166 Organizations Supporting Hunger Prevention, Self-Sufficiency,

Healthcare and Education to Benefit from Donation

April 3, 2012 - (Westborough, MA) - BJ’s Charitable Foundation today announced a donation of $1,055,400 to 166 nonprofit organizations in the 15 states where BJ’s Wholesale Clubs are located. The donated funds will be dispersed to organizations that focus in four areas: hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, health care and education.

The rising cost of fuel and food prices are making it more difficult for hunger relief organizations to deliver and provide food to those who experience hunger. BJ’s Charitable Foundation is granting $371,400 to 49 non-profit organizations with programs to help prevent and alleviate hunger. The grants will help shelters, food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries purchase and distribute food.

Forty-five nonprofits that provide temporary or emergency services to individuals and families who have the goal of becoming independent members of society will receive a total of $278,800. The grants will enhance shelter programs; provide funds to purchase supplies and clothing for residents and fund programs that offer families temporary, safe refuges.

A total of $94,300 is granted to 17 organizations that provide healthcare programs to individuals and families that do not have access to healthcare. The funds will help supply medical clinics and aid in costs for health prevention services, supplies for vision, dental and hearing screenings provided to individuals.

Finally, the Foundation will donate $310,900 to 55 educational nonprofits that provide academic and vocational programs and opportunities for the disadvantaged. These programs include the purchase of supplies for literacy skills, mentoring, tutoring and career development.

“The BJ’s Charitable Foundation is proud to support organizations that provide care and crucial services for individuals and families in need,” said Jessica Newman, Manager of Community Relations for BJ’s Wholesale Club. “The funds distributed to organizations that focus on hunger prevention, healthcare, self-sufficiency and education will have a positive impact in BJ’s communities.”

Now in its seventh year, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation has donated more than $14 million to nearly 1,600 community organizations. The noted organizations receiving grants from BJ’s Charitable Foundation submitted proposals in 2011. All recipients are 501(c)3 charitable organizations that support services in the regions where BJ’s Wholesale Clubs are located.Hunger Prevention

Hunger Prevention

Gifts of Love, Inc.  (Avon, CT) $10,000 - To purchase food for the Food and Nutrition Program. Gifts of Love helps meet the basic needs of individuals and families in Central Connecticut, experiencing a financial crisis so that they can achieve and maintain self sufficiency. 

Foodshare, Inc. (Bloomfield, CT) $12,500 - To pay expenses of trucking, transportation and value-added processing (repackaging) of donated fruits and vegetables for the Mobile Foodshare program. Foodshare helps to alleviate poverty and end hunger in greater Hartford,

FSW, Inc. (Bridgeport, CT) $7,500 - To pay for partial costs to prepare and deliver meals for seniors in the Elderly Nutrition Program of Greater New Haven. FSW’s empowers people to build a brighter future through a holistic approach to restoring personal capability, developing skills, and building pathways to economic self-sufficiency. 

Episcopal Social Service of the Diocese of CT, Inc. (New Haven, CT) $5,000 - To purchase 2,000 pounds of food for the IRIS Food Pantry for refugees and other immigrants. Episcopal Social Services (ESS) was founded in 1942 as a separate nonprofit to run social service programs and now focuses on one program, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS). Created in 1982 and based in New Haven, IRIS is an inclusive, secular program with a mission to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, regain hope and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities.

Capital Area Food Bank (Washington, DC) $20,000 - To purchase healthy food, especially items less frequently donated such as 100% juice drinks and fresh produce, for the Kids Café program.  The mission of the Capital Area Food Bank has been to feed those who suffer from hunger in the Washington metropolitan area by acquiring food and distributing it through a network of 700 member agencies. 

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc. (Bradenton, FL) $15,000 - To purchase infant care supplies (like formula, cereal, baby food, and diapers) for the Baby Basket Program. The Food Bank of Manatee is a program of Meals on Wheels and provides food to people of all ages in need of assistance, distributing approximately 3 million pounds of food annually through a network of 87 local partner social service agencies, food pantries, and soup kitchens. The Food Bank also runs the Family and Baby Basket program, serving the unique needs of specific families in crisis, on a referral basis, until they can find permanent assistance or become self-sufficient.

Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida (Fort Myers , FL) $10,000 - $2,000  to pay for gas to aid with food transportation, $7,000 to acquire food and $1,000 to print informational flyers for SNAP Outreach.  With a staff of 27 and approximately 2,000 volunteers, the Food Bank serves five counties in Southwest Florida: Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Glades. It recovers, transports, reconditions (when necessary), and distributes products from a central warehouse to a network of 170 nonprofit agencies that deliver it to people in need

Jubilee Center of South Broward (Hollywood, FL) $7,500 - To offset new vehicle costs to pick up food donations ($2,500), as well as to purchase food for the program’s soup kitchen and food pantry ($5,000).  The Jubilee Center of South Broward provides emergency resources and relief from hunger and despair for the homeless and poor of South Broward County.

Osceola County Council on Aging, Inc. (Kissimmee, FL) $5,000 - To purchase food for the Nutrition Services Program.  Founded in 1971, the Osceola Council on Aging promotes the physical, mental, social and economic well-being of the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged in Osceola County, FL. As seniors and disabled adults begin losing the self-care skills needed to live independently, the COA offers services to help them remain at home. It is the designated agency for all aging programs in the county, providing a variety of programs including senior center, home cleaning and maintenance, nutrition programs, case management, intergenerational mentoring, and transportation.    

Atlanta Community Food Bank (Atlanta, GA) $7,500 - To purchase rarely donated, highly nutritious food that is for distribution to 700 partner agencies in the Food Distribution Program. The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) provides an estimated 26 million pounds of food and grocery products to a network of 700 non-profit agency partners in 38 counties across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.

The Place of Forsyth County (Cummings, GA) $3,900 - To purchase supplies for serving the Wednesday Noon Day Meal, including plastic ware, plates, cups, napkins, trash bags, cleaning supplies and paper products. The Place at Forsyth was launched in 1975 to eliminate the causes of poverty in Appalachian counties of Georgia.

Roca, Inc. (Chelsea, MA) $5,000 - To purchase food for the Youth STAR Food Pantry. Roca is a youth development organization that each year empowers more than 700 high-risk young people in Chelsea, Revere, East Boston, and Springfield, MA, to become economically self-sufficient, live out of harm’s way and ultimately re-engage in society.

Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (Fall River, MA) $10,000 - To purchase additional food to meet the needs of an increasing number of clients of the food pantry program.    Founded in 1964, Citizens for Citizens is the designated Community Action Agency for the Greater Fall River and Taunton, MA, With 137 full-time and 421 part-time employees, Citizens for Citizens, Inc. helps more than 42,000 households each year by providing fuel assistance, food pantry, rental assistance, weatherization assistance, early Head Start, after school day care, Heart WAP, senior aide, foster grandparents, RSVP’s, family planning, and volunteer income tax return preparation.

Pathways for Children (Gloucester, MA) $5,000 - To purchase food for the food services program. Pathways provides high quality, affordable and comprehensive care, education, recreation and other support services for children and their families. It offers child care through Head Start, two childcare centers and a home-base care program, as well as community outreach services and health, transportation and food services programs designed to remove obstacles to care, prevent hunger, battle obesity and malnourishment, and ensure a healthy lifestyle for each child.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (Hatfield, MA) $5,000 - To pay for materials and supplies (such as freezer blankets, shrink wrap for wrapping pallets) and purchase food for the food bank services program. The mission of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is to work within its community to reduce hunger and increase food security.

