By: Richard L. Smith
The Township of Bloomfield has been awarded two state grants totaling $137,600 to expand recreational, educational, and wellness programs for older adults and residents with special needs.
According to township officials, Bloomfield received a $117,600 Senior Wellness Pilot Grant through the New Jersey Department of Human Services and a $20,000 Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Mayor Jenny Mundell said the funding will help the township expand programs that promote inclusion, independence, wellness, and social connection for residents of all ages and abilities.
The Senior Wellness Pilot Grant will support a one-year initiative through the Department of Human Services, benefiting approximately 100 older adults who participate in township senior programs each week. 
Planned activities include art, music, history, language and computer classes, adaptive fitness programs for individuals with arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, fraud prevention workshops, intergenerational activities, and additional social events.
Officials said the program will also explore virtual programming and technology access for homebound seniors while strengthening partnerships with local organizations to address food insecurity and reduce social isolation.
The $20,000 grant will enhance Bloomfield’s Special Needs Recreation Program by funding specialized instructors for art, yoga, dance, cooking, and fitness classes, as well as community outings, special events, and continued support for the township’s Special Olympics – Bloomfield Community Program in partnership with Essex County Special Olympics.
The program serves children, teens, and adults through initiatives including the C.A.R.E. Station after-school program, Horizons adult life-skills programming, Station II summer camp, and Special Olympics sports such as soccer, basketball, bowling, softball, track and field, and bocce.
Township officials said the two grants are part of seven awards totaling more than $862,500 secured by Bloomfield during the first half of 2026.
Additional funding will support lead service line replacement, homelessness prevention services, the Third River project, police equipment, community energy planning, and other municipal initiatives.