Monthly Archives: November 2012

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 November 21 2012 

First Time Homebuyer Moves into Heart of Camden Home Funded by JBJSF

First Time Homebuyer Moves into Heart of Camden Home Funded by JBJSF

“Hi my name is Chimere and I have 3 kids. Just a year ago things were very hard for me. I tried as a Mother to be the best Mother for my kids. I also was receiving General Assistance through the struggle. I wanted to attend Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes which would cost $1300. I was asking around to see if I could get help with the payment, and with someone’s help within 2 days I had a sponsor and the sponsor was Mrs. Helene Pierson from Heart of Camden.

During my struggle I was living in a house where the landlord did not want to fix anything. Mold was growing through the whole house. I finished the CNA classes and as of Nov. 7, 2012. It’s been a year for me working as a CNA which also helped me to get where I am today in life. I now have a house from the Heart of Camden. When I received the great news that on Oct. 1 I would be moving to a new and improved house from the Heart of Camden, all I could do was thank God for blessing me and my kids with a brand new house.”

We thank Chimere for sharing her family’s story with us and are proud to have been a part of helping her and her children find a safe home to call their own. We wish them all the best!

Affordable housing is not out of reach so long as families are given the tools and opportunity to become successful homeowners. Heart of Camden provides homeownership counseling and guidance through the mortgage process plus support for new homeowners moving into Waterfront South. A strong organization supporting strong homeowners builds a monumental sense of community in the neighborhood. For more information on Heart of Camden, please visit their website: heartofcamden.org

Projects like this one would not be possible without your support. To donate to the JBJ Soul Foundation, please click HERE. Your donation helps to make a difference…one SOUL at a time.

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 November 17 2012 

Watch, share, and donate in support of Hurricane Sandy Relief

Jon Bon Jovi – Saturday Night (Live 11/9/12)

Jon Bon Jovi – Old Habits Die Hard (Live 11/9/12) – Brand New Song

Jon Bon Jovi – Not Running Anymore (Live 11/9/12) – Brand New Song

Jon Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer (Live 11/9/12)

Jon Bon Jovi – Who Says You Can’t Go Home (Live 11/9/12)

Jon Bon Jovi – Superman Tonight (Live 11/9/12)

Jon Bon Jovi – Here Comes the Sun (Live 11/9/12)

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 November 13 2012 

PROJECT H.O.M.E. ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING OF JBJ SOUL HOMES, CITY’S NEWEST BUILDING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

“The single most effective way to end homelessness is affordable housing,” said Sister Mary, co-founder of Project H.O.M.E. “Over time, this project will give hundreds of people a decent home with supportive services that will allow them to flourish.”

JBJ Soul Homes’ residents will have access to all Project H.O.M.E. services including basic medical care and fitness classes through its Health Initiative Program, employment training through its Employment Services Department, education access through its Honickman Learning Center and computer use through its Comcast Technology Labs.

The building, slated to open in November 2013, receives both private and public funding. The lead private funding comes from the JBJ Soul Foundation and the Middleton Partnership. The lead public funding comes from US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of Philadelphia. People for People, Inc. will manage the retail space and Project H.O.M.E. will manage the residences.

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, with its lead gift for the development of this project, provides leadership in affordable housing in Philadelphia and in its Soul Home in Newark, NJ. Mimi Box, JBJ Soul Foundation Executive Director said, “We are committed to promoting innovation and long-lasting solutions to rebuilding pride in one’s self and one’s community, one soul at a time.”

JBJ Soul Homes is the second project of the Middleton Partnership. The Middleton Partnership is funded by a transformational leadership gift from Leigh and John Middleton and supports Project H.O.M.E.’s strategy to end chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia. The Middleton Partnership leverages the support of both public and private funders.

Jon Bon Jovi Speaking at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for JBJ Soul Homes in Philadelphia, PA JBJSF Board Members at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for JBJ Soul Homes in Philadelphia, PA PROJECT H.O.M.E. ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING OF JBJ SOUL HOMES, CITY’S NEWEST BUILDING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

About Project H.O.M.E

Since 1989, Project H.O.M.E. has helped more than 8,000 people break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by providing a continuum of care that includes street outreach, supportive housing and comprehensive services that focus on health care, education and employment. The organization also works to prevent homelessness and poverty through comprehensive neighborhood revitalization in North Philadelphia. These efforts include the renovation of vacant or deteriorated houses that are then sold to first-time homebuyers; economic reinvestment along the Ridge Avenue Corridor; adult and youth education and enrichment programs at the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs; and community-based health care services. To learn more, visit www.projecthome.org.

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 November 5 2012 

Rebuilding in New Jersey & How You Can Help

Our Board Chairman, Jon Bon Jovi, performed on a telethon on NBC on Friday, November 2nd to help raise money for the Red Cross that will assist with emergency relief efforts. Once the relief efforts turn to recovery, the Soul Foundation will be helping where we can with those who have lost their homes.

