Paraphrased from a Facebook post by Joe Dombrowski, a longtime friend that I have had the privilege of knowing for decades. I’m forever thankful I was introduced to him by Anne.

Anne, as well as her brother Bob, were folks that I’ve always been proud to call friends. I’ll miss you both.

https://www.costamemorialhome.com/obituary/anne-ciavaglia-mcmahon-8391959

On Friday, January 21st, Joe wrote…

Last night our world lost an extremely kind sole, Anne Ciavaglia McMahon. I’ve lost a truly amazing friend! RIP Anne. I hope you and Bob Ciavaglia, Mom, Dad and Grandma are all up there running and dancing.

Greetings Friends!

We at Our New Journey are very proud of our success in helping caregivers since our inception in 2007. With success, comes a greater demand from families in need of temporary financial support.

Our New Journey’s most compelling aspects are responding to the shared daily challenges each caregiver encounters, offering practical guidance and providing limited financial help. Over the past 15 years we have advised more than 2500 families and continue to receive new referrals weekly.

Through various fundraising efforts and private donations, we have helped 130 families pay for homecare, unreimbursed medical expenses and life sustaining personal supports. Ultimately, this has allowed individuals to live in their community of choice.

Proudly, approximately 94% of funds raised are used to finance care assistance to Our New Journey families. As we continue to build Our New Journey, we need to increase our resources. For every $18.00 donated, Our New Journey can provide one hour of homecare; for every $225.00 donated, an overnight respite service can be given. Whether you are new to our unique organization, or a long time supporter we and the families we serve would greatly appreciate any financial support we receive.

Donations are tax deductible and should be made payable to Our New Journey and sent to the home office at 180 Oldfield Ave, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact us at 551-666-7581 or through e-mail: anne@ournewjourney.org.

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) published a Public Notice on June 20, 2022, announcing the opening of the waiting lists for the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) for four categories: (1) Elderly, (2) Family, (3) Homeless and (4) Disabled Households. 

SRAP preliminary applications will be available online at: www.waitlistcheck.com/NJ559beginning Monday, July 11, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, July 22, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. for very low-income residents, who are eighteen (18) years of age or older; or who are emancipated minors.  Income limits are referenced on our website at https://www.nj.gov/dca/.

To qualify for SRAP, the head of household must either be a U.S. citizen or national of the United States or be a non-citizen who has eligible immigration status.

In addition, Applicants must be New Jersey Residents for at least 6 months to apply.

Definition of a Resident:  Someone whose primary residence is in the State of New Jersey and who has resided in New Jersey for at least six (6) months prior to applying for SRAP assistance. 

Applicants must have an email address to apply. 

Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be viewed at:  https://nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/srap.html. 

Eligible Households Can Now Receive Up to $4,000 in One-Time Cash Assistance

(TRENTON) – The Department of Human Services today announced that up to $10 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund has been authorized to extend the availability and operation of the Excluded New Jerseyans Fund (ENJF) into the new year.

The ENJF would have expired at the end of 2021, the federal deadline to spend Coronavirus Relief Funding.

Human Services has also doubled the benefit amount available under the program, providing more financial assistance to eligible households excluded from both the federal stimulus checks and COVID-19 related unemployment assistance.

The new increased benefit amounts provide $2,000 per eligible individual and a maximum of $4,000 per household, up from $1,000 and $2,000, respectively.

New applicants and all who previously applied and were approved will receive the new, higher benefit amounts.

“We are dedicated to providing as much assistance as possible to New Jersey families in need, and are pleased we can provide a larger cash benefit to eligible families applying for the Fund,” Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “We hope more families will take advantage of this assistance now that there is more funding and more time to apply.“

“We are glad to be able to extend the application period through additional federal funds to provide greater assistance to families impacted by COVID who have been unable to receive other COVID financial relief,” Deputy Commissioner Elisa Neira said. “Individuals can apply for this direct cash benefit at ExcludedNJFund.nj.gov.”

The ENJF program will provide a one-time, direct cash benefit to eligible households that suffered a hardship due to COVID-19 and were excluded from federal stimulus checks and pandemic related unemployment assistance. This includes undocumented individuals, residents returning from the justice system and any other individuals otherwise excluded from pandemic-related financial help.

The federally funded, state administered program is open to households with annual incomes of up to $55,000 with a documented hardship due to COVID-19. Applicants must be over 18 and live in New Jersey to apply.

Interested individuals can check their eligibility, review what documents they can submit to demonstrate (ID/residency/income/COVID impact) eligibility and apply directly at ExcludedNJFund.nj.gov. The application is available in English and Spanish and online resources in multiple languages can be found on the website including an application tutorial video.

