Over the course of August, we recognized some of our black-owned business customers on social media and were treated to great stories of determination, change, and uplifting others. Here are their stories!
Hybridge Learning Group
Hybridge Learning Group was founded by Jamil Brown in 2006 to help children with Autism develop their skills and integrate into their families and communities. Jamil knew there was a need for more inclusion-based and learner-led opportunities in New Jersey. Once he founded the Hybridge Learning Group, his business blossomed. The focus on practical skills in their programming has proven to be a very effective method of education, emphasizing positive instruction that targets behaviors significant to each individual learner. Hybridge also has learning centers in Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland. The ultimate goal of Hybridge Learning Group is to help people be more understanding of those with other abilities and realize that everyone is a valuable member of our community.
Haiti Education and Medical Funds
Haiti Education and Medical Funds was founded by Dr. Rhonda Hazell in 2017 to help provide resources to countries around the world that do not have easy access to education or medical care. Her organization has helped those in need in Kenya, Haiti, and, in the future, Dominican Republic. Dr. Hazell’s trips organize medical mission teams consisting of physicians, nurses, and schoolteachers to provide education, medicine, and above all, compassion. Dr. Hazell and her team have since built a new permanent pharmacy location in Haiti for medicine, including two full-time doctors. Their fundraising also now includes providing scholarships to schoolchildren for uniforms, books, and tuition.
Diop Productions
Diop Productions LLC is headquartered in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Carona Davis-Diop established the studio in 2017 with the desire to help others make their creative dreams come to life. Diop Productions helps professionals and amateurs put their content out to the world, and strongly supports their artistic ventures. Carona’s ultimate goal is to turn her organization into a place for teens and adults to create art, film and digital media through extended workshops and hands on experiences.
First Bank is proud to be part of and support these businesses’ amazing journeys. You can learn more about First Bank’s accounts and services on our website.