It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bond House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Montclair, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I am a current client of this provider They are very considerate and very warm. They are”
“I am a past client of this provider They would bathe my husband. They were warm and”
“I am a current client of this provider We've developed ways to work with each other”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver gets the client to her appointments”
“I am a current client of this provider I can leave and do what I have”
“They provide care for Helen. They need to be better at cleaning the house.”
“I am a past client of this provider They had consistency. They took the caring way of”
“I am a current client of this provider It has done everything it can. The care has”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that my mom looks very good”
“I am a current client of this provider The way that they are, the politeness, and”
“I am a current client of this provider They work with me on being flexible with”
“The caregiver helps her with everything. They help her with bathing and dressing. They also”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped me the most by being”
“I am a current client of this provider They've made my experience with them positive by”
“I am a current client of this provider We have several different aides that come help.”
“I am a past client of this provider They provided the care that my father needed”
“I am a past client of this provider They did everything possible for my Mother. The aid”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made life easier because I watch”
“I am a current client of this provider They make sure that he's safe. I like the”
“I am a current client of this provider The aide is exceedingly helpful. I like everything about”
“My dad needs companionship, I cannot give it to him. For me what would help”
“Paulette and her team provide the best care, always. They even have a school that”
“Having more people available when people come in would be good. They weren't really able”
“I am a current client of this provider She is difficult to deal with and it”
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“I always was able to get good service for my dad with Always Best Care”
“I am a past client of this provider The agency was always very good in getting”
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“I am a current client of this provider They help with the everyday thing around the”
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“I am a current client of this provider They come and help him with daily living.”
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“I am a past client of this provider I was able to get a good night's”
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“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver we have is very well-trained. They have”
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“I am a current client of this provider Paulette was here for a ten hour stretch”
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“I am a current client of this provider I can't walk, and I am in perpetual”
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“I am a current client of this provider He's more alert and active. He looks forward”
“I am a past client of this provider Knowing I had someone there to take care”
“I am a past client of this provider She seemed to like the caregivers. One of”
“I am a current client of this provider Their reliability has helped the most. They take”
“My family and I were very pleased with the care provided to my Mother in”
“I am extremely pleased with the care provided by Always Best Care to my husband.”
“For almost two years, we have been using Always Best Care’s In-Home Care services to”
“With Always Best Care, I had peace of mind that my dad was cared by”
“It is very reassuring to know that my mother is being cared for by someone”
“Always Best Care did an outstanding job helping me through the process of understanding all”
“I am a past client of this provider Thank you Always Best Care for sending Joanna”
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“From what I received as a feedback from my parents the staff is very friendly,”
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“I am a current client of this provider My only problem with the agency is that”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was involved with the JACC”
“I am a past client of this provider From what I received as a feedback from”
“From what I received as a feedback from my parents the staff is very friendly,”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care is a good company. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“Other I truly believe that without the help of Always Best Care, keeping my mother at”
“Very good senior care service. Very dedicated and competent people, I am happy I have”
“Always Best Care is an excellent company. We have used Always Best Care a few”
“I am a current client of this provider The people from Always Best Care are very”
“Curso de CPR instructor Juan Alvarado me gusto mucho excelentes explicaciones .”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very considerate and very warm. They are very responsive and always on time.”
“I am a past client of this provider They would bathe my husband. They were warm and connected. You felt like they cared about you. In the brief amount of time, we had a strong connection and were sincere.”
“I am a current client of this provider We've developed ways to work with each other way, and they've been consistent with following through. I have two different caregivers. They are very competent.”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver gets the client to her appointments and takes her to get breakfast. I like that the woman who gives care is really good. My caregiver is always available.”
“I am a current client of this provider I can leave and do what I have to do. My mother likes the girls that take care of her.”
“They provide care for Helen. They need to be better at cleaning the house.”
“I am a past client of this provider They had consistency. They took the caring way of caring for my husband.”
“I am a current client of this provider It has done everything it can. The care has been excellent. I like the fact that I don't need Paulette to come as scheduled and she is very accommodating that way. She is also very reliable and made it easier that she just lives down the street.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that my mom looks very good because of the care she is getting. I like that they do what they say they are going to do. They keep their word.”
“I am a current client of this provider The way that they are, the politeness, and the contact people are very helpful. I like the professionalism, the staff and the people that take care of the elderly, they are very polite and concerned.”
“I am a current client of this provider They work with me on being flexible with hours. I like their flexibility.”
