Note From Nina
The year is already half over, and we have a long way to go.
We are seeing an uptick in need as the protections that were put in place during the pandemic are now expiring. With the safety net gone and inflation on the rise, the impact on the community is becoming even more dire, putting us at the forefront of trying to meet the increased need. Our social service programming has been flooded with requests and we are determined to rise to the challenge. Please consider helping by volunteering or donating to our cause, or come to one of our events, which are always fun and informative.
Please join our Friday Forum (formerly Fifth Friday) on June 17 for a debate about curriculum surrounding gender and sex education in our schools. Networking and lunch is included in the ticket price and we are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to continue to meet and converse with fellow community members and business stakeholders. Tickets may be purchased here.
And, if you haven't already heard, our Bergen LEADS project forum on affordable education has a new twist - the class is splitting into teams to present possible solutions to the challenge, and YOU, the audience will choose the winning solution, which will have the opportunity to be implemented in LEADS Year 2! This event is free and open to the public, but please RSVP here to reserve your spot.
The year is already half over, but I believe the best is yet to come.
Warmly,
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Nina Bachrach
CEO, Bergen Volunteers
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CHORE
The impact of our CHORE program continues to grow. In April 2022 our CHORE crews conducted repairs and installations for 135 clients, 42 more clients than the previous year!
To learn more about the CHORE program and the services provided click here.
To request CHORE service call 201.489.7790.
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CHEER
Friday, May 20, marked the start of our new Yard Cleanup Service currently offered to CHEER clients. Volunteers from Neuberger Berman participated in the cleanup as part of a Corporate Day of Service. We received rave reviews from CHEER clients who were very happy to see the crews arrive. When asked how he felt about the service, Al from Hackensack responded, "Fabulous!! Great! Professional job, Looks beautiful."
We are thankful to have such wonderful corporate volunteers, and to be able to provide this much needed service!
For more information on CHEER, and find ways to get involved, click here.
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We wish a very happy 98th birthday to our CHEER client, Stella! |
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Mentoring
Happy Father’s Day to all those dads who take an active role in their children’s lives, love unconditionally, and provide positive parenting every single day. We would also like to recognize the men, dads or not, enrolled in our program as mentors. Your dedication, kindness, and experience continue to make our program a success.
We receive more mentor requests for young males than we do for females. It is important to know that not all those youth referred to us are without a father; some just need that extra support in their lives. Our mentors take on such a crucial role. They balance their efforts in being a non-judgmental friend and confidant, while also being a role model for successful habits and healthy relationship building. We are so grateful for their generous spirit and kindness.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please visit click here or call 201.221.4706.
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Bergen LEADS
The Bergen LEADS Class of 2022 had a successful closing retreat in May. The one and half day retreat gave them the opportunity to utilize their new leadership skills and to prep for the June project forum.
As one class year nears its completion, the next one is preparing to commence. Interviews for the class of 2023 were held in May. As in the past, we are impressed by the quality of the candidates who have applied to the program and look forward to the year ahead.
Teen LEADS and College LEADS are expanding. If you are interested in bringing LEADS to your school contact Jodi at jmurphy@bergenvolunteers.org.
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Bergen LEADS Project Forum
Bergen LEADS has gained a reputation as a “think tank” for challenges facing Bergen County. Each year participants focus on a specific challenge, identifying the issues involved, and offering recommendations for possible solutions.
Join us this year as our class splits into teams and pitches their solutions to a panel of judges at the forum. And YOU help decide the winning pitch!
This year's Project Forum will take place on Tuesday, June 21 from 3-5pm at the Ciccone Theater at Bergen Community College. The forum is FREE and open to the public.
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Kathleen Scott is typical of a Bergen Volunteers’ donor, in that she is reluctant to have attention drawn to her support for our work. Kathleen has been a fan of the Bergen Volunteers’ mission since the 1990’s, however her philanthropic nature, shaped by her mother’s example, was evident long before then. Kathleen, a Tenafly resident, has contributed to our cause because supporting local causes is very important to her, coupled with her admission she is impressed by the array of services we offer. Kathleen, an avid equestrian who rides five times each week, consented to this spotlight only because “it could help inspire” others to support Bergen Volunteers in similar ways. Kathleen, we appreciate you, thank you!
