Bill Text: NJ SCR143 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commemorates 25th anniversary of NJ SHARES assistance program.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-05-08 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee [SCR143 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-SCR143-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator JOSEPH P. CRYAN
District 20 (Union)
SYNOPSIS
Commemorates 25th anniversary of NJ SHARES assistance program.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Concurrent Resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the NJ SHARES assistance program.
Whereas, New Jersey SHARES, Inc. (NJ SHARES) was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1998 and provides a multilingual call center, financial assistance, community outreach, and referrals for essential services to residents of this State who are in need of assistance with household bills; and
Whereas, NJ SHARES assists income-eligible households in this State with payment of energy, telephone, Internet, water, tax, rent, and mortgage bills; and
Whereas, NJ SHARES grants cover an average of 81 percent of recipients' pre-grant balances; and
Whereas, Over 200 social service agencies and legislative partners participate in NJ SHARES throughout the State; and
Whereas, 80 percent of grant recipients have employment income at the time of application; and
Whereas, Using a holistic approach to each household's challenges, NJ SHARES assists families to restore financial stability, with 78 percent of recipients since 2005 needing a grant in only one of the past 10 years; and
Whereas, NJ SHARES partners with agencies in each county of this State to provide relief for low- to moderate-income families facing a financial crisis, emergency situation, or ongoing needs; and
Whereas, Many recipients have vulnerable household members, including children in 48 percent and persons over age 60 in 26 percent of recipient homes; and
Whereas, NJ SHARES received the Victorine Q. Adams Award from the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition in 2002, 2006, and 2009, honoring the nonprofit's innovation and achievement in raising public awareness and providing financial aid to those in need; and
Whereas, Over the past 25 years, NJ SHARES has assisted more than 211,000 families and awarded grants totaling over $89 million; and
Whereas, NJ SHARES continues to improve lives by providing a vital safety net for New Jersey families and vulnerable residents of this State to access needed grants and resources, and for this reason, it is fitting to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the NJ SHARES assistance program; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):
1. The Legislature of the State of New Jersey commemorates the 25th anniversary of New Jersey SHARES, Inc. and honors the nonprofit's dedication to serving the people of this State.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of New Jersey SHARES, Inc.
STATEMENT
This resolution honors the 25th anniversary of New Jersey SHARES, Inc. (NJ SHARES). Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1998, NJ SHARES provides a multilingual call center, financial assistance, community outreach, and referrals for essential services to residents of this State who are in need of assistance. Utilizing a holistic approach, NJ SHARES offers a vital safety net for New Jersey families and vulnerable residents of this State to access needed grants and resources. Over the past 25 years, NJ SHARES has assisted more than 211,000 families to restore their financial stability and awarded grants totaling over $89 million.