“The caregiver helps her with everything. They help her with bathing and dressing. They also help with eating and making sure she takes medications. They could work on communication with the families and follow up's with the families about staff.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped me the most by being there to help my mom to do exercises and take her to the bathroom. I like that they are always prompt and helpful to my mother.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've made my experience with them positive by being very friendly. I'd recommend them more if they had caregivers who would take more initiative in helping around the house.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have several different aides that come help. I would like them to stop having a increase in pay. They have been able to come when I have called needing emergency help.”
“I am a past client of this provider They provided the care that my father needed to be able to stay in his house. The quality of substitute aides needs to be improved.”
“I am a past client of this provider They did everything possible for my Mother. The aid was outstanding.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made life easier because I watch out for my grandchildren and they care for her during that time. I like that they come out when they say they will and they let us know if they are running late.”
“I am a current client of this provider They make sure that he's safe. I like the owner's response if I ever need anything.”
“I am a current client of this provider The aide is exceedingly helpful. I like everything about this agency. The aide is very caring.”
“My dad needs companionship, I cannot give it to him. For me what would help would be more cooking. That would be appreciated by my father. I would make sure that they would warm the food and serve it out.”
“Paulette and her team provide the best care, always. They even have a school that trains and certifies caregivers.”
“Having more people available when people come in would be good. They weren't really able to help us in our time of need.”
“I am a current client of this provider She is difficult to deal with and it can be hard to manage the mood swings. They need to be a little more educated about how to deal with people who have Alzheimer's. They are dependable.”
“I am a current client of this provider They answer when I call and they help me when I have questions. They review everything. When people can't work they find someone else to cover. The aides are lovely. The woman I deal with is always available. She helps in any what that she can. She is willing to take over.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have to work so I can't watch John. It is nice that the caregiver is right there all the time. I like Paulette the owner because she is very prompt. She practically answers call herself.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help her with everything. They wash her up, they take her to the bathroom, they dress her. They prepare something for her to eat. They are dependable. They are responsible. They always seem to have a good caregiver for my mom.”
“I always was able to get good service for my dad with Always Best Care of Flanders, New Jersey. Paulette, the owner, is very professional and helpful.”
“I am a past client of this provider The agency was always very good in getting someone to come over even when the regular caregiver could not come.”
“I am a current client of this provider They take care of my uncle for me. They are reliable. They are respectful. They are very good.”
“I am a current client of this provider If I have any questions they come and talk to me and it is convenient and easy to work with. Whenever I call they are very courteous and they answer my question and advise me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the everyday thing around the house. They take care of personal needs. I like the personal service.”
“I am a current client of this provider It gives me peace of mind because I work full time. They are very in tune to what my mother's needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider They come and help him with daily living. They fix his bed and give him food. He can't do those things on his own. They could accommodate better for Spanish-speaking people to come into the home a little more. It is difficult with the language barrier sometimes.”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped her out the most by being here to make sure was safe. They were dependable.”
“I am a past client of this provider I was able to get a good night's sleep and the caregiver was wonderful with my dad. He was very nice and became part of the family for that week. They could improve on their price.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped because it makes it so that I don't have to do everything. They could pay the aides more.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver we have is very well-trained. They have compassionate care.”
“I am a current client of this provider They send me nice people, and they give me a peace of mind. I like the owner.”
“I am a current client of this provider Paulette was here for a ten hour stretch when I took a trip to New York. We've only used them twice so far, but we've been very pleased. They're able to fit my schedule into their schedule.”
“I am a current client of this provider I couldn't get through the day without them, they take care of all of her needs when I am gone. The girls that come over are great and take good care of my mother-in-law.”
“I am a current client of this provider I can't walk, and I am in perpetual care. They respond flexibly to requirements.”
“I am a current client of this provider They mostly gave her morning care. I have a herniated disc, so that helped. They walked her to the living and made sure she was clean before they left. They were always prompt and took good care of my mother. If they noticed anything out of the ordinary, they let me know.”
“I am a current client of this provider He's more alert and active. He looks forward to seeing the caregiver every day. The caregiver is excellent and very attentive to my dad and my aunt.”
“I am a past client of this provider Knowing I had someone there to take care of her was a big impact and very helpful. I didn't have to be there 24/7. I was still worried because of the few times they didn't get there. They cancelled a few times without letting me know until it was too late and they couldn't get a replacement.”
“I am a past client of this provider She seemed to like the caregivers. One of the caregivers decided to quit and the second caregiver worked for us for a few days and then she quit. The owner herself gave excellent service. The owners seem to be very conscientious about the kind of service that is provided.”
