Category Archives: Uncategorized

August 22 2019

JBJ SOUL FOUNDATION LENDS SUPPORT TO PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH SUMMER STEAM PROGRAM

Red Bank program provides two events assisting families to prepare for the 2019 – 2020 school year

RED BANK, NJ – The Summer STEAM Academy hosted by The Pilgrim Baptist Church (PBC) is scheduled from August 19th to August 23rd at 172 Shrewsbury Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701. STEAM Academy is a 5-day school readiness initiative that provides school-aged students (grades 3-12) with an opportunity to develop the skills and experience necessary for a successful start to the school year. Special attention is given to abbreviated core areas of; Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics. Also, students are exposed to social, health & wellness and career opportunity discussions designed to foster improved self-esteem and educational motivation. The cost of the Academy is $5.00 per student. However, scholarships are available. No student will be denied the opportunity to attend.

Food stress and food insecurity is a daily issue for many students in the surrounding community. To promote healthy eating habits, evening meals, snacks and discussions on nutrition are provided throughout the program. The healthy eating initiative is supported by a generous grant from the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

As a spearhead for The JBJ and PBC Hope & Comfort Warming Center, Marylou Caputo, Community Program Manager at JBJ Soul Kitchen Red Bank (alongside Pastor Porter of PBC) is at the head of efforts to provide more opportunities for success in the community. “JBJ Soul Foundation is happy to support Pilgrim Baptist Church and its latest endeavor to assist students with a great start to the new school year,” said Marylou of the partnership. “Whether we are addressing a night of warmth at the Warming Center or giving students a “warm up” for a successful school year, the JBJ Soul Foundation is pleased to join PBC as they continue to provide opportunities to champion all in our community.”

The week of activities will culminate on Saturday, August 24 with a region-wide “Back-to-School Festival.” The festival will provide backpacks & school supplies for every student, as well as a barbecue, live entertainment, health screening, voter registration and other exhibits for all families in attendance. The festival is sponsored by The HOSA Fund, Inc. (House on Steven Avenue) to provide backpacks and supplies to over 500 students in Monmouth, Ocean & Middlesex Counties.

For further information, please call Pastor Porter at 732-747-2343.

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ABOUT PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH

The Mission of the Pilgrim Baptist Church shall be to spread the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through the preaching of the gospel, teaching of the scriptures, and supporting both home and foreign missions. It shall also be to perpetuate the sacred ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and provide a place of worship and fellowship for the membership.

This Church endeavors to meet on Sunday for worship services, and as the Lord leads us, shall meet to offer other opportunities for worship consistent with Protestant tradition. For additional information visit http://www.pilgrim-baptist.org/

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January 24 2019

JBJ Soul Kitchen, Murphy Family Foundation, Announces Ongoing Partnership

Furloughed federal workers can receive a free meal at either JBJ Soul Kitchen location throughout the shutdown

Due to the tremendous demand demonstrated by participation in this week’s events, The Philip and Tammy Murphy Family Foundation is announcing that they will continue their partnership with JBJ Soul Kitchen on an ongoing basis. Starting today, any furloughed federal employee may receive a free meal at either Toms River or Red Bank JBJ Soul Kitchen location during their regular service hours throughout the government shutdown.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank can be found at 207 Monmouth Street, just one block from the Red Bank train station. The JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Toms River location can be found at 1769 Hooper Avenue. Those wishing to participate should bring proof of federal employment.

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November 16 2018

Warming Center Opens in Time for Winter Season

UPDATE: Throughout the 2019 Winter Season, The JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Warming Center was a success in the Monmouth County Community. With a total of 32 Code Blue nights in Monmouth County and 262 total guests, we provided a warm, safe environment for an average of 8 individuals every Code Blue night.

The Warming Center serves coffee, tea and water as well as snacks prepared by volunteers. Individuals were offered cots, hot showers and an opportunity to clean their clothes with our washer/dryer system. Those who stayed at the Warming Center overnight were welcomed at JBJ Soul Kitchen Red Bank for a hot drink and a delicious meal after 5:00 PM. Providing warmth and security, our Warming Center became a model for other towns and boroughs in our country.

JBJ Soul Foundation & Pilgrim Baptist Church open Monmouth County’s first and only warming location

Red Bank, NJ – Bundled in winter coats, hats and gloves, numerous members of the local Red Bank community and leaders of various nonprofit organizations gathered as the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation (JBJSF) and the Pilgrim Baptist Church (PBC) opened the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Warming Center on Thursday, November 15 at 12:30 PM. The Warming Center will provide the local homeless community a location during state-wide Code Blue alerts. According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, there were 8,536 people experiencing homelessness on a given night in New Jersey in 2017. As the first and only warming center in Monmouth County, the shelter promises a safe and secure location during below freezing temperatures.

