NJCDC Receives $150,000 Grant from The Cigna Group Foundation for NJ4S Passaic County
February 17, 2025
At NJCDC, we are deeply committed to ensuring the well-being of young people in our community. We believe that early intervention and targeted mental health support can transform lives. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that The Cigna Group Foundation has awarded NJCDC a $150,000 grant to help address the growing youth mental health crisis.
The Urgency of Youth Mental Health Support
The number of young people with mental health conditions has increased by 28% since 2018, according to a recent analysis by The Cigna Group’s Evernorth Research Institute. Even more concerning, the number of young people with at least two mental health diagnoses has risen by 48% in the same period. With over one in four parents reporting that their child faces mental health challenges — diagnosed or undiagnosed — the need for accessible support is undeniable.
Supporting Our Youth Through NJ4S Passaic County
The funding from The Cigna Group Foundation will support NJ4S Passaic County, a new initiative operated by NJCDC to provide comprehensive mental health services and support for students and families across the county. NJ4S Passaic County is part of New Jersey’s statewide NJ Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network, designed to enhance mental health resources for students in schools and communities.
The NJ4S Passaic County Hub will use these funds to expand their current offerings by implementing classroom-based workshops designed for elementary school students (grades K-5) across the county. These workshops will address specific needs identified by each school, ensuring that interventions are relevant and impactful. Key focus areas include:
Substance abuse prevention
Social skills development
Emotional regulation
Digital citizenship
Suicide prevention
By equipping students with the necessary tools to navigate life’s challenges, NJ4S Passaic County aims to foster a culture of resilience and support that will benefit them for years to come.
The Power of Early Intervention
NJCDC’s Founder and CEO, Bob Guarasci, emphasized the importance of targeting younger students to achieve meaningful prevention outcomes:
"Thanks to this grant from The Cigna Group Foundation, we will be able to target younger students, not only aligning with the overarching goal of prevention, but also tapping into the principle that earlier intervention tends to yield better outcomes. This collaboration has the potential to significantly extend our reach within the community, fostering a culture of support and early intervention that can positively impact students' development and well-being. Our efforts are addressing the youth mental health crisis through the implementation of evidence-based, targeted interventions tailored to students' unique needs, promoting their social and emotional well-being. The program’s approach ensures students receive the appropriate level of care and skills to navigate challenges effectively, both in and out of the classroom. We are grateful to have The Cigna Group Foundation’s support in NJCDC’s mission of creating opportunities to transform lives.”
A Shared Commitment to Youth Mental Health
The Cigna Group Foundation has a long-standing history of partnering with nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes. In April 2024, the Foundation announced a philanthropic and community engagement initiative, committing more than $27 million in grants over three years to nonprofits focused on youth mental health, veteran mental health, and reducing health equity barriers.
Melissa Skottegaard, Board Chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, highlighted the importance of partnerships like this one:
"To effectively intervene in the youth mental health crisis, we need strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations committed to improving the health and vitality of young people. Communities are only just beginning to grapple with the impact of the youth mental health crisis post-pandemic. We are privileged to partner with NJCDC to enable their important work to improve the mental health of youth in the communities we both serve.”
Creating a Brighter Future
At NJCDC, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. With the support of The Cigna Group Foundation, we will continue working toward a future where young people receive the mental health resources they need to succeed. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our youth and build a stronger, healthier community for all.