93-year-old South Jersey resident continues her legacy of advocacy and spreading kindness.

In the late 1990s, the Friends Enrichment Program (FEP) was initiated with a simple in-line skating class for children, hosted in a parking lot in Moorestown. However, the origins of the program can be traced back to 1940s Montreal, where a wealthy French Canadian girl and her classmates took action to collect donations that would provide winter coal to needy families. The essence of FEP is encapsulated in its mission statement: “Sow love, reap love.”

Ninety-three-year-old Monique Begg, a member of the Moorestown Friends Meeting, has been a driving force behind the organization, which has successfully raised approximately 0,000 over the past 30 years, primarily through small donations. The initial funding source included a notable ,000 grant from St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Through its initiatives, FEP has awarded scholarships for summer camps and arts education to over 500 children, thereby facilitating 1,100 opportunities for enrichment to the local youth.

Begg’s motivation for the program stems from both her personal experiences and her observations of societal inequalities. After relocating from upstate New York to South Jersey in 1969, she became increasingly engaged with local community issues. By the mid-1990s, she noted a troubling trend wherein residents of affordable housing developments were stigmatized as juvenile delinquents. This prompted her to reach out to the community, leading to the establishment of the in-line skating lessons, supported by the local Friends Meeting which provided essential resources.

The program has evolved significantly and focuses on addressing various challenges children face, such as economic hardships and social bullying. In response to these issues, FEP also launched the Moorestown Friends Heritage Cookbook in 1997, selling all 1,000 copies to raise funds for youth programs.

Through partnerships with local institutions like the Perkins Center for the Arts, FEP supports children in accessing summer camp programs that might otherwise be financially unattainable. The organization frequently shares the costs of these programs, ensuring equitable access for families in need.

Begg’s commitment to social justice is further exemplified by her initiatives like the monarch cultivation project, designed to educate children about the environment.

Recognition for her tireless work came recently when the Moorestown Service Club Council named her Citizen of the Year, an honor that reflects her unwavering dedication to the community. Despite facing personal health challenges that have affected her vision, Begg remains actively involved, embodying the spirit of her mission to uplift and empower the children of Moorestown and surrounding areas.

The commitment and ingenuity of Monique Begg and the Friends Enrichment Program highlight the profound impact grassroots organizations can have on community welfare and the importance of nurturing connections to promote inclusivity and support for all.

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