MHF Podcast: An Inside Look at VNA Health Group’s Mission to Empower with Christopher Rinn – CEO of VNAHG
In this episode of the Moving Healthcare Forward podcast, Christopher Rinn, President and CEO of VNA Health Group, reflects on his inaugural year in this critical role. Rinn shares his leadership philosophy, which focuses on serving others and fostering a workplace culture where every team member feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. The discussion also highlights the core mission of VNA Health Group: helping individuals and families live their best lives through comprehensive and compassionate care. By prioritizing people both within the organization and in the communities it serves, VNAHG is not only moving healthcare forward but also transforming lives, one patient at a time.
Seasons of Hope Gears Up to Brighten Holidays for Patients In Need
For the past 26 years, VNA Health Group has provided gifts and grocery store cards to VNAHG families through its “Seasons of Hope – Adopt-A-Family” holiday gift program. Generous donors have supplied educational toys, warm clothing and grocery store gift cards which are distributed to patients at risk, such as new moms with no support system, vulnerable families with young children or newborns, and frail, elderly individuals who receive supportive services from VNA.
VNAHG Staff identify families in need of holiday assistance and personalized anonymous profiles are compiled and distributed to generous donors for adoption. In 2023, over 850 patient families were identified as being in need. This included over 1,200 children.
If you or your family would like to brighten the holidays for a family in need, or if your faith organization or business is interested in hosting a Giving Tree, please contact Pauline De Palma, Director Volunteer Services at 732-2246933 or email Pauline.depalma@vnahg.org.
Contact the Philanthropy Office
For more information on making a year-end gift or gifts of stock, please call 732 224-6780 or email Stephanie Giordano, CPO, at Stephanie.Giordano@vnahg.org
Board Spotlight: Louis Urban
Louis Urban has been helping families navigate difficult end-of-life issues for over 40 years. As president of one of the largest Jewish funeral homes in New Jersey, he shares both his experience and compassion by serving on the board of VNA Health Group.
Urban’s commitment to VNA Health Group began in 2016, during his tenure as chair of RWJ Barnabas Health Hospice, when he was instrumental in establishing a partnership between the two organizations to provide integrated home health, hospice, and private care. In 2022, he helped launch the Parker Advanced Care Institute—a collaboration between VNA Health Group and Parker Health Group to support high-risk, homebound older adults with specialized medical homecare and hospice services.
Urban brings a strong voice in support of the benefits of hospice and the ways it can improve quality of life for families. “Being there whenever people need you is what we do,” he said. “VNA Health Group is available 24/7 when people need us most, often in their worst times, and we are there to respond.”
Urban has his own personal reasons for supporting hospice. When his father died 14 years ago, he welcomed hospice into their home to support his dad and family. “Our home was turned into a welcoming place for my dad,” he said. “They were so responsive—I knew he was in the right place.”
Urban’s service to VNA Health Group goes beyond hospice. He is vice chair of the organization’s Committee on Civility, Belonging, and Inclusion, which supports and celebrates employees from all walks of life. “We are growing and welcoming employees from diverse backgrounds,” said Urban. “This reflects the community we serve and helps ensure our patients feel included.” With support from the human resources team, VNA Health Group is an organization committed to inclusion, where employees feel valued, respected, and involved, regardless of their identity, background or life experiences.
Urban’s contributions to VNA Health Group also extend to the Philanthropy Committee, where he actively supports fundraising events and is a leading ticket seller. “Fundraising comes naturally to me,” he added.
Later this year, Urban will retire from his position at the Bernheim-ApterKreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston, but he plans to remain active as a consultant and will retain his role as president. He intends to spend more time at his home in South Florida and hopes to continue with his hospice volunteer work. When he is not working or volunteering, he loves to cook, entertain friends and family, garden, and enjoy opera.
VNACJ Community Health Center Secures HRSA Grant
to Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services in Monmouth County
VNACJ Community Health Center (CHC) has been awarded a transformative grant from the Health Resources Services Administration to expand critical mental health and substance use disorder services, bringing much-needed care to underserved communities in Monmouth County. With this funding, VNACJ CHC will enhance its comprehensive behavioral health offerings at the Keyport Primary Care Center, ensuring greater access to care for vulnerable populations. This expansion comes at a crucial time, as local demand for mental health and substance use services continues to rise.
