Category: Covid-19

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Covid-19 Feature Stories

Norcross, Menendez, Booker Announce $1.4M to Support Camden County’s COVID-19 Response

CHERRY HILL, N.J. – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross, along with U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker recently announced $1,395,002.66 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) grants to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to aid the county’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The lawmakers have now secured over $160 million in PA grants to help the state’s pandemic response. The $2 trillion federal emergency stimulus package, known as the CARES Act, included $45 billion for the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund to help states, like New Jersey, which is included in the President’s Major Disaster Declaration, provide for immediate needs and essential services to protect citizens and recover from the outbreak.

“We are still in the midst of a grave health emergency, and our local governments urgently need relief,” said Congressman Norcross. “This critical federal funding will help Camden County cover the unexpected costs of the coronavirus pandemic, including testing and keeping our first responders and other essential workers safe and on the job. I will continue to fight for South Jersey in Congress to ensure our communities get the tools and supplies we need to combat this outbreak and keep residents healthy and secure.”

“Camden County’s first responders, health care workers and other essential workers need the resources to continue protecting their residents and businesses,” said Sen. Menendez. “This funding will ensure frontline workers have the personal protective equipment they need to keep themselves and others safe and out of harm’s way. I’ll continue fighting for the federal funds our state needs to beat the pandemic and recover.”

“Communities across New Jersey and our nation continue to work tirelessly in battling this public health crisis, so we have an obligation to ensure they have adequate resources to keep our residents safe,” said Sen. Booker. “The health of our families, frontlines workers, and our economy is dependent on a strong federal response, and I’ll continue to fight for federal funding like this to protect the health and safety of Camden County residents and all New Jerseyans.”

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Bright Side Covid-19

Community Foundation of South Jersey Announces Round Three COVID-19 Response Fund Grants

Haddonfield, NJ:  The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) announces grants to twenty-six (26) nonprofit organizations from the COVID-19 Response Fund.

The total amount awarded in round 3 is $161,500. To date, $483,500 has been awarded from the Fund to organizations serving Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem Counties.

These grants support nonprofits working on the frontline of the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. It is the only dedicated response fund of its kind specifically targeted to the eight-county region.

Since March when the Fund was established, South Jersey neighbors, businesses, and philanthropy across the state contributed more than $1,075,000. Even with this overwhelming response, more help is needed. During the same period, CFSJ has received 219 grant requests totaling more than $6 million from local nonprofits. 

“In a time of great stress and concern for our families and neighbors, we can take action and assert control by making a financial gift to a pooled resource and communal effort such as the COVID-19 Response Fund,” said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer. “Guided by Community Foundation knowledge regarding South Jersey communities and impactful nonprofits the Fund is supporting a wide range of needs. We are grateful for the response to date from donors who have contributed to the Response Fund, yet we know our region’s recovery will be a long-term challenge, and we will continue to do all we can to support those who have been disproportionately affected.”

The COVID-19 Response Fund was set up to provide grants with three distinct phases. One round of grants was distributed as part of phase one totaling $100,000. Two rounds have now been distributed in phase two totaling $383,500, and it is anticipated that another round will be approved before phase three begins:  

The three Phases include:

  • Phase one: Triage – Support for organizations meeting the immediate basic needs of our South Jersey neighbors.
  • Phase two: Treatment – Support for organizations modifying their service delivery methods so South Jersey residents do not lose access to critical health, human, and social services.
  • Phase three: Recovery – Support for organizations that had to shut down operations, let go of staff, or lost income due to postponed or canceled events because of COVID-19. 

“We are proud to support our local nonprofits working on the front lines to care for our neighbors struggling during this unprecedented time,” said Wanda Hardy, Chairperson of the Foundation’s Community Leadership and Engagement Committee. “Although we have entered Phase two of New Jersey’s reopening, we know that there is still so much need in our communities, and that need will continue well into the future as we look towards the recovery response.”

For more information on how individuals or organizations can make a donation, funding priorities, and how to apply for a grant, please visit southjerseyresponsefund.org. 

GRANT AWARD DESCRIPTIONS

Appel Farm Arts & Music Campus – Elmer

Appel Farms is supplying virtual S.T.E.A.M. and arts lab programming, as well as distributing supplies and food assistance.

ARC of Gloucester County – West Deptford

ARC of Gloucester County is supplying personal protective equipment and providing food assistance.

Atlantic City Rescue Mission – Atlantic City

The Mission is supplying food assistance and performing case management services.

Boys & Girls Club Gloucester County – Glassboro

Boys & Girls Club of Gloucester County is providing virtual and in-person academic and social enrichment activities, distributing supplies, and providing food assistance.

Calvary Baptist Church– Little Egg Harbor

The Calvary Baptist Church is providing both food and personal hygiene assistance.

Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers – Camden

The Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers is providing case management services, transportation assistance, and supplying personal protective equipment.

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey – Toms River

TheCaregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey is providing both food and transportation assistance.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden – Camden

The Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden is providing food assistance, transportation assistance, and supplying personal protective equipment.

