Manasquan Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Catherine Franzoni recently presented Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) with an award during their quarterly Charitable Foundation Grant breakfast.
The grant is given to not-for-profit organizations in New Jersey that align with the bank’s charitable foundation values of education, social and civic services, health and wellness, recreation, and culture and arts. CSPNJ Chief Operations Officer Anne Smullen Thieling joined 40 other not-for-profit executives from the Jersey Shore area at the event to receive the $5,000 award.
“It’s inspiring to see how each organization is creating meaningful change in our communities. We’re deeply grateful for these passionate advocates and the opportunity to support their vital work,” Manasquan Bank wrote on its LinkedIn post the afternoon following the event.
The cash award will be used to upgrade and enhance Better Life, CSPNJ’s major community wellness center and hub for Essex County residents, with an enhancement to create a more welcoming atmosphere for our members.
“Our members at Better Life are the reason that the center feels like a home away from home for all who attend,” said Smullen. “We are so grateful to be able to continue cultivating the feeling of safety and belongingness at the center with the funded environmental enhancements. We know that one’s environment plays a great part in their ability to manage wellness, and this project will help support sustainable wellness and recovery for all who use the property.”
Better Life CWC said there was a 76% increase in new members in 2024. On average, the center serves 115 Essex County residents daily with wellness, recovery, housing, education and other services.
