(12/P155) CAMDEN  – Furthering the Christie Administration's Season of Service initiative, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin today visited the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley’s (VOADV) Anna Sample Complex here to announce a $184,096 grant to make improvements to two of the agency's facilities.

"Since his inauguration, Governor Christie has emphasized the importance of community service - bringing a positive influence to neighborhoods and communities throughout the Garden State," said Commissioner Bob Martin. "I am honored to represent the Christie Administration for this grant which will help the Volunteers of America serve the city of Camden.”

A portion of the grant will be used at the Anna Sample Complex to repair the elevator; upgrade and repair the fire alarm system; and upgrade and repair the Transitional Living Kitchen. The grant will also go towards purchasing a 15-passenger van for the Aletha Wright Men’s Shelter.

Following the grant announcement, Commissioner Martin toured the Anna Sample Complex and served lunch at the shelter.

The Shelter Support grants are awarded annually by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). In October 2012, DCA awarded $4,029,059 in Shelter Support grants to 28 nonprofit and local government agencies operating emergency homeless shelters and transitional housing facilities located throughout New Jersey.

“We are grateful to Governor Christie and members of his Administration for the help and support,” said VOADV President and CEO Daniel Lombardo. “This grant will go towards much-needed renovations and improve the lives of the people we support.”

VOADV is the Greater Philadelphia regional affiliate of the national Volunteers of America – a nonprofit, faith-based organization founded in 1896. VOADV serves more than 13,000 men, women and children annually in Central and Southern New Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Headquartered in Collingswood, N.J., VOADV provides a range of programs for senior citizens; homeless families; homeless veterans; offenders returning to the community; and men and women dealing with addiction and mental health issues.     

Today's event in Camden is part of the Christie Administration's second annual Season of Service.  Last year, cabinet members participated in approximately 60 events across the state. Activities included serving meals on wheels to shut-ins, helping to serve and stock food pantries, stuffing care packages for military service members overseas, holiday letter writing to troops abroad, and collecting and delivery coats to homeless shelters.