Doula program is building a support network for pregnant women in Essex County
A grant from The Healthcare Foundation of NJ is helping VNA Health Group build a support network for expectant mothers in Essex County.
The Community Doula Collaborative, coordinated through the Children and Family Health Institute (CFHI), is recruiting and training doulas to help reduce maternal deaths and improve outcomes. NJ ranks 29th nationally for maternal deaths and has one of the widest racial disparities for maternal/infant mortality or complications.
Community doulas help women have healthy pregnancies and provide advocacy and support during labor, delivery, and beyond. Doulas have a proven record of improving health outcomes for pregnant women with education and support during pregnancy, delivery, and early parenting.
Compared to a national average, NJ parents who used Doula care experienced 36% fewer Cesarean births, 49% less use of the laborinducing drug Pitocin, 60% lower use of pain medications, and an overall 53% decrease in negative experiences. Mothers who have a doula are also likely to have fewer preterm births, fewer low-birth-weight babies, and more success at breastfeeding.
Sahai Cole, Vice President of CFHI, expects the grant to have a major impact on these health disparities.
“In NJ, our birth rates are terrible,” said Cole. “This program brings together local people willing to learn and give back to the community, which is so important. We want to help everyone to live a happy and healthy life.”
The doulas in the program are members of the same communities as their patients and bring similar backgrounds, language, and cultural experiences to their practice. This is significant because language and cultural barriers are often a major challenge for many pregnant women in Essex County.
“Many of these young women find themselves alone in labor and/or delivering a baby in a room, and no one speaks their language,” explained Danielle Conti, Public Health Contract Manager for CFHI and doula program coordinator.
“That is why it is so important that these doulas are drawn from the community. They can be an overall supportive person, someone speaking up for the patient when there often is no one,” she added.
The $124,467 grant enables the recruitment of 13 multicultural and bilingual women from Essex County and covers their state-certified doula training for one year—a relatively small investment for a big potential return.
During the year-long training, the doulas also learn how to build their own practices in the community, which magnifies the impact of the grant. In addition, they receive help with applying for their own licenses and credentials to independently bill for their services directly to Medicaid. They all receive business cards and a laptop loaded with Microsoft Office.
The Doula program is just one of 25 crucial grant-funded programs provided by VNA Health Group’s CFHI.
Senior Wellness Program Services
· Cardiovascular Assessment
· Medication Review and Education
· Nutrition and Diet
· Disease-Specific Education
· Depression Screenings
· Assessment of Appropriate Health Screenings
· Community Resources
· Flu Vaccines
· Educational Talks on Health Topics
Popular senior wellness program celebrates over 50 years of service
Monmouth County seniors have been staying active, socializing, and receiving medical assessments and education for over 50 years, thanks to VNA Health Group’s Senior Wellness Program. The program is one of VNA Health Group’s most successful and long-standing programs.
Through the program, VNA Health Group wellness nurses travel to senior communities throughout Monmouth County, including senior housing facilities, senior centers, and clubs. Currently, two full-time and one parttime nurse visit 36 locations, typically once a week for about an hour.
The program, which is free to all who are eligible, has significantly decreased isolation, and participants look forward to someone visiting them and checking up on their health.
Diane Sachkowsky, Resident Services Coordinator from Friendship Gardens, a participating senior facility in Howell, recently shared how much their residents enjoyed one of the activities funded through the program.
“The wonderful ‘Bingocize’ program has been an integral part of our community for the past year. It was not only engaging and enjoyable, but also brought immense joy and connection to our tenants. The combination of social interaction, mental stimulation and physical activity it provided was truly unique and invaluable.”
In addition to group activities, nurses provide preventative care for residents, such as helping them follow up with doctor appointments and making sure they understand when and how to take their medications. The nurses also regularly check to see if there is a need for further home care visits.
VNA Health Group also recently earned an expanded grant for the program, which supplements the good work the nurses are providing in the facilities. The grant funded training for 84 caregivers to provide seniors with additional support, referrals, and education in their homes.
Newsletter The Giving Impact
Moving Healthcare Forward: Together Campaign
We are in the fourth and final year of our Moving Healthcare Forward: Together campaign and are thrilled to have made a significant impact in our communities through our Four Bold Opportunities – bringing dignity to aging, making healthcare equitable, enhancing behavioral health services, and creating the workforce of tomorrow.
We thank our donors and volunteers for their tremendous support in raising $22.5 million through 2024 toward our goal of $25 million by year-end. We are proud to celebrate this campaign’s accomplishments over the past three years and look forward to all we will achieve together in the future.
Mission, Vision, Values!
Your charitable gift will ensure that VNA Health Group’s vital programs can continue. Our President and CEO, Christopher Rinn, dedicated the initial weeks of the year to visiting each branch to connect with employees. During these visits, he shared our plans for 2025 and introduced our new mission: empowering individuals and families to live their best lives. Our vision is to become a national leader in home and community-based healthcare, guided by our core values of trust, respect, excellence, innovation, and compassion.