“I am a current client of this provider Their reliability has helped the most. They take care of my loved one very well. They have been always been reliable.”
“My family and I were very pleased with the care provided to my Mother in Law during her last days by Always Best Care. The Care Givers were terrific. They took a very difficult situation and made it much better.”
“I am extremely pleased with the care provided by Always Best Care to my husband. Their caregivers were very professional in every aspect of the care. They were compassionate, punctual, and treated my husband and all other family members with respect. They made his passing easier than expected. Thanks again!”
“For almost two years, we have been using Always Best Care’s In-Home Care services to aid in my father's care needs. I live around an hour away from his place and can’t see my dad every day. But I am glad that someone reliable is there to take care of him.”
“With Always Best Care, I had peace of mind that my dad was cared by someone professional and experienced. I was assured that all his need and demands were fulfilled on time. Thanks to the entire team!”
“It is very reassuring to know that my mother is being cared for by someone who is so compassionate and understands her needs. She was diagnosed with dementia last year and had almost lost interest in everything. Thanks to the wonderful caregivers of Always Best Care, she is once again smiling and laughing like before.”
“Always Best Care did an outstanding job helping me through the process of understanding all their care options. I appreciate everything they've done and continue to do and I highly recommend them to all.”
“I am a past client of this provider Thank you Always Best Care for sending Joanna to care for my father post his double knee replacement surgery. Due to my frequent business trips, I wasn’t able to provide him the care he needed. I am glad I found Joanna who is extremely cordial and know her duties well.”
“I am a current client of this provider Because of the good care that my parents are receiving, they are able to stay at a nicer facility with a lower level of care. Always Best Care makes up the difference in care. I have referred my friends numerous times because of the office staff.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care is one of the best home care organization whose services I have ever received. Before hiring ABC, I went to so many other institutions but was not satisfied with any of their services. But ABC’s whole staff welcomed me and discussed a detailed plan with me for my mother’s recovery. Thank God. My mother is in safe hands now! Thank you Always Best Care!”
“I am a current client of this provider It is very reassuring to know that my mother is being cared for by someone who is so compassionate and understands her needs. She was diagnosed with dementia last year and had almost lost interest in everything. Thanks to the wonderful caregivers of Always Best Care, she is once again smiling and laughing like before.”
“From what I received as a feedback from my parents the staff is very friendly, the food is good , and they have made some good friends there.”
“I am a past client of this provider I had two different caregivers and they each worked a week. I was not strong enough to provide the care that was needed. I didn't want to restrict him, so I had help to allow him to get up whenever he wanted. I had to work, go to the store, and do my laundry.”
“I am a current client of this provider Our caregiver is excellent but I don't think they get enough support from the office. The services give me peace of mind knowing my loved one is being cared for properly.”
“I am a current client of this provider My only problem with the agency is that my caregivers call out every other week, so I don't have someone for two weeks. Since I had a stroke and I had to go on disability, I had to give up my car, so they drive places for me.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was involved with the JACC Program, and now they aren't. My last caregiver was wonderful, so it'd be good if they were all like that. The caregiver I had was wonderful and did an excellent job.”
“I am a past client of this provider From what I received as a feedback from my parents the staff is very friendly, the food is good , and they have made some good friends there. - Sana Kniess”
“From what I received as a feedback from my parents the staff is very friendly, the food is good , and they have made some good friends there.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care is a good company. They provided quality care for me. I had a caregiver that was excellent through Always Best Care. She was perfect for what I needed, and she definitely improved my life.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful. - Leta J.”
“Other I truly believe that without the help of Always Best Care, keeping my mother at home alone would have not been possible. Their caregivers take care of my mother exactly the way I would have if I was home. They help my mother with her bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, walking, and more. When my mother falls asleep, they take care of chores like dusting and vacuuming. When they are with my mother, I never feel worried. In such a short span of time, they have become a part of our family. Always Best Care has definitely surpassed my expectations. I highly recommend their services.”
“Very good senior care service. Very dedicated and competent people, I am happy I have the pleasure of knowing and working with them. I recommend their home care service in Flanders.”
“Always Best Care is an excellent company. We have used Always Best Care a few times now and have always been more then satisfied with the service from them.”