Center for Environmental Transformation – Camden

The Center for Environmental Transformation is providing both food assistance and employment assistance.

Coastal Volunteers in Medicine – Forked River

The Coastal Volunteers in Medicine are supplying personal protective equipment and providing prescription assistance.

Eastern Service Workers Association – Pleasantville

The Eastern Service Workers Association is providing food assistance and emergency basic needs assistance.

Family Promise of Southern Ocean County – West Creek

Family Promise of Southern Ocean County is providing emergency basic needs assistance and case management services.

Hope Center – Toms River

The Hope Center is providing food assistance, shelter assistance, and providing emergency basic needs assistance.

Jefferson Health New Jersey – Voorhees

Jefferson Health New Jersey is working to provide emergency basic needs assistance.

Katz Jewish Community Center – Cherry Hill

The Katz Jewish Community Center is working to provide virtual senior and youth educational programming.

Latin American Economic Development Association – Camden

The Latin American Economic Development Association is providing virtual case management.

Literacy New Jersey – Willingboro

Literacy New Jersey is providing virtual literacy programming and case management services.

Meals on Wheels of Salem County – Salem

Meals on Wheels of Salem County is supplying personal protective equipment and providing food assistance.

MudGirls Studios – Linwood

MudGirls Studios is providing food assistance and emergency basic needs assistance.

Oaks Integrated Care – Mount Holly

Oaks Integrated Care is providing food assistance to those in need.

Ocean County YMCA – Toms River

The Ocean County YMCA is providing virtual senior and youth programming, as well as food assistance.

Project Hope – Camden

Project Hope is providing emergency basic needs assistance.

Rural Development Corporation – Vineland

The Rural Development Corporation is supplying personal protective equipment and providing food assistance.

St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society – Camden

The St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society is providing food assistance, shelter assistance, and providing emergency basic needs assistance.

Salvation Army Atlantic City – Union

The Salvation Army Atlantic Cityis supplying personal protective equipment and providing food assistance.

The Huddle of South Jersey – Salem

The Huddle of South Jersey is providing virtual fatherhood programming.

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Bright Side Covid-19 Recent News

Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City Using South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund Grant To Continue Mission

Haddonfield, NJ – Atlantic City businesses and residents have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping our country and world, but that has not stopped the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City (BGAC) from continuing their mission. With the help of a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of South Jersey’s (CFSJ) COVID-19 Response Fund, the Club is addressing food insecurity, while modifying the way services can be delivered.

BGAC offers Club members a variety of programs including:

  • Hands-on training in STEAM fields and industries to launch the next generation of working professionals including healthcare, hospitality, culinary, and technology. STEAM is an acronym representing the blending of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
  • Character building, tutoring, and life skills development to help Club members to succeed physically, socially, and emotionally.
  • Summer camps and other activities in the warm, friendly atmosphere of facilities specially designed for such programs.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BGAC team transitioned to online virtual programming for Club members, using platforms such as Google Classrooms, Zoom, and Facebook Live Videos, The Club has partnered with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to distribute more than 13,200 meals to families in need. Additional meals are provided as the result of donations from local businesses such as Tony Boloney’s, Tony’s Baltimore Grill, El Chalan, Mr. Taco, and Water Dog Smoke House.

The balance of the SJ Response Fund grant supports the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) to support access to summer camp in a safe environment.

“Most of the Club Families live in a ‘food desert’,’ a place where fresh fruit, vegetables, and groceries are not accessible,” said BGAC Chief Development Officer Renate Taylor. “Because the casinos are closed, people are out of jobs and food pantries aren’t accessible to many families, we felt the need to step up and help. Thanks to the Response Fund grant, we are not only able to continue to help the children virtually, but help feed their families as well.  We are working hard to gather the resources necessary to continue serving the 1,600 students who annually use our facilities.”

 “The needs the BGAC is addressing are the reason the South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund was created, said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer.  “The Club’s continued work is evidence the Fund is providing critical support to local organizations serving families in need.  Due to the contributions of generous South Jersey neighbors and organizations, the Community Foundation is fortunate to  assist with planning the safe re-opening of this valuable community resource.”

The SouthJersey COVID-19 Response Fund continues to respond to local nonprofits that need support to serve communities impacted by the pandemic. To date, South Jersey nonprofits requested more than $6  million, while the Fund has raised $1 million.

To support the only Fund where donations stay in our South Jersey region, visit southjerseyresponsefund.org. 

About Boys & Girls Club Of Atlantic City

For nearly 50 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City has provided a positive, welcoming environment in which students are able to have fun, participate in life-changing programs, and build supportive relationships with peers and caring adults. The Club emphasizes positive values in the relationships members of all races, religions, and ethnic cultures have with each other and their adult leaders, and help them to make appropriate and satisfying choices in their physical, educational, personal, and social lives.

About the Community Foundation of South Jersey

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) envisions an eight-county region thriving, where all neighbors aspire, succeed, participate, and give.