“We are deeply grateful for this grant from HRSA, which will allow us to meet the growing need for behavioral health services in our community,” said Sarina Brady, CEO of VNACJ CHC. “This funding marks a pivotal moment in our mission to foster healthier communities and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to quality care.”
VNACJ CHC operates four federally qualified health centers in Asbury Park, Freehold Borough, Keyport, and Red Bank, collectively serving nearly 18,000 patients annually. This expansion is essential for Monmouth County, where the need for mental health and substance use disorder services has grown significantly. A recent community needs assessment from Bayshore Hospital reveals that 26.1% of residents in the region have been diagnosed with depression, with 38.2% experiencing chronic depression. Monmouth County also has one of the highest rates of substance use disorder in New Jersey, with 31.7 opioid-related deaths per 100,000 people.
The integration of behavioral health services into primary care at the Keyport location will provide critical access to mental health and substance use disorder services for Monmouth County residents, particularly those with limited or no access to care. This initiative will offer essential services, including mental health evaluations, medication management, and substance abuse treatment, including Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
With this funding, VNACJ CHC will strengthen its local partnerships, including its collaboration with Prevention Resource Network (PRN), which supports individuals facing substance use disorders by offering harm reduction services and overdose prevention education. Through this partnership, PRN will refer individuals to VNACJ CHC for mental health and substance use disorder care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, personalized support tailored to their needs.
By integrating these essential services and strengthening local partnerships, VNACJ CHC is committed to transforming mental health and substance use disorder care in Monmouth County. This approach addresses immediate healthcare needs and fosters healthier, more resilient communities for all residents.
Beach Ball Bounces High for VNA!
The 2024 Beach Ball splashed with fun and glamour at the Chapel Beach Club in Sea Bright, New Jersey on Saturday evening, September 14! With great anticipation over 500 friends and supporters of VNA Health Group gathered at this festive, casual oceanfront bash featuring food trucks, cocktails, and music as well as live and silent auctions. Kerry and Tammy O’Brien and O’Brien Reality were honored for their outstanding commitment and their generous support over the years.
Record proceeds of over $350,000 from the Beach Ball benefit VNA Health Group’s programs and services impacting over 150,000 patients annually through home health care, hospice, visiting physicians, the Children & Family Health Institute providing care to at-risk or underserved families with children, as well as the VNACJ Community Health Centers providing primary care in Asbury Park, Freehold, Red Bank and Keyport.
Holiday Bash Kicks Off the Holiday Season!
Over 150 guests kicked off the holiday season with a festive fun evening on Saturday, December 7 at Spring Lake Golf Club in support of VNA Health Group’s Programs and Services!
VNA was delighted to honor and recognize St. Catharine & St. Margaret’s Parish for their outstanding commitment to VNA’s mission throughout the years. Supporters and friends enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet, silent auction, a wine toss and dancing to the sounds of the Pat Roddy Band.
Take a Chance to Win a Bronco
Channel your adventurous side in this new bright white 2024 Ford Bronco Outer Banks 4 door 4 x 4! This year’s Bronco retails for $56,635 and features a gray and navy interior along with a 10-Speed Automatic Transmission. Proceeds will benefit VNAHG programs and services serving over 150,000 patients annually.
Drawing: Thursday, December 12th at 10:00 am
For more information, contact the VNAHG Philanthropy Office at 732-224-6780 or email donate@vnagh.org
Emerging Leadership Board Raises Funds for CFHI
Emerging Leadership Board hosted Shake Rattle and Roll Dueling Pianos at Cross and Orange, Asbury Park, on October 25. The fun-filled evening was attended by over 130 guests and featured a wine toss, silent and live auctions and the dueling pianos. Proceeds raised benefited VNA of Central Jersey’s Children and Family Health Institute.
Beach Ball Co-Chairs and Vice Co-Chairs (pictured l to r): Devin and Madeleine Dolan, Kenny and Nora King, Stephanie and Jason Hoitt, and Brittany and Clark McIntyre, all of Rumson
Photo Credit: Marcella Shook Photography
2024 Beach Ball Honorees
Tammy and Kerry O’Brien O’Brien Reality
VNA Health Group honors St. Catharine & St. Margaret Parish
VNA Health Group Founder Geraldine Thompson Inducted into
New Jersey Hall of Fame
Geraldine Thompson, the esteemed founder of the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group (VNA Health Group), was honored with induction into the 2024 class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrated her unwavering dedication to public health and community wellbeing.
