“We are proud to support these 15 organizations that received grants from the Foundation and to recognize them for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of people throughout New Jersey,” said William J. Marino.

 The Foundation awarded the following 15 grants:

• All About H.O.P.E. in Voorhees, received a grant of $30,000 to support the educational component of its Taking Charge Program. The program is a risk reduction and medical treatment initiative for men and women living with HIV/AIDS. The grant will support health literacy and counseling.

• Appel Farm Arts and Music Center in Elmer, received a grant of $7,500 to support its Artists-in-the-Schools Mosaic Mural Residency Project.  The program enables students participating in Vineland High School’s Small Learning Community program, to work closely with professional artists to create a mosaic mural for the school theatre.

• The Arts Guild of Rahway in Rahway, received a general operating grant of $7,500 to help fund the costs of marketing expenses, internet and website fees, office supplies and salaries.  This multidisciplinary center for the arts provides a broad range of cultural programs for Central and Northern New Jersey residents.
 
• Camden Eye Center in Camden, received a grant of $15,000 to support its Sight First for Kids and Families Program.  The grant  supports a comprehensive eye care program for uninsured children, adults and seniors. The Center will provide over 12,000 patient visits for underserved families in Camden City, Camden County and Southern New Jersey.

• ChoiceOne Pregnancy & Sexual Health Resource Centers in Lawrenceville, received a grant of $25,000 to support the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Education and Prevention component of its “Straight Talk” Program. The Straight Talk program teaches high school students to make intelligent and informed decisions regarding their sexual behaviors.  The grant will be used to provide accurate information about STDs and teach students about the risks associated with sexual experimentation, alcohol and drugs.

• FAN4Kids in Hoboken, received a grant of $20,000 to support FAN4Kids Project Newark. This school-based fitness and nutrition education program uses parental involvement to lower obesity rates in children.  Over 1,000 public school students, ages three to ten, in five Newark schools will participate in the program.

• Jewish Vocational Service of Metro West in East Orange, received a grant of $10,000 to support its Health Prevention & Education for    At-Risk Adults Program.  The program provides monthly health screenings, health awareness workshops and an annual health fair for at-risk adults and clients.
 
• Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, received a grant of $10,000 to support its Free Family Days at the Museum.  The grant provides for two admission free days for families to tour the museum and enjoy museum exhibits, worshops, live musical theater and dance performances.

• New Eyes for the Needy in Short Hills, received a grant of $15,000 to support its New Eyes for South Jersey Program.  The program provides basic prescription eyeglasses for uninsured and underinsured  children and adults residing in Bridgeton, Camden, Cherry Hill and Hammonton.

• New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation in Trenton, received a grant of $25,000 to support a one-day Business Summit on the Nursing Crisis, focusing on the State’s nurse shortage.  At the summit, national experts will discuss the impact that the nurse shortage will have on the state’s economic future, its business community, and residents’ quality of life.

• Newark School of the Arts in Newark, received a grant of $7,500 to support its Music Program.  The program offers approximately 450 students from Newark and surrounding communities instruction on how to play musical instruments, voice lessons, music theory classes, and a weekly music hour to perform.
 
• Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey in Millburn, received a grant of $15,000 to support its Fifth Grade Parent Alert Initiative.  The initiative educates parents of fifth grade students about the dangers of substance abuse and how to speak to their children about these dangers.  Approximately 35,000 fifth grade students in public, private and parochial schools in New Jersey will be served by the initiative.
 
• Princeton Center for Leadership Training in Princeton, received a grant of $20,000 to support the Teen Prevention Education Program.  This school-based program trains peer educators to facilitate education workshops on the transmission and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and high-risk sexual behaviors among teens.

• The Ritz Theatre Company in Haddon Township, received a grant of $4,000 to support its Creative Access Program.  The program produces  American Sign Language-interpreted performances that allow patrons to watch the performance and the interpreters simultaneously.  The grant provides for four certified interpreters at three performances of “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

• Symphony in C in Camden, received a general operating grant of $10,000 to help support its Music Matters! Educational Outreach and Musician Training Program.  The program is designed to advance the careers of talented young musicians.  The program enables gifted musicians to participate in Symphony in C programs such as the Classroom Symphony, LEAP Strings Academy, Souper Symphony Summer Camp and Concerts for Young People and Teens. Approximately 8,300 musicians will participate in this year’s program.

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey promotes health, well-being, and quality of life across our state by supporting charitable organizations.  For more information about the Foundation visit www.horizonblue.com/foundation.