Investors Foundation Awards LSMNJ a Grant in Support of New Vision Homeless Day Shelter

Photo Courtesy of Investors Foundation: Pictured, from left Assistant Vice President and Maple Shade Branch Manager Carol-Anne Peacock, LSMNJ President & CEO Colleen Frankenfield, Executive Director, Fund Development & LSMNJ Foundation Beth Gebhart, and Investors Bank Assistant Vice President and Vincentown Branch Manager Andrea Bondy.

 

Nearly 700 people are homeless in Camden County, according to an annual Point-In-Time Count of the Homeless in New Jersey. Among these people, about 150 were described as “unsheltered” and living in such public spaces as a park, bus or train station, a car, or in an abandoned building among other places.) New Visions Homeless Day Shelter in Camden, a part of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ), provides a safe-haven for those in need of daytime shelter and services. A recent $10,000 grant to LSMNJ from Investors Foundation will assist New Visions in meeting the needs of Camden’s homeless population.

According to LSMNJ President & CEO Colleen Frankenfield, New Visions is a not only a safe place for homeless individuals to gather and be nourished but also a center for those in need of finding services to address the next step in their lives. “On an average day, Monday through Friday,” said Frankenfield, “New Visions serves between 125 and 150 people. It serves the needs of Camden’s homeless population thanks in part to the many churches, community groups, individuals, and companies like Investors Bank and the Investors Foundation.”

“We take for granted the ability to have a hot shower, clean clothes, and a good meal,” said Investors Bank Assistant Vice President and Vincentown Branch Manager Andrea Bondy. “But not everyone has been so lucky. Providing this grant to Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey for New Visions enables us to contribute in a small way to serving those in need.”

Assistant Vice President, Investors Bank Maple Shade Branch Manager Carol-Anne Peacock said, “One of the things that you often don’t think of is the ability to send and receive mail if you are homeless. New Visions provides a mailing address, which can be critically important for acquiring a job, receiving information about critical services, etc. Investors is gratified to be able to make a difference in the lives of those served by New Visions.”

LSMNJ applied for the grant from the Investors Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations that enrich the diverse communities served by Investors Bank.