FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to help energize Asbury Park’s revitalization through the transformative work of Interfaith Neighbors, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the community.
The funding supports a range of programs that provide job training, early education, food security, and urban farming in Asbury Park, which is served by FirstEnergy Corp.’s electric company, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L).
The grant is one of the largest awarded by FirstEnergy Foundation in New Jersey this year. It is part of more than $2 million in community support distributed across FirstEnergy’s service areas in the first half of 2025.
“This grant recognizes the powerful impact Interfaith Neighbors has on Asbury Park,” said Doug Mokoid, president, FirstEnergy, New Jersey. “From job readiness to food access, their programs are helping residents build brighter futures. We’re proud to support their mission and the community they serve.”
Nearly one in five Asbury Park residents lives below the poverty line. Interfaith Neighbors is working to change that with programs that open doors and create lasting change, including:
- The Launch Center – Offers job training, career coaching and one-on-one support to help residents succeed.
- The Early Childhood Learning Center – Provides a safe, nurturing environment for young children while empowering parents to work or pursue education.
- Meals on Wheels – delivers more than 800 meals daily to seniors and residents with disabilities – more than 330,000 meals a year.
- Kula Urban Farm – A hydroponic greenhouse that grows fresh produce and opportunity, offering job training and free food to neighbors in need.
“For nearly four decades, we’ve focused on the essentials — housing, food and jobs. Thanks to FirstEnergy Foundation and JCP&L, we can continue building trust and creating real change in Asbury Park,” said Walter “Chip” Craig, co-executive director, Interfaith Neighbors.
