“We need to do something for the health and welfare of our people.”
Such were the sentiments of Bishop Dennis Sullivan in forming VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden about eight years ago, Deacon Jerry Jablonowski explained at the Feb. 16 Catholic Business Network in Turnersville.
More than three dozen business leaders from South Jersey and beyond gathered at Saints Peter and Paul Parish for Mass celebrated by the pastor, Father Stephen J. Rapposelli, as well as networking, breakfast and a presentation by Deacon Jablonowski, VITALity’s executive director.
The deacon explained that Bishop Sullivan was forward-thinking in recognizing that the Diocese needed people to help guide the elderly and those with disabilities toward healthcare resources.
“So we developed the services around those needs,” he said.
Today, 34 nurses, social workers, priests and deacons serve with VITALity, with more than 7,600 people having been helped through 22,000 visits – all free of charge to the clients. The South Jersey Ministries Appeal – which is now underway – helps fund these crucial services.
Among the most sought-after services: Medicaid assistance. “In some cases, clients have told us that people have spent anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for help in filling out a Medicaid application,” Deacon Jablonowski said. “Medicaid can be a difficult path to travel. The applications can be very intense.”
Helping clients obtain in-home medical equipment and home health aides, is also key. “We help keep them connected to services both social, medical and spiritual. We combine all of those in the realm of what we do.”
The Catholic Business Network of South Jersey meets the third Friday of every month at different parishes across the Diocese. For more information, visit cbnsj.org.
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