Author Archives: Heather Goldfarb

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November 17 2021

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth Reaches Housing Expansion Campaign Goal Through Community Support Led by Las Vegas Sands and the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation

Nonprofit Launches the NPHY Transitional Housing/Rapid Rehousing Program with Additional Beds, Wraparound Services to Address Lack of Housing Capacity for Homeless Youth

LAS VEGAS, November 17, 2021 – In celebration of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) today announced culmination of its Housing Expansion Campaign, exceeding the goal of $500,000 with $675,000 generated through the funding push that began in February 2019. Major investments of $200,000 from Las Vegas Sands and a $100,000 community matching grant from the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation led the campaign to rally the Las Vegas community around addressing the lack of housing capacity for homeless youth in Southern Nevada.

Thanks to the campaign’s success, NPHY has been able to purchase a 15-bed housing property that increases its housing stock by 150 percent and provides an additional 5,475 nights per year to keep youth experiencing homelessness safe and off the streets. With programmatic funding support from Clark County marijuana business license fees, this new housing property has become part of the NPHY Transitional Housing/Rapid Rehousing Program, which provides a total of 30 housing beds and delivers comprehensive services to assist youth in navigating beyond their circumstances and creating pathways for success.

“The JBJ Soul Foundation understands the great need to continue to address youth homelessness across the country, which is when we saw the potential to make an impact in Las Vegas,” said Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of the JBJ Soul Foundation. “We knew that in partnering with NPHY and Sands, along with motivating the community with our match grant, we would create a successful venture where vulnerable youth can have not only a safe place to sleep, but also have access to services to help them move beyond their circumstances.”

At the campaign’s launch, Southern Nevada only had enough youth-dedicated beds to serve less than 22 percent of the young people experiencing homelessness on a given night in Southern Nevada. Recognizing this critical need, Sands committed an initial $100,000 in seed funding through Sands Cares to start the campaign in 2019 and recruited the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to join the effort, marking the Foundation’s first charitable investment in Southern Nevada. The Foundation provided a $100,000 grant to match community donations as a way to inspire excitement and participation. At the end of the campaign, Sands provided an additional $100,000 to help NPHY address rising real estate costs spurred by the pandemic, which increased the amount needed to purchase the housing property. Other major campaign donations came from Chase, the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), the Cashman Family Foundation, the Robert S and J Dorothy Keyser Foundation, and anonymous individual donors.

With funding needs met, NPHY was able to purchase the multifamily housing property and launch a comprehensive program to wrap a full suite of services around youth living in the residence. Under the umbrella of the NPHY Transitional Housing/Rapid Rehousing Program, youth in the housing program also receive case management; employment and education assistance; immediate needs services such as food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and transportation; moving assistance; life skills classes; and peer mentorship and support. This comprehensive program not only addresses housing needs, but provides the critical support services that can put vulnerable youth on a pathway to self-sufficiency and success.

“Our campaign was focused on the concept that a place to sleep is more than just a bed – it’s the foundation for a brighter tomorrow and a future with possibilities for youth to reach their highest potential,” said Arash Ghafoori, CEO of NPHY. “We accomplished the goal of narrowing the gap in youth housing capacity because of the continued committed partnership of Las Vegas Sands, the willingness of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to bring its successful track record in establishing homelessness housing solutions to Las Vegas, and, most important, the generous support of our community.”

The NPHY Housing Expansion Campaign targeted a key focus area outlined in the Southern Nevada Plan to End Youth Homelessness, which mapped out a strategy of increasing housing through innovative funding partnerships such as this one. Unveiled in 2018, the plan addresses the alarming youth homelessness statistics that plague this region. Clark County’s metro area consistently ranks among the top in the nation for the rate of unaccompanied homeless youth living on the streets or in shelters, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“We’ve worked with NPHY as a committed partner in the fight to end youth homelessness since 2014,” said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs at Sands. “We know that when NPHY identifies a need, they will create a solution that makes impact. That’s why we invested in the campaign and recruited our friends at the JBJ Soul Foundation. We knew this combination could inspire our community to success.”

