals NJ but will be executed by Centerpath Wellness, an affiliated counseling service. The objectives for the grant include providing mental health services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals to decrease symptoms and increase functioning. If you would like more information regarding these services, please contact Arline Moreno at 908-756-6870 ext. 600.

For over 70 years, Easterseals New Jersey has helped individuals and families with disabilities or special needs live, learn, work, and play in their communities with equality, dignity, and independence. Annually, over 5,000 people in New Jersey with developmental disabilities receive services in programs designed to help them achieve independence and full community integration.  

Established in 1944, CenterPath Wellness, a not-for profit community mental health clinic, has been spreading hope, healing, and determination to individuals seeking mental health, addictions, and behavioral services in Union County and the surrounding communities.