These 4 Groups Are Helping To Change NJ, Impact100 Essex Says

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Impact100 Essex. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Impact100 Essex has announced the four finalists for its 2021 Impact Grant. One of these finalists will be voted the recipient of a $100,000 grant during the organization’s annual meeting, which will take place on January 25.

The 2021 finalists are:

Butterfly Dreamz - Its project, the “Cocoon Club”, connects girls from marginalized communities to mentorship, scholarships, and youth-led community action, equipping them to be confident leaders who disrupt the status quo.

South Ward Promise Neighborhood - Its project, “South Ward Healthy Beginnings”, is a plan to improve health and education outcomes for pregnant women and new mothers in Newark’s South Ward.

Urban League of Essex County - Its project, “Essex FreePair: Seeding a Social Enterprise to Empower Vulnerable Populations to Thrive in Place”, melds workforce development training in construction and skilled trades with free home repairs to enable seniors and other vulnerable low-income residents to live safely in their homes.

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice - Its project, “Racial Justice Initiative”, will increase employability for BIPOC community members, by clearing criminal records and restoring driver’s licenses – providing families in Essex County with greater opportunity to prosper.

“We had a very strong set of applications this year, and are so excited to support such creative and innovative projects,” said Helen Mazarakis, co-convener, Impact100 Essex. “We value the opportunity we have to identify local change makers and help lift them up,” added Margo Greenfield, fellow co-convener.

At its annual meeting in January, Impact100 Essex will also announce the recipients of three $15,000 Equity Grants that will be given to local nonprofits led by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).

To learn more about Impact100 Essex go to www.impact100essex.org. For information on becoming a member and upcoming information sessions, contact membership@impact100essex.org.

Impact100 Essex is a collective philanthropic group founded and funded by women in Essex County. The group brings women together to amplify and leverage the impact of members’ giving and to empower solutions for our community. Each year Impact100 Essex awards a minimum grant of $100,000 to support an innovative project managed by a local nonprofit organization as well as additional grants.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.