January 18, 2024
A Year of Gratitude, Hope and Collaboration
March 2023: Causeway Family of Dealership and Causeway CARes hosted their 4th Annual Summer in Winter Carnival. Through inspiration, collaboration and a little bit of magic, the local community came together to support 35 nonprofit organizations. The event was held at The Mainland Kitchen & Pub in Manahawkin and featured local nonprofit and community organizations that share in the mission of Causeway CARes, which is to make a direct and profound impact in and around Ocean County in the areas of education, food security and quality of life.
April 2023: Spring is a time for renewal and refreshment. Birds are chirping and flowers are blooming. The community is buzzing with activity, including our nonprofit partners. Throughout the year, Causeway CARes gives back to local organizations in various ways.
May 2023: The Causeway Family of Dealerships has always been committed to supporting the local community, and the scholarship program is just one way they give back. Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes believes that investing in young people’s education is an investment in the community’s future. By helping students achieve their academic goals, the program helps build a stronger, more vibrant community. Over the past 25 years, the Causeway Scholarship Program has helped many students in the community. The program has made a significant difference in the lives of many students, helping them to afford college and pursue their passions.
June 2023: Causeway CARes has announced the foundation of Project Home Repair. The experienced coalition, initiated by Dave C. Wintrode, President of the Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes, aims to address the interesting need for critical home repairs among the senior, veteran and vulnerable populations in Ocean County. The demand for home repairs has surpassed the capacity of any single organization. Recognizing the pressing need, a collective effort was made to bring together several not-for-profit organizations and community -based groups including Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Homes for All, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Ocean County and Starve Poverty International.
July 2023: Meals on Wheels of Ocean County, funded in part by a generous grant from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, remains committed to its mission of ensuring seniors lead happy, healthy and meaningful lives. Through an introspective lens, the charitable organization also recognizes its longstanding partnership with Causeway CARes. With limited resources and as a charitable organization, Meals on Wheels relies on the generosity of its supporters. Addressing social, economic and nutritional needs, the organization continues to foster and maintain strong relationships within the community. By uniting individuals who share a passion for serving people, Meals on Wheels is poised for success in its mission.
August 2023: The prospect of heading back to school can elicit mixed emotions among students, no matter the age. While some may be eager and excited, others may feel anxious or nervous. Regardless of where your child falls on the spectrum, help them mentally prepare for their first day back. There are many community resources available to you and your children to help navigate the transition from summer to school year, including Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC). OPC is Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well-being of youth and their families through natural and community support.
September 2023: Spent the month of September gearing up for the 6th Annual 5K coming to Manahawkin.
October 2023: The Causeway CARes 5K raised over 70,000 for homelessness and home repair needs in Ocean County. The 6th Annual Causeway 5K, presented by Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes, was held on October 8th at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin. The event saw 200 attendees, 50 sponsors and raised $35,100. David C. Wintrode, President of Causeway Family of Dealerships/Causeway CARes graciously matched that amount, bringing the grand total to $70,200 – making this Causeway’s most successful 5K to date. All event proceeds were donated to Family Promise of the Jersey Shore and Project Home Repair.
November 2023: In a heartwarming display of unity and generosity, Causeway CARes partnered with fellow community foundations, the OceanFirst Foundation and The Citta Foundation to co-host a Candy COATed Trunk or Treat event. 17 partner organizations came together to participate with creatively decorated trunks and distribute candy to the community. In addition to Causeway CARes, participating organizations included Ocean County Vocational and Technical School, The HOPE Center, Interfaith Family Services, Ocean County Parks & Recreation Department, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, St. Francis Community Center, Ocean Partnership for Children, the Toms River Police and Fire Departments, O.C.E.A.N. Inc Community Action, Bridge of Books Foundation and many more!
December 2023: Project Home Repair, a partnership initiated by Causeway CARes proudly announced the completion of the coalition’s first two projects, signifying a remarkable achievement in its mission to address critical home repairs and uplift vulnerable populations in Ocean County. The work completed by Homes for All and Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, two of the coalition’s organizations, showcases the transformative impact being made on the lives of individuals facing housing challenges. The stories of individuals like Rachel and Robin serve as powerful testimonials to the effectiveness of the coalition’s collaborative approach. As Project Home Repair celebrates these initial successes, the focus remains on the broader mission of improving living conditions for vulnerable populations. The coalition looks ahead with optimism, eager to continue its positive impact on the Ocean County community.