Empowering Camden: American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water Contribute $30,000 to The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation

In a powerful collaboration dedicated to making a positive impact, the American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water have joined forces to contribute $30,000 to The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. This significant donation aims to combat food insecurity in the City of Camden, reflecting a shared commitment to community well-being and inclusivity.

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization associated with American Water, has provided $25,000, while New Jersey American Water has generously contributed an additional $5,000. This substantial support bolsters The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation's flagship community outreach event, Get Ready Fest®.

Get Ready Fest® stands as a beacon of awareness for food insecurity and addresses various challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Families attending the event gain access to crucial resources spanning education, career readiness, housing, financial literacy, health and wellness, senior and veteran services, as well as COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. A highlight of the fest is the TMJF Pop-up Grocery store, ensuring families leave with 40 pounds of food—enough to sustain them for up to 10 days.

Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation, expresses enthusiasm for the partnership with Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. She emphasizes the foundation's strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity, echoing the shared passion for making a positive impact on communities served by American Water.

Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, President and CEO of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, extends heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of the American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water. She highlights the significance of such contributions during challenging times when families are juggling the additional costs of school supplies, clothing, gas, and putting food on the table.

Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water, echoes this sentiment, expressing delight in the partnership with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. He underscores their commitment to supporting organizations that enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve.

In a city where 65% of families experience hunger and nearly 37% live below the poverty line, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation has already made a substantial impact by serving over 10,000 families—equating to approximately 40,000 individuals. The recent contribution will undoubtedly further these efforts, making a meaningful difference in the ongoing fight against food insecurity in Camden.

What sets this collaboration apart is not just the financial support but also the active involvement of employees from both American Water and New Jersey American Water. Their hands-on participation in packing boxes, distributing food, and more exemplifies a genuine dedication to community outreach and improving the lives of those in need.

As the contributions flow into Camden, the collective efforts of the American Water Charitable Foundation, New Jersey American Water, and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation stand as a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared vision of creating brighter, more equitable futures for our communities.

TMJF and ShopRite Unite to Defeat Hunger at Get Ready Fest™

Food to supplement needs for a week and other supplies help 400 West Philadelphia Families

In the United States, the roots of hunger run deep. In Philadelphia, 26 percent of households live below the poverty level and far too many children go to bed hungry. This is why The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and ShopRite supermarkets operated by the Brown Family, teamed up for Get Ready Fest™, among the signature programs of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation to effectuate positive change in the lives of youth, families and communities. Four hundred (400) West Philadelphia families, pre-identified by ACHEIVEability, Daroff Charter School, People's Emergency Center and Intercultural Family Services, received vouchers as a invitation to the Get Ready Fest™ event held on July 22, 2019 from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. at Universal Daroff Charter School at 5630 Vine Street in Philadelphia. 

Since 2014, Get Ready Fest™ has provided thousands of families residing in vulnerable commodities with access to a wide array of essential resources including 25 pounds of shelf-stable food, essential dignity and hygiene items and health and wellness products to help them thrive. Additionally, the program offers education, social service information relating to GED, job training and placement; and senior and veteran support services; and resources for children including books, school supplies, haircuts, face painting and snacks. 

“Brown’s Super Stores, who operates 12 supermarkets in the Philadelphia region, has been a key player with the Foundation on our efforts to address hunger and wellness and we are proud they have signed on for Get Ready Fest™,” said Malcolm Jenkins, two time Super Bowl Champion and Pro Bowler who is Chairman of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. “Since its inception, the program has served more than 7500 families (roughly 30,000 individuals) throughout Camden, NJ, Columbus, OH, New Orleans, LA and Philadelphia, PA. We are truly proud of the impact we have made so far,” he added. 

“We are proud to partner with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and to join in its effort to bring healthy food and other choices to families in West Philadelphia,” said Sandy Brown, Director, Brown’s Super Stores. Joining Brown’s is Pepsi, which has been doing local community events with the Brown family for over 25 years. “Get Ready Fest™ was a perfect fit for the two of us to continue our partnership to provide food and food products for vulnerable families; our organizations found the synergy with Malcolm’s foundation to be perfectly aligned and we look forward to more future partnerships.”

Mural Arts Philadelphia Announces New Project with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation

Mural Design Reveal and Paint Day with Philadelphia Eagles Star Malcolm Jenkins

 The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) and Mural Arts Philadelphia are teaming up on a new mural project to beautify the 33rd & Wallace Playground in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia. Along with Malcolm Jenkins, youth living in Mantua who are campers in TMJF’s Young Dragons Summer STEAM Camp (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Athletics and Math) will be participate in painting a new mural. West Philadelphia artists Gabe Tiberino and Nilé Livingston have designed the mural that depicts the Young Dragons STEAM’s theme that will be created on the playground’s spray pad and on a wall adjacent to the playground. 

The design paints a story of TMJF’s and Mural Arts’ commitment to transforming lives and communities. The paint day further supports The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation’s connection to West Philly’s Mantua community through the camp that was established in 2014 and provides the opportunity for youth from the community who are also part of that program to take part in the paint day. 

WHO: Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia Eagles player and activist, Gabe Tiberino and Nilé Livingston, Lead Artists, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Jane Golden, Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, President & CEO, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation 

WHEN: Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 10 am 

WHERE: 33rd and Wallace Streets Playground 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS Gabe Tiberino was born in Philadelphia. At the age of eight, he had his first one-man show in a South Street art gallery. By age 18, Tiberino, scion of one of Philadelphia’s best-known art families, had already spent half of his life as a professional artist and became one of the youngest to be lead artist on a Mural Arts Philadelphia project. After graduating from Philadelphia’s High School of Creative and Performing Arts, Tiberino attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 2005. Having assisted on a multitude of mural arts projects, Gabe has garnered a network of renowned international colleagues and has become a lead artist and collaborator on murals in cities around the country. Tiberino’s work has been in numerous art shows, including major exhibitions with Philadelphia’s top venues such as the legendary Sande Webster Gallery, The African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Arch Enemy Gallery and in private collections nationally and internationally. 

