Wellpoint New Jersey has announced a $750,000 investment aimed at boosting housing, economic opportunity, and community health in Perth Amboy and Paterson. The funding is being distributed through the New Jersey Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) Program and marks Wellpoint’s largest grant commitment this year.
The initiative is designed to address key social and economic drivers of health by funding safe housing, job training, and local business development.
The $750,000 investment will be split between two prominent local nonprofit organizations:
- $400,000 to the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, Inc. to drive neighborhood revitalization efforts in Perth Amboy.
- $350,000 to the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) to support ongoing community initiatives in Paterson’s Great Falls neighborhood.
“Investing in the health and vitality of our communities goes beyond doctor visits and prescriptions,” Dr. Patrick Fox, president of Wellpoint New Jersey, said. “For many New Jersey residents, access to safe housing, stable employment, and strong neighborhoods directly impacts their ability to live and stay healthy.”
The NRTC program funding will be utilized for a diverse range of neighborhood improvements, including the construction and rehabilitation of housing units, the development of commercial facilities, small business support, workforce training, and crime prevention initiatives.
Robert Guarasci, CEO of the NJCDC, noted that the funds will allow the organization to expand critical daily programs that residents rely on. “It strengthens our ability to deliver real, lasting impact in Paterson while also supporting broader revitalization efforts across communities like Perth Amboy,” Guarasci said.
The grants are part of a broader, sustained strategy by Wellpoint New Jersey—which belongs to the Elevance Health brand family—to improve whole-person health and quality of life across the state. The insurer has recently made similar targeted investments in Camden and Trenton. Wellpoint plans to host local check presentation ceremonies in both Paterson and Perth Amboy in the coming weeks to celebrate the partnership.
