A representative from a grant recipient addresses the Brick Township council, July 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Brick Township officials have once again utilized the township’s ability to obtain Community Development Block Grant funding to support a broad group of local nonprofit organizations that help members of the local community.
Every year, the township receives grant money from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s CDBG program which, in turn, is passed on to local service providers. Under the unique approach to the program, Brick officials identify issues of concern in the community and then provide the federal funds to the organizations most appropriate to address those issues. This year, the township granted a total of $54,438 to the organizations, which range from food pantries, to temporary housing, to support for domestic violence victims.
The township also administers housing rehabilitation projects and public infrastructure improvements through funding received from the CDBG program annually.
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“Being able to provide these organizations with CDBG funds is a privilege and honor for the Council and myself,” said Mayor John Ducey. “We know just how hard every single one of these organizations work to make a positive impact on people’s lives. We are grateful of their efforts and thankful that we have the opportunity to pass these funds to them to and support them in their missions.”
Officials awarded the grants last week at the regular township council meeting, with a representative from each organization delivering a short message on their respective goals and missions.
The CDBG Check recipients are:
Providence House – $10,000 – A division of Catholic Charities, Providence House provides a wide variety of services related to preventing domestic violence and assisting its victims. For many years, the Township has worked with Providence House to fight domestic violence in our community.
Community Services, Inc. of Ocean County/Meals on Wheels – $5,000 – Through its ‘Meals on Wheels’ program, Community Services Inc. provides nutritious meals to homebound elderly in their own homes. The program also serves meals daily to seniors at the Brick Township Senior Center on Adamston Road.
Church of the Visitation – $3,000- The Church of the Visitation on Mantoloking Road hosts a community lunch on the third Wednesday of each month. Lunches are free and available from 12pm-1pm.
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County – $3,500 – There are times when families face becoming homeless because of personal, financial or medical reasons. Interfaith Homeless Assistance provides a safety net program for Brick Township residents who face becoming homeless.
Ocean’s Harbor House – $3,500– Ocean’s Harbor House provides free short-term shelter and crisis intervention for male and female youth ages 10-17. Any youth who is homeless, has runaway, been thrown away or abused, or is otherwise in need of immediate intervention may find help 24 hours a day at this safe haven.
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey – $3,500 – Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey is a non-profit interfaith organization that provides volunteers to assist frail elderly with simple daily tasks enabling them to live, with dignity, where they are most comfortable – in their own homes. And there is never a charge for help provided!
Church of the Epiphany – $3,000 – Volunteers provide counseling to those in need to manage housing expenses and provide financial assistance to cover food, clothing, utilities and rent.
CONTACT of Ocean and Monmouth Counties – $3,500 – CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides trained telephone listeners who respond to human needs 24-hours a day. They offer free confidential crisis intervention, information on available resources and referral to community services.
Dottie’s House – $3,000 – Dottie’s House provides transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their children. These grant funds will help offset the operating costs for the transitional housing facility.
The Arc, Ocean County Chapter – $3,500 – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter advocates for, provides supports and empowers children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families, ensuring they are accepted and valued as citizens of our community. The Arc does this through vocational, recreational, family support, residential, transportation and primary medical care programs.
Jersey Shore Council Boy Scouts of America – $3,000 – Jersey Shore Council, Boy Scouts of America, headquartered in Toms River, serves more than 6,000 young people in four Jersey Shore counties: Atlantic, Ocean, Southeast Burlington and Ocean City in Cape May County. It is among the largest youth serving organizations in the state of New Jersey led by approximately 2,000 volunteers.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters – $5,000 – Big Brothers/Big Sisters’ goal is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported one-on-one relationships that change their lives for the better.
Brick Morning Rotary Club – $3,000 – The Brick Morning Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. These funds will be used for their Shore Movement food drive.
True Vine Community Services, Inc. – $1,938 – True Vine provides necessary resources to create a positive impact on the community through helping abused women, prisoner re-entry, and combating juvenile delinquency through counseling, training, mentoring, guidance and education.
“The organizations we are supporting rely greatly on volunteers and donations,” said Ducey. “I encourage all residents that are able to consider volunteering for one of these groups or to make a donation. Your contribution will be used to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Brick Township’s CDBG Program is administered by the Township’s Land Use Office and Township Planner Tara Paxton. Groups seeking more information on how to apply for CDBG funding from the township can call 732-262-1039.