“I am a current client of this provider The people from Always Best Care are very accurate, very concerned and very caring people. They listen to my needs and concerns as well as my mother's wants. Then they offer the exact person I need for my mother's care. This is the first time that I had somebody who is the owner and a nurse that shows up unexpectedly to check out that everything is doing well and that I think is wonderful. I recommend them to everybody.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Edgemont Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Faubourg Restaurant and Bar or visit Montclair History Center (Montclair Historical Society), don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Montclair, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Montclair, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Montclair, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Newark’s Portuguese-American restaurants, bakeries, and shops are popular all year round, but the Ironbound neighborhood’s June weekend celebration of Portugal’s national holiday draws tens of thousands of revelers each year to celebrate Newark’s vibrant Portuguese culture, history, and cuisine. Read on to learn about Newark’s wildly popular Portugal Day festival taking place June 6th-8...
Newark’s Portuguese-American restaurants, bakeries, and shops are popular all year round, but the Ironbound neighborhood’s June weekend celebration of Portugal’s national holiday draws tens of thousands of revelers each year to celebrate Newark’s vibrant Portuguese culture, history, and cuisine. Read on to learn about Newark’s wildly popular Portugal Day festival taking place June 6th-8th, 2025 and about the rich history of Newark’s Little Portugal.
Photo Credit: Newark Portugal Day Festival
June 10th is officially Portugal Day. In Newark, however, the party that celebrates the day lasts a weekend. This year, the festivities will begin on Friday, June 6th and go on through Sunday June 8th. The festival takes place in Peter Francisco Park in Newark’s Ironbound District and culminates with a massive parade along Ferry Street on June 8th.
Read More: Juneteenth Events Happening in Montclair + Northern New Jersey for 2025
Portugal Day is held on June 10th to commemorate the death, in 1580, of the great Portuguese poet, Luís Vas de Camões. Holding a poet as its ultimate national hero is a point of pride for Portuguese cultural descendants the world over. Camões’ epic poem Os Lusiadas is a fantastic sea tale about the explorations of Vasco da Gama with appearances made by Jupiter, or Zeus, and ending on the Island of Love where Bacchus shares his fear that the Portuguese will one day become gods.
Photo Credit: Newark Portugal Day Festival
Portuguese traditional culture is at the heart of the Portugal Day festival. The Rancho Camponeses do Minho perform traditional dances and songs, adorned in the colorful clothing of Portugal’s past. Kids and grown-ups who fall in love with what they see can join classes to learn the songs and dances and join in upcoming performances. The lineup of professional performers includes fado fan faves like the female duo Bombocas and Moda Nova.
Food is a defining feature of all cultures, and the Portuguese are no exception. Ask any of the Portugal Day partiers what they are there for, and, guaranteed, every one of them will mention “the food!” Sausages like linguiça and chouriço are fundamental to Portuguese cuisine. Meat is definitely the main dish. Kale and potato soup is a staple. The sea plays as big a role in Portuguese cooking as it does in their poetry — expect to see grilled sardines, salted cod, eel, and octopus. Pastel de nata custard tarts and bolo de Bolacha cakes, made from coffee-soaked biscuits, are happiness on a plate.
Part of the fun in participating in a cultural festival is learning about someone else’s traditions. Dancing through the festival crowd with a full belly, the patterns of colorful ceramic tiles called azulejos will become familiar. Expect to see a lot of Portugal’s national colors of green and red and, of course, soccer/futbol fans in their Ronaldo jerseys. Attendees should feel proud to be part of this party, too, as coverage of it airs each year on Portuguese television.
Photo Credit: Newark Portugal Day Festival
The original Newark Portugal Day Festival took place in 1979. The extensive Portuguese community in Newark, particularly in the Ironbound district, has a history that began before the United States even existed. The first Portuguese to land in New Jersey are identified as arriving in 1725. But the waves of immigrants who came through Ellis Island seeking Newark’s factory and industrial jobs or work in the Port of Newark began to arrive in the early 20th century. The influx of immigrants peaked in the period between the 1960s and the 1980s, with most Portuguese immigrants to Newark settling within the Ironbound neighborhood, named for the train rails that outline the area and known to locals as Little Portugal. They often faced challenges but ultimately acquired a stake in the larger community as their commercial hub of bakeries, shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants grew.
See More: Location Change for Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2025
While immigration between Portugal and the United States has shifted somewhat toward the other direction, the Portuguese-speaking population of Newark continues to grow. That population includes newcomers from Brazil and Portuguese-speaking Africa — the Portuguese-speaking world, also known as Lusophonia. That linguistic connection ties disparate people from all over the globe to Portugal, and the Newark Portugal Day. Festival organizers wish to welcome all of them to join in the celebration. Spokesman Ricky Durães sees nothing but growth in the future for the annual event. He’s already excited to be part of the planning for the 50th anniversary of Newark’s Portugal Day Festival in 2029.
