Category Archives: Editorial

November 11 2014

Jon Bon Jovi Lends Support to Help NJ Middle Class

(Photo: THOMAS P. COSTELLO / Gannett)

New Start New Jersey is a nonprofit organization founded by Phil Murphy, a Middletown resident and former U.S. Ambassador to Germany. Jon Bon Jovi participated in a panel discussion of the issues affecting his home state of NJ after the announcement of this new organization took place. The panel covered topics ranging from the continuing rise of the cost of living, to the loss of middle class jobs (most recently the closure of casinos in Atlantic City), to the need to make education more affordable and accessible to today’s youth.

For the full story, and to watch a video of Jon Bon Jovi speaking on the issues of hunger and homelessness, please visit: APP.com

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October 10 2014

JBJ Soul Kitchen 3rd Anniversary Celebration!

Saturday, October 11th/ 1pm – 4pm

Join us for the first annual JBJ Soul Kitchen Kickoff Cook-Off!

Soul Kitchen is excited to welcome the following NJ Fire Departments who will be preparing their best firehouse chili: Red Bank, Sea Bright, Port Monmouth, Union Beach, Hackensack, Little Silver and Monoc EMS. Attendees will sample the chili and vote for their favorite. This event will be the kick off event in Celebration of the JBJ Soul Kitchen’s 3 year anniversary. Donations to enter the event will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. All proceeds from this event will be shared by the winning fire departments and the Soul Kitchen. Soul Kitchen will be open to the public for regular dinner service from 5pm-7pm that evening. Come by and see how Soul Kitchen serves the community and why Hope is Delicious.

Wednesday, October 15th / 6:00pm – 8:00pm

180’s Amanda’s Easel Art Exhibit

JBJ Soul Kitchen is proud to host its second Amanda’s Easel Art Exhibit. Amanda’s Easel, a program of our partner 180 Turning Lives Around, uses art therapy to help children exposed to domestic violence heal through the expression of art. This year’s theme is “Turning Over a New Leaf” and you can join us to view the exhibit and take part in the interactive “Leave a Change” art installation.

This event is free to the public – please join us for complimentary apple cider and seasonal bites. Soul Kitchen will not be open for dinner that night, as always if you or someone you know is in need of a meal please contact us so arrangements may be made.

Saturday, October 18th / 1:00 – 4:00pm

** JBJ Soul Kitchen 3rd Anniversary Celebration**
Please Raise Your Hand and help Jon combat hunger.

JBJ Soul Kitchen is celebrating 3 years of giving a hand up in the community. Jon Bon Jovi has provided his hand print for you to write a message of hope on to be displayed at Soul Kitchen and shared through social media. Join us as we celebrate and see how Soul Kitchen is much more than a meal. There will be music, face painting by Smiling Palette, pumpkin picking & painting by our own teacher/volunteer Cindy and light fare in the Soul Kitchen garden. This event is free to the public. Soul Kitchen will open at 5:00pm for regular dinner service.

Our partners **Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters **will be providing complementary coffee.

A Pop Up Farm Stand will be provided through the SHARE Food Program. Representatives from our partners at the Pilgrim Baptist Church and the SHARE Food Program will be on hand to introduce the community to this affordable program for farm fresh produce & general food items. This is a wonderful way to access healthy foods for those living within a tight monthly budget.

Please continue to check back for more information on each night!

If you do not live in the Red Bank area but would like to support Soul Kitchen, you can help us by Paying It Forward. By donating, you are helping to cover the cost of someone’s meal who volunteered as payment. You can also raise YOUR hand and help combat hunger by adding a message of hope on the donation form that will be printed on Jon Bon Jovi’s hand print and displayed at Soul Kitchen during our celebration!

Please click HERE to donate and support our mission.

Soul Kitchen…where Hope is Delicious.

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July 31 2014

JBJSF Celebrates Grand Opening of Merrick Hall

The relationship between Northern Children Services and the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation began back in 2004 when the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football team built a beautiful playground on the campus. Throughout the last decade the partnership has continued – culminating in JBJ Soul Foundation’s support of the renovation of Merrick Hall.

