Get Smart: Know when Antibiotics Work

Posted on June 22, 2019 by jwatrel

Get Smart: Know when Antibiotics Work

Cold or flu. Antibiotics Don’t work for you.

When you feel sick, you want to feel better fast. But antibiotics aren’t the answer for every illness. This brochure can help you know when antibiotics work and when they won’t. For more information, talk to your doctor or visit http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community.

The Risk: Bacteria Becomes Resistant

What’s the harm in taking antibiotics anytime? Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic.

These resistant bacteria are stronger and harder to kill. They can stay in your body and can cause severe illnesses that can not be cured with antibiotic medicines. A  cure for resistant bacteria may require stronger treatment and possibly a stay in the hospital.

To avoid the threat of antibiotic resistant infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you avoid taking unnecessary antibiotics.

Antibiotics aren’t always the answer:

More illnesses are caused by two kinds of germs: bacteria and viruses. Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections not viral infections.

Bacteria cause strep throat: some pneumonia and sinus infections. Antibiotics can work.

Viruses cause the common cold, most coughs and the flu. Antibiotics don’t work.

Using antibiotics for a virus:

*Will not cure the infection

*Will not help you feel better

*Will not keep others from catching your illness

Protect yourself with the best care:

You should not use antibiotics to treat the common cold or the flu.

If antibiotics are prescribed for you to treat a bacterial infection-such as strep throat-be sure to take all of the medicine. Only using part of the prescription means that only part of the infection has been treated. Not finishing the medicine can cause resistant bacteria to develop. Talk to your doctor or nurse to learn more.

Commonly asked Questions:

How do I know if I have a viral illness or a bacterial infection?

Ask your doctor or health care provider and follow his or her advice on what to do about your illness. Remember, colds are caused by viruses and should not be treated with antibiotics.

Won’t an antibiotic help me feel better quicker so that I can back to work when I get a cold or flu?

No, antibiotics do nothing to help a viral illness. They will not help you feel better sooner. Ask your doctor or health care provider what other treatments are available to treat symptoms.

If mucus from the nose changes from clear to yellow or green-does that mean I need an antibiotic?

Yellow or green mucus does not mean that you have sinus infection. It is normal for the mucus to get thick and change color during a viral cold.

Get smart:

*Antibiotics are strong medicines but they don’t cure everything.

*When not used correctly, antibiotics can actually be harmful to your health.

*Antibiotics can cure most bacterial infections. Antibiotics can not cure viral illnesses.

*Antibiotics kill bacteria-not viruses.

*When you are sick, antibiotics are not always the answer.

Use Antibiotics wisely: Talk with your doctor or healthy care provider about the right medicines for your health.

For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at:

http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information.  Please call the numbers above for more information.

Posted in Drug Assistance Programming, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Senior Services, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Recognizing Postpartum Depression: Speak up when you’re down

Posted on June 22, 2019 by jwatrel

Recognizing Postpartum Depression: Speak up when you’re down

http://www.njspeakup.gov

1-800-328-3838

Highs & Lows, ups & downs the many moods of PPD:

Every new baby is one of a kind and so is every new mom. Some women seem to sail through pregnancy and the first days of motherhood joyfully. Others ride a roller coaster of emotions, feeling happy and excited one minute and lonely or tearful the next. Most of the time, feelings of sadness are mild and pass quickly but sometimes they are serious and don’t go away. The important thing is to understand the difference and to get help when it is needed.

Up to 80% of new mothers cry easily or feel stressed following the birth of a baby. These known as the “baby blues” usually go away in a couple of weeks. However, some women feel a heavy sadness that doesn’t go away. These women may have postpartum depression (PPD) or more rarely, a condition known as postpartum depression (PPD) or more rarely, a condition known as postpartum psychosis. A woman with one of these more serious problems may have difficulty bonding with her baby. She may feel that she is not a good mother. She may think that she doesn’t love her baby enough.

These feelings are upsetting. However, women need to know that treatment is available.