Bread & Roses (Lawrence, MA) $12,500 - To purchase food to be served at the Nightly Meals Program and to distribute through the emergency food pantry. Bread and Roses offers a soup kitchen, food pantry, clothing, childcare supplies, a welfare resource center, and free medical screenings.  Annually it serves more than 36,500.

Lazarus House Incorporated (Lawrence, MA) $5,000 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the Food Coordinator ($3,500), a portion of utilities (heat, phone and electricity - $1250) and a portion of supplies to prepare food (utensils, pots and pans, baking dishes, and cleaning supplies - $250) for St. Martha’s Food Pantry.  Lazarus House Ministries provides a continuum of care, encompassing shelter, food, clothing, advocacy, health services and education/job training to those in need in Lawrence, MA.

Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc. (Malden, MA) $5,000 - To pay for food ($7,800) and food storage costs ($2,200) at the Supportive Housing Senior Nutrition Outreach Program. The mission of Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is to support the right of elders to live independently with dignity in a setting of their own choice by providing information, advice and access to quality services and resources, including nutrition services.

Jewish Family & Children's Service, Inc. (Waltham, MA) $7,500 - To pay for food for the organization’s Family Table program. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) cares for individuals and families by providing human service and health care programs, guided by Jewish traditions of social responsibility, compassion and respect for all members of the community. JF&CS serves 100 communities and welcomes people of all faiths, races and ages who need vital and personalized services.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (Charlotte, NC) $15,000 - To pay for transportation costs for the Community Food Rescue Program that picks up and distributes food to agencies. Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina serves 19 counties of North and South Carolina through collaborative efforts with almost 650 nonprofit partner agencies. 

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey Inc. (Hillside, NJ) $5,000 - To help pay for the food and transportation costs of the Kids Cafe Program.  The Foodbank of New Jersey provides food to 1,500 homeless shelters, food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, programs for the disabled and senior citizen programs and daycare centers in low-income neighborhoods

Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc. (Long Beach, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase food for distribution by the Human Concerns Department. The Long Beach Island Community Center is a multi-purpose community center serving residents of Ocean County regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference or religious affiliation.

Jewish Family & Vocational Service of Middlesex County, Inc. (Milltown, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase food for the agency's food pantries in the Essential Needs Program. Jewish Family and Vocational Service of Middlesex County (JFVS) is a human service agency that provides social services, career and vocational services, senior services, counseling, adoption and advocacy through various programs.  Services are provided without regard to race, ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation or religious preference. 

Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (Neptune, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase food for the Feeding Families in Need program. The FoodBank’s mission is to provide food for as many people in need as possible with the vision of eliminating hunger in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Elijah's Promise (New Brunswick, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase food and cooking/serving supplies (dishes, utensils, cookware, warming trays, etc.) to operate the emergency feeding programs at the New Brunswick and House of Manna Soup Kitchens. Elijah's Promise is a multi-service agency with a mission to help people move out of poverty through a continuum of services that empower lives, invite justice, alleviate hunger and lead to self sufficiency.

Jewish Family Service, Inc (Teaneck, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase food for homebound elders through the Kosher Meals on Wheels program.    In addition to elder care services, The Jewish Family Service, Inc. provides clinical services, job-search skills, after school programs, college admissions guidance, financial assistance and advocacy.    

Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) $5,000 - To purchase kosher food for the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council Food Pantry Program. Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC) aids and assists all people of the Crown Heights community who are in need regardless of religion, race, gender, age or ethnicity. Programs designed to help clients gain control and achieve economic independence include providing family support; assisting with access to government programs; addressing issues of housing, health care, nutrition, job placement, adult education and training; counseling; aid to the elderly; assistance for crime victims; and assistance for indigent residents, including a food pantry and food stamp enrollment. 

Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (Latham, NY) $5,000 - To purchase seeds and transplants to grow vegetables at Patroon Land Farm to feed people in need. The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York alleviates hunger by acquiring and distributing donated products to its member programs and the hungry people they serve and by actively participating in the community to increase awareness of hunger and poverty. 

Island Harvest (Mineola, NY) $10,000 - To purchase supplies for the collection and repackaging of donated food for the Food Collection and Distribution Program. Island Harvest provides five programs:  Food Collection and Distribution; Kids Weekend Backpack Feeding Program; Summer Feeding Service Program; Mobile Food Pantry; and the Education, Advocacy, and Hunger Awareness program.  Their mission is to educate the public on the serious problem of hunger in the community, mobilize the people behind hunger-related public policy issues and train feeding program personnel to help clients holistically. 

Help From People to People, Inc. (Nanuet, NY) $5,000 - To purchase food to be distributed by the Food Pantry Program. People to People provides emergency food through the food pantry, school supplies through the Back to School with Dignity program and provides refurbished computers to children in living in need through the Computer Rescue program to bridge the digital divide.

Bailey House, Inc. (New York, NY) $5,000 - To purchase food for the Nutrition and Wellness Program Food Pantry. The Bailey House provides housing and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and acts as an advocate on their behalves.

Yorkville Common Pantry (New York, NY) $5,000 - To purchase fresh produce for the YCP Pantry Program. The YCP is dedicated to reducing hunger while promoting dignity and self-sufficiency. YCP champions the cause of the hungry through food pantry and meal distribution programs, nutrition education, basic hygiene services, homeless support and related services. YCP’s community based programs focus on East Harlem and other underserved communities throughout New York City.

Dutchess Outreach, Inc. (Poughkeepsie, NY) $5,000 - To purchase food and personal hygiene items for distribution by the Beverly Closs Food Pantry. Dutchess Outreach operates multiple programs in Poughkeepsie with the mission to meet the temporary basic needs of individuals and families, provide referrals and support through the process to help clients find appropriate resources and to act as an advocate by promoting community awareness. Clients include the unemployed, the underemployed, the homeless, senior citizens on fixed incomes and people homebound with HIV/AIDS.   

Foodlink, Inc. (Rochester, NY) $10,000 - To pay for the purchase and distribution of food for the food assistance program. Foodlink provides food and education to address the problem of hunger in New York state.  It serves more than 450 agencies and programs in a 10-county region, distributes more than 11 million pounds of food per year and has been nationally recognized as an innovative leader in food banking.

Bethesda House of Schenectady, Inc. (Schenectady, NY) $20,000 - To purchase food and supplies for the three food and nutrition programs (Community Food Pantry, Soup Kitchen, and Residential Meal Program). Bethesda House provides supportive housing, housing assistance, case management, representative payee program and food and nutrition programs. 

Richmond Senior Services, Inc. (Staten Island, NY) $5,000 - To purchase food for the Food Mart and Information Center. Richmond Senior Services, Inc. (RSS) serves older persons with low and moderate incomes and/or individuals with special needs on Staten Island. It provides the Food Mart and Information Center; Meals on Wheels; Home Repair to help seniors and disabled persons maintain their residence; and Information and Referral services to help ensure that clients access entitlement programs they need.

Food Bank of Central New York (Syracuse, NY) $5,000 - To purchase and transport food through the Food Acquisition and Distribution Program. Food Bank of Central New York works to eliminate hunger through nutritious food distribution, education and advocacy in cooperation with the community.  It serves 11 counties in central and northern New York State through a network of 476 member agencies.

