“Tools 4 Schools” Partners Applewood Seniors with Freehold Borough Schools

Applewood, a senior residential community, and the Freehold Borough School District (FBSD), announced a new partnership program, “Tools 4 Schools,” where residents and staff will support the overburdened school district by providing in-class support to teachers and donations of school uniforms, backpacks and supplies.

“Many of our residents are highly educated and want to help kids obtain the best education possible,” says Keith Grady, executive director at Applewood, a not-for-profit organization affiliated with CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold. “Social accountability plays an important role in our senior community, and offering a helping hand to local school children is an ideal way for us to make a substantive contribution.” Rosalie Crociata, an Applewood resident who taught in the Freehold Borough School District for 25 years, was one of the first residents to contribute to the effort.

“From an educational perspective, we value the experience and expertise the Applewood residents and staff will offer our children,” says Rocco G. Tomazic, Ed.D, superintendent of the FBSD. “We have a great need for extra help in our schools and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.” Freehold Borough Pre-K to eighth-grade students attend the Freehold Learning Center, Park Avenue Elementary School or Freehold Intermediate School.

Joan Cinque, C.A.L.A., manager of resident services and a third-generation Borough resident, will oversee the program for Applewood. The continuing care retirement community will initially focus on the donation of school supplies, FBSD uniforms and backpacks.

About Applewood

Applewood, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Freehold, NJ, offers independent living, assisted living and healthcare services to seniors. For more information about “Tools for Schools” or Applewood, call (732) 303-7416 or visit Applewood.com.

About Freehold Borough School District

The Freehold Borough Public Schools is a Pre-K – 8 district in Monmouth County, NJ with a diverse student population of over 1,720 students. The district is comprised of two elementary schools and one middle school. High school students attend the Freehold Regional High School District.

CAPTION: (l to r): Applewood executive director Keith Grady is shown with Freehold Intermediate School principal Ronnie Dougherty and Applewood resident services manager Joan Cinque. Seated are Applewood resident volunteers, Virginia Allen and Elaine Lang, with FIS seventh graders.