NORTHERN VALLEY—The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County (The Community Chest) will host the “Building Connections: Leveraging Technology to Combat Isolation” conference on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at LG Headquarters, 111 Sylvan Ave. in Englewood Cliffs.
This event, part of The Community Chest’s Connections Initiative, will provide professionals with tools and strategies to support individuals of all ages experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
The conference is free and open to the public. Professionals across disciplines working with individuals facing loneliness are encouraged to attend and explore new technologies aimed at fostering meaningful connections. Advance registration is required and can be completed at https://tinyurl.com/3dmwsamp.
“While some see technology and social media as contributors to loneliness, others are harnessing these tools to combat it,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, executive director of The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County. “This conference will showcase recent technological innovations designed to reduce isolation and create opportunities for connection.”
The event’s planning committee includes representatives from organizations such as West Bergen Mental Healthcare, MARCO Health, Children’s Aid and Family Services, The Community Chest, Vantage Health, and Helper Bears.
Sponsorship opportunities are available to support the conference. Prospective sponsors may contact Dr. Wimpfheimer at (201) 568-7474 or shelly@communitychestofenglewood.org.
Connections Initiative
The Connections Initiative was launched during The Community Chest’s 90th anniversary year in response to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s 2023 report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. The report identified loneliness as a significant public health issue affecting nearly 50% of Americans and linked to serious health conditions. The initiative seeks to address these challenges by fostering community and reducing isolation.
For more information about the Connections Initiative, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org. Tax-deductible contributions to support the program can be sent to The Community Chest at 122 South Van Brunt St., 2nd Floor, Englewood, NJ 07631.
About The Community Chest
Founded in 1933, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County supports local nonprofits to strengthen communities and assist those in need. The organization raises and allocates funds to agencies providing essential services in eastern Bergen County and acts as a coordinating body between local organizations.
Community leaders interested in joining The Community Chest’s Board of Managers may contact Dr. Wimpfheimer at (201) 568-7474. For more information about The Community Chest, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org. Follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for updates.