To learn more about NPHY’s successful housing expansion campaign, visit nphy.org/aplacetosleep/ and sands.com/responsibility/community/sands-cares/youth-homelessness.

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About Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY)

For the past 20 years, NPHY has been the most comprehensive service provider for the thousands of homeless youth in Southern Nevada, serving hundreds of youth through our core programs and touching the lives of thousands more through outreach each year. NPHY’s programs stabilize homeless teens’ lives, meeting their immediate needs and providing a safe, supportive environment and a path to self-sufficiency. Through our work with homeless youth, NPHY creates productive, healthy adults who contribute to society. Strengthening and complementing our high-quality direct services for homeless youth, NPHY is dedicated to advocating with and for the Vegas Valley’s homeless youth population and serves as a leader in systems-level efforts to eliminate homelessness among Nevada’s youth. For more information or to support our life-changing work for homeless youth, please visit www.nphy.org.

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November 16 2021

JBJ Soul Foundation Joins Project HOME to Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Long-Term Recovery Residence in Kensington

Project HOME announced the groundbreaking of its 21^st and newest affordable residence in Kensington at a groundbreaking celebration held on Monday, November 15, 2021. The residence, located at 100 E. Lehigh Avenue, provides 62 new homes to men and women. It offers safe, recovery-focused housing designed to empower adults to break the cycle of chronic street homelessness, while addressing the impact of mental illness and substance use disorders.

“Project HOME has developed a model that pairs housing with the critical supports of education, healthcare, and employment all of which is much needed in Kensington,” said Sister Mary Scullion, Project HOME Co-founder and Executive Director. “This building represents a loving, supportive refuge for the Kensington community and a commitment from those who support it that we recognize the need, and we’re here address it along with our incredible partners.”

Two of the current funding partners on this project are John and Leigh Middleton (MPOWER) and the Jon Bon Jovi (JBJ) Soul Foundation. MPOWER leverages the support of both public and private funders. The JBJ Soul Foundation has been a leader on many of Project HOME’s endeavors and is proud to be a part of this one.

JBJSF Board Members at Kensington Groundbreaking

“It is a pivotal moment for the JBJ Soul Foundation to join this groundbreaking in Kensington, with partners who continue to help those experiencing street homelessness,” says Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of the JBJ Soul Foundation. “We are so proud to continue our long time support of Project HOME in this new endeavor, which will provide much needed safe housing and impactful services to the residents of this community and we invite you all to join us in this work.”

Kensington Long-Term Recovery residents are linked to medical and behavioral health services and substance use and recovery services, as needed. All residents are also eligible to receive employment and education services through Project HOME’s Adult Learning and Employment Department.

This is the ninth project of MPOWER, a unique partnership model drawing on a powerful network of people and ideas that multiplies Project HOME’s impact in five key areas: investments, relationships, resources, advocacy, and evidence.

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October 29 2021

Join the JBJ Soul Foundation 5-10-15 Anniversary Celebration

The JBJ Soul Foundation has a lot to celebrate in 2021! The 15th Anniversary of the Foundation, the 10th Anniversary of JBJ Soul Kitchen Red Bank and the 5th Anniversary of JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River.

In honor of our Anniversary, we will celebrate with a free virtual event on Thursday, November 18th at 7:00pmET and you are all invited! We’d love for you to celebrate with us, whether near or far. RSVP today!

In honor of our anniversary, we also have Limited Edition thank you gifts for donating in support of our mission including aprons, tote bags and JBJSF Anniversary shirts autographed by Jon Bon Jovi! For more information on different ways to support the Foundation, visit our Mobile Cause page and click Sponsor.

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August 17 2021

Meals Purchased in Monmouth County Near 20,000 as FeedNJ Program Becomes a Community Staple

JBJ Soul Kitchen provides over 6,000 meals to the FeedNJ Program.

