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 1719 William Trent House Museum 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 Trenton, 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.
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me -”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
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 Mill Hill 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 Blue Danube Restaurant or visit Alexander Douglass House, 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 Trenton, 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 Trenton, 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 Trenton, 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.
"General Management On Ethical Decision-Making and Moral Development", a new book by Dr. Lamin Tombekai Kamara, has been released by RoseDog Books.On Ethical Decision-Making and Moral Development" serves as a roadmap for anyone seeking to navigate the intricacies of ethical decision-making.By exploring the foundational principles of ethics, cultural influences, leadership, and the ethical implications of technology, this book equips readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that underpin eth...
"General Management On Ethical Decision-Making and Moral Development", a new book by Dr. Lamin Tombekai Kamara, has been released by RoseDog Books.
On Ethical Decision-Making and Moral Development" serves as a roadmap for anyone seeking to navigate the intricacies of ethical decision-making.
By exploring the foundational principles of ethics, cultural influences, leadership, and the ethical implications of technology, this book equips readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that underpin ethical decision making. Through case studies, thought-provoking questions, and practical examples, readers are challenged to reflect on their values, biases, and decision-making processes, encouraging personal growth and fostering a commitment to ethical conduct.
About the Author: Dr. Lamin Tombekai Kamara is a highly accomplished author in business management. With his vast knowledge and expertise, he has penned several books that have become essential guides for professionals in various industries. One of his notable works is "On Ethical Decision Making and Moral Development," a groundbreaking book that delves into the ethical considerations and moral development crucial for successful decision making in contemporary business practices. Dr. Kamara's academic journey laid the foundation for his expertise in management and ethics. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Cuttington University in Liberia, an MBA in Business Administration with a specialty in Human Resources from the American Intercontinental University in Atlanta, Georgia, and a doctor's degree (DBA) in General Management from the prestigious Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This educational background is a testament to his intellectual rigor and commitment to his field of study. Equipped with this knowledge, he embarks on a mission to inspire individuals to embrace ethical values in their decision-making processes. As the author of "HR Companion," Dr. Kamara sheds light on the importance of human resources in organizations. This book provides in-depth insights into the functions and responsibilities of HR departments, emphasizing their strategic role in driving organizational success. By highlighting best practices and addressing familiar challenges faced by HR professionals, this guide offers a valuable roadmap for effectively managing human resources within any organization.
"General Management On Ethical Decision-Making and Moral Development" is a 678-page hardcover with a retail price of $61.00 (eBook $56.00). The ISBN is 979-8-89211-386-1. It was published by RoseDog Books of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To buy the book, visit our online bookstore at https://rosedogbookstore.com/general-management-on-ethical-decision-making-and-moral-development/
Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey offers a prayer at the start of the celebration at the Trenton, New Jersey Capitol for Greece’s liberation from the Turks. Next to him is Consul General Iphigenia Kanara. PHOTO: METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEYTRENTON – On Monday, March 24, in celebration of Greek Independence Day, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey was invited to the New Jersey State House in Trenton in order to offer the Invocation to the members of the New Jersey General Assembly. Afterwards, His Eminence, joi...
Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey offers a prayer at the start of the celebration at the Trenton, New Jersey Capitol for Greece’s liberation from the Turks. Next to him is Consul General Iphigenia Kanara. PHOTO: METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY
TRENTON – On Monday, March 24, in celebration of Greek Independence Day, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey was invited to the New Jersey State House in Trenton in order to offer the Invocation to the members of the New Jersey General Assembly. Afterwards, His Eminence, joined by the Consul General of Greece in New York, Iphigenia Kanara, and prominent members of the Greek-American community in New Jersey, were presented proclamations from the Assembly to mark the occasion as the State’s official recognition and celebration of the Independence of the Hellenic Nation.
