This week’s grand opening of Longmont’s second Jersey Mike’s Subs introduced another culinary option to local residents while benefiting Shiloh House, a nonprofit aimed at helping youth heal from trauma and abuse.
“These are kids that have been through a lot,” said Jason Brown, a co-franchise owner of Jersey Mike’s Sub, which opened Wednesday at 1749 Main Street. “They have been thrown out of their homes, some have been beaten. Shiloh House gives them a safe place and somewhere where they get the help they need.”
Brown said he has been on the Shiloh House Board of Advisors for eight years. He added he was happy to take part in a promotion for the newly opened Jersey Mike’s which also doubled as a fundraiser for Shiloh House.
For 30 years, Shiloh House has offered “tailored” services to meet the varied educational, emotional and mental health needs of Colorado youth and families, according to the Shiloh House website.
The organization offers residential services in 10 programs for youth from ages 3-18 on five campuses throughout Colorado. Therapeutic services include day-treatment and outpatient programs. There is also the Shiloh Academy which provides specialized, accredited on-grounds schools to assist youth in developing the necessary skills to move to a less restrictive environment, the website said.
“Shiloh House makes a huge impact on kids’ lives,” said Community Liaison Kathy McShane, “and what Jersey Mike’s is doing is also making a big contribution.”
For the grand opening this week, Jersey Mike’s customers, with a special fundraising coupon, can make a minimum of $2 contribution to Shiloh House in exchange for a regular sub. The fundraiser for Shiloh House continues through Sunday, Aug. 22.
Franchise owners can pick an individual charity or nonprofit to support through fundraising, Brown said. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $65 million in local charities, according to a Jersey Mike’s news release. In 2021, the company’s 11th Annual Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving in March raised over $15 million for more than 200 charities nationwide.
Jersey Mike’s began in 1956 and has spread to more than 2,500 locations, the news release said. During that time, the sandwich maker has always held true to the notion that the company would contribute to each community it serves, Brown said.
“It’s part of the culture of Jersey Mike’s to give back to the community,” Brown said. “That is what Jersey Mike’s is all about.”