PPD: Temporary & Treatable:

Having a baby is a life change. PPD can affect any woman who:

*Is pregnant

*Has recently had a baby

*Has ended a pregnancy or has miscarried

*Has stopped breast-feeding

PPD can appear days or even months after childbirth. The warning signs are different for everyone but include:

*Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

*Changes in appetite-eating much more or much less

*Feeling irritable, angry or nervous

*Feeling exhausted

*Not enjoying life as much as in the past

*Lack of interest in the baby

*Lack of interest in friends and family

*Lack of interest in sex

*Feeling guilty or worthless

*Feeling hopeless

*Crying uncontrollably

*Feelings of being a bad mother

*Trouble concentrating

*Low energy

*Thoughts of harming the baby or herself

Family and friends may feel upset by these mood changes; in fact, they may notice that there is a problem even before the new mom does. They can help by being patient and supportive.

Love and support, however may not be enough. When symptoms last longer than two weeks or affect a woman’s ability to enjoy her daily life, loved ones should encourage the new mother to get help right away. Whether symptoms are mild or severe with proper treatment, anyone can recover from PPD.

Young & Older Urban & Suburban PPD can affect anyone:

No one is 100%  sure why postpartum depression happens but risk factors include:

*Change in the body hormone levels

*A difficult pregnancy

*A birth that did not go as planned

*Medical problems with the mother or baby

*Not getting enough sleep

*Feeling alone

*Loss of freedom

*Sudden changes in the home or work routines

*Personal or family history of depression

*Previous experience with PPD

*Not having enough support from family and friends

*High levels of stress

Although some women are more likely to experience depression than others, PPD can happen with any pregnancy or birth, even if a woman has had other babies without emotional problems. Women of every culture, age, income level and race can have PPD.

It is important to remember that PPD is no one’s fault and treatment is available.

Phone: 1-800-328-3838

Website: njspeakup.gov

When a woman has a baby…

1 woman in 10:

Experiences depression during pregnancy. These symptoms are like the baby blues but happen before the baby is born.

8 women in 10:

Experience the baby blues after giving birth. They may cry for no apparent reason, feel impatient, irritable, restless and anxious.

1 woman in 8:

Experience postpartum depression. A woman with PPD may feel sluggish, sad, confused, anxious, irritable, guilty and have difficulty remembering things. She may have trouble eating and sleeping. She may have fears of harming the baby or herself. Her moods might change from being very happy to very sad. She may feel out of control. She may want to avoid seeing people or talking about her feelings.

1 woman in 1000:

Experiences postpartum psychosis, which usually happens within the first three months after birth. This illness is rare and symptoms are very severe. A woman with psychosis does not know what is real and what is imagined. She may have hallucinations or delusions. She may not be able to sleep. Her actions may be unpredictable.

In New Jersey:

Between 11,000 and 16,000 women suffer from PPD every year.

Speak up when you’re down 1-800-328-3838.

If you think you or a loved one may have PPD:

*Talk about your feelings with people you trust.

*Tell your doctor

*Ask family and friends to help care for the baby

*Eat a healthy diet

*Exercise for more energy

*Join a PPD support group

*Seek treatment if feelings of unhappiness last longer than two weeks

*Call 1-800-328-3838 to find treatment services near your home (New Jersey residents)

*Visit http://www.njspeakup.gov

Healthy feelings between a mother and her child are important for the baby’s physical and emotional growth. Waiting too long to treat PPD may result in long-lasting effects.

Healthcare providers and licensed counselors can help a women find the treatment that is best for her. This treatment includes the right therapy safe medication and support groups.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the NJSpeakup pamphlet and I give them full credit on the information. Please call them directly for more information on the program and where to help.

Posted in Child Program Services, New Jersey Children's Programs, New York Children's Program, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Game Plan for Kid’s Health-Hackensack University Health Network

Posted on June 22, 2019 by jwatrel

Game Plan for Kid’s Health-Hackensack University Health Network

HackensackUMC and the New York Red Bulls want to help keep kids healthy and we’ve taken up the challenge by developing a “GAMEPLAN for Kids’Health.”

At the “Hometown Hospital” of the New York Red Bulls, HackensackUMC is proud to care for the team’s players, coaches and staff. Together, we’re for the team’s players, coaches and staff. Together, we’re sharing our “GAMEPLAN” for Kid’s Health,” ten simple steps to help your family incorporate healthy eating, exercise and disease prevention into their everyday lives.

The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at HackensackUMC is ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s 2012-2013 Best Children’s Hospitals, rated in the Top 25 for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

To find out how one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals can help you and your loved ones, visit HackensackUMC.org.

