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UrbanPromise to Use SJ COVID-19 Response Fund Grant for Vital Services

UrbanPromise, a Christian non-profit youth organization in Camden, New Jersey, secured a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of South Jersey’s (CFSJ) COVID-19 Response Fund to supplement its Emergency Family Fund addressing financial hardships of families UrbanPromise serves. 

UrbanPromise continues to achieve its mission in the face of the pandemic via modified youth and family programming.   The nonprofit organization has transitioned its schools to online learning and enhanced the wellness team to provideemotional support for parents and students.

UrbanPromise suspended spring activities and pivoted programming to creative approaches such as the creation and distribution of survival kits containing food ingredients and recipes, seeds for those who wanted to start or add to their home garden, and the delivery of bikes to those who wanted to stay active.

“We are very grateful for the grant the Community Foundation of South Jersey was able to provide us during this difficult period,” said UrbanPromise President Bruce Main. “The spring season is a huge fundraising time for us and we had to cancel everything due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant enabled us to provide critical support to our families.”

“UrbanPromise’s mission to engage and build developmental assets for Camden youth and young adults supports strong families and deep community in Camden,” said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer. “This and every grant from the South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund is an investment in our neighbors during this difficult time.” .”

The South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund continues to support local nonprofits serving communities impacted by the pandemic.  South Jersey neighbors, businesses, and philanthropy donated more than $1 million to the Fund. However, South Jersey nonprofits requested more than $6 million.  If you would like to contribute to the only such fund where donations stay in our South Jersey region, please visit www.southjerseyresponsefund.org.