Official Site of The State of New Jersey
This Week in NJ - August 30th, 2024
EPA $1 Million Brownfields Cleanup Grant to Transform Contaminated Site in Camden
Statement from Governor Murphy on the Tragic Deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
“The Gaudreau siblings were proud New Jersey natives. The two of them discovered their love for hockey in the rinks of South Jersey, and followed their passion up to Boston, where both brothers quickly emerged as star players on the Boston College men’s hockey team.
“After college, Johnny went on to play in the NHL—most recently, with the Columbus Blue Jackets—and earned the adoration of hockey fans around the world, as well as his fellow players. They all recognized that our beloved “Johnny Hockey” was a star in every sense of the word—both on and off the ice.
“Matt, for his part, dedicated himself to cultivating the talent of young athletes who shared his passion for hockey. After playing for teams in the AHL and ECHL, Matt returned to South Jersey, and served as the head hockey coach at his alma mater, Gloucester Catholic.
“To every member of the Gaudreau family, please know that the people of New Jersey grieve with you.
“Tammy and I are sending our heartfelt prayers to Johnny’s wife, Meredith, their two beloved children, Noa and Johnny, Matthew’s wife Madeline, as well as their parents, Jane and Guy, and sisters Katie and Kristen.”
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families Celebrates Women’s Equality Day and 50 Years of the NJ Division on Women
In 1973, the United States Congress passed legislation officially recognizing August 26 as Women’s Equality Day and commemorating the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave certain women the right to vote.
A year later, on August 26, 1974, then-New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne signed legislation that formally established the DOW.
“As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day and recognize all the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of women across our country, we envision a better future for all women and young girls based on decisions and investments we are making today,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “For 50 years, the NJ Division on Women has worked to support and advance women in our state in many different areas from education to child care to health care and beyond. I am eager to support the Division’s next 50 years as we work together to uplift future generations of women and young girls across New Jersey.”
Federal Grant Awards $801,000 to Promote Garden State Agricultural Products
The USDA has awarded New Jersey agricultural organizations $801,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grants to fund 14 projects to benefit Garden State crops such as fruits, and vegetables, as well as horticulture and nursery.
The grants are part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to promote specialty crops in the nation and stimulate food and agriculturally based community economic development. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery crops and floriculture and account for more than 80 percent of the $1.5 billion in agricultural sales annually in the Garden State.
“The Specialty Crop Block Grant program not only helps New Jersey promote our ‘Jersey Fresh’ program,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said. “We use these program dollars by supporting additional marketing activities across commodities and organizations to maximize the messaging for local healthy foods. We are pleased to continue this relationship with the USDA.”
NJ Human Services Moves to Enhance Direct Support Professional Services to Serve Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Co-Occurring Mental Health Needs
New Jersey Human Services is moving to enhance direct support professional services that serve individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.
The Department has issued a request for proposals for provider agencies interested in having their direct support professionals (DSPs) obtain the National Association of the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) Competency-Based IDD/MI Dual Diagnosis Direct Support Professional Certification.
DSPs work with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help those individuals achieve their personal goals. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) oversees the coordination and delivery of publicly funded home and community-based services in New Jersey for about 26,500 adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Per 2023 DDD statistics, at least 3,500 of these individuals have a co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis.
“Direct Support Professionals provide vitally important support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may live full and healthy lives in their communities,” Commissioner Adelman said. “Governor Murphy’s Administration has invested significantly in this workforce by continually increasing wages to reflect the value and importance of their work, in turn improving recruitment and retention in the field. This opportunity is another important investment in this workforce and an important step to ensure DSPs are trained, equipped and qualified at the highest level to support individuals with IDD and co-occurring mental health needs. Becoming NADD Certified will be a source of pride for DSPs and a source of comfort and confidence for provider agencies and families.”