“From day one on the campus of Northern Children’s Services some ten years ago, I marveled at the history and hidden beauty of that old building – Merrick Hall,” stated Jon Bon Jovi, Chairman of the JBJ Soul Foundation. “When this project came about, it was a natural fit for us to provide one of the lead donations for this building. It is wonderful to see it now fully restored to glory and in use for such a purposeful cause – addressing the needs of young mothers in this community.”

Not only does Merrick Hall stand for the successful future of the Generations program, it represents the rich history behind the past 161 years of service of Northern Children’s Services. Thanks to this newly renovated building, the organization will be able to change the lives of more young women and children in the community who need it most, just as it was able to do in 1853 for orphans described as “innocent victims of social poverty during an era of unparalleled economic luxury.” Learn more about the history of Northern Children’s Services and how it has evolved from an orphanage to now being one of the only accredited facilities of its kind in the Philadelphia area by clicking here.

“The (Merrick) building will now expand our capacity to serve the needs of the Generation programs. In addition, it will provide 4 permanent housing units for our homeless Mother/Baby population. This is a tremendous accomplishment for Northern and the community that we serve. I am extremely proud and thankful to our Board of Directors, supporters and donors. Without their support, this would have not been possible,” Mr. Lavallias said.

A current resident of the Generations program, Brittney, gave a tearful speech to the crowd explaining the significant impact Northern Children’s Services and Generations program has had on the life of her and her son, Rashee.

“With all of this love and support given I was able to graduate from high school on time despite the fact I had my son at a young age. Furthermore, NCS as a team was very helpful and a huge blessing in making my prom a vigilant success,” Brittney said. “Ms. Cherenne (Peoples), Ms. Rasheedah (Small), Ms. Isis (Polard) and Ms. Nakia (Gordon), thank you for never turning your cheek. When times got rough – those times when I felt like giving up – your words of encouragement helped me through.”

JBJSF Celebrates Grand Opening of Merrick Hall

Ribbon Cutting at the Merrick Hall Grand Opening Celebration

For details about the Generations program and the impact of Merrick Hall on the lives of these teenage mothers, who are either homeless or transitioning out of foster care, please click here.

In addition to the JBJ Soul Foundation, IKEA and Wawa were huge contributors to the success of this project. For the past 27 years, Wawa has been an invaluable partner and a huge component to the success of Northern Children’s Services. Because of Wawa’s great generosity, a day care was created on campus and many donations were given to aid with events and projects. Thanks to their lead commitment of $430,000 towards the Generations Campaign for Merrick Hall, the building was able to undergo a complete renovation and open its doors up for the first time today. The relationship between Wawa and Northern Children’s Services is a special one and one that continues to grow.

Thanks to IKEA, furniture from the store was not only donated to the building but over the course of three days, employees from the South Philadelphia, Conshohocken, and their Corporate Office came and assembled all of the furniture for each and every room.

“IKEA is proud to support Northern Children’s Services, an organization that has great value in the communities it serves. Our expertise in home furnishings was a natural fit to donate and furnish the residential living spaces (including apartments, dorms, and shared living and dining rooms) at the newly renovated Merrick Hall. The IKEA team of talented designers from Conshohocken and New Haven were able to bring in all their home furnishing knowledge to support a better everyday life for the young mother and babies living at Northern Children’s Services. In addition, Urban Express supported the transportation and assembly of over 100 pieces of IKEA furniture. At the final phase, over 50 co-workers from IKEA Conshohocken, IKEA South Philadelphia, and the IKEA Service Office, along with support from our friends at Philadelphia University, came together for three days to transform Merrick Hall into a warm and inviting home,” commented Camilla Meiby, Store Manager IKEA Conshohocken.

Now that the doors have opened, Tracey Lavallias, CEO and President of Northern Children’s Services, is able to say that the same vision he had when he stepped into this role in 2008 has finally come true.

“One of the first buildings that caught my attention was Merrick Hall, not only because of its appeal but the history behind this building. I distinctly remembered the children occupying the building when I was first employed in 1997, including about 30 adolescent boys residing in the dormitory style housing that Merrick consisted of. I distinctly remember one troubled resident completely turning his life around. He is currently a part-time employee and remains a part of the Northern family. These experiences prompted the resurrection of Merrick Hall, with the goal of helping more children and families overcome obstacles and achieve their goals,” Mr. Lavallias said.