In May 2017, Governor Christie signed Bill A185 requiring NJ counties to provide shelter for “at-risk” individuals, meaning anyone living outside or in a building not meant for human habitation, during temperatures equal to or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Counties were mandated to adopt this bill; however, funding was not provided for the creation or maintenance of warming centers leaving local organizations struggling to find ways to fund warming centers on their own. “When we learned of the unfunded mandate of the Code Blue Warming Centers in NJ, we were compelled to increase our impact on our most vulnerable neighbors right here in Monmouth County,” said Jon Bon Jovi of the Foundation’s involvement in the warming center.

The unique relationship between JBJSF and PBC formed and flourished when the organizations decided to combine their resources, time and talent to help the at-risk population in the local community. The Warming Center is a model for organizations in each county to adopt and use throughout their own regions. Running on the dedication of volunteers, first responders, county officials and community members, the Warming Center is a product of the positive connection between JBJSF and PBC.

JBJSF provided the necessary funding for PBC to establish and maintain the Warming Center for anyone in need of assistance in Monmouth County. County emergency management coordinators must inform the municipal law enforcement 24 hours prior to a severe weather event of a Code Blue Alert. This allows authorities to take homeless individuals to shelters, centers or local agencies during severe weather events to receive necessary goods and services. In the event of a Code Blue, at-risk individuals are encouraged to seek shelter at the Warming Center located at 166 Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank, NJ. Individuals will receive overnight services including refreshments/snacks, showers, access to a washer/dryer and more. “The opening of the Warming Center will bring great relief to the faces of the men in our community who have no roof over their heads on cold nights.,” stated Pastor Terrence K. Porter of Pilgrim Baptist Church. “The look in their eyes when told about it makes me proud to be part of an organization and community that came together to answer that need.”

In addition, Lunch Break of Red Bank and the JBJ Soul Kitchen will provide access to warmth, food and services throughout the day until the warming center opens at 8:00 PM. “I am heartened by the efforts of the JBJ Soul Foundation and the Pilgrim Baptist Church, for getting this wonderful, life-saving mission up and running before the harsh weather and falling temperatures of winter are upon us,” stated Gwendolyn Love of Lunch Break in Red Bank. “This is a vital community resource for those who need the comfort and warmth of a temporary shelter from the cold and Lunch Break is happy to help.”

For additional information on the Warming Center and a full schedule of services during Code Blue events please contact 732-856-3929.

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May 25 2018

JBJSF Joins HELP USA in Celebrating Groundbreaking of Walter Reed Project

Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation joined HELP USA, the City of D.C., and other partners on Friday, May 25, 2018 in a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Walter Reed project in Washington, D.C.. JBJ Soul Foundation is proud to support the 77 units of “services-enriched” affordable housing for homeless Veterans. HELP USA will provide social and supportive services to the residents, and the units will be furnished to allow for immediate occupancy for individuals and their families who may be coming from shelters or other transitional housing.

The site will eventually become “The Parks at Walter Reed” and will contain 2,100 residential units (of which 432 will be affordable units), retail space with a grocery store anchor, office space, a hotel, charter schools, medical uses, arts and entertainment uses in addition to 20 acres of open park space. The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is still located on this property and will remain a fully operational hospital.

“The Walter Reed campus has a storied history of serving the men and women of our armed forces, and we are proud to be building housing on this site that will continue that tradition. HELP strongly believes that stable housing is the foundation of every other social service. By developing apartments for homeless veterans and providing on-site services we are helping people begin to build better lives,” said Tom Hameline, President and CEO, HELP USA.

About HELP USA

HELP USA is one of the nation’s largest homeless service providers and low-income housing developers serving at-risk populations including families, veterans, and victims of domestic violence. HELP USA currently serves more than 8,000 people every day at over 50 programs and residences across five states. Since its founding in 1986, HELP USA has served more than 500,000 men, women, and children, and developed in excess of 2,500 units of housing.

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April 24 2018

JBJSF Joins Project HOME in Celebrating Grand Opening of Ruth Williams House

Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation joined Project HOME and other partners today in celebrating the grand opening of the Ruth Williams House at the Gene & Marlene Epstein Building in Philadelphia. The new building provides a total of 88 units of affordable housing.