Chief Nursing Officer, Ellen Gusick, retires after long career of bringing care and comfort to others
Ellen Gusick, RN, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer for VNA Health Group, retired at the end of March after 16 years of service with the organization. She was responsible for all home care and hospice clinical operations and joint ventures.
Over the years, she loved supporting VNA Health Group’s mission by striving for excellence and focusing on metrics for clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and employee engagement.
Gusick recently took a moment to reflect on her long career with VNA Health Group. She says that her team of 31 direct reports, a relatively large group to manage, was one of the best parts of the job.
“I am struck by the remarkable people we have at the VNA,” she said. “I was inspired all the time when someone went the extra mile. This team continues to amaze me with their empathy and compassion. There are so many highlights.”
She shared one of those memorable highlights that happened during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We were going into the unknown,” she said. “We developed a plan for our home care patients over the weekend. thought, ‘I’m not sending a nurse in alone.’ So we sent in two together, one to examine and one to chart. This reduced exposure.”
“I never had to beg our staff to do it,” she added. “I had volunteers to work the extra hours.”
During those difficult months, her team was featured on Good Morning America.
“They highlighted our two-person method and presented us with a check over Zoom and donated smart phones from Verizon for our patients to use for virtual visits,” she said. “That’s a day I’ll never forget.”
Gusick says that hospice and home care will always be close to her heart. She had a message to those considering these services for a loved one.
“Don’t be afraid,” she said. “We are here to help and no question is unimportant. Ask us! We can guide you and help with resources. You are stronger than you think.”
In the coming years, Gusick looks forward to having more time to do what she called the “regular stuff,” including spending time with her grandchildren, playing pickleball, and reading.
Caregiver finds peace through bereavement group
At age 83, Samuel L. Kaplan is a helper. Even after losing two wives to fatal illnesses, he still sees his life as one of service to others.
“This is what I do—I help people,” says Sam.
Sam’s journey of ups and downs began when he met wife, Lois, on a blind date. They went on to spend many happy years together, until twenty years ago, she passed away from complications from a stomach ulcer.
Years later, Sam met a new love, Barbara, whom he married and spent 14 wonderful years with. But Barbara, who struggled with asthma, ultimately developed lung and breathing problems and passed away. To make matters worse, she died during the Covid-19 pandemic, so Sam never got a chance to say good-bye because he was not allowed in the hospital.
Both losses have taken a toll on him, and he still mourns every day.
“You just don’t get over the losses when you have such great marriages. The heartbreak is unreal,” he recalls.
After Barbara’s death, Sam realized he needed some support and found a VNA Health Group bereavement group. He credits the group, and leader/ therapist, Sharon Coyle-Saeed, for helping him keep going. Coyle-Saeed explained that every grief experience is unique because every relationship is unique. There is no way to escape grief, but it can help to understand it. There is no right or wrong way and no time limit on grieving.
“Being able to receive ‘help’—especially males of that generation—I remind him that it is not your weakness, but your strength that brings you here,” she said.
In appreciation of her support, Sam makes regular donations of $180 to VNA Health Group in Sharon’s honor. The number 18 is a sign for life in the Jewish faith, and gifts in this amount send the recipient life or luck.
As for the future, Sam remains open to finding love again. In the meantime, he will continue going to his meetings.
“It’s so tough,” he added. “Hearing how other people deal with their losses— it does not take away the pain, but it does help.”
Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal
On March 9th, President and CEO Christopher Rinn had the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal for this year’s Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The event celebrated Irish heritage and showcased the strength of the community, all in support of No Limits Cafe and their remarkable efforts to empower adults with intellectual disabilities.
Events Recap
Saturday, December 7
Holiday Bash
Spring Lake Golf Club, Spring Lake, NJ
holiday bash
2025 Save the Dates
Tuesday, August 19
Play Away for VNA Health Group Golf Classic and More!
Beyond the Board
Alyssa Spector
Over 220 guests gathered at the Holiday Bash on Saturday, December 7, at Spring Lake Golf Club to kick off the holiday season in support of VNA Health Group’s programs and services. This year’s festive evening was in honor of St. Catharine & St. Margaret Parish for their significant support of VNA Health Group and the thousands served in our communities. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet, and dancing to the sounds of Pat Roddy.
Thursday, December 12
Car Raffle Drawing
VNA Health Group Headquarters, Neptune, NJ
This year’s raffle featured a beautiful white 2024 Ford Bronco valued over $52,000! Thanks to our supporters, the raffle netted nearly $40,000 in support of VNA Health Group’s programs and services. The lucky winners of the Ford Bronco were Maureen and Richard Roche.