We are currently still assessing what opportunities exist for us to help rebuild in New Jersey. While it is early in the process, we know that many of us have seen the widespread devastation that have left many throughout the region without homes. We plan on helping where we can and will need your support to help make a difference…one SOUL at a time.

If you would like to donate to the JBJ Soul Foundation for rebuilding efforts, please click HERE

Below are immediate needs from some of our Community Partners in New Jersey. If you are able to donate items on their lists, please reach out to them directly so that they will receive your much needed donation faster:

Covenant House
If you would like to make a donation of:
– Water or non-perishable food items
– New socks, gloves, winter hats and winter coats
– Gas Gift Cards
– Visa Gift Cards for items needed that are not donated
– Home Depot/Lowes Gift Cards

Please mail or drop off your donations to:
Covenant House
330 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102-2630

Or visit HERE

JBJ Soul Homes – Newark, NJ
If you would like to make a donation of:
– Non-perishable nutritious foods
– Water
– Medium size recyclable shopping bags or Boxes
– LED portable lights

Please mail or drop off your donations to:
JBJ Soul Homes – Newark
68 Mt Pleasant Ave
Newark, NJ 07104

Or visit HERE

Hispanic Affairs and Resource Center
If you would like to make a donation of:
– Non-perishable foods
– Jackets/Coats for adults & children
– Clothing
– Blankets

Drop off for donations:
6 Herbert Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-747-9000

For mailing donations, please mail to the main office:
Hispanic Affairs and Resource Center
913 Sewall Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Or visit HERE

United Way of Monmouth County
If you would like to make a donation of:
– “Cleaning kits” – a pail or bucket with bleach, gloves, sponges, paper towels and household cleaner with bleach
– Outdoor cleaning items such as heavy gloves, contractor bags, rakes, push brooms
– Baby diapers – all sizes – and baby wipes
– “Pop top” canned food, meals-in-a-can (beef stew, ravioli, beef-a-roni, etc)
– Paper towels
– Toilet paper
– Bottled Water

Please mail or drop off your donations to:
United Way of Monmouth County
Thompson Park
805 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738

New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition (NJAHC)

As you know, communities across New Jersey were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. Emergency food providers throughout the state are responding to the disaster and need your help.

Please visit the NJAHC website at www.njahc.org and click on How to Help to find a food pantry or soup kitchen nearest you and contact them directly to donate food and/or funds.

Thank you for helping our neighbors in need during this difficult time.

Message from Jon Bon Jovi:
IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS FOLLOWING SEPTEMBER 11TH, THE WORLD WATCHED IN DISBELIEF AND TOOK NEW YORK CITY AND AMERICA INTO THEIR HEARTS
WE FELT THE WORLD WRAP IT’S ARMS AROUND US, FORGETTING ALL OUR DIFFERENCES, AS WE CAME TOGETHER AS ONE.
ONE WITH THE GRIEF & THE SADNESS. ONE WITH THE CONFUSION & UNCERTAINTY.
ONE AS WE REBUILT NOT ONLY THE BUILDINGS BUT ALSO OUR LIVES AND OUR DREAMS.

ONCE AGAIN, THE EYES OF THE WORLD ARE UPON US AS WE WAKE UP TO THE DEVASTATION OF HURRICANE SANDY.
AND ONCE AGAIN WE WILL HAVE HURDLES TO CLEAR AND CHALLENGES WE WILL HAVE TO FACE.

WHEN PATIENCE IS LOST… WHEN IT SEEMS HELPLESS… WHEN YOU’RE IN NEED AND YOU FEEL AS IF YOU’RE ALONE… KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
WE’RE ALL IN THIS. TOGETHER.

WE CAN AND WE WILL REBUILD.
WE HAVE PROVEN, TIME AND AGAIN, THAT IT IS THE SPIRIT OF OUR PEOPLE THAT DEFINES US.
RESILIENCE IS OUR MIDDLE NAME. EVEN MOTHER NATURE IS NO MATCH FOR THAT.

IN THE COMING DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD IF YOU ARE ABLE, VOLUNTEER. IF YOU CAN , DONATE.
ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, WILL MAKE AN IMPACT.

THE DAYS AHEAD ARE GOING TO BE DIFFICULT. BUT THERE IS NO CHALLENGE THAT WE CAN’T MEET TOGETHER.
THIS IS WHO WE ARE… AND THIS IS WHAT WE DO AS NEW YORKERS, AS NEW JERSEY-ANS… AND AS AMERICANS.

WE HELP OTHERS WHO ARE IN NEED.

WE MAY NOT HAVE ELECTRICITY BUT WE HAVE POWER…
—

-Jon Bon Jovi

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