Grief changes you in ways you never expect as recently experienced by local realtor, Stephanie Liskowitz and her daughter Ashley. The tragic passing of her husband John came after complications from routine surgery. She and Ashley were suddenly without their rock.
Thankfully there are organizations of caring people who can help you through the grieving process. Ashley became involved with Common Ground Grief Center in Manasquan and several of the mothers embraced Stephanie as well.
Soon, this new circle of friends took a much-needed vacation together. Stephanie and Ashley felt welcomed and grateful but noticed an obvious issue with families that lose a breadwinner.
The loss of a parent or spouse often means a dramatic loss of income. Because of John’s business acumen and Stephanie’s work ethic, they realized that income reduction was not something they had to worry about but wanted to do something for the families that were stricken by sudden income loss.
What would John do? After losing his brother several years ago, he worked tirelessly to make sure his sister-in-law, niece and nephew would receive the benefits they were entitled to. Stephanie and Ashley knew this was the direction he would want them to take and they created a 501C non-profit organization called “The JJL Foundation.”
The foundation supports any type of basic need due to a lack of income. To bring in funding for their non-profit, it made sense to hold a golf outing not only to memorialize John and raise money but also because golf was such a huge part of John and Ashley’s life. The first annual golf outing was held on October 11 at Metedeconk National Golf Club and was a huge success!
Stephanie and friends of John worked tirelessly to secure sponsors and sign-up golfers.
Top Sponsors include Circle BMW, Morgan Stanley and Kinney Lisovicz Reilly & Wolff PC but also private sponsors donated along with quite a few others. Stephanie can’t thank them enough for all the support!
Dinner was served after the outing and included a silent auction. Ashley and the first donor recipient Juan spoke that night. He was so uncertain of his future before this amazing gift of funding for education at Brookdale Community College specializing in HVAC. Now he sees a much better life ahead thanks to the JJL Foundation.
In addition, the Hall family was awarded $10,000 to help with security and rent for a new home. Jizelle and Joel had lost their dad Isais Coleman several years ago. Tragedy struck the family again when they lost their home in Toms River due to a fire. The grant will help them get back on their feet once again.
Lynn McCabe, a friend and co-realtor of Stephanie’s has stepped up to help guide the recipients on how to invest and provide financial planning to keep the funds secure and growth-oriented.
There will be more fundraisers to come with the first Holiday event at the Manasquan Elks on 12/21. Tickets will go on sale in November with proceeds going to the foundation.
Stephanie and Ashley want everyone to know that there are tons of local support for grieving families both structured and non-structured. Special thanks to the board of the foundation:
Robert Maher
Jason Grossberg
Lynn McCabe
We’re here to take care of each other and if you or someone you know needs any help anywhere along the grieving process, please reach out to Stephanie. She can help put you in touch with the right contact.