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The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently announced that three organizations were awarded a Workforce Readiness grant, supporting communities served by New Jersey American Water.

The Workforce Readiness grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. This grant program focuses on general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development, and life skills training.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with eligible nonprofit organizations across New Jersey,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “We are thrilled to support initiatives that provide access to high-quality training and skills development for future leaders in the workplace.”

Below is a list of grantees throughout New Jersey:

Center for Family Services Inc.
Center for Family Services was awarded $25,000 to expand its Amplifying Workforce Opportunities for Camden City Residents program. The grant supports access to occupational training and industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields, many of which are STEM-related. Additional funding will support four employment fairs and 20 community workshops focused on job readiness, financial literacy, and digital skills. This investment helps reduce barriers to employment and connects residents with sustainable career pathways and economic opportunity.

Free All Minds Academy

Free All Minds Academy was awarded $25,000 to support its School 2 Prosperity Pipeline, a four-year initiative that provides mentorship, academic support, career exposure, and health services to youth in Camden. The funding helps sustain year-round programming for 10 students, addressing a critical funding gap. Through this investment, the organization continues to foster equitable outcomes and long-term success for young people navigating systemic barriers.

Family Connections Inc.

Family Connections Inc. was awarded $25,000 to expand its Pathways to Possibility program, which equips diverse youth with the tools and support needed for academic and career success. The grant funds job-readiness training, career exploration, and inclusive mental health services, with a focus on outreach to LGBTQIA+ and marginalized youth. By bringing in professionals from underrepresented industries, especially STEM, the program helps students envision and prepare for a brighter future.

“At New Jersey American Water, we believe that real progress happens when we invest in people and their potential,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and member, board of trustees, American Water Charitable Foundation. “This year’s grantees are creating meaningful change, empowering youth, expanding access to workforce training, and building stronger communities. We are proud to see their work supported through the American Water Charitable Foundation and look forward to the lasting impact they will make across New Jersey.”

"Center For Family Services is excited and grateful to receive this investment in our workforce development and financial opportunity programs to support the residents of Camden City," said Merilee Rutolo, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Center for Family Services. "With this funding and partnership with American Water, our capacity to offer career readiness training and skill building, along with personal financial tools will expand the socioeconomic mobility of individuals seeking sustainable employment."

Pictured from left to right: Kamar Goodhall, Member of Free All Minds Academy; Marcus Roberts-DeLoach, Program Coordinator at Free All Minds Academy; Rameji Conway, Student Leadership Advisory Board Member at Free All Minds Academy; Ricardo Dale, Executive Director of Free All Minds Academy; Ryon Reynolds, Member of Free All Minds Academy; Doreene Bennett, Program Manager of Workforce Development; and Carrie Williams, President of American Water Charitable Foundation.

“We are extremely grateful for the American Water Charitable Foundation’s commitment to preparing Camden City youth for the workforce,” said Riccardo Dale, Executive Director of Free All Minds Academy. “This grant will allow our academy to expand our weekly career readiness workshops and provide the assistance we need to ensure our students have the resources necessary to excel outside of the classroom – whether it be food, clothing, or their seven-day-a-week mentor support. Camden has greatness within it, and it starts with our youth. The more we invest in them, the brighter Camden’s future will be!”

Pictured from left to right: Jacque Hryshko, CEO of Family Connections; Doreene Bennett, Program Manager of Workforce Development for New Jersey American Water; Amanda Santana, COO of Family Connections; Konniesha Moulton, COO of Family Connections; Rachel Felix, Director of Programs at Family Connections; and Latresha Johnson, External Affairs Specialist for New Jersey American Water, Beverly Prempeh, Advancement Coordinator at Family Connections

"We are incredibly grateful to New Jersey American Water for investing in the future of our youth,” said Jacques Hyrshko, CEO of Family Connections. “This grant allows us to deepen our workforce development and STEM-focused programming in schools, equipping students with tools, exposure, and inspiration for lifelong success.”

Learn more about New Jersey American Water’s community impact here.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
 

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people.