Wednesday, May 7
Power of the Purse
Riverhouse, Rumson Country Club, Rumson, NJ
It was wonderful to have over 225 guests kick off spring with a festive celebration of handbags at this year’s Power of the Purse! The event featured over 80 stunning designer handbags and so much more— all while supporting VNA Health Group’s Children and Family Health Institute. The Power of the Purse continues to be a perfect blend of style and giving while offering supporters the opportunity to engage in exciting auctions throughout the evening!
Friday, June 6
Emerging Leadership Board’s
Summer Social
The Columns, Avon-by-the Sea, NJ
Over 90 guests kicked off the summer on the Jersey Shore with the the Emerging Leadership Board on Friday, June 6, at The Columns in Avon-by-the-Sea. VNA Health Group supporters joined together for a fun evening of networking for local professionals, drinks, live music, a raffle and more! The event benefited VNA Health Group’s Children and Family Health Institute.
Riverhouse, Rumson Country Club, Rumson, NJ
Join us for a fun day of golf, pickleball, mahjong, or the evening celebration featuring a buffet, open bar, and live music at the scenic Riverhouse to support VNA Health Group’s mission of caring for our community. Golfers may choose AM or PM Shotgun Start and proceeds will benefit VNA Health Group’s programs and services! Scan the QR code for more information!
Saturday, October 4
Celebrate Oktoberfest with a Pickleball Tournament and Cocktail Party
Presented by Emerging Leadership Board
Park Avenue Tennis Center, Oakhurst, NJ
VNA Health Group’s Emerging Leadership Board is delighted to host a festive fall evening celebrating Oktoberfest while featuring a fun pickleball tournament and cocktail party! Guests will enjoy auctions, food, open bar, and the opportunity to play or watch pickleball! Join us for this exciting event in support of VNA Health Group’s Children and Family Health Institute!
Saturday, December 6 Holiday Bash
Spring Lake Golf Club, Spring Lake, NJ
Join us for our annual Holiday Bash on Saturday, December 6, at Spring Lake Golf Club to kick off the holiday season in support of VNA Health Group’s programs and services.
This year’s festive evening is in honor of the Rogers Family for their longtime support of VNA Health Group and the community. Watch for sponsorship and registration opportunities coming soon.
Thursday, December 18
Car Raffle Drawing
VNA Health Group Headquarters, Neptune, NJ
This year’s raffle will feature a beautiful white 2025 Jeep Sahara Wrangler Sport 4x4 valued over $53,000! Support VNA Health Group’s programs and services by purchasing a ticket today!
Tickets are available by emailing donate@vnahg.org or scanning here for an order form.
VNA Health Group’s Emerging Leadership Board (ELB) introduces young adults and future leaders to the organization. It is known for ushering new energy into VNA Health Group and for educating the next generation about urgent community needs.
For outgoing ELB chair, Alyssa Spector, it’s not only an opportunity to learn and give back to the community, it’s also a family affair. Her mother, Lynn Spector, served as Chair of the Foundation Board, and her sister-in-law, Maryam Spector, is a current Board of Trustees member.
“I was a founding member of the ELB back in 2015,” explained Alyssa. “My mother is very passionate about the VNA and was a board member for many years—she recruits our whole family to get involved.”
In addition to her work with VNA Health Group, Alyssa is Counsel at Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi in the law firm’s Litigation Group. Her areas of focus include appellate law, municipal law, and real estate litigation.
Alyssa says that the ELB is not only a great social opportunity for young adults—it also raises funds and educates participants about community needs.
“It has been very rewarding,” she said. “It’s so important to get young people involved and help fill the pipeline with future leaders.”
The ELB puts on fundraising events geared to a younger audience, which introduce VNA Health Group to a new demographic. Events like live music shows by local bands, bowling parties, and dueling piano nights all provide outreach for VNA Health Group and a fun social experience for attendees.
“The social aspect is a natural draw for our participants,” she added. “It has been great to meet young leaders in the community.”
Education also is a major focus at ELB meetings, with guest speakers from the Board of Trustees, as well as doctors, social workers, and other VNA Health Group staff. The ELB has raised $254,000 for these services since it was founded and currently has 17 members.
In her spare time, Alyssa loves skiing and being outdoors, which is one of the reasons she chose to attend University of Colorado, Boulder for her undergraduate degree and later the University of Denver College of Law.
“I’m so glad I had that time in Colorado, but I love being back home, too,” she added.
She lives in Little Silver and enjoys going to the beach and hiking with her dog, Ollie.
Prior to joining CSG, Alyssa was a partner at a northern NJ law firm and also served as an associate at a boutique litigation firm in Essex County. She began her career as a clerk for the Hon. John T. Mullaney, J.S.C. in the Superior Court of NJ, Monmouth County.
She has been selected multiple times for the prestigious list, “New Jersey Super Lawyers - Rising Stars” for state, local and municipal (2020-2023).
After serving as chair of the ELB for the past few years, Alyssa is now passing the baton to Ainsley Keating and wishes her well as the new chair.