Nutley Family Service Bureau Earns $25K Grant From State Farm

NUTLEY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of State Farm. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

In just 10 days, 88,000 people cast more than 2 million votes in support of their favorite causes. As a result, 100 community organizations, in 34 states, including Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), is getting an assist from State Farm. The 100 winners are each receiving $25,000 grants to support local community causes.

This past February, State Farm accepted 4,000 applications for worthy causes, from throughout the country, that focus on supporting communities in need. The 4,000 applications were reviewed and narrowed down to the top 200. The top 200 finalists were then posted online for the public to vote on throughout 10 days. Eighty-eight thousand people cast more than 2.1 million votes for their favorites causes. In the eleven years of the grant program, nearly 500 causes have received a total of $12.5 million to enact change in their communities.

Based in Nutley, NFSB’s mission is to strengthen the emotional and social well-being of individuals and families through affordable mental health counseling and social service programs. The organization was founded in 1913 by a group of civic-minded Nutley women who recognized the need for improved social services.

“Nutley Family Service Bureau gained enough votes from the community to finish as one of 100 Neighborhood Assist grant winners from across the country and was only one of six grant winners in New Jersey,” says State Farm Agent Renee Friscia. “Clearly, Nutley residents are committed to supporting their neighbors in need and realize the importance of accessible, quality social services. I’m proud to have my agency located in this great community.”

The funding will support NFSB’s Nutley’s Friendly Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program, which offers food and friendly visits for homebound senior citizens. The volunteers bring clients nutritious food from the NFSB food pantry, but the visits also provide seniors with much-needed socialization. According to many studies, loneliness and social isolation in older adults can have detrimental health impacts. Visiting volunteers also offer physical and mental health social service referrals, and personal and household essentials from NFSB’s Thrift Shop.

“State Farm’s generous grant has made it possible for NFSB to address a growing need in our community,” says Katherine Carmichael, Nutley Family Service Bureau Executive Director. “I’m grateful to State Farm, Renee Friscia and the overwhelming support NFSB receives from the Nutley community. The State Farm grant is just the latest example of what I’m privileged to witness up close every day. The kindness and willingness to help others in this town is truly inspiring, and we’re so grateful for the support of our Nutley neighbors.”

The check was presented to NFSB by Renee. NFSB staff, board members and health department employees also attended.

For a complete list of this year’s 100 winners, visit: www.neighborhoodassist.com.

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