To learn more about our GAMEPLAN for Kid’s Health, visit HackensackUMC.org/HealthKids.

 

  1. Be the Center of your Child’s Nutrition: Strike against the trans fats, kick the calories, tackle the food allergies, if needed, call in the coaches to help your defense. Score a goal for better nutrition.
  2. Watch your hands: Makes sure your child understands the importance of clean hands, especially after using the bathroom before eating and after handling the classroom pet.
  3. Avoid the Rays: By keeping covered in the shade protective clothing and sunscreen will help prevent skin cancer and keep you looking young.
  4. Play as a Team: Eat dinner as a family.
  5. The Best Offense is a Good Defense: Make sure your child is up-to-date with his or her immunizations as school starts.
  6. Hit the Showers: Make sure your child uses clean equipment, showers after sports and doesn’t share items like towels or water bottles.
  7. Heads Up: Wear helmets with bicycle, scooters and skateboards.
  8. Stay Hydrated: Drink water, not sugary drinks, which can make you lose more water than you again.
  9. Prepare for the Big Leagues: Screen and maintain cholesterol levels before you are an adult.
  10. Get in the Game: Limit TV, cellphone and computer time.

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the HackensackUMC pamphlet for Game Plan for Kids’ Health and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information on the program.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Child Program Services, New Jersey Children's Programs, New York Children's Program, Senior Services, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Alliance for Positive Change: Harm Reduction Group

Posted on June 21, 2019 by jwatrel

The Alliance for Positive Change: Harm Reduction Group

Harm Reduction Group

Every Tuesday from 10:00am-11:00am

64 West 35th Street, 3rd Floor

New York, NY

Attend our weekly Harm Reduction Group to discuss harm reduction strategies, relapse prevention skills, recovery and relationships in a safe and supportive environment. MetroCards will be provided.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Sullivan at (212) 645-0875, ext. 350.

Disclaimer: This information was taken from a pamphlet from The Alliance for Positive Change and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above number for more information on the program.

Posted in Alliance for Positive Change Programming, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs, Drug Assistance Programming, Food and Nutrition Programming, Health and Life Support Services, New York City Caregiver Programming, New York City Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

AARP Driver Safety Program Discover Driver Safety

Posted on June 20, 2019 by jwatrel

AARP Driver Safety Program Discover Driver Safety

For local course information, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit http://www.aarp.org/drive. Visit http://www.aarp.org/drive/online for online course information.

Discover Driver Safety: enroll now in an AARP Driver Safety Program course! Call 1-888-227-7669.

A refresher course geared especially to your safety needs:

*Learn safe driving strategies.

*Learn defensive driving techniques.

*No Test

*Available in the classroom or online.

Course participants may be eligible to receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums. (Consult your insurance company for further details).

Disclaimer: This information was taken from a pamphlet from AARP on Driver Safety Program and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

Posted in AARP Programming, Drunk Driving Programming, New Jersey Senior Transportation Programming, New York City Senior Programming, Senior Driving Programs, Senior Services, Senior Transportation Programming, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

American Cancer Society-Go Natural: Protect your skin

Posted on June 20, 2019 by jwatrel

American Cancer Society-Go Natural: Protect your skin

For special occasions, like prom, a wedding or spring break, having a tan was once considered a necessity, but heading to a tanning bed is just as dangerous as tanning outdoors. Both can have lasting effects on your skin.

So what’s the big deal about tanning salons?

*Tanning beds release dangerously high levels of ultraviolent (UV) radiation, which can cause premature aging of the skin and increase your risk for skin cancer.

*Short-term indoor tanning can cause red, itchy, dry skin.

*Long-term indoor tanning can lead to sagging, wrinkled skin.

*Tanning beds can also burn your skin and eyes and damage your immune system.

This year as you prepare for some of the best times in your life, make the decision to look your best. Keep your skin healthy and natural by avoiding unprotected sun exposure and indoor tanning. For more information about skin cancer, contact the American Cancer Society.

1-800-ACS-2345

http://www.cancer.org

Hope.Progress.Answers

Disclaimer: This information came from a pamphlet from the American Cancer Society and I give them full credit for the information. Please call or email them from the above numbers.

