MINDING YOUR MIND: Library Resources

By Jo Valenti, BSN, RN, Cumberland County Mental Health Advocate

What do you get at the library? Books? You might be surprised! The clue to the answer partly lies in the Vineland Public Library mission statement: “The Vineland Public Library, as a cornerstone of Vineland’s educational and cultural foundation, is dedicated to responding to the expressed and anticipated informational and lifelong learning needs of its diverse community.”

As you will read below, the library fulfills its mission every week. To that mission, the VPL offers several interesting and helpful programs including the following:

Social Worker – Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flor Cruz, social worker with the City of Vineland, will help you navigate social services, government assistance programs, job search (including help with resume writing), substance abuse and mental health problems, homelessness, and domestic violence. She helps connect people with appropriate resources. Walk-ins are welcome. Anyone who needs extra time will be given an appointment to come back.

Tai Chi – Moving meditation for health and balance. One Friday of the month 11 to 11:45 a.m. Morris Segal, of the Yang Family Tai Chi Association and United Fellowship of Martial Arts International, leads this group, designed with seniors in mind, although anyone 18 years and older is welcome. 

Tea and Coloring – Relax while listening to classical music. Reduce stress with quiet socialization and maybe even build friendships! Coloring pages and pencils provided. Tea, coffee and snacks served. Second Tuesday of the month 2 to 3 p.m. June, July, and August only: third Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 18 years and up. Group organized by Caroline Fricke, Vineland Public Library.

Cozy Crafters – Bring your craft, such as crocheting, knitting, diamond art or even writing. Seniors, teens and young adults aged 12 and up. Last Monday of the month 1:30 to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. Group organized by Kenya Morgan, Vineland Public Library.

Senior Movement – Open to adults over 55 who want to stay active and independent for life- SAIL. This session offers strength, balance and fitness which, in turn, increases your energy and flexibility and decreases fall risk. Each beginner client receives an intake form to fill out with general health information to enable the program to be tailored to individual needs. Care is given so that each participant feels comfortable and the atmosphere is totally non-competitive or judgmental. Tuesdays 10 to 11 a.m. led by Andrea Noble, PRAC, NJ.

Office on Aging and Disabled – A community service worker from this Cumberland County Office will help with information and referrals for seniors regarding federal and state programs such as PAAD and Senior Gold (both for help with prescription costs), Senior Freeze and other property tax relief programs, heating assistance, homecare services, and nutritional support programs. These workers can assist with the NJSAVE application process for those who cannot access a computer. NJSAVE is one application for multiple state benefit programs making the application process streamlined. 

The community service workers are also health insurance counselors for Medicare beneficiaries, helping navigate the application process and assisting with questions regarding Medicare coverage and supplemental insurance. Walk-ins are welcome Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30 to 3:30. For more, call the Office on Aging & Disabled at 856-453-2220.

Vineland Public Library is located at 1058 E. Landis Ave, Vineland. Phone: 856-794-4244.

The Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board actively promotes awareness of stigma and the need for public education regarding mental health and addiction. The Board meets monthly, and the public is invited to attend. Refer to the meeting schedule on the Cumberland County website for meeting dates. The Board is also seeking new members. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and a resume to Melissa Niles, Cumberland County Human Services, 70 W. Broad Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or melissani@cumberlandcountynj.gov

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