To see more images from the Grand Opening Celebration, please visit our Photo Gallery

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About Northern Children’s Services

Founded in 1853, Northern Children’s Services (formerly Northern Home for Children) is a comprehensive social service agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and child welfare services to children and families throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. Through the provision of family, school and community-based programs and supports, Northern Children’s Services directly affects the lives of nearly 3,000 children a year. For more information about Northern Children’s Services, visit northernchildren.org or call 215.482.1423.

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July 23 2014

Jon Bon Jovi to Receive Marian Anderson Award

We would like to thank the board of the Marian Anderson Award as well as Mayor Michael Nutter (who made the announcement today at the Sofitel Hotel in Philadelphia) for recognizing the work of Jon and the Foundation in Philadelphia and across the country. We would also like to thank the sponsors Wells Fargo, Comcast, and PECO for helping to make this event possible. As Tracy Baumgartner, Executive Director of Community Investment of Comcast Corporation, stated in her remarks at the unveiling of this year’s award recipient “Marian Anderson persevered at a time when simply being herself was a barrier. She used her art as a platform to influence change for the generations that followed – change that continues more than 20 years after her passing. The impact of the Award, which is given in her honor, provides the opportunity to shine a spotlight on another trailblazer who puts his artistic passions to work to better our society.”

We could not agree more and congratulate Jon for his passion and leadership on projects that have made a huge impact on so many lives in communities across the nation.

Press Release:
Philadelphia, PA – June 23, 2014 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that Jon Bon Jovi – founder and front man for the iconic band Bon Jovi – will receive the 2014 Marian Anderson Award. The singer, song-writer, actor and producer, known for his philanthropy, has a long history of civic and humanitarian outreach which has benefitted the homeless of Philadelphia. In making the announcement, Mayor Nutter noted that, “For more than 30 years, Jon Bon Jovi has been making music loved by millions, and he has used his success to help others. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has succeeded in changing lives through its investment in healthcare, housing and hunger support programs, as well as being an advocate for those in need. He has supported a range of important organizations including Project H.O.M.E., Covenant House, and the Angel Network, the philanthropic organization of Marian Anderson Award recipient, Oprah Winfrey. I am proud to announce Jon Bon Jovi as this year’s recipient of the Marian Anderson Award.”

Marian Anderson Award board chair Nina C. Tinari thanked the Award’s lead sponsors Wells Fargo, PECO, and COMCAST and spoke about the board’s choice of Jon Bon Jovi as this year’s recipient. “Since 1998, the Award has been conferred upon outstanding individuals whose careers and advocacy have had a global impact. But this year, we wanted to single out an artist whose work is not only global, but also deeply invested here in Philadelphia. This marks the first time that we have looked at generosity to the City and region as part of our search. We also wanted to highlight the impact of an individual who is in the forefront of artists who have made the choice to help change the world for the better. Jon Bon Jovi is a unique candidate in this regard and is a wonderful addition to our distinguished group of honorees.”

Musically and philanthropically, Jon Bon Jovi’s work honors the spirit of America and salutes the principles that define our nation. Self-reliance, optimism and community are key concepts he embodies, not just in his music, but also in his charitable efforts. These common threads have resulted in millions of dollars raised while bringing heightened awareness to the issues of homelessness and hunger that adversely impact our society.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the great city of Philadelphia, in receiving this prestigious award,” stated Jon Bon Jovi. “The JBJ Soul Foundation originated in Philadelphia and will continue to reach those in need, both locally and nationally. Through the ‘power of WE,’ we can end homelessness and hunger.”

Jon Bon Jovi is Chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need “one SOUL at a time.” The projects funded by the Soul Foundation address the issues of food and shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Jon and the organization have provided funding for affordable housing and shelter for hundreds of low-income individuals and families throughout the country.