Mobile Meals, Inc. (Akron, OH) $15,000 - To purchase food and medical supplements as well as the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of food handlers and delivery drivers for the Meals and Supplements for Children and Adults Unable to Pay program. Mobile Meals, Inc. provides services needed to contribute to an individual’s health and well-being, including the provision of food, nutritional information, social contact and a connection to other community organizations in Akron, OH. It serves people of all ages and provides medically prescribed supplements in addition to a variety of hot and frozen meals.

Children's Hunger Alliance (Cleveland, OH) $5,000 - To fund the purchase of food and educational supplies for Food Folks Lessons and Family nights and fund travel costs for AmeriCorps members to implement the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities program. Children’s Hunger Alliance breaks the cycle of childhood hunger through education, leadership, advocacy, and service so that all Ohio children will be well-nourished, healthy and thrive. Through statewide programmatic work, it feeds 22,000 at-risk children daily in family child care homes, schools, and community and faith-based organizations.

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio (Lorain, OH) $10,000 - To pay the cost of food, shared maintenance fees and delivery fees for member agencies to increase resources to the hunger-relief network through the Food Grant program. The Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio gathers and provides resources to hunger-relief agencies serving individuals and families in Crawford, Erie, Huron and Lorain counties.  In addition to food-banking, Second Harvest feeds thousands of children in Ohio each week through its Back Pack Program and Kids Cafes.

Meals on Wheels of Northampton County, Inc. (Bethlehem, PA) $7,500 - To subsidize the purchase of food for low-income seniors through the meal subsidy program. Meals on Wheels of Northampton County supports the independent living of homebound seniors and disabled adults in need of meals.

Family Services of Montgomery County, PA (Eagleville, PA) $5,000 - To help purchase a new delivery vehicle for the Pottstown Meals on Wheels program to deliver meals to low-income, homebound seniors. Family Services provides services and programs to children, families and seniors. 

Philabundance (Philadelphia, PA) $15,000 - To provide funding to support transportation for trucks that pick up and distribute donations when necessary from donor locations, including nine BJ’s Clubs through the Grocers Against Hunger food rescue initiative. Philabundance reduces hunger and food insecurity in the Delaware Valley by providing food access to people in need, in partnership with organizations and individuals.

SHARE Food Program, Inc. (Philadelphia, PA) $5,000 - To pay for supplies to build raised bed gardens for the Growing Food and Self-Sufficiency program. "Founded in 1986, SHARE’s name is an acronym derived from Self Help and Resource Exchange.  SHARE supplies 550 Philadelphia County food cupboards monthly, and those cupboards feed 411,000 individuals each year.  Other programs include the SHARE Food Exchange and Urban Agriculture program.  Food Pantry recipients are required to volunteer in its programs or others and include people of all ethnicities, religions and national origins.

Greater Berks Food Bank (Reading, PA) $5,000 - To pay for food for children in need through the Weekender Backpack Program. The food bank distributes 5,500,000 pounds of food to 270 charitable food programs it partners with in Berks, Schuylkill and western Montgomery Counties. In addition, Kids Cafe programs are offered at 25 locations in Reading; a Weekender Backpack Program serves 12 sites; and Produce for Kids is rotated through elementary schools. Greater Berks Food Bank also administrators the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, a federal program that distributes a box of food each month to low-income seniors.   

Maternal and Child Health Consortium (West Chester, PA) $5,000 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary for the organization’s Advocate for the Family Benefits Access Program. Maternal and Child Health Consortium (MCHC) helps low-income women get the care and services they need to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

Westbay Community Action (Warwick, RI) $5,000 - To purchase supplies/packaging for distribution ($2,000), farm supplies to produce/grow food ($2,000) and to fund outreach/education efforts programs about healthy eating ($1,000) for the Westbay Marketplace Program.    Westbay Community Action was established in 1966 as part of President Johnson's 'War on Poverty,” and helps the most vulnerable members of the community: the elderly disabled and economically disadvantaged.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (Chantilly, VA) $5,000 - To purchase milk for the food pantry program. Since 1987 Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' (WFCM) mission has been to provide homelessness prevention services to as many low-income and below-poverty level residents in western Fairfax County as possible.

Lorton Community Action Center (Lorton, VA) $5,000 - To purchase food for the organization’s emergency assistance food program. Lorton Community Action Center's (LCAC) mission is to enhance the quality of life through individual and family services, community programs and partnerships with other organizations.  It provides food, clothing, furniture, emergency financial assistance, information and referrals and community outreach programs to the citizens of Lorton, VA, and the surrounding southeast Fairfax .

Self-Sufficiency

Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc. (Fairfield, CT) $7,500 -  To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the staff salaries for clinical social workers at the shelter for men, women and Families. Operation Hope services individuals and families who are low/moderate income and therefore cannot afford to pay rent, buy groceries or get transportation with their paychecks. Programs include basic needs emergency services.

Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut (New London, CT) $5,000 - To purchase food ($2000) and to replace worn-out kitchen equipment ($3000) for the Genesis House Emergency Shelter program. The Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut strives for a violence-free society by providing services to those affected by sexual assault and domestic violence.

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (Washington, DC) $5,000 - To fund emergency assistance (housing, utilities, and food) to low-income families in the Refugee Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The mission of the Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area is to walk with those in need and mobilize community partners to provide services that offer hope and rebuild lives.

Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. (Fort Lauderdale, FL) $5,000 - To provide food ($4000) as well as the direct service, program-related portion of the salary ($1000) of a counselor to victims of domestic violence and their children in the Safe Emergency Shelter Program. Women In Distress (WID) is still the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County. Services include food, shelter, 24 hour crisis line, advocacy, counseling, assistance with the completion and certification of the State of Florida victim's relocation application, and referrals. WID’s mission is to provide victims of domestic violence with safe shelter, crisis intervention and resources, and to educate the community to Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE) through intervention, education and advocacy.

Ability Housing of Northeast Florida, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL) $5,000 - To pay for the Village Resident Services Program training materials ($500), transit tickets for resident employment training and job search ($500) and the direct service, program-related portion of the staff salary for the resident services coordinator ($4,000).The Ability Housing provides quality, affordable, community inclusive housing for individuals and families at risk of homelessness and adults with disabilities.

Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry, Inc. (BEAM) (Jacksonville Beach, FL) $5,000 - To pay rent or utility costs for 15 families in the Rent & Utility Assistance Program who otherwise would lose power or be evicted. Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) has been providing support for at-risk families living in the neighborhoods of Jacksonville’s beach communities for the past 25 years. Their mission is to keep families in their homes through short-term assistance and through collaboration with other agencies so as to provide the long-term help needed for them to become self-sufficient.

Intervention Services, Inc. (Maitland, FL) $12,500 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary ($5500) for the career/life skills specialists,  as well as food costs ($3500) and program supplies and materials ($3500) for youth in the Village Transitional Housing Program aging out of the foster care system. Intervention Services, Inc. provides social services to the Central Florida community including Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard Counties. They serve more than 6,000 children each year in the home, school and in the community.

Children's Harbor, Inc. (Pembroke Pines, FL) $7,500 - To purchase food for four sibling homes and the teen maternity residence in the Residential Foster Care Program. Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited child welfare organization providing residential services, in a family-style setting to foster care children and teens, as well as community based services to at-risk families for the prevention and intervention of abuse and neglect. Children’s Harbor’s mission is to provide therapeutic services to children and families in crisis, a safe and nurturing environment for children in foster care, and advocacy within the child welfare system.

