New Brunswick Tomorrow Welcomes New Director of Community Health

November 10, 2015 | Community News, New Brunswick

New Brunswick Tomorrow (NBT) embraces ideas, partnerships and initiatives that move New Brunswick’s people forward. From supporting community development efforts to healthier living initiatives, NBT has made significant strides in changing the way residents think about and engage in a healthier lifestyle.

This fall, NBT welcomes Manuel (Manny) Castaneda as its Director of Community Health. In this new role, Manny will handle the management and implementation of health and social initiatives of Healthier New Brunswick, a collective impact approach, which includes the Live Well-Vivir Bien New Brunswick campaign. The campaign is designed to unify, promote and encourage participation in community efforts that foster a culture of health and wellness.

“I’ve lived and worked in New Brunswick for most of my life, so I am both proud and excited to help my fellow residents achieve better outcomes in the areas of health and wellness,” said Manny.

Manny has worked at community-based organizations and Rutgers University in various roles servicing the community, and has extensive client advocacy and case manager experience, with expertise in health-related, legal and benefit/entitlement areas. His previous roles include: statewide legal services manager for the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, editor, AIDS In The Law In New Jersey 2nd edition, Rutgers University case manager for the Robert Wood Johnson Pediatric AIDS Program and he continues to serve as an adjunct professor at Rutgers’ School of Health Related Professions.

This fall, Manuel, along with Monica Reyes, Manager of Communications and Development at NBT, will meet with local stakeholders and task force volunteers to help foster and build a mutual understanding of the healthier-living needs of residents and secure commitment to support efforts to improve the overall health of city residents.

“We’ve conducted community research, refined our strategic communications plan, and are currently working on the Live Well-Vivir Bien New Brunswick website and app, said Jaymie Santiago, Director of Program Operations, NBT and Co-director for NJPHK-New Brunswick. This is a great time for Manuel to join our team and help support campaign implementation this winter.”

Live Well-Vivir Bien New Brunswick is a collaborative, city-wide campaign supported by leadership team partners – New Brunswick Tomorrow, Johnson & Johnson, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and The City of New Brunswick – designed to promote and encourage participation in health and wellness resources.

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