JBJ Soul Foundation is proud to support the 20 units dedicated to young adult housing for youth experiencing homelessness, are formerly homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

Read below for the full press release:

Project HOME Announces Grand Opening of Ruth Williams House at the
Gene & Marlene Epstein Building

Newest Residence at 2415 North Broad Street Made Possible by the Vision and Generosity of Local Advocates and Long-time Supporters of Project HOME

PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 24, 2018) – Project HOME today announced that the Grand Opening of its newest residence, Ruth Williams House at the Gene & Marlene Epstein Building will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. The residence, located at 2415 North Broad St., provides 88 units of affordable housing (20 dedicated to young adults) to men and women who are homeless, formerly homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as low-income members of the community. The building was named in honor of Ruth Williams and Gene and Marlene Epstein – long-time supporters of Project HOME and powerful advocates for ending homelessness in the city of Philadelphia.

“We were heartbroken when Ruth passed away before she could see this incredible project come to fruition, yet we know her spirit and commitment to let everyone live their best life is ever present here,” said Sister Mary Scullion, Project HOME co-founder and Executive Director. “Ruth lived her life by a simple creed – ‘Love, teach, share.’ This new residence honors Ruth’s life and her meaningful impact on Project HOME’s work by connecting people to education and employment services, as well as medical services. Ruth’s and Morris’ generosity helped to create a place of stability and revitalization for the North Broad Street neighborhood.”

Residents of Ruth Williams House will be connected to medical, behavioral-health, and recovery services through Project HOME’s Health Services Program at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center, and will be eligible to receive employment and education services through Project HOME’s Workforce Solutions Program.

“Our relationship with Gene and Marlene Epstein dates back to the 1980s,” said Sister Mary. “Since then, the Epsteins have worked tirelessly to create the awareness, passion, and funding needed to end homelessness in Philadelphia for good. This new residence is a tribute to their conviction and leadership, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

“Marlene and I are so excited for this property to officially open its doors,” said Gene Epstein of the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund. “Project HOME has a long track record of being a source for good in our city, and we’re proud to support an organization having such a positive impact.”

On April 9, a delegation of federal and local elected officials, including Congressional representatives Dwight Evans, Bob Brady, and Brendan Boyle, visited Ruth Williams House to highlight this project as a successful use of federal investment to solve serious urban problems, and to stress the need for a continued role by the federal government in addressing the affordable housing crisis in the United States.

Ruth Williams House at the Gene & Marlene Epstein Building is the fifth project funded by MPOWER, a Project HOME community investment partnership that is multiplying the impact of Project HOME’s proven approaches to breaking the cycle of homelessness. The partnership focuses on revitalizing entire communities, including building new homes and programs to support the vulnerable individuals of today and tomorrow and breaking the cycle of homelessness for young adults.

About Ruth Williams House at the Gene & Marlene Epstein Building

Ruth Williams House at the Gene & Marlene Epstein Building is a five-story, approximately 80,000-square-foot building, with 88 total efficiency units, and approximately 2,400 square feet of first-floor retail space. It was designed and constructed with sustainability in mind and has achieved LEED silver status. It includes on-site laundry and a community space for residents. Twenty of its units are dedicated to young adult housing, virtually doubling Project HOME’s capacity to house youth who are or are at risk of becoming homeless.

Just two blocks from Temple University, the development is located in a “transportation hub,” and the site is identified as an ideal location for transit-oriented development. It is in walking distance of both a subway stop and regional rail stop, as well as four bus routes. The project supports Philadelphia’s goals to develop the North Broad Street Corridor, reestablish North Broad Street as a mixed use urban area, promote Philadelphia’s image as a “walker’s city,” and build connections along the North Broad Street corridor.

Ruth Williams House at the Gene & Marlene Epstein Building is made possible through the support of public and private partners including Ruth and Morris Williams, Gene & Marlene Epstein, Leigh and John Middleton, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Philadelphia Housing Authority, City of Philadelphia, Division of Housing & Community Development, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Capital One, National Equity Fund, FHLBank Pittsburgh, PNC Bank, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, JBJ Soul Foundation, Janet and John Haas, The Neubauer Family Foundation, TD Bank, Sheila and John Connors, Deborah M. Fretz, Independence Foundation, Toby Strogatz and Stephen Klein, and Paul L. Newman Foundation, Le Vine Family Foundation, and Jeannie and Michael O’Neill.

About MPOWER

MPOWER is a Project HOME Community Investment Partnership 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. In just five years, the partnership’s impact multiplier model has leveraged $20 million into $200 million which has helped to provide services to more than 15,000 people, including ending chronic street homelessness for more than 800 people.

About Project HOME

Since 1989, Project HOME has helped thousands of 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 through both adult and youth education and enrichment programs at the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs and community-based health care services at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center. Project HOME and its partners have pledged to end chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia. To learn more, visit www.projecthome.org.