“We opened our first Soul Kitchen ten years ago in Red Bank, New Jersey, after Super Storm Sandy. And the second one on Toms River, because those were the people most impacted by it.” Bon Jovi recalled, explaining his motivation to help others in need.
Helping Others is Rewarding
The rockstar explained he “gets sense of fulfillment” from dedicating himself to his foundation and helping others. “I think, when I leave here at night and you see the lives you touch. I have left here, you know, after a long night of volunteering and said, ‘That makes you feel the same kind of good.’ You know?” He added. “And that’s what I say, the way to feel good is to do good, you know? Find your good and do it.”
Community Support
Bon Jovi’s community restaurant has garnered the support of countless individuals who donate their time to cook and serve or donate food for meals. Instead, almost all the food and labor is donated, according to Hurley. As such, the foundation takes tax-deductible donations to help keep its mission going. The foundation doesn’t only help provide for Bon Jovi’s community restaurant. It also has several partners and works with countless organizations to fight hunger, poverty, homelessness, and mental health disorders.
Countrywide Partnerships
Although Bon Jovi’s community restaurants are located in New Jersey, his partnerships extend nationwide. For instance, in 2010, the JBJSF partnered with HomeAid Atlanta and Phoenix Pass on the construction of an apartment building operated by a non-profit helping provide long-term housing for families and women with children in Conyers, Georgia.
Hub of Hope
Furthermore, the JBJ Soul Foundation partnered with Project HOME in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, providing funding for years of support so the homeless in the community can shower and have their laundry done at the Hub of Hope, which also offers social services for those in the process of finding a home and those in need of medical care or recovery services.
Creating Pathways
The JBJ Soul Foundation partnered with several organizations to provide funding so Joseph’s House of Camden would maintain its current location, providing “pathways out of chronic homelessness.“ The facility provides emergency shelter, food, and on-site mental and social services.
Bon Jovi’s Community Restaurants Create a Spark
Bon Jovi’s community restaurant isn’t the only avenue the rockstar has taken to help feed others, and in 2015, they worked with NJAHC on a project to create awareness of hunger and poverty, as it impacts an alarmingly high number of Americans. Photographers were asked to capture what “hunger” means to them. Powerful pieces were displayed at press events and a statewide poverty conference.
