It’s that time of year again: the leaves have fallen, holiday decorations are on display and while the air grows colder, our hearts grow warmer. The season of giving has arrived, reminding us that comforts we often take for granted – like a cozy home, clean clothes or a warm meal – aren’t always guaranteed for everyone.
That’s why our PSEG Foundation is proud to support a variety of organizations that have made a difference in our communities throughout the year. Keep reading to learn about a handful of the many organizations we work with to help brighten our communities.
Honoring our heroes: Supporting our veterans
We’re proud to stand with our veterans, honoring their service and supporting them in meaningful ways. For many veterans, finding an affordable place to call home can be a challenge. That’s where Community Hope steps in. As New Jersey’s largest nonprofit serving unhoused veterans and their families, this wonderful organization is making a real difference – and we’re thrilled to help support their mission.
Through our 2024 Neighborhood Partners Program, we’ve provided funding to help support Community Hope’s life-changing services. From transitional housing to permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention, these programs are giving veterans and their families the stability and support they deserve. Together, we’re building stronger communities – and brighter futures – for those who’ve given so much.
We’re also proud to support another incredible long-standing partner serving veterans in our community: Thomas Edison State University. With a two-year, $100,000 grant from the PSEG Foundation, the TESU Foundation’s Military and Veteran Scholarship Fund has been a lifeline for military students and veterans pursuing their education. A total of 50 scholarships have been awarded to support our heroes.
“The PSEG Military and Veteran Scholarship I was awarded for the June 2024 semester paid for the tuition and study materials I needed to enroll in a 3-credit history course,” said S. Shamy, retired Army veteran. “I am thankful for the contributions PSEG has made to help me complete my degree program!”
Additionally, we’ve been partnering with the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice since 2014 by supporting its Veterans Legal Program. This program provides free legal services, including virtual legal clinics, legal wellness checks and assists veterans experiencing legal issues. Our attorneys and support staff volunteer regularly for the program and provide life-changing services for the 338,000 New Jersey veterans they serve.
In October, Matt Jokajtys, managing counsel at PSEG, along with a small number of other pro bono leaders, was named a Defender of Justice at VLJ’s gala. Additionally, VLJ nominated PSEG, along with Gibbons and McCarter & English to receive the Pro Bono Institute’s Corporate Pro Bono Award.
Feeding hope: Supporting communities experiencing food insecurity
Nearly one million people in New Jersey experience food insecurity[1] – yet together, we’re making a difference. That’s why PSEG is committed to strengthening partnerships that provide critical support. One of these incredible partners is the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CBFNJ), a powerhouse in the fight against hunger.
Through its network of over 800 community partners – including food pantries, soup kitchens and feeding programs for children and seniors – the Community Food Bank ensures that nutritious food reaches those who need it most. We’re proud to help further their mission to end hunger for families across New Jersey.
From 2024 to 2026, our PSEG Foundation will provide $250,000 in grant funding to support the incredible work underway at CBFNJ. This funding will help fuel essential services such as after-school meals deliveries, providing supplemental food for children, job training for individuals in need and empowering residents with information on how they can eat healthy on a budget.
Hundreds of PSEG employees have actively volunteered with the CFBNJ this year through events that include sorting and distributing food. In early November, a team of 15 volunteers distributed 548 cases of turkeys and other poultry for the Thanksgiving Distribution Program at Branch Brook Park as well as over 2,000 holiday boxes that will support over 57,000 meals.
Another powerful organization in the fight against food insecurity is the Food Bank of South Jersey. Serving Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties, this organization is dedicated to providing immediate solutions for the toughest challenges facing local communities. With PSEG Foundation funds – the Food Bank delivers more than just meals – they equip residents with hands-on guidance from cooking displays to grocery store tours and more to help New Jerseyans make healthier food choices.
Additionally, our PSEG Foundation is partnering with Homefront to support its Food Pantry Program, which provides free products and services to low-income residents. Through HomeFront’s support, families are able to maintain stability by allocating income toward other expenses.
“After losing my job, money was very tight for my family. My grandkids live with me, and I refuse to let them suffer or go hungry the way I did when I was their age. For the first time in my adult life, I had to ask for help and I’m just grateful I was able to find HomeFront. The baby has diapers, my granddaughter has school supplies, and I have ingredients to make meals that are nutritious.”
– HomeFront client
Together, we’re not just addressing hunger – we’re creating opportunities and strengthening communities across New Jersey.
Caring for kids: Supporting Children’s Specialized Hospital
Children’s Specialized Hospital is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children under 21, with a total of 15 locations across New Jersey. The passionate staff at CSH are dedicated to treating children with special health challenges, including chronic illnesses, physical disabilities and developmental, behavioral and mental health concerns.
CSH is aligned with our passion for community, and we’re proud to have partnered with them for almost two decades. Since 2005, our PSEG Foundation and PSEG Corporate Social Responsibility have donated more than $7.2 million to support CSH’s inspiring work. We recently provided CSH with a grant of $300,000 for the Social Determinants of Health Program to help improve long-term health outcomes for children and provide support for their families.
This year nearly 50 employees volunteered over 200 hours on fundraising activities for the Children’s Specialized Hospital’s annual golf outing and Walk n’ Roll. Collectively PSEG employees raised $50,000 for the Walk n’ Roll and over $700K during the golf outing.
Through our partnerships and support for a variety of organizations dedicated to helping communities in New Jersey, we’re taking strides to help create a brighter future for New Jerseyans.
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