Asbury Park, NJ – January 28, 2025 –Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, a nonprofit organization that provides children with a safe environment to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, and life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, has been named a Citizens’ 2025 Champion in Action® for their efforts to improve access to mental health and well-being programming by delivering education and resources needed to help people achieve their potential and thrive. Announced by Citizens, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funding, and promotional and volunteer support to propel their work to bolster mental health and well-being in the New Jersey community.
“At Citizens, we recognize that mental health and well-being are fundamental to the success and resilience of our workforce and communities,” said Rebecca O’Connell, Citizens Tri State Metro President. “We’re thrilled to recognize the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County as one of our nine 2025 Champions in Actions and support their efforts to expand access to mental health services and help create a brighter future for our community.”
As part of their trauma-informed (TI) journey, BGCM adopted the Positive Deviance approach, which identifies individuals within a group who have developed successful strategies to overcome challenges using the same resources available to others. This initiative focuses on discovering these “positive deviants,” understanding their unique strategies and disseminating their successful methods. Funding from the Champions in Action award will support family-based programs including mindfulness events and workshops to increase the awareness of supportive services available to families.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Champions in Action award from Citizens,” said Douglas Eagles, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. “This $50,000 grant will allow us to build long-term, sustainable programs that focus on preventing and mitigating trauma, helping to create a healthier, happier generation. We thank Citizens for their commitment to supporting youth development and look forward to the lasting impact this partnership will have on our community.”
As a Champion in Action, the organization will benefit from:
• A $50,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens
• Volunteer support from Citizens colleagues
• Public relations and promotional support
Citizens’ Champions in Action program celebrates and supports local nonprofits with operating budgets under $5 million who are creating lasting change in the communities they serve. Twice a year, one nonprofit in each of Citizens’ nine major markets is selected to receive funding, promotional and volunteer support to accelerate programming and services focused on a topic that aligns with one of Citizens’ Sustainability and Impact focus areas – Driving Positive Climate Impact, Building the Workforce of the Future, and Fostering Strong Communities.
Since the program’s launch 23 years ago, Citizens has awarded more than $11 million in unrestricted grants and promotional and volunteer support to more than 400 Champions in Action nonprofit winners across the bank’s footprint. In New Jersey, 4 nonprofits have been honored, receiving $185,000 in funding.
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