Autism New Jersey Special Needs Vaccine Clinic

OceanFirst Foundation and OceanFirst Bank recently joined forces to award a $10,000 grant to Autism New Jersey for their Special Needs Vaccine Clinic held in partnership with the VNA Health Group (VNA) and VNA of Central Jersey Community Health Centers (CHC).

Autism New Jersey is committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support this mission. Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, Autism New Jersey Executive Director shared, “After more than a year of being isolated at home and with limited access to treatment and services, the opportunity for a vaccination is a beacon of hope for many families. This clinic offers just that. We are so grateful to OceanFirst Foundation and OceanFirst Bank for recognizing its importance and for supporting our efforts.”

Autism New Jersey has passed the threshold of pre-registering more than 776 individuals for their clinic and have more than 336 appointments scheduled and/or completed. At the VNA’s vaccine site located at Bell Works, Holmdel, members of Autism NJ are accommodated with designated parking, special check-in stations, limited wait times and special access to avoid public waiting areas.

“At OceanFirst, we’ve taken important steps to help our nonprofit partners meet the challenges of vaccinating of our neighbors, said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation. “This grant is especially significant as it helps to reach and provide support to individuals with special needs that want to be administered the COVID-19 vaccine. We are incredibly thankful to the VNA and Autism NJ for their efforts in bringing this special initiative to the communities we serve.”