WELCOME TO THE VITALITY CATHOLIC HEALTHCARE SERVICES WEBSITE
As a healthcare ministry of the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, we are excited to share information about and provide access to our caring services through this web site. Having spent my entire professional career in healthcare – as a clinician, educator, and hospital administrator – I am humbled and happy to share that experience with the Diocese of Camden, by now serving to lead the work in the development and implementation of this new transformed healthcare ministry. This transition is from a healthcare ministry focused mainly on institutional long term care facilities, into a home and community based parish centered network of healthcare programs and services that are designed for the elderly and persons with disabilities, and for their families who struggle to support them day by day. I’m excited about the vast opportunities that now lie before us as we begin our journey with these new programs. As difficult as it is to end the era of ownership of three outstanding nursing homes that have well cared for our elderly and disabled persons for so many years, it is this transformation that opens the door for this innovative and revitalized health service ministry. The total net assets derived from the sale of our nursing homes has provided the financial basis for us to develop and implement these new programs, and thereby provide care to an even greater number of individuals in the settings of their homes, communities, and parishes. This transaction allows us to provide care in an economically sustainable manner that responsibly addresses our call to be good and faithful stewards of God’s gifts. The newly established Healthcare Foundation of the Diocese of Camden, with its dedicated Trustees, provides the financial resources that fuel this charitable service ministry.
Our programs are designed to provide ongoing assistance and support for the frail elderly and disabled, addressing their physical, spiritual, emotional and behavioral health. Our purpose is to remain relevant and responsive to the needs of God’s most vulnerable people and their families by delivering care where people are most comfortable and best able to receive it – at home and within their parish community. These services and programs help them maintain a healthier, safer, and higher quality of life, living in their homes within their local communities while promoting an elevated sense of human dignity and self-worth as they face the challenges of aging and/or disability. Physical, spiritual and emotional needs are addressed through a holistic approach to care. Every point of contact will include pastoral aspects of care that can bring health, comfort, and a sense of well- being to each individual served. These dimensions of care are what the Diocese of Camden sees as essential to the total well-being of our most vulnerable parishioners and the people of South Jersey whom we serve. As our Mission states: “Being rooted in our Catholic values, we deliver these services compassionately as the Gospel directs us, and we will care for and assist all people in need, regardless of their religious affiliation or ability to pay.”
We identify these new home and parish healthcare programs and services under the brand name “VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services” – Vitality signals our commitment to bring new life and spirit into the hearts of those we cherish the most – our frail elderly and disabled, along with their families who sacrifice so much out of love to care for them so dearly. Vitality brings life and hope to those who need the healing hand of Jesus extended to them through their church. We find our purpose in the sacred scripture:
“… I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
I hope that you find our web site informative and helpful. Feel free to reach out to us through our Resource and Referral Help-Line at 1- 888-26 VITALity (1-888-268-4825). Our staff is ready and eager to help you in any way we can. May God bless you in your needs and please pray for us as we pray for you and all who seek our care and love.
Peace and all good things,
Deacon Gerard “Jerry” Jablonowski