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HAMMONTON—Allies in Caring Development Manager Kelin Jimenez discussed free and low cost programs at Allies in Caring’s Con-Vivir Wellness Center located at 100 S. Second St.
As a development manager, Jimenez builds a lot of relationships with different community organizations and looks for different grants to help fund the programs.
“In Allies in Caring, we’re committed to serving the youth and their families and so what we do is we provide mental health services and also preventive intervention programs through our wellness center. We try to gear all of our programs to be culturally affirmative like when someone comes in here and is from a different culture, they can walk in here rather than feel out of place. They can feel welcomed. All of our staff is actually bilingual,” Jimenez said.
Allies in Caring has been serving the community since 2012.
Currently, the staff communicates effectively in English, Spanish and American Sign Language, and are skilled at working with immigrants and people with disabilities.
“We started with our mental health services. We try to keep our programs free, but if not at least keep it low cost,” Jimenez said. “A lot of our programs are grant-based. We are constantly looking for grants to fund our different programs, so they can remain accessible to everyone.”
For Jimenez, the most rewarding part of her job is knowing she’s helping people in the community.
“I know the people that I’m helping because we’re based in the community that we work in, and so I know that my work is helping so-and-so and I’ve heard their life stories and I know how much each program contributes to their well-being, so to me that’s rewarding,” Jimenez said.
People can get involved at Allies in Caring by volunteering their time or donating supplies and money.
For more information on any of the programs, visit their website alliesincaring.org, follow them on social media, send an email to convivir@alliesincaring.org or call (609)351-1188.
Services:
Affordable Counseling
Monday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m. Talking to a psychotherapist can help sort out feelings and release repressed emotions that are hard to share with anyone else. Counseling is completely confidential.
Computer and Internet Basics
Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m. Get help registering for programs and services, translating information, finding employment, food, housing, transportation, healthcare and locating other resources nearby.
Allies in Caring offers free access to computers, the internet and support to find information. Navigation services are offered in English and Spanish.
Walk-ins are welcome on Saturdays. To make an appointment on Tuesdays or Thursdays, send an email or call.
Affordable English as a Second Language Classes
Monday at 11 a.m. and Tuesday at 6 p.m. Allies in Caring offers in-person English as a Second Language classes at Con-Vivir Wellness Center to help people learn how to speak, write and read in English.
Contact cramos@alliesincaring.org or call (609)351-1188.
Meet Community Health Workers
Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m. Community Health Workers help with connecting people with healthcare professionals in the area and provide information on social services.
They will help people make appointments, send documents, fill forms and find health and social service providers.
Walk-ins are available on Saturday. To make an appointment on Tuesday or Thursday, contact Con-Vivir Wellness Center.
Free Feminine Hygiene Products
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In collaboration with I Support the Girls, Allies in Caring distributes free feminine hygiene products to women in need.
Affordable Connectivity Program: Connect to the internet for less
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC program that helps families and households connect to the internet and save. It provides eligible households a monthly discount of up to $30 for internet services, up to $75 for households on eligible tribal lands and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop, computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider.
Contact Diego Gonzalez-Rojas by calling (609)878-2007 or emailing
Explore more at affordableconnectivity.gov.
Immigration Legal Services
If someone needs immigration legal assistance but is struggling financially to pay for a lawyer, resources are available to help. Contact Copelia Morales at (609)351-1188. She can provide more information on free or low-cost services that may be available.
Next Steps DL/Steps to take after
getting your driver’s license
Make an appointment to get a free session to gain valuable information on the steps to take after getting a driver’s license.
People will learn about the various aspects of obtaining a driver’s license and how to take the following steps. Heather Jarvis will be available to answer questions and provide tips.
Computer Classes
Saturday 10 a.m. to noon. This 8-week course is designed to equip people with digital skills.
To register online, visit alliesincaring.org/convivr-services and click the “Register here” link under “Computer Classes.”
Libre-Arte: Art Classes for Teens
Tuesday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is a new afterschool program designed exclusively for teenagers (13-19 years old).
Teens will have the chance to unleash their creativity and free themselves through the power of art, which is incredibly beneficial for their mental health.
Art provides a therapeutic outlet for self-expression, helping teens navigate their emotions and develop coping skills. Join Allies in Caring as they embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery and growth.
For more information, contact Diego Gonzalez-Rojas by calling (609)878-2007 or emailing dgonzalezrojas@alliesincaring.org.
Zumba Classes
Friday 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Join Allies in Caring for a fun and energetic exercise session.
This class is exclusively for women 18 years and older. Spaces are limited. Allies in Caring kindly accepts a $5 donation.
Community Networking Groups
Wednesday 6-8 p.m. for men and Friday 6:30-7:30 p.m. for women. Allies in Caring offers a new group for men and women to meet new friends, share experiences and support each other. As a result, participants feel more connected and included and make new friends.
Allies in Caring is committed to providing them with resources and activities that enhance their emotional well-being and help them maintain a united community.
Allies in Caring wants everyone to feel they have the support they need to feel good and achieve their goals.
EmpoderArte: Youth Career
Exploration Workshop
Thursday 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EmpoderArte is an eight-week program that empowers youth to develop future-oriented skills. Here they will discover their talents, interests and areas of growth to meet the challenges of the future.
Youth participants will learn about opportunities that may be available, how to manage stress and develop the skills necessary to get a job and succeed in school. The topics and instruction through EmpoderArte will increase their chances of being accepted into a college or learning leadership skills and entrepreneurial skills for those who want to start their own business.
This program is for youth ages 14 to 20.
LGBTQ Media Club
Monday 5 p.m. There will be live discussions on the LGBTQ community and media and how it impacts them.
“We try to create a safe space for discussion in which everyone can share their thoughts,” Jimenez said.
Community Picnic
June 22 noon to 4 p.m. at Hammonton Lake Park. Get ready for an afternoon with food, music, games, raffles and valuable resources from various organizations for free.
Summer Camp
July 31 to August 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Allies in Caring, Pineland Preservation Alliance & Pinelands Adventures have combined forces to create an exciting five-day outdoor adventure camp designed to connect the youth with nature, science and stewardship.
Location: Con-Vivir Wellness Center/Wharton State Forest
Drop off every day will be at Con-Vivir Wellness Center.
Registration Fee: five days for $125 or $25/day. Scholarships available. The price includes transportation, kayak, materials and snacks.
Partial and complete scholarships are available online.
For more information, call (609)878-2007 or email cmorales@alliesincaring.org.
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