MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY (November 24, 2020) - The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) today announced it has granted a 2020 Directors Award in the amount of $50,000 to the Hudson Pride Center. Recognized in the Health, Youth & Families funding priority area, Hudson Pride Center is a home and voice for the diverse Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) community.

The grant will support Project AFABulous, the first ever health outreach program in New Jersey designed for cisgender lesbian/bisexual women and transgender men for HIV/STI prevention education, reproductive health screenings, and bio-psycho-social care services.

“LGBTQ+ individuals face significant health disparities linked to pervasive societal stigma even in progressive regions like New Jersey,” said Elizabeth Schedl, Executive Director, Hudson Pride Center. “Few health services specifically target their unique health needs and we are pleased to provide professional training and education to facilitate changes in attitudes and behaviors among service providers throughout the region who work with members of the LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities.”

Data collected will also support Hudson Pride Center’s efforts to garner increased state and federal funding for the AFAB population which receives no direct funding from the government.

“The Foundation awarded this grant to Hudson Pride Center based on their efforts to raise up and give a voice to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Samantha Plotino, Executive Director of The Provident Bank Foundation. “The organization is dedicated to improving not only individual lives but also the communities we serve each day through advocacy efforts and an ongoing commitment to social and economic justice.”

Hudson Pride was established in the early 1990’s to serve as an advocate and social service provider for both the LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities in Hudson County at a time when few organizations were willing and able to do so. More than 25 years later, the organization continues to deliver a wide array of services, programs, and events to meet their ongoing health and social support needs.

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About The Provident Bank Foundation

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $26 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.