Applewood Expands Social Accountability Commitment with “Tools 4 Schools” Program with Freehold Borough Schools
Applewood Expands Social Accountability Commitment with “Tools 4 Schools” Program with Freehold Borough Schools
At Applewood, our staff and residents work in tandem to make our community the best it can be, here at home and across town. As a not-for-profit organization, Applewood has a social responsibility to give back. To support this mission, we are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with the Freehold Borough School District (FBSD), effective immediately.
“Tools 4 Schools” is a new program where Applewood residents and staff will provide hands-on, classroom support to Pre-K to 8 grade classes in the three overburdened FBSD schools. In addition, they will donate school uniforms, footwear, backpacks and school supplies, which will be handed out by classroom teachers as needed.
“Many of our residents are highly educated and want to help kids obtain the best education possible,” says Keith Grady, executive director at Applewood. “Social accountability plays an important role in our senior community, and offering a helping hand to local school children is an ideal way for us to make a substantive contribution.” Rosalie Crociata, an Applewood resident who taught in the Freehold Borough School District for 25 years, was one of the first residents to contribute to the effort.
“From an educational perspective, we value the experience and expertise the Applewood residents and staff will offer our children,” says Rocco G. Tomazic, Ed.D, superintendent of the FBSD. “We have a great need for extra help in our schools and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.” Freehold Borough Pre-K – grade 8 students attend the Freehold Learning Center, Park Avenue Elementary School or Freehold Intermediate School.
Joan Cinque, C.A.L.A., manager of resident services and a third-generation Borough resident, will oversee the program for Applewood. To learn more, contact Joan at jcinque@centrastate.com
“Tools 4 Schools” welcomes contributions of gift cards, school supplies, FBSD uniforms, sneakers and backpacks. Donations from the community can be dropped off with the front desk concierge or inside the yellow school bus display, located in the main entrance.
To learn more about the full spectrum of Engaged Living™ at Applewood, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), visit Applewood.com/EngagedLiving.
CAPTION: (l to r): Applewood executive director Keith Grady is shown with Freehold Intermediate School principal Ronnie Dougherty and Applewood resident services manager Joan Cinque. Seated are Applewood resident volunteers, Virginia Allen and Elaine Lang, with FIS seventh graders.