Facilities and projects range from temporary shelters, transitional housing for teens, permanent supportive housing including housing for vets and special needs populations, as well as home ownership opportunities. In October 2011, the Foundation expanded by opening The JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey to address issues of food insecurity and has since served over 26,500 meals, and most recently reached the goal of 51% of the diners paying and 49% being in-need. The community kitchen serves nutritious, culinary dishes in a restaurant atmosphere where diners contribute either volunteer hours or a minimum donation for their meals. As the Foundation continues to expand, the goal is to assist with rebuilding pride in one’s self and one’s community – one SOUL at a time.

Musically, the Grammy Award winning rock band Bon Jovi has set the bar for over three decades as one of the most successful rock bands in the world. Globally, they have sold more than 130 million albums, performed more than 2,900 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 37.5 million fans. Throughout the years, the band has consistently delivered #1 albums and Top Ten hits – most recently, Bon Jovi’s 12th studio album, WHAT ABOUT NOW, debuted at #1 around the world while the accompanying tour became the #1 tour in the world. Jon and his wife, Dorothea, have four children and still call their native New Jersey home.

Nina Tinari went on to say, “In addition to honoring those changing our world for the better, an equally important part of our work is to encourage young men and women to follow their dreams inspired by people like Marian Anderson and Jon Bon Jovi. Miss Anderson frequently said that her career was the result of many people helping her along the way. And we at the Award are trying to provide the same crucial assistance and support for young artists through our Young Artist Study Program which is administered with the support of our partner the University of the Arts and the initiative established this year with Interlochen Summer Arts Camp in Michigan. We do that work with the important support of our sponsors and everyone who attends the Gala Dinner and Concert, so we hope you will plan to join us on November 18 when we present Jon Bon Jovi with this year’s Award in an evening of musical celebration.”

For information about the organization and attending the November 18 Award Gala Dinner please visit marianandersonaward.org

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June 23 2014

NJ Soul of Hunger

In collaboration with NJAHC partner agencies across the state, participants were recruited and trained to be NJSOH photographers/advocates. Each participant was given a camera and asked to document through the lenses what hunger meant to them in their everyday lives. Participants in the program ranged in age, race, gender, and lived in different regions of the state. Over the course of the year, NJSOH photographers/advocates had their images featured in exhibits throughout the state; spoke at press events and a statewide poverty conference; met with federal, state and local elected officials; and testified at a state budget hearing. The NJ Soul of Hunger is a complement to the advocacy work of the NJ Anti-Hunger Coalition, promoting and supporting NJAHC’s anti-hunger policy and programmatic recommendations to address the issue.

Several of the NJSOH photographers have emerged as outspoken advocates on the issues of hunger and poverty and their voices have had a major impact on how the public and policy makers understand these problems and their potential solutions. NJSOH photographers/advocates who participated in the project have expressed that it has been a positive, empowering experience for them. Photographers were connected with resources when needed (such as SNAP application assistance) and a few of the photographers were offered additional help specific to their needs as a result of the exhibits.

The NJ Soul of Hunger project is advocacy in action. Below is a calendar of NJ Soul of Hunger events and corresponding media coverage over the course of the grant year. For additional images and information on exhibits and events, visit the NJ Soul of Hunger Facebook page.

NJ Soul of Hunger: A Year in Review

December 2014-December 2015

December 15, 2015 –Soul of Hunger launch: Press Event at the State House

NJAHC hosted a press event to highlight hunger and NJAHC’s legislative agenda; over 12 state legislators attended, as well as Chef Tom Colicchio; legislative sponsorship obtained for 3 anti-hunger bills (links to press coverage listed below). SOH photographer Robert spoke at the event and his photos were featured in an exhibit in the State House. Robert was also approached by Senator Lesniak to discuss the impact of casino closures in Atlantic City. As a result, Senator Lesniak issued a press release, calling on the Governor to address hunger in Atlantic City

Press coverage of event:

NorthJersey.com

NJ.com

January 2015 – Soul of Hunger Photo Exhibit in Bergen County

NJAHC coordinated a month long photo exhibit featuring images taken for the first SOH event (in 9/2013) and new images at the Puffin Arts and Cultural Center as part of a multi-media, educational exhibit on poverty and hunger in NJ. Over the course of the month, it is estimated that over 200 people visited the exhibit.

