The Westfield Foundation is proud to announce a $7,700 grant to the New Jersey Theatre Alliance to fund the expansion of their “Theatre and Health Bridge Project” at Overlook Medical Center.

Scheduled for May 2026 to coincide with National Nurses and Hospital Weeks, this innovative initiative pivots from its successful patient focused pilot to support the mental and emotional well-being of frontline healthcare workers.

Through a series of professional workshops, at least 30 nurses and staff members will engage in two improvisational workshops and one short storytelling residency designed to combat professional burnout, reduce stress, and strengthen team empathy. The storytelling residency will gather personal narratives from nurses and hospital workers during the two weeks leading up to Nurses and Hospital Weeks. These personal stories will then be woven into a single theatrical piece performed by professional actors during those weeks.

“The Westfield Foundation’s mission is to enrich the quality of life for our community, and that begins with the well-being of those who care for us” says Katie Darcy, Executive Director of The Westfield Foundation, “By responding to the critical need for staff resilience, we are using our resources to support the dedicated individuals who keep our healthcare institutions strong”.

By integrating the arts into the clinical environment, this partnership recognizes that investing in the resilience of essential workers is an investment in the health of the entire community. The Westfield Foundation is proud to support a project that honors the humanity of healthcare providers, offering a transformative space for self-care and visibility where traditional medicine reaches its limits.