Posted in Cancer Programming, Corporate Programming for the public, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New York City Caregiver Programming, New York City Senior Programming, Skin Cancer and Treatment Programs, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bergen Bites Back: Target mosquito breeding sites in and around your home

Posted on June 20, 2019 by jwatrel

Bergen Bites Back: Target mosquito breeding sites in and around your home.

Find mosquitoes before they find you! Join the Bergen Bites Back initiative. Get your yard ready for mosquito season now!

Prevent mosquito breeding sites by doing the following at least once a week:

*Empty, clean, turnover and /or dispose containers that can hold water, such as tires, buckets and flower pots both inside and outside your home.

*Clean drains and gutters.

*Keep swimming pools/ponds  adequately treated with recommended products to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Mosquito Protection:

*Use screens on open windows and keep doors closed.

*Wear long-sleeved bright colored clothing. Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

*Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. Follow label instructions. Remember to apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

Did you know?

*Water+Mosquitoes

*Litter Free Property=Less Mosquitoes

*The Bergen County Clean Communities Program offers Mini-grants to non-profit groups in exchange for clean-ups of public property.

*There are over 60 species of mosquitoes in New Jersey.

Different mosquitoes carry different viruses that spread diseases:

Type of Mosquito:

Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus

Type of virus:

Chikungunya, Dengue Zika

Biting Habits:

Mostly daytime but can also bite at night

Type of Mosquito:

Culex species

Type of Virus:

West Nile

Biting Habits:

Evening to morning

If you are bitten:

If you think you’ve been bitten by a mosquito:

*Wash the bite with soap and water

*Put on calamine lotion to help stop the itching.

If you get sick after being bitten by a mosquito and suspect a mosquito-borne disease call your doctor. Tell your doctor where you traveled.

County of Bergen

Bergen County Department of Health Services

(201) 634-2600

http://www.bergenhealth.org

Bergen County Clean Communities Program: (201) 634-2782

Mosquito Control in Bergen County: (201) 634-2880

More information: http://www.cdc.gov/zika

http://nj.gov/health/cd/zika

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Bergen Bites Back pamphlet and I give them full credit for it. Please call or email the numbers above for more information.

 

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Men's Programming, New Jersey Children's Programs, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Sanitation Programs, Senior Services, Skin Cancer and Treatment Programs, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Juggling Estate Decisions: With a step-family, try not to split heirs By Jane Bryant Quinn

Posted on June 16, 2019 by jwatrel

Juggling Estate Decisions: With a step-family, try not to split heirs

By Jane Bryant Quinn

*I found this article in the latest AARP Bulletin and I give Ms. Quinn full credit for this article which I think is very important for families to remember.

When you say “I do,” you’re entering a financial partnership as well as an emotional one. If you say “I do” a second time and have children, your partnership acquires new stakeholders-not necessarily willing ones. Adult children have expectations about how much they’ll inherit and how soon. A new spouse scrambles that calculus. “Stepparents and step children are natural competitors,” says estate-planning attorney Marc Accettura. “It’s the number one source of conflict in my practice.”

All should be well if you and your spouse are each financially independent and leave your own assets to your natural heirs. But if one spouse depends on the other for support, assets will have to be tied up for that spouse’s lifetime. In cases of May-December marriages, children of the older spouse might have to wait an extra 15 years or more before any money comes their way. No smiles there.

Nevertheless, your first responsibility is to your spouse. When you write a prenuptial agreement or update your wills, you’ll each want to be sure that the other will have enough to live on if left alone. A surviving spouse does have the right to claim certain amounts of the late spouse’s assets in the absence of a will or proper prenup. The award can be large or a trifle, depending on state law-be sure you know which.

At the death of the first spouse, distribute at least a little cash to all the adult children, equally. It’s not so much the amount as the signal that you cared.

In families with good (or good enough) relationships children and stepchildren should be treated the same in wills. If there’s a reason not to, the results should still seem fair. For example, take a man with a young second family. He might set aside enough for their education and divide the rest of the children’s money equally.

A persistent source of conflict is the division of personal property, says John Scroggin, an attorney with Scroggin & Co in Atlanta. First-family heirlooms might be claimed by second-family children in the worst case leading to lawsuits. You and your spouse can help by signing and dating a list of where important items should go and attaching it to your will.

