This month HCE received a one year grant of $30,000 through
the Jersey City Community Services Block Grant Program. This one time grant will
provide HCE with some well needed additional dollars in this time of economic
austerity. The monies come via the federal Stimulus Program.
Pershing a Hero to HCE
During the month two groups from Pershing spent a day here
as volunteers. During the month we were also able to make a presentation to
their employees at their site. The CEO of Pershing was so impressed that he
designated HCE to receive his personal donation of $5000, with the company
matching this with another $5,000. During the past couple of months we have
received many donations from employees there as a result of their visits to HCE.
Many thanks to all who came and supported us
Watch for the Unveiling of our New Extended Employment Program
We are close to completing the goal of our Blue Ribbon Task
Force. We have had very productive meetings and are ready to unveil our new
program. On February 5, 2010 we will be having a kick off luncheon to launch of
this redesigned Extended Employment Program. I am really proud of the work that
our staff has done in this initiative. Programs are people and over the years
the Extended Employment Program has grown. The people who are in this program
are different. They are not the same people who were in the program in 1971 when
the program first began. During the past several weeks 12 of our staff members
have been meeting and really looking at this program and have developed a very
proactive program that is intended to benefit all of its participants. In terms
of the new design that we are undertaking there are some major changes being
made. I think for the better
HCE to receive a Face Lift
Thanks to the Jersey City Community Development Block Grant
Program, HCE’s Montgomery Street facility will once again under renovations of
its building. In the next few weeks, its West Side restrooms will be renovated.
Over the years, the Jersey City CDBG program has been a big supporter of HCE and
its programs.
Annual Holiday Parties a Huge Success
Thanks to HCE staff and old as well as new friends, our
holiday parties resulted in a good time for all. This year, Steve “Bay” once
provided the music and Maureen Bellucci from our Board or Trustees with some
friends assisted in serving our feast to almost 200 individuals from our
program. Thanks to all and hope to see you for the next party
Operation Hope is a Success
In the past few months, staff from HCE began an extensive
outreach in the community to identify individuals who could join its various
social enterprise businesses. The efforts have paid off. In the past few months
47 individuals were identified and are now involved in our programs.
Thanks to all staff for their efforts.
HCE Preparing to Launch its Newest Social Enterprise
In the coming months, HCE will be gearing up to expand its
current social enterprise businesses via the addition of Metro Cleaning
Services. This line of business will target the public as well as the private
sector.
Spread the word! We will be looking for contracts and we
will also be looking for workers as we develop contracts. Janitorial services
are a line item in New Jersey’s State Use Program and opportunities in local,
county, state and quasi governmental agencies should offer us tremendous
opportunities.
Not only will this business advance the economic
independence and self-reliance of its workers, but these individuals will become
tax payers contributing income and sales taxes into their community. Their
communities will benefit from their reduced public assistance payments and
increased contributions while obtaining the products and services at a fair
market price through streamlined contracting with a reliable local source.
