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New Initiative Part of Oakland, N.J., Skilled Nursing Facility’s Community Outreach Programming
OAKLAND, N.J., Feb. 17, 2021 – As an expansion of its community outreach programming, Oakland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has announced a new partnership with Meals on Wheels (MOW) North Jersey. The Oakland skilled nursing facility is now providing meals for home-bound clients of MOW North Jersey along five routes in northern Bergen County; planning for expanded routes and additional support services is underway.
A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, MOW North Jersey serves 30 towns. The program, which got its start out of the Park Ridge Diner 50 years ago, is known for providing more than a meal to home–bound individuals, focusing on nourishing both the body and mind through the delivery of food and a daily well visit.
“Meals on Wheels and Oakland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center share the same passion for serving the whole person,” said MOW North Jersey’s Jeanne Martin, executive director. “The ongoing pandemic has been particularly isolating for seniors, taking a toll on the physical and mental well-being of many. Our partnership with Oakland enables us to work toward providing additional resources to seniors, helping them stay safe and healthy in their homes. We are grateful for Oakland’s support.”
Oakland’s Debra Ryan, director of dining and nutrition, and Herbert Turner, the facility’s head chef for more than three decades, are spearheading the MOW initiative. Monday through Friday, the skilled nursing facility prepares daily packages with three nutritious meals for approximately three dozen MOW North Jersey clients residing in Oakland, Franklin Lakes, Mahwah and Ramsey.
“This new initiative is a special opportunity for Oakland to help in addressing the growing needs of home-bound seniors in the community and support efforts to enrich their lives,” said Anthony Ventrella, vice president of dining at Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports Oakland. Both Ventrella and Ryan have known Martin for many years, having worked on MOW North Jersey initiatives with other organizations.
Meals are delivered by MOW North Jersey volunteers, who also use the visit to interact with the home-bound clients. “It’s about so much more than delivering food,” added Martin. “Our wonderful volunteers are breaking through the isolation for seniors during the daily visits and making real connections.”
Located at 20 Break Neck Road, Oakland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. The facility maintains a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
“I couldn’t be prouder of our team of healthcare heroes here at Oakland,” said Mark Gottleib, LNHA, administrator. “Throughout this challenging time, they have remained ever dedicated to caring for our residents and also assisting seniors in the community with outreach programming such as our new MOW partnership.”
To become a MOW volunteer, drivers must be available to pick up and deliver meals from 10 to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday; drivers typically volunteer one day per month. Please call Jeanne at (201) 358-0050 or Jeanne@mealsonwheelsnorthjersey.org for more information.
PHOTO CAPTION: Oakland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has announced a new partnership with Meals on Wheels North Jersey. Pictured (L-R) are Oakland’s Mark Gottlieb, LNHA, administrator; Jeanne Martin, executive director of Meals on Wheels North Jersey; Oakland’s Debra Ryan, director of dining & nutrition and Herbert Turner, head chef; and Anthony Ventrella, vice president of dining at Marquis Health Consulting Services.
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About Oakland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
20 Breakneck Road, Oakland, NJ 07436
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Media Contact:
Sandy Crisafulli / Emma Ackel
Caryl Communications
201-796-7788
sandy@caryl.com / emma@caryl.com