Provident Bank donates former Jersey City branch to local nonprofit

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Provident Bank donated one of its former Jersey City branches to a local nonprofit that provides afterschool programs to youth from under-resourced urban areas.

In an April 3 press release, the Iselin-based financial institution announced that its 5,472-square-foot building at 533 Bergen Ave. is now known as the as the New City Kids Rubingh Center for Youth Development and will serve as the organization’s fourth outpost in Jersey City.

Additionally, The Provident Bank Foundation pledged a multiyear commitment of $100,000 to New City Kids to cover building upgrades, operational support and programming at the new location, according to the bank.

Named after the founders of New City Kids, the Revs. Trevor and Linda Rubingh, the facility will help advance the organization’s mission to offer spiritual, leadership, academic and musical development for local youth. The program currently serves 600-plus children in Paterson and Jersey City as well as two cities in Michigan – Grand Rapids and Detroit.

Shaun Hopkins, executive director of New City Kids/Jersey City, said, “The generous support from Provident Bank and The Provident Bank Foundation will serve an invaluable purpose for this community. The youth that come to us already have it in them to be great, but the additional support will allow us to not only expand our impact physically, but to also enhance the support and programs we provide.”

Samantha Plotino, executive director of The Provident Bank Foundation, said that New City Kids embodies the values of the bank’s fundraising arm.

“Helping to transform the lives of youth by supporting programs that enhance their development is consistent with our funding priorities. This organization opens doors for youth and teens, partnering with them as they grow into leaders and change-makers in their communities,” she said.

Chris Martin, Provident Bank’s executive chairman, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Our commitment to this community runs deep. Lending a helping hand in the communities we serve and making a positive impact is fundamental at Provident. It’s extremely gratifying to give back to the community where Provident was founded in 1839.”

Following the donation of the branch – which closed in September 2022 – to New City Kids, Provident Bank says it will continue to operate five locations in Jersey City.