The Arc of New Jersey Announces New Resource for New Jersey Families
New Statewide Resource Will Put Critical Help at Families' Fingertips
A Letter from Robert Hage:
Four years ago we welcomed our beautiful twin daughters, Annika and Maya, into the world. Shortly after they were born, we found out that they had serious physical and developmental
disabilities which require extensive, ongoing medical care. In the midst of coping with all the emotions that came with this unexpected news, we knew we needed information and help for
our daughters. However, we had no idea how where to begin and found ourselves completely overwhelmed.
As we began to embark on researching various state programs
and private organizations, we found that there are hundreds of resources out there. The problem was we did not know which ones applied to our situation and which ones could provide us
with the help we needed. As we attempted to enter the service system, it seemed like we never called the right number or we
were always talking to the wrong person. Not only was it extremely time consuming, but it was also
incredibly frustrating. After our extensive efforts to navigate the system had finally led to us getting the invaluable help that we needed, we wondered "How do people who do not have time, education, or
resources get help?"
This experience was the inspiration for HealthHelp for New Jersey Families. We felt that we could
spare other families an immense amount of time and frustration by sharing what we had learned with others. Through the process of searching for help, we connected with The Arc of New Jersey, who
decided to take on this important project. With funding from the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, support of the American Academy of Pediatrics/New Jersey Chapter, and the dedicated staff of The
Arc of New Jersey and its Family Advocacy Program we are pleased to offer this new resource.
HealthHelp for New Jersey Families is a concise listing of where families can go to find the help they
need most when they first learn that their child may have physical or developmental disabilities. We have narrowed the list to what we have found to be the most valuable resources for families in need of
assistance and have also included ways for families to find additional information and resources beyond what is listed. This resource is in English and Spanish which we feel will be immensely helpful to those
who face an additional obstacle to receiving the help they need because English is not their primary language.
We hope that you will support our efforts to help families like ours by sharing this resource with anyone you feel may benefit from it. If you have any questions about HealthHelp for New Jersey
Families, or would like additional copies, please contact The Arc of New Jersey at 877-272-0277, ext. 42, or healthhelp@arcnj.org.
Sincerely,
Robert Hage and Odette Adrian
Click here to download a pdf version of HealthHelp for New Jersey Families.
|