Metropolitan Apostolos said the following:
“As we commemorate and remember the joyous celebration of the 204th Anniversary of the Independence of the Hellenic Nation, let us be reminded of the wonderful gifts that God desires for all mankind, freedom and peace.
“Let us pray for the end of the horrible and devastating wars and conflicts that exist throughout the world, so that peace may abound on Earth. Let us pray for the end of persecution, discrimination, slavery, trafficking, and suffering that are afflicting millions of people throughout the world, remembering that all men are created equal, and mankind has been created in the image of God.
“We also ask that our almighty God continues to bless all of us, the President of our Nation, the Governor of this Great State, the members of this Assembly, all those in elected office, and all of the brave members of our nation’s armed forces, so that we may all live in peace and harmony, surrounded by the love of God.
“We also ask our loving and merciful God to continue to send down his heavenly blessings upon all of us gathered here at this historic State House in Trenton, New Jersey, and ask that He guides and enlightens the members of this Assembly, so that you may continue to perform the most important duties and responsibilities entrusted to your hands, as you work together for the betterment of the beloved people of the Garden State.”
The speech of Consul General Iphigenia Kanara follows:
“Honorable Members of the State Assembly, Esteemed Guests: It is a profound honor to stand before you today, for the first time in my new capacity as CG of Greece in NY, as we celebrate Greek Independence Day – a day that marks the triumph of a people who dared to fight for their freedom.
“Their fight for freedom was not merely a national cause but a universal declaration that no people should live without self-determination, without dignity, without the right to govern themselves.
“These ideals – freedom, democracy, and the rule of law – are as relevant today as they were then. Around the world, we are reminded that democracy is not to be taken for granted. It must be nurtured, defended, and strengthened in the face of challenges. As nations and as individuals, we are called to stand against forces that threaten human rights, political freedom, and global stability.
“The bond between Greece and the United States has always been rooted in this shared belief. The Founding Fathers of this great nation were inspired by the principles of ancient Greece, just as the Greek revolutionaries looked to America’s own struggle for independence as proof that freedom is worth every sacrifice. Today, our two nations continue to stand together, as strategic partners, upholding these values in an era when they are more vital than ever.
“The Greek-American community, so deeply connected to both its heritage and to the fabric of this great nation, has played an essential role in advocating for these principles. Their contributions to American society are a testament to what can be achieved when democracy and freedom are allowed to flourish.
“As we celebrate Greek Independence Day, let us not only honor the sacrifices of the past but also recommit ourselves to the future – to a world where sovereignty is respected, where justice prevails, and where the values of freedom and democracy continue to light the way forward.”
Yia Mas Announces Upcoming Retreats in Greece, May 9-12 and June 30-July 6
NEW YORK – Yia Mas announced two upcoming wellness retreats in Greece, the Awaken Your Wild Feminine retreat May 9-12 and the Greek Grace retreat on Serifos June 30-July 6.
A version of this story was originally published in October 2024.It is a saga that has played out repeatedly in New Jersey: Parents, students and alumni mourning the loss of a beloved Catholic school.The latest example is in Essex County, where the Archdiocese of Newark announced Wednesday that Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair will permanently close in June.It joins a growing list of Catholic schools across the country closing their...
A version of this story was originally published in October 2024.
It is a saga that has played out repeatedly in New Jersey: Parents, students and alumni mourning the loss of a beloved Catholic school.
The latest example is in Essex County, where the Archdiocese of Newark announced Wednesday that Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair will permanently close in June.
It joins a growing list of Catholic schools across the country closing their doors as enrollment declines and financial pressures mount. (See the list of New Jersey’s recently-closed Catholic schools below.)
“We deeply regret the necessity of this decision and understand the profound impact it will have on our students, families, faculty and staff,” said Barbara Dolan, the archdiocese’s superintendent of Catholic schools.
Declining enrollment and financial problems contributed to the decision to close the school, Dolan said.
Those are some of the same reasons given for the closures and mergers of more than two dozen other Catholic schools in New Jersey this decade in a broader national trend that has vexed church officials and educators for years.
