25 Years of WRI: Looking Back and Moving Forward 

Authors: Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong, Angelina Cheng  This year, the Senator Walter Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers–Camden (WRI) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. In 2000, WRI was founded with a vision of creating a research center devoted to Camden City, South Jersey, and its namesake, Senator Walter Rand. Senator Rand was best known for his exceptional… continue reading

Transportation in South Jersey: What We’ve Heard A Year Later 

Authors: Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong, Devon Ziminski  It’s been about a year since WRI released a transportation report synthesizing 10 years’ worth of data from our projects. The goal of the report was to shed light on public transportation access in South Jersey, the impact that a lack of public transportation has on individuals and communities in… continue reading

Addressing Social Determinants of Health through Family Advocate Support in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties

Authors: Madeliene Alger, Kristin Curtis, and Priyal Shah The Family Strengthening Network (FSN), an initiative (project) of the United Advocacy Group, is a non-profit organization working in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties to empower families in achieving their goals by pairing each family with a Family Advocate (FA) free of charge. The FA collaborates with… continue reading

The Clayton Model program, WRI’s evaluation, and the Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Services approach in NJ

Authors: Celine Thompson, Amanda Ekelburg, Madeliene Alger There is increased focus nationally and in the state of New Jersey on approaches and initiatives that will address school-based mental health. Among these is the collaborative work of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the Rutgers Center for Comprehensive School Mental Health. Their work includes… continue reading

Strengthening South Jersey Families: Reflections from a 10-Year Evaluation of the Whole Family Approach

By: Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong, Madeliene Alger, Carla Villacis A few months ago, the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs was asked to participate in a Family Impact Seminar focused on how to better support low-income families across New Jersey. These seminars are targeted specifically for legislators across the State, and it was perfect timing for… continue reading