Leadership Begins With You!
True LEADERSHIP is not defined by titles or perceived positions of power, but by influence—a willingness to share what you have, not to exclusively advantage yourself, but to benefit others. Through community engagements like A Few Good Men, Freedom School, Garden State of Mind, Millennial Labs, Perfecting Chords, and our nascent Love Hub, Loving Our Cities mobilizes people and partners to be the change we want to see in the world, unlocking multigenerational potential for lasting impact.
This month's edition of The Pulse celebrates the everyday individuals who make that possible, actualizing their power to positively impact their surroundings through acts of service—not to make their lives better, but to make OUR world better. At its core are profiles of SERVANT LEADERSHIP, neighbors walking side-by-side, and at times hand-in-hand, embodying the courage to go where the need is, reaching across differences to mend who and what requires repair. Often ignited the moment someone steps forward to serve another, authentic leadership can yield societal transformation through the
actions of just one person. Could you be the one?
I believe the answer is YES! Join us in Loving Our Cities towards a more just and equitable world where all have access to resources to thrive. Visit www.lovingourcities.org or email info@lovingourcities.org to donate, volunteer, or partner with Loving Our Cities to enhance the quality of life where we live, work, serve, and worship.
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Growing A Few Good Men
Founded in 2012 by Coach Michael McBride and Pastor Kevin C. Brown to address what they saw as a void in leadership in the face of growing challenges plaguing our generation, A Few Good Men has grown to serve more than 15 high school football teams in South Jersey.
Mobilizing men as mentors, volunteers serve 700+ students annually, equipping them with the tools to succeed on and off the field through motivational workshops covering a variety of topics ranging from responsible decision-making and stress management to financial literacy and characteristics of a good leader.
The impact of A Few Good Men extends beyond high school. Coach McBride recalls former students sharing how mentorship made a lasting impact. McBride notes, "A coach may only mentor a young person for a few seasons, but the foundational values taught can guide them for a lifetime."
A Few Good Men is looking for A Few Good Mentors to serve in Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland counties, as well as A Few Good Sponsors to cover program costs and/or donate food and beverages for their after-school workshops and annual award recognition ceremony.
For details, email info@lovingourcities.org.
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Food Equity is Cool B.E.A.N.S.
The New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) awarded Loving Our Cities a grant for its Cool B.E.A.N.S. project in Gloucester County to Build Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals. Aligned with the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan, the project seeks to increase awareness and school meal enrollment among ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Gloucester County by building local partnerships that advance community-driven food security approaches through established Hubs.
Coupled with a selection in the OFSA-funded Transforming Pantries into Hubs cohort, Loving Our Cities is leading the way to a food-secure Garden State, positioning its Love Hub to better serve 10 food desert communities across five counties in South Jersey.
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Nothing But Love for Our Cities
Join us in a round of applause for the newest members of the Loving Our Cities team: Program Coordinator Alex Kibbe; Community Resource Navigator Maya Muringani; and Warehouse Associate Kevin Guerrido.
Each brings incredible passion, fresh energy, new perspectives, and nothing but love for our cities! With their help, we deepen our engagement and broaden our reach, ensuring families in South Jersey food desert communities, especially those dually designated as Abbott School districts, enjoy equitable access to nutritious food and tvital resources all individuals, families, and communities need to thrive.
Welcome Alex, Maya, and Kevin! We're excited to have you Loving Our Cities with us on this next phase of your personal and professional journey. ❤️
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2026 Gold Star Honoree
The National Hook-Up of Black Women (NHBW), Cherry Hill Area Chapter, honored Loving Our Cities with a 2026 Gold Star Award for leadership reflecting a “Rhythm of Service.” NHBW is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and their families through the support of the arts, culture, education, health and wellness, and human service programs.
Under the leadership of Chapter President Dr. Leslie M. Showell and 2026 Gold Star Brunch Chair DeCarla A. Scott, NCBW's theme, “Honoring Leaders reflecting a Rhythm of Service,” celebrated and recognized organizations contributing in meaningful ways in South Jersey, highlighting those dedicated to healing, empowering, and strengthening our communities.
Fellow honorees included Creative Connextions, Seaside (NJ) Drifters, Inc., Mission for Life Inc., and Voices of Encouragement, who, alongside guests in attendance, enjoyed an inspiring keynote address delivered by Dana L. Redd, President & CEO of Camden Community Partnership, Inc., and former mayor of Camden.
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Rowan Foundation Elects New Chair
Join us in celebrating the election of Angela M. Brown '98 as chair of the Rowan University Foundation Board of Directors. As an alumna and recognized community leader, Angela brings her personal experience as a student and more than 20 years of experience in public relations, international affairs, issues management, and advocacy to support the university and its students in a trying time for higher education.
As chair, Angela will play a vital role in guiding the Foundation’s work as it aims to ensure continued access, affordability, and opportunity for students served by Rowan University.
Congratulations, Angela!
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Perfecting Plaza Pantry
Tuesdays | Temporarily Paused
Thursdays | 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Fridays (Prep Only) | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Perfecting Plaza
274 Delsea Drive
Sewell, NJ 08080
Volunteer to serve our neighbors by maintaining our food HUB, a 9,000 square-foot warehouse where we sort, stock, and distribute food.
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Winslow Hope Mobile Pantry
Every 2nd Saturday | 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Winslow Township School #3 Parking Lot 131 Sicklerville Road
Sicklerville, NJ 08081
Join us in spreading more hope and less hunger every SECOND Saturday of the month in partnership with Winslow Township Municipality and Winslow School #3.
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Cramer Hill School Pantry
Every 3rd Saturday | 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Camden Academy Charter High School
820 Lois Avenue, Camden, NJ 08105
Serve our neighbors in Cramer Hill every THIRD Saturday of the month alongside student volunteers from Camden's Promise Charter School.
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Wooster Towers Senior Pantry
Every 4th Wednesday | 10 a.m. - 12p.m.
Wooster Towers
22 Gibbsboro Road, Clementon, 08021
We serve seniors at Wooster Towers every FOURTH Wednesday of the month alongside our dedicated senior volunteers willing to help their neighbors in need.
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Loving Our Cities seeks to enhance the
quality of life where we live, work, serve,
and worship, by ensuring equitable
access to resources for individuals,
families, and communities to thrive!
For more information, visit www.lovingourcities.org
call 856-733-4872, or follow our social media platforms.
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