New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) Receives $150,000 Grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to Help Address Youth Mental Health Crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – NJCDC has been awarded a grant of $150,000 from The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), to help address the youth mental health crisis.
The primary objectives of this program include delivering evidence-based services through classroom workshops tailored for elementary schools (grades K-5) across Passaic County, New Jersey. The workshops focus on addressing specific needs identified by the schools, ensuring relevance and targeted impact. Key topics include substance abuse prevention, social skills development, emotional regulation, digital citizenship, and suicide prevention.
“Thanks to this grant from The Cigna Group Foundation, we will be able to target younger students, not only aligning with the overarching goal of prevention, but also tapping into the principle that earlier intervention tends to yield better outcomes. This collaboration has the potential to significantly extend our reach within the community, fostering a culture of support and early intervention that can positively impact students’ development and well-being,” said Bob Guarasci, Founder and CEO of NJCDC. “Our efforts are addressing the youth mental health crisis through the implementation of evidence-based, targeted interventions tailored to students’ unique needs, promoting their social and emotional well-being. The program’s approach ensures students receive the appropriate level of care and skills to navigate challenges effectively, both in and out of the classroom. We are grateful to have The Cigna Group Foundation’s support in NJCDC’s mission of creating opportunities to transform lives.”
“To effectively intervene in the youth mental health crisis, we need strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations committed to improving the health and vitality of young people,” said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair, The Cigna Group Foundation. “Communities are only just beginning to grapple with the impact of the youth mental health crisis post-pandemic. We are privileged to partner with NJCDC to enable their important work to improve the mental health of youth in the communities we both serve.”
According to a recent analysis by The Cigna Group’s Evernorth Research Institute, the number of young people with mental health conditions has increased 28% since 2018, and the number of young people with at least two mental health diagnoses has risen 48% over the same period. More than one in four parents report having a child with mental health challenges, diagnosed or undiagnosed, and many report challenges to obtaining behavioral health care for their child, including access barriers.
The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful partnerships with nonprofits, and in April 2024 announced a philanthropic and community engagement initiative committing more than $27 million in grants over three years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth mental health, improving veteran mental health, and reducing barriers to health equity.
More information on The Cigna Group Foundation’s youth mental health grant program can be found here. Additional information about NJCDC programs can be found here.
About NJCDC
New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) is dedicated to creating opportunities to transform lives within the Great Falls Neighborhood of Paterson, New Jersey. NJCDC is a private, non-profit community development and social service agency focusing on education, youth development, affordable and supportive housing, and community building. Founded in 1994, NJCDC serves more than 4,000 children, teens, and families daily, and strives to fulfill its vision that all 8,000 children living or going to school in the Great Falls Neighborhood will reach adulthood, college and career ready.
About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 186 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.
About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society’s greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues’ support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.
Media Contact
Valerie Trawinski
Development and Communications Manager
973-413-1608
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Valerie Trawinski
Development and Communications Officer
New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC)
973-413-1608
