OceanFirst Gives to Point Beach, Toms River and Monmouth United Way

OceanFirst Foundation’s Relief and Recovery Grant Program is awarding six new grants totaling $93,000 to organizations in Point Pleasant Beach, Toms River and Monmouth County.

The recipients are: Ocean Fire Co. #1, Point Pleasant Beach; Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, Toms River; Children’s Home Society, Toms River; Homes for All, Toms River; O.C.E.A.N., Inc., Toms River and United Way of Monmouth County, Farmingdale.

"The foundation's grant program assists the efforts of nonprofit organizations in the New Jersey shore market area that are helping local families and individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy," says a prepared statement issued by the foundation.

The amount awarded to each of the organizations and details about their specific needs are as follows, according to a foundation statement:

Ocean Fire Co. #1, Point Pleasant Beach - Approved for $10,000

The Ocean Fire Co. #1 firehouse at 400 Arnold Ave. was flooded with more than two feet of water. The bays have been stripped out as have all wall coverings, cabinetry, the heating and hot water system and the kitchen. They had no flood insurance. They will use their grant for the repair/rehabilitation of the firehouse. 

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, Toms River – Approved for $3,500

As a result of the storm 10% of CVCJ’s volunteer network who resided in barrier islands and other hard hit areas have been forced to move or are concentrating on rebuilding their homes. This leaves them unable to volunteer. At the same time, there is an increased need for services, as many family members who  provided assistance to the homebound also have been forced to move out of the area. The grant will be used to cover the cost of background checks on new volunteers.

Children’s Home Society, Toms River - Approved for $10,000

CHS of NJ will use their grant to deliver trauma counseling services for families with children who were affected by Sandy. Counseling would be provided by their experienced therapists and would take place at the Ocean County Family Success Center, other community locations, family homes and temporary housing. In addition, counselors would work with families to help access community and government resources and benefits, provide workshops, socialization activities and coordinate services.

Homes for All, Toms River - Approved for $20,000

Homes for All will work with low to moderate income families that have been displaced by Sandy by providing for security deposits and housing related expenses with a maximum of $5,000 per family. It is anticipated that security deposits would eventually be refunded and those funds would then be redistributed to additional families. Income qualification based on COAH Regional Income Limits.

O.C.E.A.N. Inc, Toms River - Approved for $25,000

Will use their grant to provide rehabilitation of homes (clean-outs, removal of downed trees and debris, replacement and installation of installation, vinyl siding, roofing, gutters, fencing, windows, trailer skirting, fascia and soffits), replacement of damaged hot water heaters and heating units, plumbing and gas line work. They would also provide rental assistance and deposits for displaced families and food vouchers.

United Way of Monmouth County, Farmingdale - Approved for $25,000

United Way of Monmouth is leading the recovery effort in their county. By partnering with the Disaster Case Managers in 4 area FEMA reporting sites (Disaster Recovery Centers), they will identify those who face barriers to finding stable housing and address those barriers with immediate financial assistance.  They will cover housing allowances, utilities/deposits, moving fees, application and credit check fees.  United Way of Monmouth will match up to $25,000 of any OceanFirst funding on a 1:1 ratio.

Previous OceanFirst Grants and How to Apply

Grants were previously awarded to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton (Emergency Services); Catholic Charities Emergency Services, Lakewood; the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Neptune; and St. Francis Center, Brant Beach.

This brings the total amount awarded through the Relief and Recovery Grant Program to $243,000, the statement says.

"Nonprofit organizations that are assisting individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Sandy in the OceanFirst Bank market are invited to apply for grants of up to $25,000 from the OceanFirst Foundation Relief and Recovery Program and should contact OceanFirst Foundation for details at 732-341-4676," the statement says.

“As our local communities continue on the path toward recovery from the devastating effects of the storm, we are committed to supporting the nonprofits in our market area that are helping our neighbors in need. We are proud to be a part of the relief and recovery efforts and to support the work of these grassroots groups working on the front lines,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation, in the statement.

"Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen," the statement continues. 

"The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central New Jersey meet their financial needs has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of
OceanFirst Foundation.

"The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst market area. Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed in excess of $23 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties"

To learn more, visit the OceanFirst Foundation website.

To learn more about the organizations awarded grants, contact the nonprofits directly at:
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey - Phone: 732-505-2273, www.caregivervolunteers.org;
Children’s Home Society - Phone: 732-557-9633, www.chsofnjorg;
Homes for All - Phone: 732-286-7929, www.homesforallnj.org;
O.C.E.A.N., Inc. - Phone: 732-244-5333, www.oceaninc.org;
Ocean Fire Co. #1 - Phone: 732-892-9426, www.ofc1.org;
United Way of Monmouth County - Phone: 732-938-5988, www.uwmonmouth.org