FirstEnergy Foundation's Generous Support for Shelter and Safety
In a laudable effort to bolster community welfare, the FirstEnergy Foundation has initiated a substantial funding program aimed at supporting charitable organizations in New Jersey. On October 29, 2026, the foundation announced that it has disbursed a remarkable sum of
$120,000 to
ten nonprofit organizations throughout New Jersey. This funding specifically targets programs centered on emergency shelter and housing assistance, catering to individuals and families who confront troubling situations such as homelessness and domestic violence.
Reinforcing Community Stability
The recent grants are part of FirstEnergy's broader
Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative, which notably expanded in 2026. Beyond New Jersey, this initiative has allocated a total of
$500,000 to support
38 organizations across five states within its service territory. This amplifying support coincides with
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, allowing organizations to provide invaluable assistance to survivors and families in crisis.
Doug Mokoid, the President of FirstEnergy New Jersey, emphasized the significance of these grants, stating,
"The organizations receiving these grants provide critical resources and compassionate support for some of our communities' most vulnerable residents. We’re proud to support their work and the meaningful difference they make every day.”
Honoring Organizations' Efforts
Among the ten New Jersey beneficiaries are well-respected nonprofits like
180 Turning Lives Around, which offers immediate shelter and support for survivors of domestic violence. Liz Graham, Executive Director and CEO of this organization, expressed immense gratitude for the support received from FirstEnergy, stating,
“This generous investment serves as a powerful reminder that our community stands with survivors. It strengthens our joint efforts to create hope and safety for all.”
Other notable grant recipients include:
- - Homeless Solutions (Morris County)
- - Samaritan Inn Family Shelter Program (Sussex County)
- - Bridges Outreach (Union County)
- - The HOPE Center of Ocean County
- - Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC)
- - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton
- - JBWS (formerly Jersey Battered Women's Shelter)
- - Covenant House New Jersey
- - Visions and Pathways
This mix of organizations illustrates the comprehensive range of services provided, from emergency shelter and crisis intervention to housing support aimed at stabilizing families during challenging times.
A Year of Commitment to Community Support
FirstEnergy’s commitment to community assistance is not new; since 2020, the Foundation has allocated over
$1.6 million to aid individuals in need of shelter and housing solutions. Notably, approximately
$700,000 of this funding specifically targets domestic violence survivors and their families. In 2026 alone,
over $850,000 has been allocated to housing-related initiatives.
Furthermore, the foundation's
$5 million Hunger Action Month initiative complements its previous efforts by awarding
$135,000 to organizations that also offer crucial housing and shelter services.
Volunteering for Change
In addition to financial support, FirstEnergy promotes employee engagement within the community. Encouraging personnel to volunteer, the company provides
volunteer time-off (VTO), allowing employees to contribute their time to address housing insecurity and other pressing community needs. In 2025, FirstEnergy employees collectively volunteered approximately
28,500 hours, reflecting a community support value of over
$1 million.
About the FirstEnergy Foundation
The FirstEnergy Foundation champions nonprofit organizations in its operational region, prioritizing housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development, and STEM initiatives aligned with community needs. By the end of 2026, it has distributed more than
$6.5 million in community support, demonstrating a long-lasting commitment to building resilient communities across the service area.
For more information, follow FirstEnergy online at
firstenergycorp.com and on social media @FirstEnergyCorp.