Interested in being spotlighted in an upcoming newsletter? Show your support for Bergen Volunteers by donating, sponsoring, and/or collaborating.
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Dan Distefano has been volunteering with our CHORE program since 2018, first as a field-based crew member before transitioning to an office-based role scheduling CHORE client appointments. Dan came to Bergen Volunteers in search of workplace community spirit which he had missed following his retirement from a successful music teaching career. Dan’s field-based experience means he is able to “ask the right questions to keep vulnerable people safe in their homes” when speaking to CHORE clients. Dan’s philosophy is, “If you give more than you take from this world, then there’s enough to go around.” Dan certainly brings this approach to every single client call he makes which is why Bergen Volunteers’ clients and staff adore him in equal measure.
Thank you, Dan, for all you do.
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June marks Dan's 1 year anniversary as an office-based volunteer.
Happy Anniversary Dan!
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District 6 is made up of 12 local Little Leagues plus a district-wide Challenger Division. They serve children 5-16 years old in 17 southern Bergen County towns. The District is the volunteer link between the local leagues and Little League International, the largest youth sports organization in the world. The District provides pre-season safety, coaching, and player development clinics; coordinates league activities throughout the year.
Their mission is to instill in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for each other, so that they may be well-adjusted, stronger, and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy, and trustworthy citizens. Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists children in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being. By espousing these virtues, the Little League program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes. Little League not only gives children a place to play, it teaches positive values, builds character, creates life-long friendships and strengthens communities.
District 6 is community-based, 100% volunteer-driven and always looking for coaches and league officials. At this time of year, in particular, they are in need of Game Directors to oversee our District Tournament games from mid-June through late-July. If interested or for more information click here.
District 6 is one of our agency member partners. Interested in becoming an agency member? Click her to find out more.
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Community Partner Spotlight |
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Provident Bank believes in volunteering, making an impact, and leaving the world just a little bit better than we found it. Provident Bank is a community-oriented financial institution offering “Commitment you can count on” since 1839. As the third largest bank based in New Jersey, with more than $13 billion in assets, Provident provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services for businesses and consumers through its network of 96 branches throughout northern and central New Jersey, (as well as Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, and Queens County in New York). Involvement with communities and those in need is fundamental to the Provident ethos. Since its inception in 2003, The Provident Bank Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in grants to deserving non-profit organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Bergen Volunteers is very proud to be associated with Provident Bank. |
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Editor's Note
Does the newsletter feel a little shorter to you? Well, it is! We realized that, because we have so much great information to share, our monthly Buzz was getting quite long. We still plan to send all of that great information to you, only now it will be split into three separate newsletter types:
- Program updates
- Events
- Volunteer opportunities
We hope this makes it easier to find the information that is important to you.
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The work we do at Bergen Volunteers would not be possible without the support of our generous donors. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and everyone of you for helping us to make a difference.
This June, please consider donating to Bergen Volunteers. Your donations have a direct impact on the lives of others.
Your contribution of…
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$150 supports one grocery gift card for a CHEER client in need.
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$250 provides training materials for Mentoring to recruit and onboard new mentors to connect with at risk individuals.
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$500 rents a truck for Making-It-Home to furnish client homes.
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$1,000 supplies grab bars, banisters, and other safety equipment for our CHORE volunteers to do installations and repairs in the community.
Your donation helps us provide critical services to the Bergen County community.
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Looking for Ways to Give? |
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Bergen Volunteers
www.bergenvolunteers.org
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Bergen Volunteers Buzz is our official newsletter highlighting organizational news, events, updates, and volunteer opportunities. Look out for the Buzz at the beginning of every month to stay connected with your friends at Bergen Volunteers!
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