As part of its commitment to sustainability and community resiliency, New Jersey Resources hosted its annual “NJR You Days” to help make a difference for local nonprofit organizations at historic Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook.
Over the course of two days this summer, more than 200 employees from across NJR came together to paint, landscape and refurbish the facilities at the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and Sandy Hook Childcare Center.
“New Jersey Resources has long shared a deep connection with the communities we serve – it is a part of the identity and culture of our company,” said Steve Westhoven, president and CEO of New Jersey Resources.
“NJR You Days is an important part of that commitment. It’s an opportunity for us to give back and make a meaningful difference where it is needed most. The work our employees accomplished this year at the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and the Sandy Hook Childcare Center will benefit these organizations and have a lasting impact on our communities for years to come,” Westhoven said.
As part of NJR You Days, employees dedicated approximately 1,000 hours of service and helped transform the facilities at the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and the Sandy Hook Childcare Center. Overall, they primed and painted over 300 spindles, the porch decks and trim, as well as the conference room, classroom, offices and hallways at the new Jersey Sea Grant Consortium building. They also redid all the landscaping, restored the driveway and built new wader racks.
At the Sandy Hook Childcare Center, the results were equally dramatic. Employees primed and painted the entire exterior of the building, the shed and flower boxes. They restored the driveway, built a new nature corner, re-sanded the playground and fabricated a picnic table around a tree.
Like many nonprofits, the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and Sandy Hook Childcare Center operate on a tight budget. The extensive work accomplished by NJR helped these organizations complete long-term wish list projects that they otherwise might not have been able to do. More importantly, it enables them to focus on their core mission of promoting the wise use of New Jersey’s coastal resources and providing a safe, nurturing environment for children.
NJR You Days was created by NJR to bring employees together with area nonprofit and community-based groups to create positive change and have a lasting impact in its service territory. Since 2009, employees have dedicated approximately 14,000 hours of service to help 14 nonprofit and community groups throughout its service territory as part of this annual program.
Photo caption: Employees from New Jersey Resources restore the driveway at the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium as part of the company’s NJR You Days community service event. (L-R) Gas Mechanic Ed Willard, System Enhancement Engineer Jessica Barton, GIS Field Specialist Joe Barra, Application Developer Abid Nidal, Field Supervisor Kenny Foran, Engineer Kellie Crouch and C&R Supervisor Dominic Biancamano. – Photo courtesy of New Jersey Resources.