Atlanta Union Mission (Atlanta, GA) $5,000 - To purchase food from the Food Bank for the Atlanta Mission's Shelter Programs: The Shepherd's Inn and My Sister's House.    Atlanta Mission is the largest and longest-running provider of homeless services in Atlanta. The Atlanta Mission provides overnight shelter, temporary housing, employment support, recovery and addiction counseling and transitional housing for more than 1,000 homeless men, women and children daily.

Caring For Others, Inc. (Atlanta, GA) $5,000 - To purchase food ($2,000) and provide family emergency assistance funds ($3,000) for the Hunger Initiative and Homelessness Prevention programs. The organization serves 40,000 working poor and chronically homeless individuals. Clients are economically disadvantaged individuals; senior citizens; the disabled; unemployed; under-employed, families with children who are living below the poverty level; and chronic homeless who reside in remote, unsheltered areas (public parks, highway underpasses, abandoned cars & buildings, shanty towns).

Families First (Atlanta, GA) $7,500 - To provide cash to fund rent subsidies ($2,500), to purchase program supplies and materials ($2500) and to assist clients with food, clothing, transportation, and other essentials ($2500) for families in Project GROW. Families First fosters strong communities by delivering comprehensive and sustainable solutions for children and families - solutions that improve child well-being and family self-sufficiency.

North Georgia Angel House Inc. (Canton, GA) $4,000 - To purchase household items and groceries for the girls in Life Skills Program.  The North Georgia Angel House Inc. provides home, shelter, life skills, therapeutic services and emancipation skills to children in foster care. The North Georgia Angel House Inc. ensures that girls in Northern Georgia had a "home like" setting while outside their family home. Girls receive individual and group therapy while living in the home. In addition, they receive resume writing services, life skills, meal planning, meal prep and countless other services to prepare them for their adult life.

Project Renewal Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Inc. (Conyers, GA) $5,000 - To pay for fuel ($2840) for the shelter van, cab fees ($1200) and van insurance ($960) to transport clients through the transportation program. Project Renewal provides the support and services necessary to enable victims of domestic violence in the Georgia counties of Rockdale, Newton and Walton to live in violence free homes.

Our House, Inc. (Decatur, GA) $7,500 - To purchase MARTA cards ($5,000) and to support the “Family Assistance Fund” ($2,500) through the Family Advocacy program. Our House provides free, quality childcare to homeless mothers, enabling them to reduce dependence on government services and improve their lives and the lives of their children by finding employment and job training.

Victory Programs, Inc. (Boston, MA) $5,000 - To fund the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of Child/Family Specialist for the Portis Family Home Shelter. Victory Programs began in 1975 as a single, twenty-bed halfway house serving men returning from the Vietnam War with addiction problems.

Emmaus Inc. (Haverhill, MA) $5,000 - To pay a portion of the direct service, program-related salary costs for the Direct Care program manager of Mitch’s Place. Emmaus Inc. is a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) whose mission is to relieve the plight of the homeless through emergency shelter, permanent affordable housing, education and job training, and comprehensive support services.

Womanshelter/Companeras (Holyoke, MA) $10,000 - To fund the direct service, program-related portion of the salary for the counselor/advocates buy food, purchase supplies like clothing and toiletries and help cover shelter expenses) like heat for the Crisis Services for Domestic Violence Victims program. Womanshelter/Companeras was founded as a grassroots hotline service in 1980, and has since grown into a leading provider of safe shelter and community-based support and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence.

Father Bill's & Mainspring Inc. (Quincy, MA) $15,000 - To purchase food and kitchen/serving supplies (plates, napkins, utensils, etc.) to be used in The Table Program. Father Bill’s & MainSpring’s (FBMS) mission is to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness obtain a home by giving temporary shelter and food, help finding safe and affordable housing, and providing permanent housing with supportive services.

Horizons for Homeless Children (Roxbury, MA) $10,000 - To pay for program materials, supplies and food ($3000), and the direct service, program-related portion of the salary for instructors ($7000) for parent training and workshops as part of the Parent Support Program. Horizons for Homeless Children (HHC) provide comprehensive care and early education services for homeless children, aged two months - five years, while connecting parents with critical support services and resources to break the cycle of homelessness and become self-sufficient.

Healing Abuse Working for Change (Salem, MA) $5,000 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the staff person providing weekly economic stability/housing sessions to clients in the emergency shelter services program. HAWC is the only program providing free comprehensive services to victims of domestic abuse in 23 North Shore communities.

HAP, Inc. (Springfield, MA) $5,000 - To purchase furniture and household goods for women with children in the Transitional Living Programs. HAP has a long history of creating collaborations and partnerships to identify housing needs and implementing strategies to address those needs.

Human Services Programs of Carroll County (Westminster, MD) $15,000 - To purchase supplies ($3000) for clients (required documents, prescriptions, clothing, transportation, personal items and food) and for the direct service, program-related portion of the salary ($12,000) of the part time shelter support staff for the Women & Children's Shelter. Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc. (HSP) is Carroll County’s officially designated Community Action Agency. 

Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network (Raleigh, NC) $5,000 - To purchase bus passes and gas cards for program participants to travel to work, appointments and meetings ($2,000), and program materials, printing/copying and office supplies ($3,000) for the emergency shelter program.  Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network, Inc. (WIHN) is a non-profit that assists families in the transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing up to twelve weeks of services

Greater Nashua Interfaith Hospitality Network (Hudson, NH) $5,000 - To help purchase cars ($3,750) and pay for car repairs ($1,250) for the Anne-Marie House -- Auto Acquisition & Emergency Repair Program so that children and their parents have transportation and assistance when their vehicles are compromised. Anne-Marie House (AMH) supports the needs of families experiencing homelessness, as they work to achieve sustainable income, housing and transportation.

Seacoast Task Force on Family Violence (Portsmouth, NH) $7,500 - To purchase food, clothing, diapers and other basic needs for domestic violence victims at the emergency shelter.    A Safe Place provides the only emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence in Rockingham and Strafford Counties and offers services designed to empower victims of domestic abuse, as they regain their independence and transition to becoming self-sufficient and living their lives free of abuse.

Family Guidance Center Corporation (Hamilton, NJ) $4,000 - To support the Economic Crisis Emergency Fund within the Consumer Credit Counseling Services Program to assist clients when they are in crisis with basic needs provisions such as food, clothing, prescription re-fills, rent and utility costs. Family Guidance Center provides outpatient mental health services, substance abuse treatment, financial counseling services, family preservation services and a school for children with multiple learning disabilities.

HABcore (Red Bank, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase refreshments for clients ($3,000) and supplies and materials used to support clients ($2,000) in the Resident Life Program.    HABcore is devoted to providing permanent and transitional supportive housing in a family setting to low-income people who are homeless, disabled or unable to care for themselves.

The Center for Great Expectations (Somerset, NJ) $5,000 - To defray the costs of the shelter (heat/gas/electric - $2,000), food/formula ($2,000), supplies and other necessities for babies (diapers and clothing - $1,000) for women in the Adult Women's Program. The Center for Great Expectations provides residential treatment to homeless, pregnant women and adolescents.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Ocean County, Inc. (Toms River, NJ) $3,000 - To fund the direct service, program-related portion of the salary ($1,500) for the volunteer recruiter/trainer, purchase of food for volunteer training ($500), pay for postage ($250) and other supplies and materials ($750) for the Volunteer Training program. Court Appointed Special Advocates of Ocean County, Inc. advocates for the best interest of at risk children in out-of-home-placement who are victims of abuse and neglect. The CASA volunteer serves as the child’s voice in court and is committed to moving the child towards a safe and permanent home.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Jersey, Inc. (Trenton, NJ) $3,000 - To pay for the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the case supervisor ($1,000), cost for  volunteer training ($1,500) and project supplies through the Volunteer Recruitment and Training Expansion Program ($500). CASA provides volunteers to any case where the welfare of a child is an issue. CASA of Middlesex County was established to serve the children of Middlesex County, New Jersey.

