These Organizations Are Advancing the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being In the Communities They Serve
January 31, 2024 (Morristown, NJ) – The Rippel Foundation, a national nonprofit operating foundation devoted to advancing equitable health and well-being, is pleased to announce grants to eight organizations dedicated to creating long-term change in the communities they serve. Nominated by the Rippel staff and Board of Trustees, each organization has received $22,500 in unrestricted funds that can be applied flexibly to meet community needs.
“Each of our 2023 grant awardees are implementing transformative approaches that center belonging and civic muscle and increase access to the vital conditions for health and well-being more broadly,” said Becky Payne, president and CEO of Rippel. “As Rippel works to advance long-term systems change, we recognize the importance of supporting community stewards like these, who are building a thriving future and contributing to our north star goal of all people thriving together, without exception.”
Foundation for Morristown Medical Center: Morristown Medical Center works to advance the health and well-being of patients in its community, particularly through its Women’s Health Clinic. The clinic provides routine procedures as well as more advanced care, including surgery to populations who would otherwise lack access to vital health care services. The grant from Rippel will support Morristown Medical Center’s work to improve patient health and well-being, with a focus on maternal health and safety.
Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI): HSI uses a multi-tiered approach that engages in prevention, intervention, treatment, research, and care management to build healthy communities. Over the past 45 years, HSI has led numerous special initiatives to address the most significant social issues, including the deinstitutionalization of persons with developmental disabilities and severe mental illness, infant mortality reduction, child welfare, juvenile justice, and more.
New Jersey Future: New Jersey Future promotes sensible and equitable growth, redevelopment, and infrastructure investments to foster healthy, strong, resilient communities; protect natural lands and waterways; increase transportation choices beyond cars; provide access to safe, affordable, and aging-friendly neighborhoods; and fuel a strong economy for everyone.
Norewescap: Norwescap’s work throughout northwestern New Jersey aims to strengthen communities by creating opportunities that improve the lives of low-income individuals and families. For 60 years, Norwescap has built a comprehensive array of programs and services that impact over 30,000 people each year, helping individuals and families meet their most pressing needs while also building stability and resiliency for the future.
Planned Parenthood Association of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey (PPNCSNJ): PPNCSNJ provides high-quality, comprehensive, accessible, and affordable reproductive and complementary health care services, emphasizing equity, privacy, confidentiality, dignity, and sexual self-determination. The organization’s services address health, wellness, and learning for all identities and provide education programs that expand understanding of human sexuality. PPNCSNJ also advocates for public policies that guarantee these rights and ensure access to such services for all.
Vot-ER: Vot-ER develops nonpartisan civic engagement tools and programs for every part of the health care system—from private practitioners to medical schools to hospitals. Their work is driven by a common vision: healthy communities powered by inclusive democracy. They help remove barriers to voter registration and use the clinical setting to educate patients about voting as a means of civic engagement that is important for their health.
YWCA of Bucks County: The YWCA of Bucks County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The YWCA of Bucks County provides community-based services to women, girls, and families in need, bringing programs, resources, and services directly into the communities where people live. The Family Centers that the YWCA operates across Bucks County are centralized hubs that promote strong families and healthy communities, removing barriers to individuals accessing services, fostering community engagement, and building a sense of belonging and support necessary to thrive.
Zufall Health: As one of the country’s leading Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Zufall Health’s mission is to provide access to quality, affordable, and culturally competent health care for people and communities who experience barriers to care. One of the first medical practices in New Jersey to focus on community health, Zufall will use the grant funding from Rippel to expand its efforts to provide pediatric care and vaccinations, as well as obstetric and gynecological care to underserved communities in New Jersey.