New Jersey Heroes awards local groups
SPARTA — Two local organizations were recently the recipients of state grant money as part of the New Jersey Heroes program.
New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie announced Monday more than $120,000 in grants to eighteen organizations previously selected as New Jersey Heroes.
The grants, which must be used within 12 months from the date of the award, will help the recipients to further enhance the mission of their respective organizations through new programs and services.
Pass It Along, Inc., of Sparta, was awarded $6,550. The nonprofit builds confident, resilient, compassionate teenagers through self-discovery, volunteer, and leadership opportunities.
Pass It Along’s Tilly’s Kids program provides mentorship and environmental education to children from Newark and Irvington who are living below the poverty level. This program consists of a four-week summer program and a monthly school year program. New Jersey Heroes is awarding $6,550 to help cover the cost of food and transportation for the Tilly’s Kids program, which will help 30 inner-city children develop their leadership skills and enhance their confidence through social and emotional learning.
Project Self-Sufficiency, Inc., of Newton, will receive $10,000. Project Self Sufficiency provides a broad spectrum of comprehensive social, health, and educational services that enable low-income families in Northwest New Jersey to achieve economic self-sufficiency, family stability, and a strong and stable future for themselves and their children.
New Jersey Heroes is awarding $10,000 to the organization to provide healthy and nutritious snacks to students participating in Project LAUNCH: Newton, a program that provides over 150 participants with homework assistance and positive activities that highlight social development.
“I am proud our New Jersey Heroes Foundation was able to expand its grant program for 2015 to help these remarkable organizations continue to do good work in their respective communities throughout the Garden State,” Christie said. “Our New Jersey Heroes recipients represent such a broad coalition of causes that touch many people in so many ways. With these grants, we’re providing these groups with an opportunity to make an even greater difference by giving them the ability to improve and expand their programs to further reach community members in need.”
Since 2013, the New Jersey Heroes Grant program has increased from $100,000 to $120,000 and from twelve recipients to eighteen.
Overall, approximately $320,000 in grants has been awarded to 24 organizations over the past three years.
New Jersey Heroes is an initiative First Lady Mary Pat Christie began in 2010 to showcase the positive and unique ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey and their communities.
To nominate a hero go to newjerseyheroes.org and follow the application instructions to submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.