If you leave everything to your spouse, you can’t be sure that your natural children will ever inherit any money. That’s because, after your death, the ties between step-parent and stepchildren might fray. Your spouse’s children will murmur, “You haven’t seen Freddie for ten years, why leave him 30% of the estate?”

To preserve inheritances, it helps to leave money for children in trust with income to the spouse for life. Still, the spouse can effect changes. “In real life, the survivor wins,” says Martin Kurtz, a financial planner at the Planning Center in Moline, Ill.

Memo to self: Discuss options with a lawyer. Memo to children and stepchildren. Keep in touch.

Disclaimer: This article was written by Jane Bryant Quinn for AARP Bulletin and I give her full credit for the article. I think this is very important for families to know when writing your will.

Posted in Estate Planning Programming, Legal Assistance Programs, Men's Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Juggling Estate Decisions: With a step-family, try not to split heirs By Jane Bryant Quinn

Evergreen Substance Abuse Treatment Program at New Bridge Medical Center

Posted on June 8, 2019 by jwatrel

Evergreen Substance Abuse Treatment Program at New Bridge Medical Center

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

230 East Ridgewood Avenue

Paramus, NJ  07652

(800) 730-2762

NewBridgeHealth.org

Programs:

Medical Detoxification

Residential Treatment

Partial Hospital Program

Intensive Outpatient Program

Teen T.H.R.I.V.E.

Evergreen is the collective name for addiction treatment services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. The Evergreen Program provides a full range of medical and mental health services including:

*Certified counselors

*Assistance in directing you to the right level of continuing care

*Patient driven programming that provides individual and group therapies and psycho-education within a 12 step framework

*Access Center assessments and placement

*Admissions to treatment 7 days per week

Call for an assessment-1-800-730-2762.

Medical Detoxification:

Inpatient treatment is often necessary for a safe and successful medical withdrawal from alcohol, heroin, benzodiazepines and prescription pain medication. Detoxification is often the vital first step of the rehabilitative process. Patients requiring detoxification can do so in a safe environment staffed with trained, competent and caring professionals. The time period for detoxification is usually 4-5 days but can be up to 8 days. To accommodate patients in need of detox who have ambulating issues or other medical comorbidities, Bergen New Bridge has expanded its detox program to accommodate higher acuity patients.

Residential Treatment:

Patients who require more intensive treatment will find the structure and programming in our 24 hour a day inpatient programs to be “just what the doctor ordered”. Bergen New Bridge residential inpatient programs have a history of providing effective treatment.

Partial Hospital Program (PHP):

Patients who require more intensive outpatient treatment, which includes daily medical/psychiatric and nursing attention are best treated in the PHP, which meets daily Monday-Friday, five hours a day. The goal of outpatient treatment is to provide support, structure and therapy while allowing you to remain on your journey toward self-mastery and live at home and in your community.

Research has verified three essential elements that support recovery for a loved one and his or her commitment to abstinence:

*Aggressive intervention

*Family participation

*Sustained community support-involvement with a 12 Step Recovery Program.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):

Not every chemically-dependent patient requires inpatient or residential treatment. Many have been successfully launched into recovery through an effective outpatient treatment program. The Evergreen IOP Program creates an ideal opportunity for you to begin the road to recovery within your own community and family.

The IOP offers day and evening tracks in which you meet for a minimum of 3 hours per day 3 times per week. The treatment team, which  includes you, your counselors and a psychiatrist, when needed will meet to develop an individualized treatment plan to help therapeutically address your specific needs and to provide an appropriate set of interventions.

Teen T.H.R.I.V.E.:

The Evergreen program also offers substance abuse treatment for adolescents. Known as Teen T.H.R.I.V.E., the program encompasses multiple levels of care beginning with early intervention, intensive outpatient as well as an aftercare component. Teen T.H.R.I.V.E. is also co-occurring licensed by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Teen T.H.R.I.V.E. is committed to family involvement; as well as maintaining consistent collaborative communication between all community agencies and treatment in order to foster a positive recovery process.

The Evergreen Substance Abuse Treatment Program at Bergen Bridge Medical Center provides comprehensive substance abuse treatment to more than 15,000 people annually. Evergreen’s full range of services includes inpatient detoxification, residential treatment, partial hospital programming and intensive outpatient programming.

Evergreen is designed to meet the needs of persons over the age of 18 who are suffering from the disease of addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Access Center will assess your needs and direct your admission to the level of care that will provide the most appropriate treatment for you.

