(Newark and Camden, NJ, Nov. 15, 2016) – In keeping with The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey’s priority to support organizations that make New Jersey healthier, The Foundation announced today that it has awarded a $30,000 grant for The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Camden to create an outdoor curriculum for its after-school program.

“The Foundation always looks to identify and support organizations that make a positive difference in the lives they touch and in the communities they serve,” said Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Foundation. “The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is a fantastic example of good people coming together for a great cause and The Foundation is proud to offer support.”

The Foundation grant will be used to develop and implement an outdoor curriculum for the Kroc Kids after-school program helping hundreds of underserved children in the Camden community. The Kroc Kids program takes place Monday-Thursday, 3:30-7:30pm, providing education, fitness, arts and a balanced meal to children in grades K-8.

“The Salvation Army is extremely grateful for the continued support we receive from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey,” said Kroc Center Administrator Major Terry Wood. “Healthier choices within our programs are being made as a direct result of their support.  Their continued support will help us fulfill our mission to transform lives not only for our youth, but for seniors as well.”

The Foundation grant will also support an intergenerational art project at the raised-bed garden recently expanded through funds from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.  Within the garden space, seniors will participate as volunteers, serving as teachers and role models to after-school students.

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About the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is committed to working alongside those who can help us improve our neighbors’ health, inform their health decisions and inspire them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. The Foundation’s funding pillars are Caring, Connecting and Creating. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the sole member of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, both of which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information please visit www.Horizonblue.com/Foundation   

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About The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

Located on 24 acres, the 120,000 square-foot Salvation Army Kroc Center is the largest community center of its kind in Camden, New Jersey. This unprecedented place of gathering and enrichment houses a fitness center, basketball court, water park, 8-lane swimming pool, as well as an array of education, faith, arts and supportive programs open and accessible to all. The programs, as well as the building itself, have been designed to stimulate the mind, body and spirit, to provide hope, and to transform lives within the community. Development of The Salvation Army Kroc Center was made possible by a $59 million combined capital and endowment grant from a bequest to The Salvation Army by the late Mrs. Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, and well as the support of hundreds of local donors.  For more information please visit www.camdenkroccenter.org   

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