News

$50,185 awarded to nine local non-profits to support community-focused programs in 2024

The Alfred N. Sanzari Family Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving communities across the Northeast, is proud to announce it has awarded nine grants totaling $50,185 for its Spring 2024 grant program. Grant recipients include Youth Consultation Service, Push to Walk, Community Meals Inc., Community Scholarship Fund of Teaneck, Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, Rebuilding Together North Jersey, Oasis, 180 Turning Lives Around, and Healing the Children NJ.

The Alfred N. Sanzari (ANS) Family Foundation was established in 2006 to carry on the legacy of Alfred N. Sanzari, the founder of Alfred Sanzari Enterprises, through the promotion and support of a wide range of causes throughout northern New Jersey. Reflecting the values of Alfred and his family, the ANS Family Foundation supports the promotion of healthcare with a special preference for patient care and Parkinson’s Disease, local education programs, and programs that assist disadvantaged populations such as shelters/housing, and services for women and children in need. Since its founding, the ANS Family Foundation has donated over $2 million to organizations throughout northern New Jersey and surrounding communities.

“We are in awe of the countless non-profits who continued to make an immeasurable impact on individuals and families across the state,” said Dana Jareck, member of the Alfred N. Sanzari Family Foundation Board of Trustees. “It’s an honor and a privilege to provide financial support to these organizations to help them meet their goals and accomplish their invaluable work in the year ahead.”

Based in Hackensack, Youth Consultation Service (YCS) serves at-risk children and adults with special needs or developmental disabilities, striving to build happier and more hopeful lives. Through a wide range of programs, including therapeutic residential care, special education, community-based services, and in-home support, YCS fosters positive development and resilience. Their grant will support a Parkinson’s Disease patient in need of adaptive furniture and a Theracycle specialized exercise bike.

Since its founding in 2007, Push to Walk has provided innovative exercise therapy with individualized workouts and resources for people with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis. They aim to optimize patients’ current quality of life and help prepare them for future medical advancements. Their grant will support patients with Parkinson’s Disease by providing essential equipment, exercise, and therapy.

Focused on ensuring no one in the local community goes hungry, Community Meals Inc. is dedicated to providing nutritious and delicious meals to individuals and families in need. By delivering balanced meals to the elderly, disabled, and those facing food insecurity, they foster community well-being across Bergen County. Their grant will support their continued work to provide proper nutrition to area residents and enable volunteers to more frequently check in with recipients.

Created in 1957, the Community Scholarship Fund of Teaneck helps Teaneck students pursue further education and achieve success by raising funds to provide financial aid to residents graduating from accredited high schools who lack the means for further education. Their grant will support scholarship programs for high school seniors across the district.

Emmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF) is dedicated to supporting New Jersey families facing pediatric cancer. Since its founding, ECF has provided critical services such as financial aid, emotional support, and free in-home counseling. By addressing both practical and emotional needs, ECF strives to ease the burden of cancer treatment and improve the quality of life for children battling cancer and their families. Their grant will support their Family Financial Assistance Fund that covers costs of meals, transportation, medical equipment, and funeral expenses.

Originally founded in 1998 by the Junior League of Bergen County, Rebuilding Together North Jersey revitalizes communities and improves the lives of low-income homeowners through home repairs and renovations. Leveraging volunteers, partnerships, and donations, they provide critical home improvements to ensure safe, healthy, and accessible living conditions. Their mission fosters stronger and more resilient communities throughout North Jersey. Their grant will support carpentry, mobility and accessibility modifications, electrical and plumbing work, and health and safety repairs at 25 local homes.

Oasis, a Paterson, N.J. based non-profit, empowers women and children living in poverty. Through comprehensive programs including educational opportunities, workforce readiness, youth development, and social services, Oasis provides the tools and support necessary for economic independence and improved quality of life. The grant will defray costs of their GED program, enabling 60 women from Paterson to receive high school equivalency classes, childcare, and meals.

With a focus on safety, healing and prevention, 180 Turning Lives Around fosters a supportive community where individuals can thrive free from violence and fear. Based in Hazlet, N.J., this non-profit empowers individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. Through crisis intervention, counseling, support groups, emergency shelter, and advocacy, it helps survivors reclaim their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. Their grant will fund the 2NDFLOOR youth text/helpline, offering emotional and mental support to 10-24 year olds.

Founded in 1981 with the vision of ensuring every child has access to quality medical care, Healing the Children NJ (HTCNJ) provides critically needed medical care to children both domestically and internationally. Through a network of volunteer medical professionals and healthcare partnerships, HTCNJ organizes and funds medical missions, surgical procedures, and long-term treatment plans for children lacking adequate healthcare. Their grant will support the Domestic Aid Program of Healing by purchasing therapy equipment, eyeglasses, and hearing aids to assist low-income families facing complex medical diagnoses and disabilities.

The ANS Family Foundation has two grant cycles per year with grant amounts ranging from $500 to $10,000. The Foundation is currently in its second grant application period for 2024. All grant applications are due by August 31, 2024. For more information on the grant application process and to apply, please visit the ANS Family Foundation at https://sanzarifoundation.com/how-to-apply.