Note From Nina

Summer just flew by, didn’t it?! Below, our program updates will show you a small sample of what we accomplished this summer through our community programming, corporate and nonprofit collaborations, and our volunteers’ efforts. We’re proud of our work, and we thank you for helping us to make it all happen.

One of our goals at Bergen Volunteers is to provide an open, nonjudgmental place for anyone in need of extra support. Every day we strive to achieve this goal through kindness, hope, and the potential of a better tomorrow. 

As one client said, 

“(You) didn't for one second treat me with anything other than dignity and respect…I truly felt like I was being treated as a human - one who deserves to be treated well and not scorned.”

When we help clients feel value in their self-worth, provide a positive experience, and most importantly, help them navigate a challenge that may be impossible to overcome without our assistance, we have accomplished what we set out to do.

But our work is not complete. The need is great. The challenges are many. And we will not rest. I know from my experience here these past two years that you will not rest either. We walk beside you in our efforts to fill the gaps in the social welfare network together.

Coming up is our Signature Event, An Affair of the Hearts on September 17. It is our largest fundraiser of the year to support our cause. 

Together, we make a difference in the lives of those who need assistance. We hope to see you there.

Warmly,

CHORE

Every morning, as the staff enters the Bergen Volunteers office, they are greeted by sounds of laughter, chatter, and sometimes singing! Yes, it is not unusual to hear the lyrics “Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off to work we go,” from smiling CHORE volunteers as they head out to the van, their daily assignments in hand. We are very happy they are here, but why are they so happy? Here are three reasons:

1. Putting skills to use. There is something to be said for the satisfaction of a job well done, and our CHORE teams are consistently completing jobs for our very pleased clients. Knowing how to complete the repairs and installations is not required to sign up as a volunteer, as our teams provide training!
2. Volunteering is rewarding. It’s true! Research has shown that being helpful to others can reduce stress, combat depression, and provide a sense of purpose. The more we volunteer, the happier we feel!
3. Camaraderie. Let’s face it; we are living in a world where in-person interaction is shrinking. Our CHORE teams get to spend several hours together each week. They talk, they laugh, they have a good time, all while doing good things.

Not only are our CHORE teams great people, they are also a very welcoming group! If you would like to join the team, contact Michele at 201.489.9456 or email mogden@bergenvolunteers.org.



To learn more about the CHORE program and the services provided click here.

Our CHORE teams make repairs and installations 5 days a week for seniors and individuals with disabilities, helping them to remain safely in their homes. The labor is free, but the clients cover the cost of materials. Sometimes clients are unable to afford the materials, including:

• Batteries for smoke detectors
• Locks for front doors
• Plumbing supplies
• ...and more.

Money raised for the Rainy Day Fund will be used to buy materials for those who cannot afford them.

To contribute to the Rainy Day Fund click the button below and select Rainy Day Fund for the designation.

Thank you for your support!

CHEER

Thank you to the wonderful volunteers from Nestle Corp. for assisting our CHEER clients with lawn care. The hours spent mowing, raking, weeding, and planting were very much appreciated by our clients. One client commented, "This is the best my yard has looked in years!"

For more information on CHEER, or to volunteer, click here.

Mentoring

On Thursday, August 18, we hosted an in-person Mentor Roundtable where some of our volunteers were able to share their thoughts, learn about resources and upcoming events, and bounce activity ideas off of one another. Our mentors are always looking for new ways to provide support to their mentees and help them achieve their goals. This was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate. Pictured here are Dan, Fran, Robin, and Alicia

Do you know of a youth between the ages of 8 - 18 who could benefit from being matched with a mentor? Please visit our website and fill out the form: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/6139664/Mentee-Application-Form

Would you like to become a mentor? To be considered for our next mentor training on Saturday, October 1, please contact Lisa Tredici at ltredici@bergenvolunteers.org or 201.221.4706. Only serious candidates should apply.