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It’s starting to finally feel like summer here in Northern New Jersey. With the weather warming up, there are plenty of things to do locally, including an oil-painting workshop, a fishing derby, and a yoga class in an art gallery. Below is a list of (over 105!) Montclair, Essex County, and Northern New Jersey events happening this weekend, June 5th through June 8th, 2025. Don’t forget — you can submit your community events ...
It’s starting to finally feel like summer here in Northern New Jersey. With the weather warming up, there are plenty of things to do locally, including an oil-painting workshop, a fishing derby, and a yoga class in an art gallery. Below is a list of (over 105!) Montclair, Essex County, and Northern New Jersey events happening this weekend, June 5th through June 8th, 2025. Don’t forget — you can submit your community events HERE.
Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE. The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.
Montclair Flea 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Saturday + Sunday — June 7th + 8th at 11AM-6PM
This weekend, Montclair Flea is featuring vendors showcasing their handmade goods, from artisanal jewelry to custom art, clothes, and more. Plus: food trucks, Boozie’s Wine Shoppe and Bar, Burgers Donuts Potatoes, Murals, Art, Kids Crafting.
This 1-bed, 1-bath condo in West Orange is available to buy for $274,999. The property features an updated living room, modern kitchen, renovated bathroom, and a dedicated parking space, among other things.
View The Local Girl’s Real Estate Directory here — which has 90+ listings just this week.
Since its founding in 2015, Aging in Montclair (AIM) has been the proud voice of the older residents of the Montclair area. Its programs support and educate its 600+ members and provide the social connections that are so important as we age. Membership is free, and AIM invites all residents aged 55 and older to join. Contributions will help AIM shape solutions to meet the needs and concerns of our community. Learn more here.
Become a host family for the Cultural Academic Student Exchange (CASE) and house a student studying abroad. The CASE program is always in need of families of all backgrounds to help immerse international students into the culture of the area and to help them navigate everyday life during their stay. Learn more here.
The Montclair History Center is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the preservation, study, and appreciation of local history. It was originally founded in 1965 to save the Israel Crane House, a Federal Revival-style landmark home built by a local entrepreneur in 1796. The MHC educates the community on local history and its importance through programs, advocacy, and exhibits. It shares the stories of the various persons and groups that have and continue to shape Montclair. Learn more here.
A house that sold for $2.1 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Montclair between May 19 and June 1.In total, 12 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past two weeks, with an average price of $2.4 million. The average price per square foot was $480.The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded from the week of May 19 to the week of June 1 even if the property may have been sold earlier.10. $517K, single-family hous...
A house that sold for $2.1 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Montclair between May 19 and June 1.
In total, 12 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past two weeks, with an average price of $2.4 million. The average price per square foot was $480.
The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded from the week of May 19 to the week of June 1 even if the property may have been sold earlier.
The property at 2 Graham Terrace in Montclair has new owners. The price was $517,000. The single-family home was built in 1967 and has a living area of 1,008 square feet. The price per square foot is $513. The deal was finalized on May 1.
The property at 2 Graham Terrace in Montclair has new owners. The price was $517,000. The single-family home was built in 1967 and has a living area of 1,008 square feet. The price per square foot is $513. The deal was finalized on May 1.
The property at 92 Willowdale Ave. in Montclair has new owners. The price was $535,000. The house was built in 1923 and has a living area of 2,864 square feet. The price per square foot is $187. The deal was finalized on April 28.
The property at 92 Willowdale Ave. in Montclair has new owners. The price was $535,000. The house was built in 1923 and has a living area of 2,864 square feet. The price per square foot is $187. The deal was finalized on April 28.
A sale has been finalized for a condominium at 83 Bay Street in Montclair. The price was $707,000 and the new owners took over the condominium in April. The condo was built in 2009 and the living area totals 1,715 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $412. The deal was finalized on April 21.
A sale has been finalized for a condominium at 83 Bay Street in Montclair. The price was $707,000 and the new owners took over the condominium in April. The condo was built in 2009 and the living area totals 1,715 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $412. The deal was finalized on April 21.
The sale of the detached house at 277 Valley Way in Montclair has been finalized. The price was $875,000, and the new owners took over the house in April. It was built in 1958 and has a living area of 1,176 square feet. The price per square foot was $744. The deal was finalized on April 23.
