Press Release

PERTH AMBOY – The Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc. (PRAHD) has been awarded a $50,000 grant to support the agency’s Resources for Independent Living (REFIL) Program – a home healthcare service primarily for seniors, developmentally disabled individuals and their caregivers.

This award marks the second consecutive year of funding from the NJ Office of Faith Based Initiatives (NJOFBI) Social Entrepreneur and Enterprise Development (SE2D I) Project. SE2D I funding supports community based organizations that implement a revenue generating model whose purpose is to address social issues in creative and innovative ways. The recent investment to the REFIL program highlights PRAHD’s immense success in its dual approach of addressing social issues faced by not only the client through Certified Home Health Aides, but also issues faced by the caregiver who is provided supportive services offered by PRAHD.

“PRAHD created the REFIL program in response to the growing and urgent needs of New Jersey’s critical population of disabled and homebound patients,” states Yvonne Lopez, Executive Director/CEO of the agency.  “With 10 programs addressing a range of social issues, PRAHD has the ability to ensure the often overlooked caregiver is provided any necessary supportive services needed to allow them to participate meaningfully in their community”.

With year one funding from NJOFBI– PRAHD was able to enhance the program by increasing human capital resources, purchase of equipment, and expanding marketing efforts.  The investment ultimately led to the program serving additional patients and their caregivers throughout Middlesex County. Year two funding will allow REFIL to continue to enhance human capital, operational and training support – with an ultimate goal of serving more clients in need of personal care services.

The unmet need for home healthcare services, growing number of Medicare beneficiaries, and aging baby-boomer population ensures a strong market for REFIL services. Edward LaPorte, Executive Director at the NJ Office of Faith Based Initiatives, is excited to partner with PRAHD in addressing this issue.

“Driven by our commitment to promote community and economic transformation in our communities, NJOFBI is pleased to support REFIL – a program that directly addresses a critical social need in New Jersey” LaPorte remarked.