New Milford Parents Start Nonprofit In Late Daughter's Memory

NEW MILFORD, NJ — Elena Gregory loved people and loved helping them.

Gregory, a New Milford resident, died suddenly and tragically in April. Her parents founded the Arms Wide Open Fund together with the community Foundation of New Jersey. The nonprofit fund is dedicated to helping others.

Gregory's mother, Janet said the nonprofit will use the money to support mental health awareness and substance abuse recovery in the community.

Other ways the fund wants to help others is by the rescuing and training of dogs to become emotional support animals and help people in the community struggling with substance abuse.

"Elena always fought to help the underdog," Janet Gregory said. "She was always a friend to others, and had a really caring heart."

The fund will also sponsor pizza dinners with another nonprofit called Good Grief, a bereavement support group.

"Pizza was her favorite meal, so if we can help people connect and support one another while they're grieving, that's great," Janet Gregory said.

The group awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a New Milford High School senior in June. Gregory attended New Milford High School.

Gregory was a cheerleader for six years and played the violin. She dreamed of being a cosmetologist.

"We're looking to just help others in loving memory of our daughter," Janet Gregory said.

For more information about the Arms Wide Open Fund, or to make a donation, click here.

Email: [email protected]