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2024ANNUALREPORTwww.faopendoor.org732-780-1089
OUR MISSIONESTABLISHED1987OUR SERVICESOUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCEAND SUPPORT TO PEOPLE IN NEEDWe meet our clients where they are,address their immediate needs, andprovide support as they develop skills tobecome self-reliant.Food Pantrywww.faopendoor.orgAdvocacy ProgramEducational ProgramsPAGE 02
Looking back on 2024, we thank ourgenerous supporters and talented partnersand volunteers behind each and everymoment of impact and reason to celebrate. We are deeply grateful to everyone whomade, and continues to make, our missionpossible. Throughout our history, the localcommunity has helped provide food andnourishment to more than 350,000 peoplein the local Freehold area.Thank you for making our work — and thisimpact — possible, for being by our side,and for helping us finish 2024 strong. Wehave only the highest of hopes for 2025.WITH GRATITUDEOUR PARTNERSAldiAmazonBattleview OrchardsCostcoCrumblFulfillLidlSalvation Army TargetTEFAP - USDATrader Joe’sUnited Way - EFSPWawaWegmansPAGE 03
A MESSAGE FROM THEEXECUTIVE DIRECTORvehicle and to expand our space. Today, I’m proud to say that we’ve successfully realized the firstgoal—thanks to the support of our partner, Fulfill. Our beautiful Open Door van is now on theroad, allowing us to pick up fresh and nutritious items from our retail partners. This includesbakery goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, cheeses, prepared meals, and much more. Ourshopping list model has expanded to include a wide variety of choices, offering families thepower to select what works best for their needs.While we’ve achieved our goal for the vehicle, we are still working towards expanding our space.This is a dream that remains within reach, and we are excited about the progress we’re makingtoward that goal. With this expansion, we will be able to serve our community even moreeffectively, providing even greater resources for our neighbors.So often, those who come to us feel powerless in many aspects of their lives. Our goal is to givethem power in this space. By offering choice, dignity, and respect, we are not just providing food—we are empowering individuals and families to make decisions about their lives. This should beeasy, and it is, because when we meet people where they are, we create a space of trust andsupport: we can Be The One.As we continue working toward our larger home for Open Door, I am filled with confidence. Weare committed to being a safe and reliable resource for our neighbors. Whether it’s food,emergency funding, educational programs, or other support they may need, we are here to help.I am deeply thankful for the ongoing support of our community and the tireless work of ourvolunteers; they are the beating heart of Open Door. Without them, none of this would bepossible.Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are making a difference—one neighbor at atime.With gratitude,Geralyn Fraggetta-DruryExecutive DirectorDear Neighbors,Since 1987, Open Door has been committed to helping our neighbors, providingthem with the support and resources they need to thrive. It’s an honor to reflect onthe progress we’ve made over the years - and to share the journey of the past fewyears with you.I joined Open Door in 2018 with two simple but ambitious wishes: to have our own PAGE 04
A MESSAGE FROM THEPRESIDENTpay for utilities to prevent homelessness, even at times provides small scholarships for highereducation.Each month we support over 3,500 of our neighbors with the basic necessities of life. Whetherthey need a three-day supply of food, a week’s supply of food or even a month’s supply of food our“doors are open” to them. If they need a free after-school program to support their children, helpfinding social services, or help with the rent our “doors are open.” I invite you to come sit in the Throckmorton parking lot any Monday through Thursday morning andwatch as donors arrive in their personal vehicles having picked up donations from our localpartners like: Fulfill, Wegmans, Whole Foods, Target, Aldi, Battleview Orchards, and Wawa, just toname a few. You will see carloads of food enter the back door, be sorted and go right out the frontdoor to our neighbors. Our community partners and your generous donations make this possible. Our mission partnersprovide donations that allow us to purchase things like milk, eggs, diapers, wipes, and toilet paper,so our neighbors don’t go without. On any given day you will see our dedicated volunteers, who do everything from our drivers whopick up donations and deliver them to Open Door; our volunteers who sort donations and packboxes of food; our front of the house volunteers who greet our clients, create a welcomingenvironment and help them navigate the daily food offerings. They all give of both their time andtalents to support our community. We are proud to have you as part of our community, and your support inspires us to continue ourwork and mission. Please know that your generosity is not only deeply appreciated but also makesan invaluable difference. Thank you for all you do to support our mission of keeping the “dooropen” for any community member who needs that helping hand.With deep thanks,Victa C. McKenziePresidentDear Friends,There have been times in each of our lives when we have needed a helping hand.....when “someone” reached out and shared their time, talents, or treasure to help usthrough a rough spot. Your generosity allows Freehold Area Open Door to “Be theOne,” the one who provides that support, who helps our neighbors deal with foodinsecurity, finds support services, enrolls in an after-school program, helps PAGE 05
FOOD PANTRYOUR REMARKABLE IMPACTIn a world where hope sometimes feels scarce, stories of extraordinary kindness andgenerosity emerge to remind us of the boundless good that humanity is capable of.Among these inspiring tales is the remarkable achievement that Open Door food pantrydistributed an astounding 1.6 million pounds of food to help over 40,000 people in2024. Providing support to over 3,000 people facing food insecurity each month is botha significant challenge and a profound opportunity to make a positive impact in thecommunity. The numbers alone are awe-inspiring. Picture 1.6 million pounds of food—equivalent to 800 tons—distributed to families, seniors, and individuals in need. Thismountain of sustenance not only filled empty cupboards but also brought comfort,dignity, and peace of mind to those who might have otherwise gone hungry. Behindthese impressive figures lies the dedication of countless volunteers, donors, and staffmembers whose tireless efforts made this achievement possible.With as much as we have accomplished our work also serves as a call to action. There isstill much to be done in the fight against hunger, but this story proves that when wecome together with a shared purpose, the results are nothing short of transformative.Here's to a future where acts of generosity like this inspire us all to create a world whereno one goes hungry. PAGE 06