Albany Damien Center (Albany, NY) $5,000 - To purchase healthy, fresh food for the Community Meal program component of Smart Meals.  The Albany Damien Center improves the quality of life and health for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Programs and activities at ADC are designed to improve health, reduce stress, and enhance quality of life for persons affected by HIV/AIDS. The programs include an AIDS Community Center, a Pets are Wonderful Support program, The Treasure Chest thrift store and the Smart Meals Program. 

Community Maternity Services (Albany, NY) $5,000 - To purchase car seats, strollers and cribs, as well as provide bus passes for transportation to medical/well visits for clients in the Healthy Schenectady Families program. Community Maternity Services (CMS), an agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, is a full spectrum family support services agency providing a continuum of services (both residential and community-based) for pregnant and parenting adolescents; children in need of foster care and adoptive homes; families seeking to adopt children; and families in crisis throughout the 14 counties that comprise the Albany Diocese.

Haven House/Bridges, Inc. (Brentwood, NY) $5,000 - To purchase necessary personal hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, shaving needs, and diapers for the adults, children and infants in the Haven House/Bridges programs. Haven House/Bridges, Inc. operates six shelters to serve 37 families. The permanent housing program has 13 units to serve families and individuals. Both the shelter program and permanent housing program provide support services, as well as housing. HHB provides emergency shelter for homeless families and permanent housing with support services for low-income individuals and families with HIV/AIDS in Suffolk County, New York.

Circulo de la Hispanidad (Long Beach, NY) $5,000 - To purchase transit ($1620) and food cards ($1630), as well as supplies and materials ($750) and pay for the direct service, program-related portion of the salary for the case manager ($1000) for the Project Salta Program. Círculo de la Hispanidad improves the lives of individuals and families through a continuum of social service, education, recreation, cultural, economic development and social justice programs.

Center for Youth Services, Inc. (Rochester, NY) $5,000 - To purchase food for homeless youth in the Transitional Living Program. The Center for Youth provides emergency services, as well as transitional services for homeless youth.

Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, Inc. (RAIHN) (Rochester, NY) $4,900 - To fund volunteer recruitment ($900), facility repairs ($1000), program supplies and materials ($2,000) and client transport expenses ($1000) for the Homeless Family Emergency Housing Program. The Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, Inc. (RAIHN) is a not-for-profit interfaith organization of many faith traditions, which assists homeless families to achieve sustainable independence by supporting them with resources of food, shelter and personalized case management by a network of caring volunteers.

Options for Community Living, Inc. (Smithtown, NY) $7,500 - To purchase household supplies such as bedding/towels ($3,000), kitchenware ($3,000) and other household needs ($1,500) for the Transitional Housing program. Options for Community Living offers programs that help individuals and families with HIV/AIDS and homeless families and is committed to assisting individuals and families with special needs to develop their fullest potential for independent living.

The Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio, Inc. (Akron, OH) $5,000 - To fund the purchase of gift cards for the Elizabeth Clark Emergency Fund. Goodwill Industries of Akron helps individuals prepare for, find and retain employment.

Pathway Caring for Children (North Canton, OH) $5,000 - To purchase training materials to teach teens independent living skills ($2,500), to fund college visits ($750) and to fund a portion of the direct service, program-related salary expenses for the staff providing group sessions ($1750) for clients in the Transitional Preparation Program for Teens.  Pathway serves more than 500 children and families each year through foster, mental health and adoption services. They serve children that have been severely abused, abandoned and neglected. They provide them with a safe home environment and teach them the skills they will need after transitioning from foster care.

The Career Wardrobe (Philadelphia, PA) $7,500 - To partially fund rent, as well as supplies, and printed materials for the Dressing and Image Consultation Program.  The Career Wardrobe is assists women to successfully transition to work by providing professional attire, networking and career skills training.

Turning Points for Children (TPFC) (Philadelphia, PA) $5,000 - To pay for housing needs ($3,000),  food ($1000) and clothing ($1000) for impoverished families in the Emergency Family Needs Fund program. TPFC supports families to raise safe, healthy, educated and strong children by partnering with caregivers to develop and strengthen protective qualities and by offering them the tools, skills and resources to ensure their children’s optimal development.

Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network Inc. (Philadelphia, PA) $5,000 - To purchase new beds/storage totes for guest families ($2,000), transit cards for families seeking employment ($1,000) and food for healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks for family day center ($2,000) for the Emergency Housing Program.  NPIHN provides temporary shelter and long-term services to low-income working families in crisis and created successful, individualized life skills education programs that prepare them for self-sufficiency and independent living.

Bucks County Housing Group, Inc. (Wrightstown, PA) $5,000 - To purchase household necessities, such as towels, sheets and diapers for families in the Supportive Services Program ($3,000) and to pay for food, including meat and chicken distributed by the Community Food Pantry ($2,000) for families in Milford Square Supportive Housing program . Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG) provides affordable housing options, financial assistance and related social services and training. BCHG is the largest provider of homeless services in Bucks County, caring primarily for families with children to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

ForKids, Inc. (Norfolk, VA) $10,000 - To purchase supplies and materials including basic household supplies such as paper products, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene supplies, diaper and diaper wipesand non-prescription medications ($4,000), clothing for adults and children ($4,000) and food and food related kitchen supplies for shelter families and children’s activities meals and snacks ($2,000) for Haven House and Suffolk House programs. ForKids serves families at risk of homelessness and those who had been rapidly re-housed in Norfolk and Chesapeake by providing Housing Stabilization case management.

Primeplus Norfolk Senior Center (Norfolk, VA) $4,900 - To purchase gas ($4000) and partial cost of the lease ($900) for the van for the transportation services program.  Primeplus Norfolk Senior Center provides services and programs to older adults of South Hampton Roads to support and enhance their quality of life and to preserve their independence as they age.

Healthcare

Griffin Hospital (Derby, CT) $5,000 - To purchase and provide infant / booster car seats to low-income families in the greater Valley community through the Safe Kids Car Seat Initiative. Griffin Hospital provides personalized, humanistic, consumer-driven health care to empower individuals to be actively involved in decisions affecting their care and well being through access to information and education and to provide leadership to improve the health of the community it serves.

Waterbury Hospital (Waterbury, CT) $5,000 - To purchase 600 bus passes and 610 co-pay pharmacy assistance cards for patients through the Waterbury Health Access Program. Waterbury Hospital provides compassionate high-quality health care services through a family of professionals and services.

Brandywine Community Resource Council, Inc. (Claymont, DE) $4,300 - To provide diagnostic testing for diabetes, cholesterol, liver and kidney function to those without testing access through the Claymont Family Health Services (CFHS) program. Claymont Community Center serves the physical, emotional, educational, recreational and cultural needs of the area's residents.