The sale of the detached house at 277 Valley Way in Montclair has been finalized. The price was $875,000, and the new owners took over the house in April. It was built in 1958 and has a living area of 1,176 square feet. The price per square foot was $744. The deal was finalized on April 23.
The sale of the single-family home at 580 Valley Road, Montclair, has been finalized. The price was $1,000,000, and the property changed hands in April. The property was built in 1970 and has a living area of 1,589 square feet. The price per square foot was $629. The deal was finalized on April 29.
The sale of the single-family home at 580 Valley Road, Montclair, has been finalized. The price was $1,000,000, and the property changed hands in April. The property was built in 1970 and has a living area of 1,589 square feet. The price per square foot was $629. The deal was finalized on April 29.
A 1,918-square-foot detached house at 101 Haddon Place in Montclair has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $1,050,000, $547 per square foot. The house was built in 1917. The deal was finalized on April 30.
A 1,918-square-foot detached house at 101 Haddon Place in Montclair has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $1,050,000, $547 per square foot. The house was built in 1917. The deal was finalized on April 30.
A 3,349-square-foot single-family residence at 59 Watchung Ave., Montclair, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $1,140,000, $340 per square foot. The house was built in 1923. The deal was finalized on April 30.
A 3,349-square-foot single-family residence at 59 Watchung Ave., Montclair, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $1,140,000, $340 per square foot. The house was built in 1923. The deal was finalized on April 30.
A 2,188-square-foot single-family home at 9 Bellaire Drive in Montclair has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $1,302,750, $595 per square foot. The house was built in 1922. The deal was finalized on April 25.
A 2,188-square-foot single-family home at 9 Bellaire Drive in Montclair has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $1,302,750, $595 per square foot. The house was built in 1922. The deal was finalized on April 25.
The sale of the single-family home at 558 Park Street in Montclair has been finalized. The price was $1,955,000, and the new owners took over the house in April. It was built in 1915 and has a living area of 3,355 square feet. The price per square foot was $583. The deal was finalized on April 29.
The sale of the single-family home at 558 Park Street in Montclair has been finalized. The price was $1,955,000, and the new owners took over the house in April. It was built in 1915 and has a living area of 3,355 square feet. The price per square foot was $583. The deal was finalized on April 29.
The sale of the detached house at 55 Warren Place, Montclair, has been finalized. The price was $2,100,000, and the new owners took over the house in April. The house was built in 1882 and has a living area of 3,476 square feet. The price per square foot was $604. The deal was finalized on April 28.
Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.
The sale of the detached house at 55 Warren Place, Montclair, has been finalized. The price was $2,100,000, and the new owners took over the house in April. The house was built in 1882 and has a living area of 3,476 square feet. The price per square foot was $604. The deal was finalized on April 28.
Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.
The changes – which are taking place on the administrative level – are a "strategic response to fiscal realities," a school official said.MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Public School District is making five staffing changes at the administrative level due to “budgetary constraints,” officials announced Friday.According to a statement from the district, the “strategic realignment of district resources” will take place in 2025-2026. The affected staff members will start their n...
MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Public School District is making five staffing changes at the administrative level due to “budgetary constraints,” officials announced Friday.
According to a statement from the district, the “strategic realignment of district resources” will take place in 2025-2026. The affected staff members will start their new administrative roles on July 1.
“We approached these decisions with a clear priority to preserve the integrity of teaching and learning in the classroom,” interim superintendent Damen Cooper said.
“By reallocating leadership talent across the district, we’re both maximizing the expertise of our administrators and supporting their continued development as leaders,” Cooper said, calling the changes a “strategic response to fiscal realities.”
>> Read More: Montclair Hammers Out Town, School Budgets (See Tax Impacts)
District administrators said the changes are designed to create efficiencies without eliminating services.
The focus remains on ensuring all students have access to “high-quality instruction, support and leadership,” school officials added.