ADVOCACY:EMPOWERING STABILITYIn 2024, our Advocacy program provided alifeline to hundreds of families andindividuals, distributing over $180,000 inassistance to 269 households. This effortwas not just about numbers—it was aboutstability, hope, and rebuilding lives. OurAdvocacy program focuses on three mainareas, rental assistance, utility assistanceand case management. Behind the program’ssuccess is our dedicatedsocial worker, Erika Woods,MSW. She leads a team ofadvocates, caseworkers, andselfless donors who workedtirelessly to turn financialaid into meaningful change. Their collective effortsdemonstrate that whencommunities come togetherwith a shared purpose, theycan achieve extraordinaryresults. 2024 ADVOCACY DISBURSEMENTSPAGE 07
DELIVERING HOPEOur Advocacy Team consistently goes above andbeyond to ensure that individuals like Stacey—andothers who are homebound due to age, disability, orchronic illness—receive the essential items theyneed to live with dignity and comfort. From food andtoiletries to household necessities, our teamdelivered these critical supplies regularly, oftenbecoming the only point of contact for some clientsthroughout the month.These efforts go beyond logistics—they are lifelines.Each delivery is a testament to our commitment toholistic care, addressing not only physical needs butalso alleviating isolation and enhancing quality oflife. Through partnerships with Fulfill, our retaildonors, community organizations, and dedicatedvolunteers, our social workers provided unwavering,compassionate support to those who needed itmost.This work is a reflection of our mission in action:meeting people where they are and ensuring that noone is ever left behind.If getting to us is tough, our home delivery program makes sure youstill get the food support you need—right to your doorstep, with care.Be The OnePAGE 08
Freehold Area Open Door not only gives out food tothose in need, but we give people a sense of hopeand dignity. We’d like to tell you the story ofAmber.One morning, Amber walked into our pantry, hershoulders heavy with the weight of the world. Shecame seeking food, but as we handed her the items,she hesitated for a moment before quietly asking tospeak to someone on the staff.In a soft, wavering voice, Amber shared her story.She is a single grandmother, living in a small,impersonal motel room—her only refuge afterlosing her home.HOPE THROUGH HARDSHIPAMBER’S STORYLife had turned upside down when her daughter was recently detained, leaving Amber tocare for her young granddaughter. Despite the sudden responsibility, she was determinedto make her granddaughter feel safe and loved, even in such difficult circumstances.Then, almost timidly, Amber asked if there was any chance we could help with more thanfood — perhaps some sheets, towels, or even something she could use to cook meals. Herrequest was a reminder of the sheer resilience it takes to keep going when every day feelslike an uphill climb.Thanks to the generosity of our amazing partners, Amazon and Target, we sometimesreceive non-food donations. This time, we were able to provide Amber with a double-burnerhot plate and a new set of sheets. As we handed her these items, her eyes filled with tears,and her voice broke as she said, "Thank you for listening and helping me."Her gratitude was palpable, and in that moment, we were reminded of the profound impacteven small acts of kindness can have. It’s not just about meeting basic needs—it’s aboutgiving people like Amber a renewed sense of hope, dignity, and a reason to keep movingforward.PAGE 09
Our LeadershipGeralyn Fraggetta-Drury....Executive DirectorErika Woods, MSW.............Advocacy DirectorAlyce Meyers......................Pantry CoordinatorVicta McKenzie..........................................................PresidentJohn Crescenti..................................................Vice PresidentRebekah Heilman.................................. Recording SecretaryMimma Finger................................Corresponding SecretaryAdewale Akinrinde....................................................TreasurerFred Berenbroick.....................................Financial SecretaryBoard of Trustees Executive CommitteePAGE 05PAGE 10
People served 40,116Pounds of food distributed 1,602,057Total volunteer hours 875People assisted with rent, utilities, and case management 631 Scholarships awarded 10 2024 KEY STATISTICS2024 REVENUE2024 EXPENSESPAGE 11
PAGE 12From the beginning, it’s been our mission to solve food insecurity in the local Freeholdarea. When we set out on this journey over 35 years ago, we were a grass roots group,serving about 1,000 people in 1987. In 2024 we served over 40,000 people.Since 1987, Freehold Area Open Door has assisted over 350,000 people. Although it’s amassive achievement, it’s too small a dent in the ongoing food insecurity crisis. There is aclear need to continue the hard work of executing our programs of collaborating with localpartners to providing food and housing assistance for everyone in the community — and todo so at a faster and more efficient pace.Please join us as we continue our mission to help feed the hungry, to keep people in theirhomes, and to help them navigate the social services system. Many of our clients andneighbors are facing rising food prices, rising rent and utilities and we don’t always haveenough to meet their needs. In the last four years many of our former donors have becomeclients. We humbly ask for your help and support however you can. $25 provides a week of meals for a family of 4.$25 helps cover utility bills for a struggling household.$50 ensures fresh produce and staples for two families.$50 contributes toward emergency rent or mortgage payments.$100 sustains four families for an entire week.$100 provides critical assistance to keep a family of 4 safe in their home.Whatever you can donate, your donation helps keep our “doors open” and allows us to “Be the One” who on your behalf reaches out to help our neighbors and our community. If you would like to join us in our mission, visit our website www.faopendoor.org to look forvolunteer opportunities.Thank you so much for your continued generosity.20252025