The all-girls Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi closed after 108 years in June 2023, three years after its most celebrated alum, “West Side Story” actress Rachel Zegler, received her diploma.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 was especially challenging. At least 20 New Jersey Catholic schools did not reopen the first September after the start of the pandemic and three others were merged.
However, some schools that closed have found ways to continue under different setups.
In 2020, after the Diocese of Camden said it would close Wildwood Catholic High School and Cape Trinity Catholic Elementary School, supporters raised more than $1 million and both schools were merged into a single, K-12 school, Wildwood Catholic Academy.
Saint Joseph High School in Hammonton also closed in June 2020. However, it was revived starting in September as St. Joseph Academy, and is operated as an independent school for grades 9-12.
In 2021, the Diocese of Trenton said it would close the Trenton Catholic Academy, but then agreed to lease its 64-acre campus in Hamilton to an independent group that rebranded the 59-year-old school as the K-12 Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy. It became the Thrive Charter School in 2024.
There were 5,905 U.S. Catholic schools in operation during the 2023-24 school year, down from approximately 11,000 in 1970, according to the National Catholic Education Association.
Nationwide, enrollment increased in 2022 for the first time in two decades, but has since leveled off. There were 1.69 million students in Catholic schools as of 2023, down 14% from a decade ago, the group said. Enrollment at Catholic schools is usually open to students of all religions, with 21% of students not identifying as Catholic.
Officials have typically sought to sell or lease school buildings that have been closed.
Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair opened in 1925. It is inviting representatives from other Catholic schools to a Feb. 26 meeting with students and parents about enrollment possibilities for the next school year.
Here is a list of Catholic schools in New Jersey that have closed since 2020, based on news reports and announcements by the schools.
Did we miss any? Please let us know.
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Rob Jennings may be reached at [email protected].
From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know.New Jersey is facing an escalating housing crisis with skyrocketing rents, a shortage of supply and an increasing displacement of low-to-middle-income residents.Now, el...
From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know.
New Jersey is facing an escalating housing crisis with skyrocketing rents, a shortage of supply and an increasing displacement of low-to-middle-income residents.
Now, elected officials are trying to implement policies that will make homes more affordable in the future.
On Thursday, the Assembly Housing Committee approved five bills that Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, the committee chair, said addresses key issues impacting the lack of affordable homes in the Garden State.
One of the bills promotes housing availability and discourages speculation by imposing a fee for institutional ownership of certain unproductive residential homes. Politicians and experts say that the gap between supply and demand is one of the primary reasons for the housing crisis.
Lopez said the idea is that by releasing these properties back into the market, there will be an expanded inventory of homes.
A separate measure aims to establish standards for determining what would be considered an unconscionable rent increase. According to Zillow, the average monthly rent for an apartment in New Jersey is $2,523, which is 22% higher than the national average.
Another proposal will require each county to submit information monthly to the Commissioner of Community Affairs about the availability of affordable housing units and housing units for people 65 and older within the county.
A separate measure would establish a centralized directory for the two types of housing.
Lawmakers are also considering The Neighborhood Protection and Housing Affordability Act, which would prohibit short-term rentals in exclusively residential zones, unless authorized by the municipality.
N.J. has a new affordable housing law, but it will take years for it to make a difference
A new affordable housing law in N.J. abolishes COAH and directs the Dept. of Community Affairs to help make affordable housing a reality.
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Lopez said affordable housing is a long-term work in progress, but the wait will be worth it.
“We will have units available to our families and residents, and the policies we have enacted will allow more families to access more affordable and safe housing, because that is a basic right that we must continue to fight for,” she said.
Jag Davies, spokesman and the incoming communications director of the New Jersey Fair Share Housing Center, said that over the past few decades, housing costs have increased at a much faster rate than inflation, forcing some families to make food and medical sacrifices in order to pay rent or a mortgage. With the looming cuts to federal housing programs, the challenges are even more daunting, he said.