The Montclair Public School District released the following background information about each impacted staff member:
Frank Sedita – Principal, Bradford Elementary School
“Dr. Frank Sedita has served students, families, and staff for 15 years as an educator. His experience as a secondary teacher, coupled with his administrative roles in Montclair Public Schools at both the district and building level, has provided him with a wide breadth of experience working with learners from Pre-K through 12th grade. At the district level, Dr. Sedita served as the Supervisor of World Languages and English as a Second Language in the Department of Equity, Curriculum & Instruction from January 2018 through June 2021. In this capacity, he led curriculum revisions and oversaw the implementation of best practices in second language acquisition throughout the district and expanded programming to meet the needs of the district’s growing Multilingual Learner population. During this time, Dr. Sedita also led revisions to the district’s Gifted & Talented continuum of services. Since July 2021, Dr. Sedita served as the proud Principal of Nishuane School, where he prioritized meeting the academic and social emotional needs of the district’s youngest learners. Dr. Sedita led several initiatives at Nishuane which have included supervising best practices aligned to the Science of Reading, growing an effective Multi-Tiered System of Support, supervising the Pre-Kindergarten expansion at Nishuane, leading initiatives focused on cultural responsiveness and that engage learners in the area of social justice, as well as leading the school’s implementation of a New Jersey Inclusion Project grant. Dr. Sedita holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Italian, a Master of Arts in Teaching, as well as a Doctor of Letters from Drew University. He also holds graduate certificates in Supervision K-12 from Seton Hall University and the Science of Reading from DeSales University, and he completed his preparation to become a Principal through the NJEXCEL educational leadership program. Dr. Sedita is presently pursuing a graduate certificate in Teaching Writing at Drew University and is a member of the Drew Writing Project and Digital Literacies Collaborative.”
“My educational philosophy prioritizes relationships as the foundation for fostering academic and social emotional growth,” Sedita said.
“I am committed to ensuring equity and access for each learner by cultivating a learning environment that removes barriers and ensures that each student is seen, valued and heard,” Sedita added. “I am excited to have the opportunity that I requested, and I am humbled to serve the Bradford community as the next principal.”
Jennifer Finnerty – Principal, Nishuane Elementary School
“With more than 17 years of experience in public education, Mrs. Finnerty brings a strong record of leadership in early childhood and special education, program development, and inclusive practices that support the whole child. Mrs. Finnerty joined Montclair Public Schools in 2012 and has most recently served as the Supervisor of Pupil Services. In this role, she led the creation and expansion of the district’s Mini-Mounties universal Pre-K program, guiding its development from concept to implementation. Her leadership ensured alignment with the New Jersey Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) grant and emphasized curriculum development, instructional quality, compliance, and meaningful partnerships with families and community providers. She began her career as a school psychologist, working with students from preschool through high school. Her expertise includes social-emotional development, behavioral intervention, and individualized support rooted in research-based practices. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Finnerty has supported early childhood educators through instructional coaching, designed professional development aligned with state standards, and coordinated inclusive preschool learning environments. She has also been instrumental in advancing inclusive practices by strengthening collaboration between general and special education, ensuring that all young learners are meaningfully included in developmentally appropriate classroom experiences. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that every child receives a strong and supported start to their educational journey.”
Finnerty said she plans to lead Nishuane School with a focus on an “inclusive, nurturing school culture that promotes curiosity, supports the whole child, and drives academic excellence.”
“I look forward to working in partnership with staff, families and the broader community to ensure all students in PreK-2 benefit from joyful, responsive, and enriching learning experiences,” she added.
Brenda Coe – Assistant Principal, Hillside Elementary School
“With 23 years of service to Montclair Public Schools, Brenda Coe has served as a teacher, mentor, curriculum leader, curriculum supervisor, Interim principal at Charles H. Bullock and Glenfield, and Assistant Principal of Nishuane. She's also served as an adjunct faculty member at Montclair State University, where she worked to support future educators. As she enters her 24th year, she continues to stay passionate about exploring new ideas, supporting staff, partnering with families, and finding new ways to meet the needs of all learners. Her most recent focus has been working with staff members to support schoolwide training and resources for culturally responsive teaching and equity. Mrs. Coe worked collaboratively with two elementary schools in the district to obtain $10,000 MFEE Excellence in Equity grants to elevate student voices and give them an opportunity to make change in their local communities. With her passion for culturally responsive teaching practices, she truly values how important it is to set the bar high for all learners, building relationships with them to ensure they care about the goals ahead, and in turn they work to accomplish them. Mrs. Coe values working collaboratively to ensure initiatives created in the school community can be sustainable and add positive value to the elementary school experience. Mrs. Coe is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at Kean University.”
“It is my goal to not only support the efforts previously established in schools, but to further collaborate and connect with the community to begin planning ways in which we can continue to grow the school experience for children,” Coe said.
“I am an advocate for creating a learning environment where students feel seen and have a voice,” she added.
