Raise Jersey

Devils are proud to invest in our local New Jersey communities. Every month, Raise Jersey presented by Schindler will highlight community organizations that strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods.

January Partner Highlight

Community FoodBank of New Jersey

More than 44 million people in the US are food insecure. Nearly 1 million of them, including over 260,000 children, reside in New Jersey. The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America®, serve as a champion for addressing root causes of hunger. CFBNJ started almost 50 years ago and is now the largest anti-hunger organization in the state, distributing over 90 million nutritious meal annually. Their hunger-relief program addresses the need by delivering after-school meals and supplemental food for children, providing job training to those seeking a second chance, and teaching people how to eat healthy on a budget.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey nutrition policy focuses on offering food that is healthy, meets different dietary needs, and respects the cultural preferences of the people they serve. By following these principles, CFBNJ aims to provide accessible, nutritious, and appropriate food that positively impacts the well-being of their community.

To learn more about Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and how to volunteer or support, please visit cfbnj.org.

February Partner Highlight

Newark Emergency Services for Families

Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF) is a non-profit organization that has been serving the Greater Essex County community for over 40 years. NESF is dedicated to providing compassionate, responsive, and high quality services to individuals and families facing crises. The organization offers critical assistance with emergency food, clothing, shelter, rent, and other basic necessities during times of hardship.

When there is nowhere else to turn, individuals and families can rely on NESF for support. Their mission is to empower individuals to regain their self-sufficiency and improve their overall well-being, ultimately fostering a community where all individuals are valued, nurtured, and supported. NESF's goal is not only to address immediate needs but also to help people move toward long-term stability, making a lasting impact on their lives and the greater Essex County community.

To learn more about Newark Emergency Services for Families, and how to volunteer or support, please visit nesfnj.org.

December Partner Highlight

Community FoodBank of New Jersey

More than 44 million people in the US are food insecure. Nearly 1 million of them, including over 260,000 children, reside in New Jersey. The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America®, serve as a champion for addressing root causes of hunger. CFBNJ started almost 50 years ago and is now the largest anti-hunger organization in the state, distributing over 90 million nutritious meal annually. Their hunger-relief program addresses the need by delivering after-school meals and supplemental food for children, providing job training to those seeking a second chance, and teaching people how to eat healthy on a budget.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey nutrition policy focuses on offering food that is healthy, meets different dietary needs, and respects the cultural preferences of the people they serve. By following these principles, CFBNJ aims to provide accessible, nutritious, and appropriate food that positively impacts the well-being of their community.

To learn more about Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and how to volunteer or support, please visit cfbnj.org.

November Partner Highlight

Essentially Yours From The Heart

Started by Newark resident Mona Thomas in 2020, Essentially Yours From The Heart has grown into an impactful community movement supported by dedicated volunteers, support of Newark Public Schools, and donations from individuals and businesses. Inspired by the belief that anyone can achieve their true potential, Essentially Yours provides vital support and resources to young parents and their families to ensure they have what they need to thrive.

Mona Thomas established Essentially Yours at West Side High School in Newark to serve as safe place for young parents to find essential items for themselves and their children including clothes, diapers, toys, household items, cleaning and hygiene supplies. In addition, Essentially Yours holds monthly distribution events for anyone in the community who needs clothing, baby supplies, household essentials, and food items.

To learn more about Essentially Yours from the Heart, and how to volunteer or support, please visit eyfth.org.

October Partner Highlight

Tree House Cares

Tanya and Matthew Veltz founded Tree House Entertainment Cultural Arts Movement, a Newark based nonprofit that includes Tree House Cares, to uplift residents’ lives by distributing groceries, serving hot meals, provide clothing, personal necessities, and school supplies; and organize free community holiday events, health fairs, and provide resources on health care, job security, housing, and more.

In 2017, Tree House started small with limited groceries and meal distributions, but throughout the years, with various partnerships, supporters, and social media platforms helped grow its services and number of residents served. When COVID hit, the Veltz’s shut down for one week to figure out how to distribute food safely. They set up an outdoor “grab and go” and were the only food pantry open in the area for several months. Financial support from and partnering with CFBNJ helped them get the commercial refrigerators, shelving, and other supplies they needed to greatly expand their services and now they operate six days a week.

A testament to Tanya and Matthew’s commitment, passion, and their relationships with the community, donors, retailers, vendors, volunteers, and the City of Newark, Tree House Cares now operates three community gardens, takes in 10,000-12,000 pounds of fresh produce a week, has received over 24 million pounds of assorted groceries; distributes food three times a week; serves hot meals three days a week; and runs a diabetes prevention program through Summit Health with blood pressure, A1C and cholesterol screenings, to name only a few of the daily and weekly scheduled events!

To learn more about Tree House Cares, and how to volunteer or support, please visit treehouseculturalarts.com