PSEG Neighborhood Partners Drive Positive Change in Communities

Every year, the PSEG Foundation’s Neighborhood Partners Program helps bring essential initiatives to life — while shining a spotlight on the organizations making a profound difference in their communities. From financial literacy workshops and food programs to employment training and educational mentoring, our partners are strengthening the future for all.

Here’s a look at a few organizations that exemplify this collective impact — and continue to inspire us.

Rising Tide Capital
Rising Tide Capital shows us that when we invest in people, we empower entire communities. Through its extensive training and support, Rising Tide helps nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs across New Jersey and 15 other states launch and grow sustainable businesses. Participants in its Community Business Academy report a dramatic 95% sales increase within their first two years — a testament to the power of education, guidance, and financial empowerment.

Additionally, Rising Tide’s Business Acceleration Services aid entrepreneurs in turning their goals into realistic action plans, while its Credit to Capital Program helps them secure funding for crucial resources, from equipment to additional staffing.

“This longstanding partnership has become a crucial piece of our work, reflecting stories of transformation made possible through collaboration,” said Dr. Joynicole Martinez, President, Chief of Advancement & Innovation, Rising Tide Capital.

Rising Tide shares our understanding that strong communities are powered by the people within them — and we’re proud to be a supporter of their ongoing mission.

America’s Grow-A-Row
Rising Tide Capital isn’t the only team making a dramatic community-wide impact. America’s Grow-A-Row is battling food insecurity directly — delivering food to those who need it most.
In 2024 alone, America’s Grow-A-Row provided a remarkable 3.6 million pounds of fresh produce to families in need — a powerful affirmation of their mission to ease hunger, one harvest at a time. This extensive reach is made possible by 423 acres of cultivated land, 20 varieties of produce, and the passionate efforts of over 10,000 dedicated volunteers. PSEG team members recently pitched in, harvesting 51,600 servings (12,900 lbs) of healthy food in a single morning.

This growing impact doesn’t stop there:

“This funding lets us grow more food and feed more people — delivering healthy produce directly to those battling food insecurity,” said Jackie Etter, Development & Marketing, America’s Grow-A-Row.

We’re proud to collaborate with America’s Grow-A-Row as we collectively foster strong, healthy communities.

Cathedral Kitchen
While America’s Grow-A-Row focuses on food, Cathedral Kitchen focuses on transformation. As South Jersey’s largest emergency meal provider, Cathedral Kitchen serves more than 100,000 warm, healthy meals each year — and helps individuals move toward financial stability through its training programs.

Cathedral Kitchen’s 15-week culinary training prepares unemployed, underemployed, at-risk, and low-income individuals for employment in food service — offering them a path toward financial independence.

Since its launch 14 years ago:

“The Neighborhood Partners Program lets us continue delivering services without compromise — making a powerful, life-changing difference,” said Noreen Flewelling, Development Director, Cathedral Kitchen.

We’re proud to aid Cathedral Kitchen’s mission to foster opportunity alongside compassion.

More Than Bootstraps
Higher education can be a powerful engine for upward mobility — but many first-generation students need additional guidance and support to reach their full potential. More Than Bootstraps (MTB) helps make that a reality.

Established in 2018, MTB guides underrepresented, first-generation students toward their college goals by fostering a strong community, financial aid, near-peer mentoring, and a focus on wellness. The group started by serving 11 students — today, it supports 50 from Passaic Public Schools.

“Some students are eager and ambitious — they just need a little additional guidance. The Neighborhood Partners Program helps us provide that,” said Audrey Fisch, Founder & President, More Than Bootstraps.

Graduates pay forward their knowledge, mentoring the students following in their path — creating a growing ripple of opportunity.

HomeFront
While education is a powerful tool for upward mobility, many families first need stability — a place to call home. HomeFront is there to ease the struggles of homelessness and foster a path toward stability and independence.

Using community resources and support, HomeFront assists families in securing stable housing, education, food, and financial stability.

This year alone:

“When PSEG says they’re a partner, they really mean it — they’re there alongside us, not just funding us.” said Sarah Steward, CEO, HomeFront.

We’re proud to collaborate with HomeFront, helping illuminate a path toward stability for vulnerable families — one step at a time.

We’re profoundly grateful for each of our Neighborhood Partners — for their passion, perseverance, and their deep-rooted care for their communities. Making a sustainable, equitable future for all requires hard work, resources, and collective action — and these organizations bring those qualities in abundance.

We’re excited to share that applications for the 2025 Neighborhood Partners Program are now open! If you’re a nonprofit in New Jersey or Long Island, apply by June 30, 2025.