The work of Sister-Doctor Jean Mouch in Camden, New Jersey, is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today.

Camden, New Jersey, is the second poorest city of its size in the U.S. Sister-Doctor Jean Mouch has lived and worked in Camden since 1997, serving as a consultant in our Office of Community Health Evaluation, Planning and Research, and as a vital resource for city planners. Sister Jean, who spent 15 years in mission in Africa, explains, "I am committed to helping neighborhoods get the information they need, so they can make their own decisions … when they start a program or new initiative, they can compare the data, analyze it, and make choices for themselves."

Sister Jean has contributed to programs at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, through the Department of Community Health Improvement. She has worked with community-based groups such as the Learning Collaborative for a Healthier Camden. Her focus is on homeless persons, youth, and senior citizens. A few years ago, she became active with a new nonprofit group, CAMConnect: Linking Communities with Information, and she currently serves as the Chair of the CAMConnect board.

"We have over 28 stakeholders from health care, education, city government, county government, development groups, universities, and community-based groups," she says of CAMConnect. "Because Camden City has been known as only a problem place, at CAMConnect we want more people to look at our assets, along with our list of challenges. We want planners and project managers to know all of the facts. I believe that knowing the facts helps shift the power equation in a city like Camden."

In recognition of her efforts, Sister Jean received a "Women of Outstanding Achievement" Award from the Girl Scouts of Camden County last year. "I learn so much about communities that are struggling for their livelihoods, and continue to strive for dignity and justice," she says. "I feel very much a kindred spirit with everyone I work with. We're doing this together."

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