What began as a grassroots effort to bring essential items to families in need has evolved into a powerful, multi-state nonprofit organization. Community Karma was founded in 2005 in San Francisco by Celia Cattani, who, along with friends from her corporate network, wanted to channel their professional skills into meaningful community work. They began with simple but vital initiatives like backpack, toy, and toiletry drives, supporting smaller nonprofits that were often limited by grant stipulations and under-resourced infrastructure.
When Cattani relocated to Asbury Park in 2015, she brought that same spirit of service with her. Cattani quickly became involved with local initiatives, including the Asbury Park Toy Drive led by Connie Breech. When Breech’s group stepped away in 2022, Cattani stepped in to ensure the effort would continue. That transition marked the beginning of Community Karma's official expansion into New Jersey, and since then, the organization has grown in both size and scope.
Community Karma has become a vital part of the support network in Asbury Park. Rather than duplicating existing services, Cattani and her team act as a logistical and administrative bridge for other small nonprofits, helping distribute goods, organize events, and provide resources to families. Their collaborative approach allows them to partner with organizations like Mercy Center, CPC Integrated Health, the Asbury Book Cooperative, The Center, and the Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park. These partnerships allow Community Karma to offer vital support without overextending their own resources.
Like Community Karma, the Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park strengthens its impact through strategic partnerships with organizations that align with its mission to address the unmet needs of vulnerable youth in Asbury Park. "Community Karma, in particular, demonstrates how these collaborations broaden our collective reach, enabling both organizations to support even more youth than we could on our own," President of the Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park Deena Cohen said. "It’s the generous sharing of ideas, resources, and manpower that makes this partnership so impactful and effective in benefiting the children we serve."
Since taking over the work of the Asbury Park Toy Drive in 2022, Community Karma has seen a significant increase in demand. In just one year, the number of families pre-registering for support grew from 200-300 to over 500, now with a larger database of over 1,000 families. This increased need has made it more important than ever to coordinate with other community-based organizations to reduce duplicated efforts and maximize resources. Community Karma works closely with Mercy Center, since both organizations serve families in the same community. “In this day of declining resources and rising need, we are happy to partner with Community Karma to ensure we reach the most people without duplicating our efforts,” President & CEO of Mercy Center Kim Guadagno said. “We will continue to support CK in every way possible to achieve Mercy Center’s vision of ending generational poverty.”
Community Karma also partners with many local churches, including St. Stephen AME Zion Church and Church of Philadelphia - Asbury Park, to engage volunteers and spread the word about resources available to families. “St. Stephen’s partnership with Community Karma has been truly a blessing,” St. Stephen AME Zion Church Pastor Quavon Newton said. “It’s more than just collaboration; it’s a shared mission to love, serve, and uplift. Together, we’ve been able to address real needs, restore hope, and remind our community that they matter.”
While Community Karma initially focused on seasonal programs, they now aim to expand year-round efforts, responding to unmet needs in the community. With the economic challenges facing many households, Cattani has emphasized the need for consistent support, including a push for a $20,000-$30,000 increase in general fundraising and the launch of a recurring donor program.
Despite operating with minimal overhead, Community Karma maintains high standards for financial transparency. Celia shared that 95 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to programs. They are compliant with IRS nonprofit standards and are working on updating their Guide Star and Charity Navigator profiles to increase visibility. Community Karma programs are primarily funded by individual donors through in-kind, cash, and event contributions. She mentioned they are seeking to grow their donor base and diversify funding sources to ensure sustainability, particularly when the need in the community is rising. Cattani noted that while they have received grant funding and proceeds from the Stone Pony 50th anniversary T-shirt sales, they are actively applying for more grants to reduce dependence on program-specific fundraising.
Key volunteers have played a central role in the organization's success. Gloriann Gonzalez, an Asbury Park native and recent high school graduate, starts college this fall at Rowan University with plans to study veterinary medicine. She discussed Community Karma's approach to community service, emphasizing its effectiveness in building trust and reducing stigma compared to traditional nonprofit services. She highlighted how Community Karma's presence and community-focused events make it more accessible and appealing to recipients, particularly in Asbury Park's Hispanic community. Gonzalez also shared her experience networking with charter schools and Hispanic churches to promote the organization's services and noted that clear communication of quantifiable impact helps secure donations from potential supporters.
Cattani discussed placing the first $6,000 order for school supplies for the 2025 Backpack Drive. She noted that while schools are becoming more electronic, basic supplies like pencils, composition books, and backpacks are still necessary.
Community Karma's model is not just about giving goods—it's about building trust and eliminating stigma. The organization is intentional about creating an accessible and welcoming environment. Families aren’t just handed a backpack or toy; they are seen, heard, and connected to a larger web of support by volunteers who are also their neighbors.
The nonprofit has also caught the attention of unexpected allies. Monmouth County native Ja’Sir Taylor, cornerback for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, discovered Community Karma through a Google search and has been a generous donor since 2023.
Community Karma will be honored at the upcoming Carousel Awards on October 30, 2025. Cattani is preparing for what promises to be a busy and celebratory season. She’s also exploring new fundraising ideas and engaging volunteers more strategically, including working to expand the organization’s board from three to five members within the next few years.
Christina Smith, a local advocate and connector, is helping to coordinate efforts among other Asbury Park foundations. Her vision is to bring together executive directors and board members across Asbury Park to share resources and strengthen collaboration.
Through thoughtful partnerships, creative fundraising, and an unwavering commitment to equity and kindness, Community Karma continues to grow its presence and deepen its impact. Their vision isn’t about becoming the biggest name in charity; it’s about showing up where it counts, when it counts, and for whom it counts. According to Cattani, "It’s a big team effort, and when we show up together, we have an amazing impact."
Community Karma has joined forces again with Asbury Park Little League and St. Stephen AME Zion Church to continue to expand the Asbury Park Holiday Toy Drive! With continued support from Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park and Church of Philadelphia, our goal this year is to support 1000 families in the Asbury Park area with holiday gifts for the children.
FINANCIAL DONATIONS
Given the large number of families we will be supporting, monetary donations are critical to ensure each family's needs are met, as well as providing appropriate holiday goodies during our distribution party! You can donate by visiting our site www.communitykarma.org
To learn more, get involved visit their website www.communitykarma.org and follow Community Karma on both Facebook and Instagram @communitykarma.
Community Karma has become a vital part of the support network in Asbury Park. Rather than duplicating existing services, Cattani and her team act as a logistical and administrative bridge to provide resources to families.
While Community Karma initially focused on seasonal programs, they now aim to expand year-round efforts.
Community Karma's model is not just about giving goods—it's about building trust and eliminating stigma.