Manasquan Bank has awarded a $5,000 grant to Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) as part of its charitable foundation’s quarterly grant breakfast. The event brought together 40 not-for-profit executives from the Jersey Shore area, where CSPNJ Chief Operations Officer Anne Smullen Thieling accepted the award.
The bank’s charitable foundation selects organizations that align with its values in education, social and civic services, health and wellness, recreation, and culture and arts. Catherine Franzoni, Manasquan Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, presented the grant.
“It’s inspiring to see how each organization is creating meaningful change in our communities. We’re deeply grateful for these passionate advocates and the opportunity to support their vital work.” Manasquan Bank wrote on its LinkedIn post following the event.
CSPNJ will use the funds to upgrade Better Life, its main community wellness center serving Essex County residents. The improvements aim to create a more welcoming environment for members.
“Our members at Better Life are the reason that the center feels like a home away from home for all who attend. We are so grateful to be able to continue cultivating the feeling of safety and belongingness at the center with the funded environmental enhancements,” Thieling said. “We know that one’s environment plays a great part in their ability to manage wellness, and this project will help support sustainable wellness and recovery for all who use the property.”
Better Life Community Wellness Center has seen notable growth in new members aged 18-30, with increases of 39% in 2023 and 76% in 2024. On average, it serves about 115 Essex County residents daily by providing wellness programs along with recovery, housing, education, and other services.
Manasquan Bank is headquartered in Wall Township and operates fifteen branches across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. The bank reports consolidated assets over $3.2 billion and supports local nonprofit initiatives through its charitable foundation.
Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey was established in 1984 as a statewide behavioral health agency offering housing assistance, community wellness centers, employment support, and economic development services focused on people living with behavioral health conditions.