Shivan Persad – Assistant Principal, Charles H. Bullock/Nishuane Elementary Schools
“Shivan Persad started his teaching career in the Montclair Public Schools in 2008 as a Special Education teacher at Buzz Aldrin Middle School. In 2010, he became the House 1 Social Studies teacher and served as the school's Technology Coordinator. While at Buzz, he earned his Google for Education Educator certification and his Google for Education Trainer certification. This provided him the opportunity to facilitate multiple district and state workshops on infusing technology into the curriculum. In November 2022, Mr. Persad transitioned to Charles H. Bullock Elementary, where he currently serves as Assistant Principal. Mr. Persad's academic background includes an undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University and a master's degree from Montclair State University. He also pursued studies at Columbia University's Teachers College and obtained his supervision and principal certification through the NJEXCEL Program.”
“I look forward to the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and families of Bullock and Nishuane,” Persad said.
“Thank you for welcoming me to the Nishuane community,” he added.
Carla Pérez – Director of PreK Program, Pre K Special Education & Grants
“With more than 19 years of experience in public education, Ms. Pérez brings a proven track record of collaborative leadership, compliance oversight, and program development aligned with district priorities and federal guidelines. Ms. Pérez joined Montclair Public Schools in 2021 as Supervisor of Pupil Services and currently serves as Director of Student Support Services. In this role, she has overseen middle school Child Study Teams, ensuring compliance with state and federal special education mandates, and led the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for grades 6–12. Her leadership emphasizes strategic coordination between general and special education, data-informed decision-making, and research-based practices that strengthen student support services across schools. She serves as a liaison to non-public schools for the administration of state and federal funds and has begun working closely with district schools receiving Title funding to promote equitable use of entitlements and ensure alignment with school-level priorities. She was instrumental in securing competitive and discretionary grant funding for Montclair, including the NJ High Impact Tutoring Grant ($248,000) and the Climate Literacy and Resilience Grant ($30,500), while helping the district maximize extraordinary aid funding. Ms. Pérez is deeply committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and developmentally responsive programs for Montclair’s youngest learners. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of the district’s Pre-K programs, including special education services, curriculum implementation, and the coordination of state and federal grant initiatives. She will also provide administrative leadership for the Developmental Learning Center (DLC), collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure program effectiveness and regulatory compliance. Ms. Pérez earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from New York University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She completed the NJEXCEL program for school administration and holds Principal, School Counselor, Director of School Counseling, and Teacher of the Handicapped certifications.”
“I am honored to step into this role and continue supporting Montclair’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, inclusive preschool education,” Pérez said.
“This work is about more than increasing access—it’s about ensuring every child receives a strong, supported start to their educational journey,” Pérez continued. “I’m excited to collaborate with families, community providers, and school leaders across the district to align our state and federal grant resources in ways that deepen community partnerships and ensure every child has access to the opportunities and supports to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”
MONTCLAIR, New Jersey (WABC) -- How did you get to school as a young student every morning?For students in Montclair, New Jersey, it's standard to ride a bike as far as 5 miles.They do it in big groups called 'bike buses' to build health habits and they have fun doing it."On a good weather day, we'll have up to about 400 parents and kids riding to all of our schools across town," Bike Bus organizer Andrew Hawkins said.Community advocates are also ditching the school bus in favor of the bright yellow vest...
MONTCLAIR, New Jersey (WABC) -- How did you get to school as a young student every morning?
For students in Montclair, New Jersey, it's standard to ride a bike as far as 5 miles.
They do it in big groups called 'bike buses' to build health habits and they have fun doing it.
"On a good weather day, we'll have up to about 400 parents and kids riding to all of our schools across town," Bike Bus organizer Andrew Hawkins said.
Community advocates are also ditching the school bus in favor of the bright yellow vests as part of the town's bike bus.
"So it started with just a small group of parents who wanted to ride with their bikes to school. So we came together and started talking to each other and decided, you know, like, this is something that is we could actually make it a lot bigger than it could be," Hawkins said.
Anyone with a helmet and a bike can ride along.
"It really does create this sense of you're not alone in your vehicle, looking out at the world and feeling trapped here together with this group of people. And you realize you want to take care of that group of people," Jessica Tillyer said.
It's also a healthy way to start the day.
Studies show a short amount of morning exercise, like a bike or even a walk to school, can help young students build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Organizers are advocating for safe streets, including designated bike paths and walkways.
"Something that I often remind our town council members, because they're in their fifties or sixties or seventies, is, 'hey, when you were a kid, how did you get around? Oh, you walked and biked.' That's not possible for kids now because we have created such unsafe roadways," Tillyer said.
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