The vision is realized as CFSJ inspires generosity, manages and deploys permanent charitable assets, and exercises collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region. CFSJ works with South Jersey philanthropists, local nonprofits, and neighbors to build capital, contribute assets, and create permanent endowments for impact in perpetuity.

By aligning donor interests and using the investment earnings on each of its endowed funds, CFSJ makes grants and builds leadership within the community to create thriving, equitable, and livable communities for all. Currently, CFSJ manages assets of more than $23 million. CFSJ has issued more than $9 million in nonprofit grants and scholarships. Learn more about CFSJ at CommunityFoundationSJ.org.

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Bright Side Covid-19 Feature Stories

Your Place At The Table Using South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund Grant To Feed Those In Need

Haddonfield, NJ – A $3,000 South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund grant has helped Your Place At The Table (YPATT), a New Jersey nonprofit corporation, continue their mission of providing food assistance to those in need.  

YPATT has experienced a twenty-five percent (25%) increase in food requests in their service area, including Harrison Township, Mantua, East Greenwich, South Harrison, and Elk, since the beginning of the Pandemic.

YPATT–a nonprofit started by families through Bible study at Trinity and Methodist Church in Mullica Hill–works with families, seniors, and single parents to provide food assistance to those in need. As part of the program, families visit once a month to pick up food items.  The group also delivers to individuals or families unable to visit the food pantry.  Last year, YPATT collected more than 25,000 pounds of food. With no state or federal food donations, Your Place At The Table has always relied on the generosity of the community.  

The South Jersey Response Fund grant allowed YPATT to buy additional food and special items such as milk. Prior to the grant, there were not enough funds or donations to fit special requests. Now, even with the large increase in food assistance needs, YPATT is able to meet the needs and even expand the program. 

“Many small nonprofits were unprepared for a crisis as overwhelming as the COVID-19 pandemic, said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer.  “The South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund was created to support organizations like Your Place At The Table assisting neighbors with the economic crisis.  Their work during this time is inspiring; CFSJ is proud to partner with them during this difficult period.”

“The generosity of the community and the Community Foundation of South Jersey during these unprecedented times is both uplifting and encouraging,” said YPATT Director Kristen Skrobanek.  “Fulfilling the needs of those who are hungry will continue to bring us together, and we know the strength and perseverance of our community will support our program in the months to come.”

The SouthJersey COVID-19 Response Fund continues to respond to local nonprofits that need support to serve communities impacted by the pandemic. To date, South Jersey nonprofits requested more than $6  million, while the Fund has raised $1 million. To support the only fund where donations stay in our South Jersey region, visit southjerseyresponsefund.org. 

About Your Place At The Table

Your Place At The Table is a volunteer-run organization that offers support and guidance, and a compassionate touch that builds confidence and restores self-worth.  The group is focused on nourishing individuals and families by partnering with the community to provide food and supplies to those in need.

About the Community Foundation of South Jersey

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) envisions an eight-county region thriving where all neighbors aspire, succeed, participate, and give. The vision is realized as CFSJ inspires generosity, manages and deploys permanent charitable assets, and exercises collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region. CFSJ works with South Jersey philanthropists, local nonprofits, and neighbors to build capital, contribute assets, and create permanent endowments for impact in perpetuity. By aligning donor interests and using the investment earnings on each of its endowed funds, CFSJ makes grants and builds leadership within the community to create thriving, equitable, and livable communities for all. Currently, CFSJ manages assets of more than $23 million. CFSJ has issued more than $9 million in nonprofit grants and scholarships. Learn more about CFSJ at CommunityFoundationSJ.org.

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Covid-19 Feature Stories News

Camden County Summer Events Cancelled Due to COVID-19

(Camden, NJ) – In light of the threat still posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Camden County Freeholder Board is announcing the cancellation of all in-person summer programming, including its annual 4th of July celebration on the Camden Waterfront.

“In Camden County, we have always tried to provide a robust catalog of summer activities like concerts, festivals, and other programming where our residents can gather together during the summer,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “Unfortunately, the public health crisis facing us this year has turned otherwise engaging, exciting events into dangerous opportunities for the coronavirus to spread. With the health and safety of our community in mind, we’ve determined that the best course of action is to eliminate unnecessary public gatherings for the summer season.”

Cancellations and rescheduling information are regularly being updated on the county’s webpage. Residents seeking additional recreational activities can also visit the page for more information on the region’s wineries, breweries, and attractions which are offering limited in-person programming during the summer months. The page is also being regularly updated to highlight opportunities for online engagement and virtual experiences that can offer fun for the whole family.

“Even with this unfortunate news, there are still countless ways to enjoy the summer thanks to the incredible businesses and attractions that call Camden County home,” Cappelli said. “Whether it is outdoor dining, a trip to the Camden County Driving Range, or a virtual tour of a nearby art exhibit, we hope everyone will be able to find something to enjoy in community until it is safe to bring back the events that we have all come to look forward to.”

Additional information regarding Camden County’s preparations, response, and general information provided to the public is available by visiting camdencounty.com. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.