March 24, 2015 – NJ State Assembly budget hearing

SOH advocate, Shanee testified with NJAHC at a state budget hearing regarding the need for increase funding for Section 8, EITC and other anti-poverty programs. She shared her personal experience with these programs as a pathway out of poverty.

April 14, 2015 – Press event in Camden

NJAHC held a press event at St Andrews food pantry in Camden, featuring SOH advocate Stella, to educate the public and policy makers about the continued threat to SNAP. Two state legislators representing the district, as well as two City Council members were in attendance. As a result, the NJ Senate and Assembly issued resolutions stating that SNAP should be protected against any cuts on the federal level.

Press coverage of event:

NJ.com

CBS Philly

Courier Post

NBC 10 (Pre-Event Coverage, 2 minute segment)

June 22, 2015 – Meeting with Congressman Frelinghuysen

Soul of Hunger photographer/advocate, Megan, joined NJAHC in a meeting with the Congressman to discuss the importance of child nutrition programs and to advocate for passage of a strong child nutrition bill. In addition, Megan spoke with the Congressman about SNAP and the need to vote against any cuts to the program. Christine, another SOH photographer, provided a written appeal to the Congressman about her families’ struggle with hunger and the need for strong federal nutrition programs.

August 21, 2015 – NJ Soul of Hunger: The Atlantic City Story

NJAHC coordinated a press event and kick off of a month long exhibit at the Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City to raise awareness about the impact of casino closures on that region and the increase in hunger and poverty as a result. The Mayor of AC attended, along with over 30 members of the public. The exhibit featured photos by 8 SOH photographers, three of whom, Shakir, Gary and Robert spoke at the press event. A producer from PBS attended and has since interviewed several of the SOH photographers for a documentary series on poverty. As a result of the exhibit, a few of the photographers continue to work with NJAHC and are planning a second showing of the exhibit in Mays Landing in April 2016.

Press coverage of the event:

Press of Atlantic City

September 27, 2015 – NJ Soul of Hunger: Childhood Hunger in Our State

NJAHC coordinated a SOH exhibit at a large Unitarian congregation in Bergen County focusing specifically on childhood hunger in NJ (featuring photos taken by and of children who are impacted by hunger in NJ) and call to action on the issue. Over 100 congregants were educated on childhood hunger and participated in a call in day to Congress to support strong Child Nutrition reauthorization. NJ State Legislator, Tim Eustace was in attendance and committed to support state legislation to address childhood hunger as well.

October 13, 2015 – Anti-Poverty Network of NJ Statewide Summit

As a result of the SOH project, the Anti-Poverty Network invited SOH photographers/advocates to speak on an expert panel at the annual statewide summit. SOH advocates Megan and Shakir shared the dais with former Governor McGreevey and state Assembly Speaker Prieto and shared their personal experience with hunger and economic struggle, as well as possible solutions, to educate the over 300 people in attendance.

Press coverage of the event:

NJTVNews

October 30, 2015 – NJ Soul of Hunger: Three Years After Sandy

NJAHC partnered with the Peoples Pantry in Toms River to coordinate a SOH exhibit highlighting the problem of hunger, three years after Super Storm Sandy. Photos in the exhibit were taken by and of people who were directly impacted by the storm and still struggle to put food on the table. The Mayor of Toms River spoke at the event, along with SOH photographer, Tami, whose photos were featured in the exhibit.

Press coverage of the event:

NJ.com

NJTVNews

December 8, 2015 – NJ Soul of Hunger: The Hidden Reality of Hunger Among Seniors and the Disabled

NJAHC coordinated a SOH exhibit and press event at the JCC in West Orange in partnership with the Jewish Federation and the JCC to highlight the issue of hunger among seniors and people with disabilities in our state. State Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver spoke at the event, along with Mary, a senior and SOH photographer. NJAHC introduced three specific legislative actions that the state can take to address senior hunger. As a result, Assemblywoman Oliver and Assemblywoman Huttle will be involved in helping to get sponsorship for legislation. The exhibit was seen by hundreds of JCC members over a two week period, and one of the photographers, Adrienne was offered a donation from someone who was particularly moved by her images and story.

Press coverage of the event:

WMBC-TV

NJTVNews