University of Central Florida Foundation, Inc.(Orlando, FL) $5,000 - To purchase medical supplies and health education teaching aids to provide health education, screenings and other services to low-income and uninsured children and adults through the Community Nursing Coalition Program. The College of Nursing offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs designed to prepare nurses to practice in a continuously changing health care environment; to provide innovative access to education and research; to develop nurse clinicians, leaders and scholars who promote the health of diverse populations in local, national and global communities; and to touch lives, lead by example and make a difference through clinical excellence, research and community service.   

Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland (Westminster, MD) $7,500 - To underwrite the expenses for low-income seniors receiving care from the West End Place Medical Adult Daycare.  Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland is a nonprofit agency, providing targeted services to vulnerable families and individuals in all stages of life who are experiencing problems related to social and personal adjustment thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Presbyterian Hospital Foundation (Charlotte, NC) $7,500 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the medical treatment providers of the Presbyterian Healthcare's Community Care Cruiser.  Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation provides charity care and other financial assistance for uninsured patients who do not qualify for government coverage programs. Presbyterian Hospital and its physician medical group also provide other community benefits such as community outreach, support of free clinics, free mobile health services for needy children and community sponsorships.

Coltrane LIFE Center, Inc. (Concord, NC) $5,000 - To pay for program supplies ($4,000), including blood sugar monitoring items, blood pressure cuffs, gloves, stethoscopes, thermometers and other first aid and health care supplies, as well as pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary ($1,000) for the nurse who coordinates and provides the day health services for the Adult Day Health Services program. The Coltrane LIFE (Living Interest for the Elderly) Center, the only adult day health services program in Cabarrus County and helps older and disabled adults continue to live at home rather than be placed in a nursing home.

Goodwin Community Health (Summersworth, NH) $5,000 - To subsidize the cost of medical care for the uninsured patients in the Primary Care program. The Avis Goodwin Community Health Center c fills the growing need for quality, prenatal care for the under and uninsured residents of Strafford County.

Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association (Moorestown, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase medical supplies and medication to treat patients who are uninsured and unable to afford the care they need for the home care program. The Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association provides home and community-based health care services that promote optimum quality of life, independence and dignity, to teach people to care for themselves and each other, and to provide skilled home care and hospice services to our patients in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

Diabetes Foundation Inc. (Paramus, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase diabetes medications and supplies for low-income, uninsured patients to bridge the gap prior to long term assistance through the government or pharmaceutical patient assistance programs and avoid hospitalization through the medical assistance program. The Diabetes Foundation, Inc. provides services to New Jersey.

LADACIN Network (Wanamassa, NJ) $10,000 - To pay for the direct service, program-related portion of the professional service fees of the physicians (two physiatrists for rehabilitation, a child neurology associate, a registered dietician and a speech-language pathologist) who are contracted to offer clinic services in the LADACIN Network Specialized Clinic. The LADACIN Network ensures children and adults have access to specialists who are experts in treating the complex medical needs of people with disabilities. The people served have disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy to spina bifida and head traumas.

Hearing and Speech Center of Rochester (Rochester, NY) $5,000 - To pay partial salary expenses for the direct service, program-related client facing time spent by director of speech operations to ensure the success of the Summer Services Outreach Program for inner-city preschool children. The center identifies, evaluates and provides treatment for children and adults with speech and hearing needs.

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Association, Inc.(Roslyn Heights, NY) $5,000 -To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the program manager for the Good Beginnings for Babies program. North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center provides a comprehensive range of mental health services for children, youth and families on Long Island regardless of income or ability to pay.

Western Stark Free Clinic, Inc. (Massillon, OH) $7,500 - To purchase medical supplies, office supplies and educational supplies, as well as supplies for volunteer recruitment for the Free Clinic Program. Western Stark Free Clinic (WSFC) was established to help meet the needs of those less fortunate in the community and offers free medical and dental services to the uninsured.

Pocono Medical Center (East Stroudsburg, PA) $2,500 - To purchase medical supplies for the free flu shot clinic and to pay for advertising of the clinic to financially in-need residents of Monroe County. The Pocono Medical Center provides specialty care through its heart and vascular institute, cancer center, Level III trauma center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit  and orthopedic and spine surgery program. 

Calcutta House (Philadelphia, PA) $5,000 - To purchase food for the Food/Nutritional Program. The Calcutta House provides housing and highly supportive health and human services for people living with and dying of HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley region.

Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island (Providence, RI) $5,000 - To pay for medical equipment, marketing and educational materials, and bereavement literature for low-income patients and their families through the Free Patient Care Fund. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island (HHCRI) provides compassionate, professional, state-of-the-art physical, emotional and spiritual care to Rhode Islanders, facing life-threatening illness without regard to ethnicity, socio/economic status or ability to pay. 

Education

Read to Grow, Inc. (Branford, CT) $5,000 - To help fund the purchase of the new books and literacy packet materials for the Books for Babies program. The mission of Read to Grow is to improve early literacy for all Connecticut children by providing books, helping families share books with their babies starting at birth, encouraging language development and promoting awareness of literacy services.

The McGivney Community Center, Inc. (Bridgeport, CT) $10,000 - To pay a portion of the direct service, program-related portion of the salaries for the homework supervisor, five tutors, computer instructor, gym instructor and summer camp counselors ($8,000), as well as after-school and summer program supplies ($2,000) for youth programming.     

Village for Families & Children (Hartford, CT) $12,500 - To purchase the HighScope Preschool Literacy Curriculum ($10,000) for all enrolled children and to pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary for the staff that will use the curriculum with the students ($2,500) in the Early Childhood Learning Center.    The Village for Families & Children is Hartford’s leading provider of innovative, quality programs for children and their families.

Youth Continuum, Inc. (New Haven, CT) $5,000 - To fund the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of three case managers for the Career, Education and Coaching Program. The Youth Continuum (YC) has worked with the at-risk youth population, providing assistance troubled youth

Reading ASSIST Institute (Wilmington, DE) $5,000 - To pay for a portion of the 160 instruction manuals for the Volunteer Tutor Program. Reading ASSIST Institute (RAI).  RAI trains volunteer tutors and educators to use research-validated, explicit tutoring in a 40-hour curriculum based upon the findings of the National Reading Panel, as well as other respected researchers in the field of literacy.

Firewall Ministries, Inc. (Cooper City, FL) $5,000 - To purchase snacks including juice, sandwiches, granola barsand fruit, rewards such as a field trip and school supplies, including calculators, toner, folders, paper, pencils and pens for the after-school, middle and high school programs. Firewall Ministries was founded in July 2003 with the goal of transforming students into leaders.

Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition (Delray Beach, FL) $10,000 - To fund a portion of the direct service, program-related portion of the salaries of the teachers who provide instruction for the adult learners in the Village Readers Family Education Program. The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County improves the quality of life in the community by promoting and achieving literacy.

The Ann Storck Center (Fort Lauderdale, FL) $5,000 - To purchase specialized therapeutic equipment and program supplies, including adaptive and specialized equipment to help with infant coordination and development and general programmatic supplies including books, CDS and classroom supplies for the Preschool Early Intervention Program. The Ann Storck Center enriches the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Boys & Girls Club of Martin County Inc. (Hobe Sound, FL) $5,000 - To purchase educational materials and supplies including paper, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, book bags, calligraphy pens, journals, workbooks, and new board games for Project Learn: An Educational Enhancement Program.    The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County serves more than 2,000 members and reaches about 4,500 children and provides programs in five core areas: education and careers, the creative arts, leadership skills, health lessons and sports/recreation.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida (Jacksonville, FL) $5,000 - To purchase program and education supplies, as well as incentives and awards for the Power Hour program. Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida launched in 1976 and works to help young people of all backgrounds develop the qualities they need to gain skills, experience positive peer influence and improve academic success.