Her induction highlighted her remarkable contributions, including the founding of what became VNA Health Group in 1912 to her advocacy for public health, female prison reform, juvenile justice, and wildlife preservation. Thompson’s visionary leadership continues to shape and inspire the mission of VNA Health Group.
“This recognition isn’t just a tribute to Geraldine’s legacy—it’s a reflection of the incredible work and dedication of the entire VNA family,” said Christopher Rinn, President & CEO of VNA Health Group. “Together, we carry forward Geraldine’s mission of providing care and support to all members of our community.”
The 16th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, a pre-taped television special, honored Mrs. Thompson and her fellow inductees on location at the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream. The ceremony, which aired beginning November 13 on FOX 5 MY9NJ and on social media, featured Mrs. Thompson joining an illustrious group of New Jersey legends in the Hall of Fame’s 2024 Class, including Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, Kevin Smith, Tim Howard, and Phil Simms.
Born on March 2, 1872, in New York City, Geraldine Livingston Morgan was raised near Hyde Park, where she developed friendships with Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. In her mid-twenties, she married Lewis S. Thompson and settled at Brookdale Farm in Lincroft. Driven by a passion for political activism and social welfare reform, she established the Monmouth County Organization for Social Service (MCOSS) on June 24, 1912.
Under Mrs. Thompson’s leadership, MCOSS grew into a volunteer-driven public health nursing agency, delivering healthcare and public assistance services to the community. She led the campaign to establish the County Tuberculosis Hospital and hired the first Public Health Nurse. Mrs. Thompson served as the organization’s president until 1952, dedicating her efforts to improving state hospitals and prisons through her work on the State Board of Control.
In the 1970s, MCOSS expanded to meet the growing demand for in-home healthcare in New Jersey. By 1988, it merged with the Visiting Nurse Association, to serve residents of Monmouth and Middlesex counties. In 1993, it was renamed the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ). This growth culminated in 2011 when VNACJ became part of VNA Health Group, reflecting a broader mission and statewide impact. Today, VNA Health Group is the state’s largest non-profit community health provider, offering home health, hospice, and community services. With over 1,500 certified home health aides, therapists, social workers, and visiting nurses, VNA Health Group continues to bring skilled care and compassion to those who need it most.
A Warm Farewell to Colleen Nelson: Longtime
VP Retires from the Children and Family Health Institute
As a young nurse, Colleen Nelson knew her calling was to serve her community. Starting as a staff nurse in Asbury Park in 1984, she embarked on a remarkable 40-year journey with VNA Health Group, where her impact continues to resonate.
Colleen’s leadership flourished in 1997 when she helped establish the “Healthy Families” program—a pioneering initiative offering home visits to support pregnant and parenting women. This flagship program became a cornerstone of the Children and Family Health Institute (CFHI), which now serves over 55,000 individuals annually.
Under her guidance, CFHI expanded its reach into areas such as maternal and child health, chronic disease management, public health, HIV prevention, and harm reduction. This year, NJBIZ recognized Colleen and her colleague, Sarina Brady, as Healthcare Heroes for their incredible contributions.
Recently, Colleen reflected on her career and shared her insights on community health.
Q. You have given so much to the community during your long career. What are you most proud of?
A. “I think I am most proud of being chosen as vice president of CFHI. This was a milestone for me. Community health nursing is my passion, and being selected by Dr. Landers was a huge honor. It gave me the opportunity to focus my efforts on marginalized and vulnerable populations and to build equity in the community. Retiring from this opportunity has been a difficult decision, but it’s time to step aside and let others take the CFHI to the next level.”
Q. What will you miss most?
A: “I’ll miss the people the most—the brief conversations with team members and hearing about how they’ve made a difference in someone’s life. These ‘mission moments’ can make a big impact on an individual’s life. The people I’ve worked with are outstanding; some have been here over 10 to 20 years. Working with them humbles you and fills you with pride in where you work. Watching them in action is incredible.”