NEW JERSEY—Many more New Jerseysans are experiencing food insecurity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but receiving free food from soup kitchens and community giveaways feels different when that food comes from a beloved community restaurant. FeedNJ, the flagship program operated by nonprofit Soup Kitchen 411, has brought smiles to people experiencing food insecurity, relief for overworked soup kitchen crews, and critical business to beloved local restaurants. To date, the program has bought and served nearly 20,000 meals in and from Monmouth County, with a mandate to exceed 30,000 by Thanksgiving.

“I first became involved with Soup Kitchen 411’s FeedNJ program last Spring to make sure local restaurants got much-needed business, and I could not be more thrilled with the economic impact it has had in Monmouth County,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “In particular, the program has purchased over 10,000 meals combined from JBJ Soul Kitchen and No Limits Cafe, which have a ‘Pay it Forward’ model and employ people with intellectual disabilities, respectively. These are not just beloved restaurants with great food, but with socially-conscious missions.”

As New Jersey prepares for vaccine passports to roll out, restaurant owners express their relief at the regularity of large quantities of meals purchased from Soup Kitchen 411.

“JBJ Soul Kitchen is a community restaurant that serves an in-need and paying customer. Our unique “Pay it Forward” model allows diners, who are able to donate, to cover the cost of those in need who have volunteered for their meals. Meals purchased by Soup Kitchen’s FeedNJ program at retail price enable us to continue to generate revenue while donating more meals to those in need,” said Dorothea Bongiovi, founder of JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank and Toms River.

Of the meals served in Monmouth County, over 6,000 have come from JBJ Soul Kitchen, including 5,600 purchased in the past six months through the state EDA’s Sustain and Serve NJ grant. During this grant period, 3,525 meals have come from No Limits Cafe, a lunch cafe employing people with intellectual disabilities.

Over 50 soup kitchens, food pantries, houses of worship, local nonprofits, community outreach groups and municipal health departments have worked with Soup Kitchen 411 to distribute meals to the community. Almost a dozen local PBAs and Police Departments joined in the fight in July.

If you’d like to learn more about the FeedNJ initiative and volunteer in the fight against hunger, please visit https://Soup Kitchen 411.com/feednj.

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December 17 2020

Kohl’s to Donate $100,000 to JBJ Soul Foundation Through A Community with Heart Program

Philadelphia, PA — The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has made it our mission to break the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness through developing partnerships, creating programs and providing grant funding to support innovative community benefit organizations. With Kohl’s $100,000 grant, our organization plans to continue our work helping individuals and families in need, making an impact in communities through our partnerships and programs.

“We cannot thank Kohl’s enough for their generosity through A Community with Heart Program 2020,” said Heather Goldfarb, Executive Director of the JBJ Soul Foundation. “Their grant will help support our mission and will surely make a difference in the communities that we serve, especially through our JBJ Soul Kitchens. We are so grateful for this longstanding partnership.”

Kohl’s grant to the JBJ Soul Foundation was made through Kohl’s A Community with Heart Program. In the spirit of giving with all of its heart this holiday season, Kohl’s, through its A Community with Heart Program, will donate $5 million in grants to selected nonprofit organizations across the country, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to family health and wellness. Kohl’s store teams and leaders across the country identified and nominated nonprofit recipients from 49 states that are near and dear to their hearts. The full list of selected grant recipients will be available on Corporate.Kohls.com later this holiday season.

The donations are made possible through Kohl’s philanthropic merchandise program, Kohl’s Cares®, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to charitable organizations across the country that improve the health and wellness of families. To learn more about how Kohl’s gives back to communities nationwide, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.

About Kohl’s

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, Kohl’s offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and an easy shopping experience in our stores, online at Kohls.com and on Kohl’s mobile app. Since its founding, Kohl’s has given more than $750 million to support communities nationwide, with a focus on family health and wellness. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Kohls.com. For more information about Kohl’s impact in the community or how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Kohls.com or follow @KohlsNews on Twitter.