“We urge all potential applicants to review the information on the ENJF website, especially the list of documents required to demonstrate eligibility before applying,” Office of New American Director Johanna Calle said. “There are many ways to demonstrate eligibility and applicants are only required to provide one document per category. Those unable to provide a required document could still be eligible and should still apply for the Fund.”

What are Information and Referral (I&R) services?

I&R is the art, science, and practice of bringing people and services together. It’s about spreading awareness of existing services, but, more importantly, helping people navigate service systems to ensure they get connected to the services they need to thrive.  When individuals and families aren’t sure where to turn, I&R is there to guide them.

Through a toll free hotline, 1-888-285-3036, the Division of Disability Services (DDS) responds to approximately 5,500 requests each year for statewide Information and Referral Services.  Nationally certified Information and Referral Specialists are available to confidentially discuss issues, provide information, assist with problem solving, and refer individuals to appropriate agencies or services.  DDS I&R Specialists provide resources for individuals with disabilities in many areas: from the most basic needs for food and shelter to more complex needs of health care, support services, independent living, and employment.  DDS I&R Specialists also serve as the screening center for children and young adults, 20 years old and under, seeking Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS). Their small team is highly trained to not only provide referrals for the primary need of the caller, but to identify any additional needs and suggest resources that may be beneficial.

DDS I&R Specialists developed a comprehensive resource directory, NJ Resources. It is a tool designed to help you find the right resources, fast. This ever-evolving guide is packed with various programs and services the Department of Human Services offers to New Jersey residents, caregivers and advocates. It is used every day to help consumers locate commonly requested resources, answer basic questions about disability related concerns, and for general reference. Hardcopies can be requested by emailing us at: dds.Publications@dhs.state.nj.us

The I&R team is eagerly awaiting your call.

New Jersey’s Eviction Prevention Program will pay up to two years of rent arrears and future rent, as well as utility assistance, for low-, moderate-, and middle-income households that have experienced an economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Eviction Prevention Program uses the same application process as the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which began in March 2021 and is still accepting applications. Landlords may apply for assistance on behalf of a tenant. Visit https://njdca.onlinepha.com/ to get started. 

In addition to the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program and Eviction Prevention Program, the State introduced critical eviction protections for renter households that have experienced economic hardships during the pandemic. To find out more about current eviction protections available and how to self-certify for these protections, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/renter.

Register Ready

It’s always a good time to think about Register Ready, New Jersey’s voluntary special needs registry for disasters that allows residents with disabilities or access and functional needs – along with their families, friends, caregivers and associates – to provide information to emergency response agencies so they can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency. The information is confidential and will not be available to the public. It will be held securely and only used for emergency response and planning.

Visit NJ Register Ready Website below:

https://www13.state.nj.us/SpecialNeeds/Signin?ReturnUrl=%2fSpecialNeeds%2f

Can’t get out to socialize like you used to? Join our Peer Support Call Connection program. A friendly Our New Journey caller will reach out to connect with you on an ongoing basis. Please contact us at ac0417@aol.com or 551-666-7581.

The NJ Department of Health has begun accepting requests for in-home COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

If you are unable to leave home to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, or are the healthcare provider or family caregiver of someone who is homebound, you may request an in-home vaccination appointment by completing a form at: covid19.nj.gov/homeboundvax

For assistance completing the survey by phone, please call the NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-855-568-0545. 

After you submit the completed form, the Department of Health will share information with a home health agency, local health department, or other vaccination providers and you will be contacted to schedule an in-home vaccination appointment.

You can read more about the program at this website: 

https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/testing-and-treatment/how-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-if-im-homebound

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/our-new-journey-group-gives-help-and-hope-to-families-impacted-by-sudden-onset-illness-our-disability_new-york/1132771/

Our New Journey is a project under the umbrella of services offered through Heightened Independence and Progress (hip). Hip is a center for independent living offering help to people with disabilities who live in Bergen and Hudson Counties.?

Hip has funding for Covid-19 related relief. Do you need PPE or cleaning supplies? Is Covid-19 causing you to experience food insecurity? If you are taking advantage of telemedicine, could you benefit from a blood pressure monitor or other assistive devices? Are you now struggling to pay your rent after losing you job due to Covid-19 closings? Is there any technology that would help you to feel less isolated as you spend so much time at home.

If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes” call hip. If you live in Bergen County, please call Maria at 201-996-9100 x 18. Hudson County residents should call Alex at 201-533-4407. If you live in another New Jersey County call 201-996-9100 and ask them for information about who to contact in your area.

For more information about hip follow them on Facebook or visit their website www.hipcil.org.

