Culture Change – Wins & Challenges

Somedays are diamonds – Some days are Rock.  I sing this song along with Tom Petty on many days, as the Project Manager of Shaping Elizabeth.

St. Joe’s Healthy Food Pantry has had several “Diamond” Days.  Clients loved the weekly sessions that Jennifer (Bi-lingual) and Mike brought to the center, and Pat from St. Joe’s reported that clients were calling to ask when the next workshop would be. She said this had never happened before.  The “Rock” day occurred when Jenn told us she had a full time job and would be leaving.  We are looking for a new Bi-lingual nutrition educator.  We will continue with our SE Nutritionist resuming nutrition classes with an interpreter.

A “Diamond” occurred when St. Joe’s with the support of a grant hired a Registered Nurse on site 3 days a week available to clients for clinical care support. Due to hectic schedule now at the pantry and the holidays coming we will be unable to post survey clients until January to better access the impact of our changes, small pebble.

Diamonds in the making:

• We have made an appointment to speak with Pastor Britt at Mt. Teman Church to offer our Healthy Food Pantry services for a second Healthy Food Pantry
• NJ Community Food Bank has contracted with a new vendor so more fresh food will be available
• Possibility of a new partner from Summit Medical Foundation to offer a Diabetes Control program which combines education with food appropriate for someone with Diabetes.
• Assembly Woman Quijano to attend Food Policy Meeting to discuss Food Insecurity Solutions in December,

 

All and all most days are Diamonds!