The Volunteer Voice

Vol.6 Issue 8     Jersey Cares. Be The Change. Volunteer.    August 2017
Greetings!

How have you spent your summer?  

Have you followed through on your promise to get involved, to make a difference, to build a better world?   

Whether you are just getting started or looking for new and challenging opportunities, see how meaningful and fun volunteering really can be. 

Check out your hundreds of great opportunities to make a difference here!
   
9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance
September 9, 2017

We need 400 volunteers to revitalize a historically underserved high school in Jersey City that stood witness to the tragic events of the day.
Join Jersey Cares and your neighbors as we dedicate a day of service to that which makes us great – each other.

Volunteers will: 
  • Revitalize the school’s September 11th memorial
  • Create Refugee Care Packages for children as they adjust to new homes
  • Brighten school grounds with decorative rock mosaics
  • Paint murals in school hallways to create brighter learning environments
  • Make care packages for seniors to bring them the comforts of home
 
AUGUST VOLUNTEER STAR
ZAKIYYAH SMILEY

Zakiyyah has always enjoyed volunteering and learned about Jersey Cares while seeking additional opportunities.  She was attracted by the scope of volunteer opportunities Jersey Cares offers on its monthly calendar.  To find out more about Zakiyah's path check out the full article on our website:  Volunteer Star

BRICK CITY BLOCK PARTY


Join us in forging relationships that will  build a more resilient community. Together, we'll have a great time and build a great community at the Brick City Block Party on Tuesday, August 1, 2017.














STAFF SPOTLIGHT

When she isn't mixing custom paint colors  at a volunteer project (above), Vanessa Martinez is  helping to run all of the amazing Collection Drives and Annual Days of Service that Jersey Cares brings you throughout the year.  Beginning her journey at Jersey Cares in 2014 as an AmeriCorps member, she transitioned in 2015 to become a Jersey Cares Staff Member while she completed her Master of Social Work at Rutgers.  With her degree completed in May, Vanessa is now working full time to make sure that as many NJ residents as possible benefit from work of amazing Jersey Cares volunteers.  Want to learn more about how to get involved in drives or days of service? Just email Vanessa@jerseycares.org.
BASF GIVES BACK

On Wednesday, July 12th, over 130 BASF employees came together to create change across Morris County. Logging over 450 volunteer hours in a single day, BASF's impact could be seen at  Morris County Youth Shelter, Dress for Success, Head Start of Morris County, P.G. Chambers School, and the Rose House -- and will be felt for a long time to come. Our heartfelt thanks to BASF for "creating the chemistry" that brings people together in your own backyard!

To explore options for your company, contact Michelle Dee at michelle@jerseycares.org.

NEW JERSEY LEADERS CREATE CHANGE


Sierra Jackson is taking action and creating positive change in our local communities. Beginning her journey as a Jersey Cares Project Coordinator, she followed her passion and joined the Jersey Cares Internship program, assisting our team in “dreaming big” for Newark. As a recent graduate of Rutgers University Newark, with a BA in Sociology, Sierra is now overseeing Newark Community Based Initiatives with a focus on Upper Clinton Hill and Fairmount Heights through the generous support of Victoria Foundation. If you’re interested in volunteering to scale this work please email Sierra Jackson (sierra@jerseycares.org) or call 973-533-1993.



NATIONAL PURPLE HEART DAY

Monday, August 7, 2017 is National Purple Heart Day, dedicated to honoring the people wounded or killed in military service. In honor of their legacy, volunteer with us to restore a Veteran’s memorial cemetery at Earth Keepers in Jersey City.