The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded “Gifts of the Season” grants totaling nearly $20,000 to three nonprofit organizations in New Jersey. These grants are aimed at supporting underserved and vulnerable individuals across central and northern New Jersey. The recipient organizations are Pearls of Wisdom Foundation, Next Steps Adult Day Program, and Project Refit, each receiving $6,650.
Pearls of Wisdom Foundation, based in Morristown, focuses on motivating youth by fostering interest in civic affairs and providing scholarships to enhance access to higher education. Next Steps Adult Day Program in Point Pleasant offers adults with special needs meaningful experiences that promote independence and social development. Project Refit operates from Burlington County with a mobile base, aiming to change perceptions around mental health support for military members and first responders.
Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy’s New Jersey operations, stated: “These organizations draw together the best of what New Jersey is all about to support our neighbors. We’re proud to be able to provide these Gifts of the Season grants to recognize their work.”
The “Gifts of the Season” initiative began in 2016 as part of FirstEnergy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Since then, it has distributed approximately $1.1 million nationwide and nearly $100,000 specifically within New Jersey.
Eligible entities for these gifts must be first-time recipients whose work aligns with diverse categories such as veteran-owned or minority business enterprises.
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary serving 1.1 million customers across several counties in New Jersey, is part of FirstEnergy Corp., which operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States.
