Iselin-based Provident Bank said it donated one of its former branches to New City Kids, a Jersey City-based nonprofit organization that offers after-school programming for local youth from traditionally under-resourced urban areas.
Located at 533 Bergen Ave. in Jersey City, the 5,472-square-foot building will be known as the New City Kids Rubingh Center for Youth Development and will serve as the organization’s fourth Jersey City location. The facility, named after New City Kids’ founders Revs. Trevor and Linda Rubingh will be used to advance New City Kids’ mission to provide spiritual, leadership, academic and musical development for local youth.
New City Kids’ after school curriculum provides critical academic support for grades 1 through 8, while the Teen Life Internship program offers a year-long, paid, part-time internship in leadership development. Other facets of programming include City Sail – a five-week swimming and sailing course – a traditional summer camp, Brighter Day groups providing body safety and mental health support, and Families for Literacy, a collaborative city effort holistically serving low-income families for whom English is a second language in Jersey City.
“Our commitment to this community runs deep,” Chris Martin, executive chairman, Provident Bank said. “Lending a helping hand in the communities we serve and making a positive impact is fundamental at Provident. It’s extremely gratifying to give back to the community where Provident was founded in 1839.”
In addition to the Bank’s donation of the building, The Provident Bank Foundation has pledged a multi-year commitment of $100,000 to New City Kids. The funds will be disbursed over a four-year period and will be used for building upgrades, operational support, and programming at the New City Kids Rubingh Center for Youth Development.
“New City Kids embodies the values of The Provident Bank Foundation,” Samantha Plotino, executive director said. “Helping to transform the lives of youth by supporting programs that enhance their development is consistent with our funding priorities. This organization opens doors for youth and teens, partnering with them as they grow into leaders and change-makers in their communities.”
“The generous support from Provident Bank and The Provident Bank Foundation will serve an invaluable purpose for this community,” Shaun Hopkins, executive director, New City Kids/Jersey City said.
“The youth that come to us already have it in them to be great, but the additional support will allow us to not only expand our impact physically, but to also enhance the support and programs we provide,” Hopkins added.
Following the donation of this branch to New City Kids, Provident Bank will continue to operate five locations in Jersey City.