“So it’s really important for state and policy makers to do everything they can to stave off a massive rate of evictions,” he said.
He said the bill passed by the committee that controls big rent increases is especially important.
“If a landlord tries to raise rent at a level that is completely out of whack with rents in the area, it gives tenants tools to be able to stay in their homes and avoid getting thrown out onto the streets,” Davies said. “This is a pretty common sense and long overdue law that would help keep people in their homes.”
Lopez said unfortunately there is no quick fix to solve this problem.
“Development is a difficult process in general, especially for affordable housing, financing, land availability are among the challenges to build more units,” she said.
She said an additional 85,000 units of affordable housing will be built over the next decade.
“We will continue working on a variety of tools to improve our development practices, and ensure that we have the financing, incentives and programs to make sure more housing gets built,” Lopez said.
Davies noted that New Jersey is the only state in the nation that requires every municipality to develop its fair share of affordable housing, but he agrees it will take several years for more units to be built and become available.
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UPDATE: DeLorenzo’s to be replaced by weed dispensaryDeLorenzo’s Pizza, one of the last bastions of the famed De Lorenzo pizza family, has been closed after being seized by the state.The Hamilton eatery, located at 147 Sloan Ave. and owned by Rick De Lorenzo Jr., currently h...
UPDATE: DeLorenzo’s to be replaced by weed dispensary
DeLorenzo’s Pizza, one of the last bastions of the famed De Lorenzo pizza family, has been closed after being seized by the state.
The Hamilton eatery, located at 147 Sloan Ave. and owned by Rick De Lorenzo Jr., currently has a notice of seizure posted on its front door, dated Tuesday, from the state division of taxation. The notice reads the pizzeria has been seized “for non-payment of New Jersey state taxes.”
A spokesperson for the state treasury department confirmed to NJ Advance Media Wednesday “the property was seized for failure to comply with New Jersey tax laws.”
Mercer County Superior Court records show an unpaid judgment of $11,317.41, according to a Nov. 7, 2024 filing obtained by NJ Advance Media Thursday.
Phone calls made to the restaurant Wednesday during usual business hours were not answered. A request for comment made Tuesday night via DeLorenzo’s Facebook page was met only with “please respect our privacy at this time, thank you.”
No additional notes of closure have been shared on the pizzeria’s website or social media pages.
The pizzeria serving Trenton tomato pies and other Italian offerings has been located on Sloan Avenue since 2013, after moving from its longstanding Trenton location, opened in 1961.
This apparent closure is the latest chapter in a long, twisting history for New Jersey’s most legendary pizza (or tomato pie) family.
Pasquale and Maria De Lorenzo (with a space in their name, this becomes important) immigrated to America from Naples, Italy in the 1930s. They settled in Trenton’s Chambersburg neighborhood, a vibrant Italian enclave at the time.
According to DeLorenzo’s website, Joe De Lorenzo — one of Pasquale and Maria’s 12 children, and Rick Jr.’s uncle — opened the first DeLorenzo’s Pizzeria (no space in name) in 1938. Rick Jr.‘s father, Rick Sr., began to help run the family business during World War Two. Eventually, another DeLorenzo’s was opened, on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton in 1961. That shop lasted until 2013, when Rick Jr. moved the business to the suburbs, on Sloan Avenue in neighboring Hamilton Township.
All of this is not to be confused with the better-known De Lorenzo’s (with the slightly different spelling) Tomato Pies, opened by sibling Alexander “Chick” De Lorenzo on Hudson Street in 1947 and closed in 2012, after being run by his daughter, Eileen Amico (née De Lorenzo), and her husband, Gary Amico, for decades. This separate De Lorenzo’s business expanded to Robbinsville in 2008 (prior to the Hudson Street closing), where it still stands today. An outpost in Yardley, Pa. opened in 2018.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to add information found in a court document obtained by NJ Advance Media.
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