Lakeland Bank Awards $20,000 Grant to Norwescap

Lakeland Bank is pleased to announce it recently awarded a $20,000 Community Impact Grant to Norwescap to help establish a Cultural and Community Center in Sussex Borough. Norwescap owns and operates a residential building on Main Street, which offers affordable housing for seniors 62 and older, and it plans to make needed repairs and renovate the first floor of the building for the Center.

“Lakeland has been a long-time supporter of Norwescap programs and I was grateful the Bank approved the Community Impact Grant to help provide funding for the Cultural and Community Center in Sussex,” said Raymond Cordts, SVP, Business Development. “The space will be utilized for the senior residents as well as for community events, celebrations, and other activities that promote culture and connection among the residents in the community.”

“Norwescap has made an overall commitment to supporting growth and development in Sussex Borough and the Cultural and Community Center will offer a wide array of programming and services for both the senior residents of the building and members of the greater local community,” said Mark Valli, Norwescap CEO. “The space will be designed to be flexible, so it can be open for larger events or subdivided for smaller gatherings, and will include three handicap-accessible restrooms.”

Norwescap plans to have staff and/or volunteers on site during scheduled hours to provide direct access to the extensive portfolio of services that support individuals and families with low- to moderate income, including case management and homelessness prevention, childcare subsidies and referrals, financial empowerment resources, energy and weatherization services, employment coaching, and nutritional assistance. The Center will also offer free internet and computer access, and programming for members of the community such as computer classes, senior health classes, and youth engagement activities. The creation of the space and concepts for programming and activities have been shaped by ongoing conversations with community residents, leaders, business owners and other stakeholders.

About Norwescap

Norwescap's work throughout northwestern New Jersey empowers thousands of individuals and families to move away from the crisis of poverty, and towards a future where they can thrive. The nonprofit organization offers a comprehensive array of strategies, programs and services in Education; Employment; Financial Empowerment; Health & Nutrition; Housing & Community Development; and Volunteerism & Civic Engagement. Their mission and work positively impacts over 30,000 people each year in Warren, Sussex, Hunterdon, Somerset, Morris, and Passaic Counties, helping them to overcome obstacles, build resiliency, and achieve their aspirations and goals.

About the Lakeland Grant Process

The purpose of the Bank’s Community Impact Grant Program is to make investments directly in eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is to provide services that impact the environment, social, physical and/or mental well-being of the individuals, families, and communities within the Bank’s assessment areas. The program is non-competitive and with no public solicitations for applications. Prospective recipients and their programs are nominated for consideration for a grant based upon an internal nomination process designed specifically for this program.