It is hard to believe that it has been eleven years since Anne Ciavaglia McMahon partnered with hip to launch Our New Journey. Focused on helping one family at a time, this service gives help and hope to families faced with the onset of illness or disability.

Since inception, Our New Journey has helped more than 1,200 families and receives new referrals weekly. Each family gains access to available services that are designed to address their individual needs. Our New Journey assists those dealing with the complicated maze of insurance benefits, physical care needs, personal transitions, home modifications and location of available public services, all of which can be a full time job in itself. Caregiver or consumer, either way, it is overwhelming.

Our New Journey‘s most compelling aspects are responding to the shared daily challenges each caregiver encounters, as well as the program’s ability to make a difference through practical guidance or by providing limited financial help for direct care services.

Through various fundraising efforts and private donations, Our New Journey helps families with limited financial support for homecare or personal needs, ultimately allowing them to live in their community of choice.

In order for Our New Journey to continue to build and to provide help, increasing resources through donations or various types of volunteer support is necessary. Please visit ournewjourney.org and refer to the About Us section which highlights the program’s mission.

Please share this information with anyone you feel could benefit from this service. If you need additional information about this truly unique service, please email Founder Anne Ciavaglia McMahon at ac0417@aol.com or call her at (551)666-7581. She’d love to hear from you!

Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)

Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) refers to the delivery of long-term services and supports through New Jersey Medicaid‘s NJ FamilyCare managed care program. MLTSS is designed to expand home and community-based services, promote community inclusion and ensure quality and efficiency.

MLTSS uses NJ FamilyCare managed care organizations (also known as HMOs or health plans) to coordinate ALL services. Currently, NJ FamilyCare members have their acute and primary health care services and their home and community based services coordinated by different care management agencies. MLTSS provides comprehensive services and supports, whether at home, in an assisted living facility, in community residential services, or in a nursing home.

Participants previously enrolled in one of the following Medicaid Waiver programs were automatically enrolled in MLTSS effective July 1, 2014

• AIDS Community Care Alternatives Program (ACCAP)
• Community Resources for People with Disabilities (CRPD)
• Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBI)
• Global Options for Long Term Care (GO)

Unlike the previously administered Medicaid Waivers, which were coordinated by independently contracted care management agencies, MLTSS uses a managed care approach. At this time, NJ contracts with these five MCOs to administer NJ FamilyCare, including MLTSS:

• Amerigroup
• Horizon NJ Health
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
• WellCare
• Aetna

The MLTSS application process will vary depending on whether or not an individual already has NJ FamilyCare.

INDIVIDUALS WHO CURRENTLY HAVE MEDICAID:

Regardless of age, all individuals who currently have Medicaid
must contact their assigned MCO to initiate an assessment for MLTSS
eligibility.

INDIVIDUALS WHO CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE MEDICAID:

Adults (21 years of age and older):
Contact your County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or
your County Welfare Agency (Board of Social Services) to initiate an
assessment for MLTSS eligibility.

     Children (20 years of age and younger):
     Contact the Division of Disability Services at 1-888-285-3036 and follow
the prompts to speak with an Information and Referral (I&R) Specialist to
initiate an assessment for MLTSS eligibility determination.

Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Summary

MLTSS Resources for Consumers, Providers, and Stakeholders

NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, and Disabled Programs (ABD) Financial Application

The NJ Statewide Respite Care Program has been operational since April of 1988. This program provides respite care services for elderly and functionally impaired persons age 18 and older to relieve their unpaid caregivers of stress arising from the responsibility of providing daily care. A secondary goal of the program is to provide the support necessary to help families avoid making nursing home placement of their relatives. Services available under the Statewide Respite Care Program include:

• Companions
• Homemaker/home health aides (on an hourly or overnight basis)
• Medical or social adult day care
• Temporary care in licensed medical facilities
• Camperships
• Private duty nursing service
• Caregiver-Directed option

To reach the Statewide Respite Care Program in your county, call the Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) toll-free at 1-877-222-3737.

Established in 2007, Our New Journey provides support to families impacted by the challenges of illness or disability.  Services are provided by individuals who have first-hand experience as caregivers, as well as by those whom receive care.

Dedicated to working with one family at a time, this personalized service assists family caregivers of elderly and disabled adults through:

•  Providing Limited Financial Support For Direct Care Services
• Individual Guidance Directed Towards Understanding Personal Needs
• Help with Locating Available Services
• Caregiver Peer-to-Peer Support

Our New Journey is a free service, supported by individual donors and various fundraising activities.  For more information contact Our New Journey – (201) 288-2867 or email anne@ournewjourney.org