The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC), in partnership with Walmart and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, has awarded $85,000 in grants to nine New Jersey communities. The funding is dedicated to advancing local initiatives that prioritize mental health, reduce stigma, and promote overall wellness across the state.
The grants will support programs addressing mental health and stigma, with several also focusing on critical issues like substance use, suicide prevention, and intimate partner violence. The nine awarded towns represent communities of all sizes, with three municipalities selected from North, Central, and South Jersey regions.
“We are grateful to Walmart for continuing to support this important work,” Linda Schwimmer, president and CEO of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute said. “These communities are leading the way in creating safe, supportive environments where residents can access mental health resources and reduce stigma around seeking help.”
Jennifer Hoehn, director of Public Affairs for Walmart, reinforced the retailer’s commitment, stating, “By supporting initiatives that address mental health education, prevention, and access to care, we are helping communities across New Jersey build stronger foundations for long-term wellness.”
Highlights of funded community projects
The nine awarded municipalities will use the funding to launch specialized, culturally sensitive programs:
| Region | Municipality | Project Focus |
| South Jersey | Atlantic City | CROWNED: Empowerment for Young Women of Color – Mentoring and mental health workshops for Black and Latina girls focusing on resilience and coping skills. |
| Central Jersey | Borough of Freehold | Addressing Anti-Mental Health Stigma in the Spanish-Speaking Community – Bilingual outreach and referral program connecting Latino residents with culturally appropriate resources. |
| North Jersey | City of Englewood | Community Mental Health First Aid and Peer Support – Training residents as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors and hosting peer-led support groups for working-age adults. |
| Central Jersey | City of Plainfield | Movimiento y Mente (Movement & Mind) – A bilingual, culture-based wellness program using dance, storytelling, and creative expression for Black and Latino adults and families. |
| North Jersey | Jersey City | Let’s Do Better for a HealthierJC – A multilingual public awareness campaign utilizing social media and clergy partnerships to address mental health, stigma, and intimate partner violence among immigrant residents. |
| Central Jersey | Montgomery Township | Hope Squad Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention – Implementing a nationally recognized initiative that trains students to identify warning signs and connect classmates to trusted adults. |
| North Jersey | Township of Nutley | Employee and Community Wellness Program – Providing educational workshops and deploying a certified Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT) member to support survivors of intimate partner violence. |
| North Jersey | Township of West Orange | Senior Mental Health Support Program (Year 2) – Expanding creative wellness and peer support offerings for older adults in partnership with the Mental Health Association of NJ. |
| Central Jersey | Township of Woodbridge | Pathways to Wellness Program – Partnering the Health Department with the Police Department’s Arrive Together team to distribute age-appropriate Mental Wellness Kits during or after mental health–related encounters, promoting coping skills and community trust. |
The overwhelming response to the grant announcement—with the Quality Institute receiving 56 applications totaling over $727,000 in requests—underscores the urgent need for locally focused mental health resources. The Quality Institute continues to seek matching funding to award further grants to deserving towns.
The Mayors Wellness Campaign, a partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, has grown since 2006 to include over 430 participating communities, providing community leaders with tools and guidance to help improve local health and wellness.
