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Community Access Unlimited (CAU) has been awarded a $15,000 grant by The Provident Bank Foundation through their Major Grant program in support of Community and Civic Engagement programming.
The program aims to empower at-risk youth through advocacy and leadership training to reduce social and class inequalities and improve their lives.
CAU is a Union County-based, statewide nonprofit that works to ensure that people with disabilities and at-risk youth, through comprehensive supports, have access to the same opportunities to live an integrated, independent, included life in the community as the general population.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant to expand CAU’s efforts in community and civic engagement for young people,” said CAU Executive Director Bernadette Griswold. “Advocacy is at the heart of what we do.”
PBF Executive Director Jane Kurek was accompanied by Foundation Associate Samantha Plotino and Assistant Vice President Banking Center Manager Donna Purdon in presenting the grant to CAU on Nov. 20.
“The Provident Bank Foundation is honored to help further initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of residents in our local area,” Kurek said. “We are pleased to support organizations that contribute to a sense of community and offer a diverse set of programs that make people healthier, happier and safer.”
“Something like this comes across our desks and it just ignites this passion to make sure people know they can create change,” Plotino added.
The goal of the Major Grant is to support organizations that have identified an immediate need in the community and for the individuals they serve. The Provident Bank Foundation’s funding directly supports efforts to enhance the quality of life in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania communities served by Provident Bank through three Funding Priority Areas: Community Enrichment, Education, and Health, Youth & Families.
About Community Access Unlimited
Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating its 40th year in 2019, supports people with special needs in achieving real lives in the community. CAU provides support and gives voice to adults and youth who traditionally have little power in society. CAU helps people with housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities. CAU also supports opportunities for advocacy through training in assertiveness, decision-making and civil rights. CAU currently serves more than 5,000 individuals and families statewide, with the number served growing each year. For more information about CAU’s services and employment opportunities, contact us by phone at 908.354.3040, online at www.caunj.org or by mail at 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
About The Provident Bank Foundation
The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $25 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.