The Monmouth Park Charity Fund Winner’s Circle Society held its 7th annual grant finalist presentation and reception on Wednesday, August 19th, at Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch. This highly anticipated event gathered members of the Winner’s Circle Society to select the recipient of the $20,000 grant awarded through the organization’s 7th Annual Grant Program.
Three outstanding nonprofit organizations — 180 Turning Lives Around, Center for Vocational Rehabilitation, and HABcore — delivered powerful presentations outlining their impactful work in the Monmouth County community. Following thoughtful deliberation, the grant was awarded to 180 Turning Lives Around. Liz Graham, Executive Director/CEO, received the award on behalf of 180 Turning Lives Around at MPCF’s 6th Annual Golf Invitational Dinner & Awards Reception, held on Monday, September 14th at Suneagles Golf Club in Eatontown, NJ.
It Takes a Village: Childcare Support for DV Survivors. Through an innovative partnership, Pinwheel Place will establish a trauma-informed crisis nursery within 180 Turning Lives Around’s Family Justice Center, adjacent to the Monmouth County Courthouse. While survivors attend restraining order hearings, meet with attorneys, or access advocacy services, trained Pinwheel staff will provide safe, nurturing childcare onsite. By integrating childcare into the Family Justice Center’s coordinated community response, this initiative removes one of the most significant barriers to justice, strengthens survivor engagement in the legal process, and improves safety, stability, and outcomes for both survivors and their children.
Although the two remaining finalists were not selected for the primary grant award, we were pleased to recognize each organization with an $8,500 grant in appreciation of their vital contributions and continued service to our community.
A very special thank you to Carol Stillwell of Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., as well as Dr. Ken Nahum and Ann Nahum, for their generous additional contributions, which made these enhanced grant awards possible. Their generosity allows us to further support these incredible organizations and the important work they do throughout our community.
The Monmouth Park Charity Fund remains steadfast in its mission to raise and distribute funds to Monmouth County nonprofits that provide essential services—including healthcare, support for vulnerable populations, and specialized community resources. The Winner’s Circle Society plays a key role in advancing MPCF’s impact, thanks to the generosity and collaboration of its committed members.
