New Jersey Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen visits La Casa de Don Pedro

Discusses NJ FamilyCare enrollment, lead poisoning prevent, housing assistance with large Latino community-based service provider

NEWARK -- Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen today discussed children's health and wellness and community economic development with staff at La Casa de Don Pedro, the largest Latino community based organization in the state.

Chen met with La Casa de Don Pedro staff to discuss programs of mutual interest to the Department of the Public Advocate including vital partnerships on important issues such as: lead poisoning prevention, housing assistance, foreclosure mediation services and access to children's health care through the state's NJ FamilyCare program.

"New Jersey is making great strides in insuring children, combating lead poisoning, protecting homeowners and stimulating the economies of our urban communities. La Casa de Don Pedro is a critical and indispensible partner in these efforts here in Newark," said Chen.

"La Casa is so pleased to host Commissioner Chen as we continue finding meaningful solutions for the issues our community faces," said La Casa de Don Pedro Executive Director Raymond Ocasio.  "Whether it's healthcare for low income families, lead poisoning in children or foreclosure, the Public Advocate's office has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that the system works for everyone in New Jersey.

La Casa de Don Pedro operates over 30 programs through five divisions:   Community Improvement, Community and Economic Development, Early Childhood Education, Personal Development and Youth and Family Services. 

In addition, the agency helps educate local families about the dangers of lead poisoning and distributes kits that allow families to test their homes for lead contamination. Newark is among 13 cities that have signed Model Lead-Safe City agreements with the Public Advocate. Under this agreement, city officials committed to take steps to: improve educational outreach on the issue; expand the number of children screened for lead poisoning; improve the inspections of properties that may be lead-burdened; tighten oversight of lead abatement contractors; and provide improved relocation assistance and more lead-safe housing to affected families.

"As a trusted presence in the community, La Casa plays a critical role in educating the public about the dangers of lead poisoning affordable, quality health care for children and to other critically important assistance programs," said Chen.

In April 2008, Chen unveiled a report that showed that thousands of children in New Jersey are poisoned in their homes every year due to exposure to deteriorating lead-based paint.

Soon after the release of that report, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed an executive order requiring state departments to tighten up their lead poisoning prevention activities and the City of Newark signed an agreement in October 2008 with the Public Advocate to become a Model Lead-Safe City.

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