A family support group meets on Thursdays in the auditorium from 6:00pm-7:30pm to help family members understand substance use disorders and to learn effective way to deal and cope with their loved one’s addiction and recovery.

*Evergreen Substance Abuse Treatment Program (800) 730-2762.

*NewBridgeHealth.org

About Bergen New Bridge Medical Center:

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (BNBMC), a clinical affiliate of Rutgers, is a 1,070 bed hospital located at 230 East Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus, NJ. Founded in 1916 to treat patients with contagious diseases, the Medical Center is both the largest hospital and licensed nursing home in New Jersey and the fourth-largest publicity-owned hospital in the nation.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, a not for profit safety net facility, provides high-quality comprehensive services, including acute care, behavioral health care and long-term care to the greater Bergen County Community. The Medical Center, including its Long-Term Care Division, is fully accredited by The Joint Commission. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is one of the largest medical facilities providing a continuum of care for the behavioral health community.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center offers acute medical services, including 24/7 emergency department, surgical suites, physical rehabilitation, pharmacy, laboratory, radiologic services (including digital mammography), and more than 26 medical specialties available through its Ambulatory Care Center. The Medical Center is a Veterans Choice Provider proudly serving the healthcare needs of veterans. Learn more at http://www.newbridgehealth.org.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

230 East Ridgewood Avenue

Paramus, NJ  07652

(800) 730-2762

NewBridgeHealth.org

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the Center for more information on any of their programs.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs, Drug Assistance Programming, Homeless Service Programs, New Jersey Senior Programming, Prescription Drug Programs, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bergen County American Dream Program

Posted on June 8, 2019 by jwatrel

Bergen County American Dream Program: Open the door to a first home of your own-Open the door to the American Dream (for eligible first time home buyers and those who have not owned a home for at least three years.

Open the door to a first home of your own.

Bergen County Government can help:

Having a home of your own is a big part of achieving the American Dream. For countless Bergen County residents, however, the dream of home ownership is often beyond reach.

Faced with high real estate costs and the struggle to save for a down payment, many find themselves unable to translate their hard work and hopes into a home of their own.

In response to this situation, Bergen County government has developed an innovative program in partnership with area banks that combines below market interest rates and deferred pay back mortgage financing for qualified first time homebuyers.

We invite you to open the door and learn more about the American Dream program administered by the Bergen County Division of Community Development.

How the American Dream Program Works:

Step One:

To be considered for the American Dream program, you must:

*Live or work in Bergen County.

*Have a household income (i.e. the combined annual earnings of yourself and anyone 18 years or older who lives with you) that totals no more than 80 percent of the County’s median household income.

*Have a credit worthy track record.

*Be a first time homebuyer or not have owned a home for at least the past three years.

*Complete a homebuyer education class.

Step Two:

If you meet all of the above requirements and are approved, you will be partnered with a local bank that participates in the American Dream Program. Upon review of your financial status, the bank will pre-qualify the first mortgage amount and interest rate for you loan. The first mortgage amount will then be used to establish a maximum purchase price for your new home.

Step Three:

Second Mortgage and Down Payment Assistance from the American Dream Program.

After you have identified your new home and the final real estate contract has been negotiated, the American Dream program will provide a second mortgage of up to $40,000. This second mortgage is a non-interest bearing loan with pay back deferred until such time that you sell your home or the title is changed. Also, we will match up to $10,000 of your down payment which will become a grant after ten years. In addition to a portion of the down payment, you will also be required to have sufficient funds to pay for home purchase closing costs.

Step Four:

Type and Maximum Cost of your new home.

The new home you buy must be either a one family house or a condominium. Further, the cost of your new home cannot exceed 95% of the median home sales price in Bergen County at the time of purchase. Homes that are purchased under the program  will be subject to a Housing Quality and Standards inspection as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

For an application, call or email:

The American Dream Program

One Bergen County Plaza, 4th floor

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 336-7206

Fax: (201) 336-7248

Email: americandream@co.bergen.nj.us

Disclaimer: This information comes directly from the American Dream pamphlet and i give them full credit for the information. Please call the American Dream program for more information on the program.

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Home Improvement & Care Programs, Homeless Service Programs, Housing Programs, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment