First Hope Bank launches initiative with Habitat for Humanity
Wantage. First Hope Bank kicked off the 2025 Rural Rally with Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey by volunteering, donating $5,000, and supporting efforts to expand affordable housing and revitalize rural communities.
Wantage /
| 30 Oct 2025 | 01:12
From left, Pam Vreeland, COO, Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey; Ben Eskow, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey; Dan Beatty, President & CEO, First Hope Bank; Kathy Halpin, Board President, Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey; Patricia Klackowski, Community Program & Volunteer Manager, Pass It Along; Diane Taylor, President & CEO, Pass It Along.
First Hope Bank launched the 2025 Rural Rally, part of the National recognized 2025 Carter Work Project, with Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey on Oct. 27.
First Hope Bank volunteers joined community members to help clean up the Wantage property, marking the official start of the initiative.
In addition to volunteer support, First Hope Bank made a $5,000 donation to support Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey’s ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities in rural communities. The Bank also donated the use of its Andover branch parking lot to host a mobile Habitat ReStore, while Habitat searches for a new permanent home for its retail operation expansion into Sussex County.
The Rural Rally is a cornerstone of Habitat for Humanity’s mission to strengthen and revitalize rural areas through volunteerism, affordable housing, and community development. The 2025 event continues the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter’s lifelong commitment to Habitat’s mission of building homes, hope, and opportunity for all.
“At First Hope Bank, we believe that giving back to our community is not just our responsibility—it’s part of who we are,” said Dan Beatty, President and CEO of First Hope Bank. “Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey allows us to make a tangible difference by helping local families achieve stability and hope through homeownership.”
