NJ TRANSIT, JON BON JOVI SOUL FOUNDATION AND OTHER PARTNERS ENCOURAGE TECH INITIATIVE TO HELP PEOPLE IN NEED

“Chance For Change” Program Allows NJ TRANSIT Customers to Securely, Safely and Effectively Contribute to Organizations That Connect People in Need With Essential Services.

December 18, 2025

NEWARK, NJ – NJ TRANSIT is encouraging customers to give this holiday season through an innovative program called “Chance For Change.” In partnership with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey and Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, NJ TRANSIT provides this program as a digital avenue for customers to donate safely and effectively to help those in need. Customers can use their phone to donate by scanning a QR code.

“The holidays are a time when many want to help others, and ‘Chance For Change’ provides NJ TRANSIT customers with a trusted way to contribute right from their phones,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “We’re proud to partner with organizations like the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, CSPNJ, and Volunteers of America Delaware Valley to make giving more accessible to those riding with us every day.”

“Our New Jersey Transit Police officers have seen how lives are transformed by connecting individuals with the services they need,” said New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo.  “The Chance for Change program provides NJ TRANSIT customers a way to safely and securely contribute to those services and allow them to continue their critical mission of helping others.”

“As we see the need for assistance continue to grow, programs like Chance for Change are more important than ever – especially during the coldest months of the year,” said Heather Goldfarb, Executive Director, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. “We are proud to work alongside these partners to raise awareness across New Jersey and help ensure critical services reach those who need them most.”

“Volunteers of America Delaware Valley’s mission is to provide community-based assistance to populations in need and we are proud to partner with the New Jersey Transit Police Department, the JBJ Soul Foundation and CSPNJ on the Chance for Change program to do just that – providing services and support to those who need it most,” said Daniel L. Lombardo, VOADV President and CEO. “We believe in meeting people where they are, and Chance for Change will give us the opportunity to do so on an even greater level. Thank you to NJ TRANSIT for making this possible.”

“One of Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey’s core values is ‘relationships as the means for growth and connection.’ As a peer-led agency, we take pride in using our lived experiences and a housing-first approach to empower others to seek support in the community to better their wellness and continue everyday with resilience on the forefront, together,” said Pamela Baker, Chief Impact Officer for Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ). “We are so grateful to partner with the New Jersey Transit Police Department, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, and Volunteers of America on Chance for Change with the mission of providing compassionate, person-centered services to all that need it.”

The Chance for Change platform, accessible online and through QR codes available on digital advertising screens, on social media and on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, provides a secure platform for NJ TRANSIT customers to donate to a coalition of partners that provides direct assistance to people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders or with other social service needs. Partner agencies ensure assistance gets to the hands of those in need. The initiative offers customers the ability to contribute to meaningful change in an easy and safe manner.

NJ TRANSIT and the partner organizations launched the initiative during an event at the historic Red Bank NJ TRANSIT station in 2024.  

For more information, visit www.njtransit.com/change.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 264 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.