Nilé Livingston is a native of West Philadelphia whose ancestral roots in the city go back three generations. She holds a BA in Studio Art from Kutztown University and works across an array of media, including computer graphics, mural arts, and drawing. She is the founder of Creative Repute, LLC graphic design agency. Awarded ‘Rad Girl Artist of the Year’ in 2018, Nilé has exhibited at the African American Museum, the Philadelphia International Airport, and has work in the permanent collection of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. 

About Mural Arts Philadelphia Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 35 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating nearly 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges to understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world, and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art and its preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts' iconic and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “City of Murals.” Follow along on social media: @muralarts on Twitter and Instagram, phillymuralarts on YouTube, and MuralArtsPhiladelphia on Facebook. To stay up on the latest news on Mural Arts, please visit www.muralarts.org. 

TMJF Teams Up with Philadelphia Police For A Holiday Surprise for 140 Families

On Dec. 18, 2017, Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl Safety Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) provided holiday meal baskets for 140 Philadelphia families at the Foundation’s annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department. Fellow Eagles defensive backs Rodney McLeod, Patrick Robinson, Jalen Mills, Jaylen Watkins, Corey Graham, and Sidney Jones were also in attendance to help anywhere they were needed. The day consisted of packing, filling and spreading holiday cheer to everyone around.In keeping with the jersey number (27) that Malcolm wears on the field, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation selected 27 local social service organizations to serve as partners in identifying five (5) families in need of a festive blessing, from within the community their organization serves.  Each partnering organization picked up the festive gifts during the event, and delivered them to the families of their choosing.The event was hosted by the Philadelphia Police Department at the Police Athletic League center in Strawberry Mansion. In addition to packing and handing out dinner baskets at PAL, Malcolm Jenkins, Eagles players, TMJF volunteers, along with Philadelphia PAL and Community Relations Officers hand
delivered holiday dinner baskets to several families with children under the age of 15, surprising each child with toys. Many families received toys this holiday season, thanks to the generous contributions from Hersha Hospitality, United Bank of Philadelphia, The Ohio State University Alumni Club of Philadelphia and Damari Savile who each conducted toy drives for the Foundation.In the past year, Malcolm has continued to work with Commissioner Ross and others in the Philadelphia Police Department to explore and support department efforts to strengthen trust within the community. The ongoing collaboration underscores the spirit of giving during the holidays, and the importance of “giving back” to people living in challenged communities in Philadelphia, where 27 percent of households live below the poverty level.Thanks to the assistance of Brown ShopRite, the Foundation received select food items for the holiday dinner baskets. In addition, a grant from Keystone First was given to the Foundation to help assist in filling the baskets with the necessary food items. Also, a warm thank you to Dunkin’ Donuts (Cecil B. Moore Ave., Philadelphia, PA and Ogontz Ave., Wyncote, PA locations) and Starbucks (Flourtown, PA) for providing all our volunteers with the necessary food and drinks to keep them warm during the packing and delivering.

The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, Omega Psi Phi, and Feed the Children Help 800 Families at Philly’s “Get Ready Fest™”

On Friday, July 11 The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation partnered with Feed the Children and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to host the “GET READY FEST” at Deliverance Evangelistic Church.  Together, they established this community outreach event to support families by providing food, personal care products, clothing, fun, as well as wellness resources to 800 Philadelphia-area families.

 

It was a sea of purple as dozens of brothers of Omega Psi Phi from all over the country assisted nearly 3000 people with their bags, boxes, and shopping carts through the various stations and to their vehicles.  Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization to be founded on the campus of a historically black college.  “As a longtime supporter of Feed the Children, we’ll have hundreds of volunteers at this important event,” said Dr. Andrew Ray, Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi.  “It is part of our ongoing commitment to make a long-term impact on our community,” he added. The founding principles of Omega Psi Phi fraternity are manhood, perseverance, uplift and scholarship.

New Jersey native, Malcolm Jenkins, NFL Free Safety for the Philadelphia Eagles and 1st round draft pick of the XLIV Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints(2009), is also a member of the purple and gold brotherhood which is hosting their 79th annual week-long Conclave in Philadelphia this week.  Malcolm founded the The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) in 2010 with a commitment to youth development initiatives and programs which emphasize mentorship, character development, leadership, education, life skills, health and recreation.  “The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is proud to team up and partner for this important event, our first in the Philadelphia area” said Malcolm.  “Our work with Feed the Children and ‘GET READY FEST’ aligns with our mission to achieve positive change in the lives of youth, particularly those in under-served communities by providing resources, innovative opportunities and experiences that will help them succeed in life and become contributing members of their community.”Feed the Children’s fleet of over 40 semi-trucks carried meals and necessities all across the country as  part of the organization’s “renewed vision”  to create a world were no child goes to bed hungry.  This was one of the first events which showcased their new logo, and all benefiting families were pre-identified by Feed the Children’s nonprofit partner in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia.  Children were provided coats, shoes, and school uniforms donated by Soles 4 Souls and Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers were on-site to connect families with mentors.  “I remember what it’s like to be a kid, filled with wonderment, curiosity, and just wanting to play,” said CEO of Feed the Children, Kevin Hagan.  “Every child deserves that, and that’s what we’re setting out to achieve today with our important partners. We’re helping kids be kids.”