Red Bank, NJ — The Borough of Red Bank has launched a new Community Outreach Program, a door-to-door initiative designed to connect residents directly with municipal, county, and state resources. The program is fully funded by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Legislative Grant for Multilingual Services and implemented in partnership with the Civic Operations Group (COG) a statewide organization recognized for its work in equitable community engagement.
Beginning this week, trained outreach teams will canvass every neighborhood in Red Bank, visiting homes to provide information on public programs, financial relief opportunities, and essential community services.
The outreach initiative underscores Red Bank’s commitment to inclusive communication and aims to ensure that all residents, whether homeowners, renters, or new arrivals, are informed about the services available to them.
Program Details
Outreach teams will:
- Distribute bilingual resource packets with up-to-date information on Borough departments, contact numbers, and community assistance programs.
- Provide direct assistance with state benefit applications, including:
- ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program, which provides rebates to eligible homeowners and renters.
- NJ Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement), which helps seniors and people with disabilities offset property tax increases.
- NJBEST, New Jersey’s 529 College Savings Program.
- Answer questions in English and Spanish and connect residents to staff members or agencies who can provide follow-up assistance.
- Collect feedback from residents to help Borough officials understand community needs and improve service delivery.
If outreach teams are unable to make contact, they will leave printed materials at the residence along with a dedicated phone number and email for residents who wish to schedule a return visit or request individual assistance.
Safety and Identification
All team members will wear Borough-branded safety vests, official lanyards, and photo ID badges displaying both the Civic Operations Group and Borough logos. Residents are encouraged to look for these identifiers to ensure they are speaking with authorized representatives.
Community Impact
The Community Outreach Program will:
- Build stronger communication channels between residents and local government.
- Increase enrollment in state and local programs that provide financial relief and assistance.
- Promote civic participation by educating residents about Borough initiatives and opportunities to get involved.
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Strong communities are built on transparency and access.” said Mayor Portman. “This program not only makes sure that everyone in Red Bank knows how to connect with resources and services designed for them, it ensures people feel seen and supported.
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Implementation and Oversight
The Civic Operations Group will oversee program implementation, training, and data reporting. COG’s work will help the Borough measure outreach success, track participation, and identify any service gaps. The Borough will use this data to guide future community initiatives and improve access to information.
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This canvassing initiative further represents our intentional and inclusive approach to communication.” said Borough Manager Jim Gant. “After strengthening our social media presence, redesigning the Borough website, and establishing a Community Engagement Coordinator position, we are now delivering bilingual information directly to residents’ doorsteps to ensure everyone has access to the same important updates.
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For questions, additional information, or to verify a visitor’s identity, residents may contact:
(732) 470-1669
RBCommunity@redbanknj.org
For more information regarding the Community Outreach Project, visit: https://www.redbanknj.org/526/Red-Bank-Community-Outreach-Project
ABOUT THE DCA LEGISLATIVE GRANT FOR MULTILINGUAL SERVICES:
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Legislative Grant for Multilingual Services provides funding to municipalities to strengthen access to essential government programs, promote multilingual communication, and address barriers that prevent residents from engaging with public services.
ABOUT CIVIC OPERATIONS GROUP:
Civic Operations Group (COG) is a New Jersey-based organization specializing in equitable, multilingual community engagement. COG partners with municipalities and state agencies to deliver outreach initiatives that improve public access to resources, enhance emergency response coordination, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
ABOUT RED BANK:
The Borough of Red Bank is committed to cultivating a transparent, unified, and vibrant community where residents are empowered to shape local decisions. Through continued investment in infrastructure, safety, public spaces, and resident engagement, Red Bank remains focused on building a stronger future together.
For more information about Red Bank visit www.redbanknj.org
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jim Gant, Borough Manager
JGant@redbanknj.org
Fatima Carranza, Community Engagement Coordinator
fcarranza@redbanknj.org