Club Esteem (Melbourne, FL) $5,000 - To pay for supplies, curriculum and group program-related, client-facing coordinator salaries for the Challenging Youth Embracing Excellence After School Program. Club Esteem inspires and assists youth from economically disadvantaged communities to embrace the highest standards of academic and personal excellence- instilling in each child a desire to learn, serve and accept challenges.

Neat Stuff, Inc. (Miami, FL) $5,000 - To purchase new school uniforms and backpacks through the school uniforms distribution program. Neat Stuff distributes free new clothing and school uniforms to abused, neglected, homeless and other at-risk children in South Florida.

Florida Senior Programs, Inc. (Orlando, FL) $5,000 - To assist in funding the expansion of the Older Teachers Teaching Early Readers (OTTER) program through purchasing the Early Learning and Literacy Model (ELLM) curriculum and training. OTTER brings local senior citizens into the classrooms of the voluntary pre-kindergarten programs of Central Florida.

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc.(Port Richey, FL) $5,000 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the instructor ($2500) and purchase supplies (including office, arts and crafts, toiletries, cleaning products, toys and games, car seats eye glasses) for the Little Lighthouse Vision Rehabilitation Program. The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind has served more than 2,000 families impacted by vision impairment. Services are provided at no cost to clients.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Inc. (Sarasota, FL) $10,000 - To purchase program (instructional materials, books, binders, poster board for displays, pens and pencils) and consumable kitchen supplies ($9,000), as well as to pay for transportation for four program field trips ($1,000) to restaurants for children in the Kids Cafe program. BGCSC serves 5,550 children at four locations: Sarasota, Newtown, North Port and Venice. The Clubs provide safe places and programming for kids’ out-of-school time and offer programs such as Kids Café, Smart Moves (drug/alcohol/tobacco prevention), Money Matters, Club Tech, Torch Club and Keystone Club.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Inc. (Atlanta, GA) $5,000 - To purchase small token items – stickers, toys, and trinkets – to be used in the incentive program and to purchase notebooks, markers, and pencils, for use in the Learning Centers for the Power Hour Program. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has been at the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. Especially for at-risk youth, there is an urgent need to set early expectations around academic achievement, leadership skills, and health and wellness.

Gate City Day Nursery Association (Atlanta, GA) $5,000 - To purchase supplies, materials for language, literacy, math and science and equipment for the Early Childhood and Family Support Program. The mission of Gate City Day Nursery Association is to provide a quality, affordable, comprehensive early childhood program that meets the developmental and social-emotional needs of each child.

Mentor Me- North Georgia, Inc. (Cumming, GA) $5,000 - To purchase books, workbooks and snacks and pay the direct service, program-related portion of the teacher salaries for the REACH Summer Camp program. Mentor Me- North Georgia serves at-risk school age children and youth in need of positive role models, to help them grow into healthy and productive members of society and their communities.

Children's Restoration Network (Roswell, GA) $10,000 - To purchase new book bags and new school supplies for the Back 2 School Campaign. The Children's Restoration Network (CRN) offers hope and support to homeless children and their mothers, empowering them to become active productive citizens through programs and special events designed to address their academic, emotional and physical needs.

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (Boston, MA) $7,500 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary for the clinical social worker in the Kid's Day Therapeutic After School Program. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) is at the forefront of child protection and child abuse prevention by providing effective direct services to children and families and by remaining committed to advocacy.

Community Action of the Franklin, Hampshire, and North Quabbin Regions (Greenfield, MA) $3,700 - To purchase gas cards, bus tokens and taxi rides for transportation, food for lunches, interactive literacy activities, and educational materials for the Family Learning Center program. Community Action of the Franklin, Hampshire, and North Quabbin Regions provides the overall leadership, policy guidance, coordination and support necessary to successfully manage a wide array of more than 30 programs with sites in three counties and a service area of more than 1,400 square miles. Programs include Family Support Programs, Child Care Outlook, Fuel Assistance, WIC, Youth Programs, The Mediation & Training Collaborative and Parent Child Development Center

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill (Haverhill, MA) $5,000 - To purchase pencils, pens, rulers, tape, staplers, flash cards, notebooks, workbooks and calculators for the "Power Hour" Homework Assistance program. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill inspires and enables young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (Jamaica Plain, MA) $7,500 - To support the Jobs for the Jamaica Plain program through the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the case manager ($6,000) as well as program related supplies and materials ($1,000) and for the client emergency fund ($500). The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) promotes equitable development and equal opportunity in Jamaica Plain and adjacent neighborhoods through affordable housing, organizing and economic opportunity initiatives that improve the lives of low- and moderate-income people.

Asian Center Merrimack Valley (Lawrence, MA) $5,000 - To purchase books (ESOL), preschool supplies including art tools, books, tricycles, a sand box, writing supplies for art and science programs, the printing of the annual Asian Center Review and the transportation costs for the preschool field trips for the Family Literacy Program. The Asian Center helps immigrant families become active members of the larger community.

Housing Families Inc. (Malden, MA) $5,000 - To fund the direct service, program-related portion of the salary for the Educational Specialist ($4000) and to purchase supplies and materials ($1000) for the Children and Family Program. Housing Families, Inc. helps families make the transition out of homelessness to retain permanent housing successfully.

South Shore YMCA (Quincy, MA) $7,500 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the staff involved in the homework or school assignments ($2,500), transportation ($2,500), and program supplies ($2,500) for the year-round Girl Power program. South Shore YMCA improves the lives of people of all ages in Quincy, Massachusetts and the nearby areas through program activities benefiting families and adults and children of all ages.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Westfield (Westfield, MA) $5,000 -  To purchase calculators, notebooks, zip drives, school supplies, educational computer programs, including college prep and SAT software for the after school academic programs. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield is committed to inspiring and enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Jobs for Maine's Graduates, Inc. (Augusta, ME) $5,000 - To pay for meals, refreshments and supplies for the student enrichment program. Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) is a statewide organization, working with students to provide a comprehensive dropout prevention and school-to-career transition system for children in grades 6-12.

Cannon Memorial Young Men’s Christian Association (Kannapolis, NC) $5,000 -  To purchase snacks, as well as adjustable height tables, musical instruments, career clothes, books, pretend career family/abilities people dolls, puppets of different cultures, sand/water tables, basic art supplies and media equipment for the Kannapolis Y Afterschool Program.   

Thompson Child & Family Focus (Matthews, NC) $5,000 - To provide the direct service, program-related portion of salaries for therapists, mentors and teachers who work with children in The School at Thompson's psychiatric residential and day treatment programs.The School at Thompson serves children from Thompson’s two intensive psychiatric residential treatment facility clinical programs and day treatment program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle (Raleigh, NC) $5,000 - To purchase supplies and training materials ($4,500), as well as pay for background checks for volunteers ($500) for the Site-Based Mentoring Program. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Communities in Schools of Wake County (Raleigh, NC) $7,500 - To pay the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of a certified part-time teacher who will provide after school tutoring for the Making the CASE: Cultivating Academic and Student Excellence program. The mission of Communities in Schools of Wake County (CIS Wake) is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Mayhew (Bristol, NH) $5,000 - To pay for telephone expenses ($1000) and travel expenses ($4000) including fuel, food and activities for the seven community outreach staff of the School Year Mentoring program. Mayhew challenges and helps at-risk New Hampshire boys to believe in themselves, work well with others and find their best.

Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, Inc. (Nashua, NH) $5,000 - To pay for the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the Employment and Education advocate who works directly with the clients for the Employment and Education Program.  The Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter is dedicated to providing shelter and food to those in need.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County (Asbury Park, NJ) $5,000 - To support the salary of a CareerLaunch Program Coordinator. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County provides safe places for young people in Monmouth County, especially those who need programs and services that will help them realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Boys & Girls Club of Vineland (Vineland, NJ) $5,000 - To purchase supplies and snacks for the Power Hour program. Boys & Girls Club inspires and enables all young people, especially those who need services most, to realize their full potential.

The Addictions Care Center of Albany (Albany, NY) $5,000 - To purchase new books to give to students at the completion of the literacy program through the Community Education program. Addictions Care Center of Albany (ACCA) has been a part of the community, strengthening the lives and improving the futures of thousands of individuals.

BronxWorks Inc. (Bronx, NY) $5,000 - To purchase program supplies and materials for the Safe Passage Youth Services program. BronxWorks range of services includes children, youth, family and senior citizens’ programs; immigrant assistance; employment help; HIV/AIDS programs; homeless and homelessness prevention services; and help for families at risk of foster care intervention.

Highbridge Community Life Center, Inc.(Bronx, NY) $5,000 - To purchase supplies and materials such as books, software, testing and assessment materials, paint sets, markers construction, craft and poster paper for the Family Literacy Program. Highbridge Community Life Center (HCLC) is an independent, not-for-profit, community-based organization that provides a wide range of educational and social service programs to poor families of color within the Highbridge neighborhood of the South Bronx.

South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (Bronx, NY) $5,000 - To purchase books, pay for multicultural outings, provide for emergency cash assistance and help pay for educational supplies, including journals, portfolios and flash drives for the Education 4 Life Program. The South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO) enhances the quality of life in the South Bronx by strengthening businesses and implementing innovative economic, housing, educational and career development programs.

The Public Broadcasting Council of Central New York (Liverpool, NY) $4,800 - To purchase books quarterly and materials and supplies for interactive activities for The Family Literacy Program. Public Broadcast station WCNY's mission has been to connect with and give back to the community that supports the programming by inspiring, educating and entertaining viewers.

Young Women's Christian Association of the City of New York (New York, NY) $5,000 - To purchase technical equipment including a fax machine, copy machine, projector, office furniture and office supplies, including paper, pens and notebooks for the Roberta Bright Family Resource Center. The YWCA of the City of New York (YW) improves the welfare of girls and women who needed assistance with housing, job training, access to books, physical fitness and friendship, and labor union representation and women’s health initiatives.

Association to Benefit Children (New York, NY) $5,000 - To purchase literacy-enrichment materials and nutrition curriculum materials to develop and enhance language arts and nutrition education for the ABC Youth Services after-school program. Association to Benefit Children (ABC) is a champion for children and fights to ensure all children have a safe, permanent family, decent housing, high-quality education, adequate health care and sufficient nutritious food to grow and thrive.

ENACT, Inc. (New York, NY) $6,000 - To purchase food, postage and delivery; school supplies and the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the Social Worker  for the School Partnership Program. ENACT helps New York City public school students learn social and emotional skills through creative drama and drama therapy techniques.

Learning Disabilities Association of the Genesee Valley, Inc. (Rochester, NY) $2,100 - To purchase educational materials and provide information that empowers parents to become advocates for their children through the Educational Consulting Services: “Creating a Bright Future for Children with Learning Disabilities”. The Learning Disabilities Association of the Genesee Valley (LDA) Life and Learning Services helps individuals with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and other developmental disabilities seek personal success in school, work, relationships and independent living.

Seamen's Society for Children & Families (Staten Island, NY) $5,000 - To pay for food costs ($1000) and supplies and materials for the Forward through Education program.  Seamen's Society for Children and Families provides quality services to strengthen and preserve families so that children and adults have the opportunity to realize their full potential.

Watervliet Civic Chest Inc. (Watervliet, NY) $5,000 - To purchase computers ($2500) and fund the direct service, program-related portion of the salary ($2500) of a NYS certified teacher and employment counselor for the Watervliet Civic Center Educational Enrichment Program. Watervliet Civic Chest offers supervised and constructive programs and services to children, youth and young adults during their non-school hours and leisure time. Programs and services promote and develop children emotionally, socially and physically.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, Inc. (Akron, OH)   $5,000 - To purchase school and educational supplies ($3500), including pencils, pens, paper, crayons, markers, books, flashcards, workbooks, puzzles and educational software, as well as support the costs of printing and photocopying ($1500) for the Academic Success for At-Risk Kids program. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve brings services to needy, low-income inner-city housing areas, providing children with a safe place after school to complete homework, receive a hot meal and take part in variety of fun and inspiring programs.

University Settlement, Inc. (Cleveland, OH)  $5,000 - To pay direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the back to school program staff ($1000) as well as equipment rentals, food and school supplies ($4000) for the Back to School Fair. University Settlement fosters strong and independent individuals and families by providing innovative, valued and collaborative services that meet the evolving needs of the community.

People for People, Inc. (Philadelphia, PA)  $5,000 - To provide funds to be distributed to people in need through the Basic Human Needs Fund.  The guiding mission of People For People (PFP) is to break the vicious, generational cycle of poverty in the lives of economically-challenged residents of Philadelphia by providing them with positive alternatives to drugs, crime and welfare dependency.

Children's Literacy Initiative (Philadelphia, PA)  $5,000 - To purchase children’s books, literacy materials, classroom library furniture and other supplies that aid in the creation of a literacy-rich learning environment. Children's Literacy Initiative, (CLI) has been collaborating with Newark Public Schools to provide pre-kindergarten -third grade teachers with meaningful, job-embedded professional development and stock classrooms with books and learning materials.

York County Literacy Council (York, PA)  $5,000 - To pay for the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the Adult Reading Coordinator and Adult Reading Assistant Coordinator for the Adult Reading Program. York County Literacy Council (YCLC) is a human service organization dedicated to advancing adult literacy in York County.

The Providence Public Library (Providence, RI) $4,300 - To purchase classroom materials such as binders, index cards, colored paper, highlighters, whiteboards and Bilingual Oxford Picture Dictionaries for The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative. The Providence Public Library is a 135-year-old nonprofit corporation providing free public library services through print, recorded and digital collections, information resources, programs of interest and relevance and an expert staff.

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (Norfolk, VA) $5,000 - To purchase new, age-appropriate books for children aged six months-five years for the Reach Out and Read program. Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) is the only free-standing, full-service hospital in Virginia dedicated to the health and well being of children.

Girls for A Change (Santa Cruz, VA)  $7,500 - To pay a portion of the direct service, program-related portion of the salary of the program manager in Richmond, VA ($6750) as well as team supplies ($750), including markers, paper and craft supplies for projects for the Girl Action Teams in Richmond, VA.  Girls For A Change (GFC) provides girls with after-school programming and training in social change and leadership.

About BJ’s Charitable Foundation

BJ’s Charitable Foundation was established with the mission to enrich every community BJ’s Wholesale Clubs serve.  The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that primarily benefit the underprivileged in the area of basic needs (hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, education and health).  For more information about BJ’s Charitable Foundation, please visit, www.bjs.com/charity.