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Making a difference. It’s what inspired Kearny Bank’s recent, $10,000 contribution to Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ) – the latest in an ongoing series of donations. All have been aimed at supporting the Girl Scouts Leadership Experience, which helps girls develop important leadership skills they need to become successful adults while positively impacting their communities. Because Kearny Bank’s contributions are unrestricted, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey– which shares a common footprint with Kearny Bank – is able to direct the funds wherever they’re needed most. This said, the overarching focus of the organization is always the same – helping to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience encourages girls to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to positively impact their communities. Guided by supportive adults and peers, Girl Scouts engage in age-appropriate activities that are girl-led, cooperative, and hands-on, providing vital leadership and life skills in a fun and engaging way. “When you invest in girls you change the world,” says Sandra A. Kenoff, President / CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. “We’re so grateful for Kearny Bank’s continued support and investment in developing the next generation of women leaders through their support of our girl-led leadership development initiatives. One of my goals is further expanding the reach and impact of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience throughout the northern part of the state to as many girls as possible regardless of race, religion or socioeconomic status, and contributions like this are invaluable in helping bring that mission to fruition.” Donations to GSNNJ provide for troops; staff-led community programs; scholarships and financial assistance; life skills training; and recruitment and training of volunteers. Additionally, funds support the four pillars of Girl Scouting including life skills; entrepreneurship; the outdoors; and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). “Our company has a longstanding commitment to assisting worthwhile organizations in areas where we conduct business,” explains Kearny Bank Senior Vice President / Treasury Management Leader Veronica Ross, second vice chair of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey executive board of directors. “The Girl Scouts are so deserving because they provide girls with the tools needed to succeed. It’s that simple.” Ross is among those bringing the experience of executive leaders to the board, while Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors also play a role. They regularly attend meetings, sharing the valuable perspective of young people. It’s an organizational model – girls themselves serving as activity leaders – that’s core to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Whether on the board of directors or in all manners of other programs, girls develop their own ideas, build teams, and experience the joy of truly making a difference. “I’m passionate about our organization so, by extension, I’m also passionate about our corporate and individual donors,” adds Kenoff. “The funds they so generously provide enable us to put girls on a path toward changing the world.”