VOORHEES – When Joseph W. Devine retired from his role of executive vice president with Jefferson Health and President of Jefferson Health - New Jersey earlier this year, colleagues decided to honor his longtime commitment to the people of Jefferson in a special way.
Devine, who lives in Washington Township, is the namesake of the longtime Emergency Financial Assistance Fund for employees at Jefferson Health – New Jersey facing unexpected hardships.
The former Emergency Financial Assistance Fund is now called The Devine Fund for Employee Assistance. The fund provides grants of up to $2,000 per request; since 2006, it has helped more than 480 associates through grants totaling more than $700,000.
“It is a tremendous honor for me to be remembered through the naming of this worthwhile charity,” Devine said. “I’ve always felt it is very important for employees to ‘look out for their own,’ and this fund has been a wonderful way to do that.”
The fund will now also accept donations from community members and businesses interested in helping Jefferson Health “heroes” facing financial challenge brought on by any number of reasons, from illness to a family member’s job loss.
“The Employee Assistance Fund has become an important way for colleagues to give back to the Jefferson organization – and one another,” said Associate Vice President of Development Jeffrey Dubnow.
Devine was a key supporter of the fund since its inception nearly 15 years ago. Over the course of his 34-year career with Jefferson (previously known as Kennedy), Devine led the Kennedy organization through its time of greatest growth, including its 2017 merger with Jefferson Health.
He played an instrumental role in the campus revitalization programs at both Jefferson Cherry Hill and Jefferson Washington Township hospitals.
Community members and organizations are also invited to make a tax-deductible contribution to The Devine Fund for Employee Assistance by visiting www.Jefferson.edu/HonorJoeDevine.