Q: What’s next?
A: “My last day is Dec 31, but I will be here to assist with the transition. After that, my husband and I have a long list of places we want to travel to—from the Grand Canyon to Ireland. We’re also looking forward to taking our grandchildren to Disney!”
Happy Anniversary, WIC: National Program
Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Women, Infants, and Children
This year, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) celebrates 50 years since its first clinic opened in Pineville, Kentucky, in 1974. Known for providing essential nutrition, WIC offers healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health screenings, and referrals to social services.
According to Robin McRoberts, director of community programs, VNA Health Group has been a WIC provider since the program’s early days. The organization’s WIC program, administered by the Children & Family Health Institute, serves an average of 22,800 people a month and administers roughly $3.8 million in food benefits for women and children in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and Franklin Township.
“WIC foods support nutrition during critical growth periods by providing essential nutrients such as protein, folic acid, calcium, iron, and vitamin C,” she explained. “Milk, cereal, eggs, whole grain foods, fruit, lean meats, and vegetables are all available through WIC.”
While the program provides education and support to new mothers about breastfeeding, baby formula also is a major priority for WIC.
“The breastfeeding piece is huge,” McRoberts added. “We’re shifting our focus from being a formula provider to becoming more of a breastfeeding support provider.” To that end, they provide lactation consultants, peer counselors, and support groups at no cost. They also collaborate with other CFHI programs, including Parents as Teachers and Healthy Families. Immunizations and referrals to healthcare and social services are also key elements of the WIC program. A child’s height, weight, and hemoglobin levels are monitored to assess any risk possibilities and referrals are made as needed.
While much progress has been made, McRoberts says there are still many barriers to overcome. Food deserts can make it difficult for families to maintain healthy diets, and transportation and language barriers can be challenging.
“People don’t realize all the layers of WIC,” she said. “I’m so proud of working for a federal program that has been around this long and has so much support. We are truly feeding families!”
Annual Hospice Lights of Life Offers Solace During the Holidays
Each year, VNAHG provides bereaved families of hospice patients with a heartfelt way to honor their loved ones by making a commemorative gift. The Lights of Life program offers a meaningful tribute while supporting the VNAHG hospice program. Donors contributing $50 or more receive a beautiful ornamental keepsake, and all donors are recognized on our website. To learn more, call 732-224-6780.
Spotlight VNAO
VNAO Light a Life
This year’s Light a Life Service of Remembering was held on Sunday, September 22nd, at Coe Lake Pavilion in Berea, Ohio. The event supported over 120 guests, each deeply moved by the experience and expressed that it was an uplifting and meaningful way to support their grief over the loss of loved ones.
The theme of the event, Beautifully Broken, was embodied through a heartfelt gesture: each family received a “beautifully broken” heart created by Social Worker Alpha Sudano. These hearts were inspired by Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by emphasizing its imperfections rather than concealing them, symbolizing beauty and resilience in brokenness. Guests were cared for through moments of prayer, poetry, music, reflection, refreshments, and a symbolic release of over 160 butterflies to honor and remember those who have passed. One attendee remarked, “This was the memorial that my mom truly deserved. With deep gratitude and pride, appreciation is extended to everyone who contributed to this special event, which beautifully reflected the mission of the organization. A special thanks goes to the Hospice Team and all who helped make the Service of Remembering a memorable experience for everyone present.
call 732 224-6780 or visit https://vnahg.org/lightsoflife/
VNA of Ohio Fundraiser Celebrates the Treasures of Cleveland
In September, VNA of Ohio supporters gathered to celebrate the Treasures of Cleveland, a fundraiser at Windows on the River in Cleveland’s Flats district. The 113 guests raised over $56,000 for VNA Health Group’s home-based healthcare services, including nursing, behavioral health, hospice, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
This year’s event recognized the 13 courageous women, the “Baker’s Dozen,” who founded the organization in 1902. They took on Cleveland’s growing social and health problems of the day, and their legacy continues through VNA Health Group’s essential services in seven northeast Ohio Counties. The event program was emceed by Monica Robins, WKYC TV3 senior health correspondent, and honored Christopher Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive, with the Community Leader Award. Carol Musil, Dean of the Francis Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, was recognized with the Art of Caring Award.
