OceanFirst Foundation Donates to Local Big Brothers Big Sisters

(Vineland) – On Thursday, August 24, 2017, Katherine Durante, Executive Director of the OceanFirst Foundation presented Donna Bennett, President/CEO of local Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties (BBBS) with a check for $7,500 to help support their local mentoring programs.

Inspired by the organization’s mission and vision, Adult School Based Mentoring takes place inside the enrolled child’s school, typically during the child’s lunch time or recess period. Employees of local companies, members of law enforcement, veterans, retirees, seniors, and college students are able to mentor during the work day or school day within a secure setting that offers assistance for mentors if and when difficulties arise during a mentoring session. The volunteer Big Brothers or Big Sisters are able to act as advocates within the school for the child they mentor.

In addition, by focusing on prevention, our program supports community sustainability, primarily by encouraging youth to make good choices, laying the groundwork for their future, so that they in turn, can practice responsible citizenship as adults.

BBBS of Cumberland & Salem Counties serves approximately 400 children throughout their service areas with 71% of those children residing in Cumberland County. 21% of the matches that we support take place in the Adult School-Based Mentoring Programs.

Annually it costs the organization $1,500 to maintain each professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationship. BBBS is currently accepting new volunteers for the 2017/2018 school year. For information, call (856) 692-0916 or visit www.southjerseybigs.org.

Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey meet their financial needs has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst footprint. Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed in excess of 6,400 grants totaling more than $32 million to over 750 local charities in the areas of Housing, Youth Development and Education, Health and Wellness and Improving the Quality of Life.