Johnson & Johnson was recognized with a Great Oak Award from New Jersey Monthly Magazine for the Company’s strategic philanthropy work across the state. According to the Magazine, the Great Oak Award “is emblematic of the companies recognized – sturdy and solid, deeply rooted in New Jersey, capable of impressive growth, and able to bend and change with the times—these companies are pillars of their communities and in it for the long haul. What’s more, they give back in unique and impressive ways.”
Ten New Jersey companies out of 64 finalists were honored with the award. Johnson & Johnson was one of only two companies out of 15 finalists selected in the “Large Companies” category based on number of New Jersey employees.
“Our strategic philanthropy in New Jersey is focused on two main interconnected areas – health and education,” says Shaun Mickus, Executive Director, Corporate Citizenship & Community Relations. “We partner with more than 50 non-profit organizations to deliver programs in seven counties where the majority of our NJ-based employees live and work.” In 2014, Johnson & Johnson provided grants totaling approximately $6 million on 75 programs to address critical health, education and community livability needs across the state.
Initiatives with health partners addressed access to health care and disease prevention, with a focus on encouraging healthy choices and active lifestyles. We partnered with 16 health care facilities to provide dental visits to over 5,000 patients (mainly children), primary care services to 7,300 and prenatal care to 1,580 women. Supportive services targeted at preventing and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes reached an additional 2,250 patients.
Through partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the state, Johnson & Johnson provided pre-college science programming to 175 underserved students and scholarships to 106 students in healthcare disciplines at 11 colleges and universities including Middlesex County College where 75% of students are the first family members to attend college.
In New Brunswick public schools, the Company is helping to prepare students with the tools and skills required to achieve academic success. This includes providing supplemental STEM-focused programs to over 4,000 students and teachers through our partnerships with Liberty Science Center and Rutgers University. In addition, innovative arts programming in dance, theatre and music have resulted in increased achievement in language arts disciplines as well as building other 21st century skills such as self-confidence and team work.
The Company’s Volunteer Support Program helps employees become involved and connected with volunteer efforts in their local communities. Last year, the program recorded over 15,000 volunteer hours to New Jersey nonprofits by employees who are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where they live and work, playing active roles in educational, civic, cultural and faith-based organizations.
Our philanthropic work – informed and guided by sound research and metrics – enables outstanding partners and dedicated employees to touch the lives of people every day, bringing them better, healthier lives.
