Trailblazing Medical-Legal Partnership Uniquely Serving Immigrant Children and Youth Launched by NJCIC and Zufall Health
Zufall Health and the New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children (NJCIC), a statewide legal services and policy advocacy organization dedicated to empowering young immigrants, are proud to announce the official launch of an innovative medical-legal partnership (MLP). This MLP, called Florecer, is the first in New Jersey to deliver critical legal services, medical care, behavioral health care, and wraparound support to children and youth under one roof, regardless of immigration status.
The official launch of this partnership was a momentous occasion, celebrated at Zufall Health’s Community Health Center in Morristown, NJ, on October 15, 2024. In addition to commemorating the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, members of NJCIC’s and Zufall Health’s teams came together to recognize the value and promise of integrating youth-centered, language-specific, and trauma-informed legal services in trusted health care settings to ensure the meaningful entry, inclusion, and advancement of young immigrants throughout the Garden State.
“In addition to addressing the medical, legal, and interrelated needs of young immigrants by meeting them where they are, in their mother tongue, and with deep regard for their lived experience, this partnership tackles the root causes of inequity across access to justice and health,” said Priscilla Monico Marín, Esq., Executive Director of NJCIC. “This hybrid model acknowledges immigration status as a social driver of health and works towards stronger health and legal outcomes for young immigrants. Florecer, which means “bloom” in Spanish, will help those we serve reach their fullest potential.”
The collaboration has already made a significant impact, representing a major step forward in addressing the comprehensive needs of young immigrants. Frances Palm, MPA, President & CEO at Zufall Health, emphasized: “This inspiring initiative is setting a new standard for integrated care for young people, no matter where they were born. Zufall Health applauds NJCIC for their expertise and support. Together, we are able to address significant barriers to good health for some of our most vulnerable patients.”
Douglas S. Bishop, MD, a family medicine physician at Zufall Health’s Morristown location, expressed: “Empowering children to lead healthy lives and reach greater heights begins with collaboration and optimism across disciplines. Florecer helps medical, behavioral health, and legal practitioners work together for increased and equitable access to critical services.” Relatedly, Erika Martinez, a paralegal at NJCIC instrumental to this effort, added: “Having legal and medical services and experts who care within arm’s reach is lifesaving for the young people we serve and groundbreaking for New Jersey. I am proud to be a part of this effort, bringing immigrant children and youth living on the margins into a circle of care that frees them from fear and sets the future they want for themselves in motion.”
For more information about Florecer, its impact on young immigrants, and ways to engage and support this vital work, please contact Anjelica La Furno, Development Director, at the New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children by email at alafurno@njcic.org or by calling (551) 261-3050.
About the New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children
The New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children (NJCIC) is a state-wide legal services and policy advocacy organization dedicated to empowering young immigrants. We provide holistic youth-centered legal representation, lead systemic change to advance immigrant rights, and build community through collaboration and education. We envision a just and equitable NJ where young immigrants can flourish and lead full, fearless lives.
About Zufall Health
Zufall Health is an award-winning, nonprofit community health center providing access to high quality, affordable, and culturally responsive health care for people and communities who experience barriers to care. Patients are served in seven counties throughout northern and central New Jersey.
Above: Left to right: Zufall Health SVP of Behavioral Health Services Sarah Aleman, MSW, LCSW; NJCIC Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees Randi Mandelbaum, Esq.; Zufall Health Family Medicine Physician and SVP of Medical Services Douglas S. Bishop, MD; NJCIC Executive Director Priscilla Monico Marín, Esq., Zufall Health President and CEO Frances Palm, MPA; Zufall Health Physician and Chief Medical Officer Rina Ramirez, MD; NJCIC Paralegal Erika Martinez.