Oprah Winfrey Gives $1.5 Million To New Jersey Community

Oprah Winfrey has donated a total of $1.5 million to a number of non-profit organizations in New Jersey.

The talk show host made the donations to Newark’s North Ward Center, St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, the drug-rehabilitation center Integrity House, a shelter for women and children called Apostle House and the community organization Newark Now.

“Oprah Winfrey is a powerful agent of change in our nation and she is a phenomenal friend to Newark,” said Newark mayor Cory Booker. “Her gifts will directly empower hundreds and hundreds of Newark families and help source our city’s success. We rejoice in Oprah’s generosity and celebrate her life commitment to serving others.”

Winfrey selected the groups from a list of organizations needing extra funding that was provided by Newark Now, a community support organization founded by Booker. Newark Now provides a range of services, including a support program for fathers; three centers helping families access services they may need; a financial empowerment center providing free tax preparation services; positive summer time activities for residents, and assistance to grass-roots organizations involved in transforming Newark neighborhoods.

The donation comes nearly two years after Winfrey donated $40 million to build an elite girls school in South Africa.