Redefining Retirement

Volunteering was completely new to Amy when she started with our Redefining Retirement program back in 2019. Having recently retired from a long career in Human Resources where she specialized in Organizational Development (for which she holds a PhD), Amy stumbled upon our website and has never looked back. Amy’s HR background has been a perfect match for her liaison role with our Redefining Retirement program. She loves helping retirees discover opportunities to engage with their communities in new ways through volunteerism. She encourages retirees to think deeply about how they wish to volunteer - be it in a role that aligns with their background or to take advantage of the freedom to try something entirely new.

Thank you Amy for all that you do!

Would you like to share your retirement volunteering story? Contact Melissa at melissal@bergenvolunteers.org or 201.221.4705.

For more information on Redefining Retirement email retirement@bergenvolunteers.org.

Teen LEADS

Thank you to the twenty-seven students who participated in our Teen LEADS Summer Intensive. The 4-day program was packed with leadership lessons and activities. We were fortunate to have exceptional guest speakers, including:

• Bergen County Commissioner Tom Sullivan
• Lawrence Inserra, III, President of Inserra PriceRite
• Realf Schermer, Deputy Chief of Staff for NJ State Senator Gordon M. Johnson
• Janet Sharma, Board Chair at Flat Rock Brook and Age-Friendly Englewood Coordinator

As the school year starts, we are excited to bring Teen LEADS back in to the schools. If you are interested in bringing LEADS to your school contact Jodi at jmurphy@bergenvolunteers.org.

Meet Mentoring Volunteer, Dan Bruen

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am retired after an over 40-year career in engineering and construction management in NYC. I have lived in Bergen County for over 30 years with my wife. Our two grown children attended high school at RDHS. 

Why did you want to become a volunteer?

I have been blessed with a wonderful family, great friends and a successful career over the course of my life. In retirement I wanted to pay it forward by serving our community and helping others. 

What led you to Bergen Volunteers?

I was looking for volunteer opportunities in Bergen County. A Google search led me to Bergen Volunteers. On the Bergen Volunteers website I found a tremendous selection of ways to volunteer across a wide spectrum of interests and organizations. The links found on the website made it very easy to connect to the groups that met my interests. 

How has your volunteer experience been so far?

My volunteer experiences have been extremely rewarding. In addition to being able to give back to my community I have met and worked alongside volunteers from seniors to teenagers and made unexpected and wonderful social connections. 

Has there been a moment, while volunteering for Bergen Volunteers, that has inspired you or moved you?

After my first mentoring meeting, my mentee commented to his mom that spending time with me was better than therapy. Feedback like that truly made me feel valued and inspired.  

What has been the best experience you have had volunteering?

The comradery and giving spirit of my fellow volunteers at the Open Door Community Center, a food bank in South Hackensack and Eva’s Place in Paterson where we serve breakfast and lunch to those in need have reinforced my desire to volunteer and serve my community. 

Would you recommend volunteering with Bergen Volunteers to others?

I would absolutely recommend Bergen Volunteers. The support I have received when I got involved in the Mentoring Program from screening to orientation to follow up feedback and support have helped me get over any uncertainty I had getting into the program and will ensure that my experience will be successful and rewarding. 

Are you interested in being featured in an upcoming Volunteer Spotlight?

Click the button below to complete the form. All submission will be considered for upcoming spotlights.

Buddies of NJ, Inc. (NJB), 501(c)(3) is Bergen and Passaic County’s Premier AIDS SERVICE ORGANIZATION.

Buddies provides NJHS Licensed Substance Abuse Counseling & Treatment Services; Free Rapid HIV Testing & Counseling; PrEP Counseling and Linkage; Community Health Workers for Re-engagement; Case Management; Medical Case Management; Housing & Housing Assistance; Dental Services; Counseling Services; YMSM Support Spot; Peer Support Groups; Transportation; and a Food Bank.

For more information about Buddies of NJ click here.

The Buddies of NJ is one of our agency member partners. Interested in becoming an agency member? Click her to find out more.

BCB Community Bank has been servicing large and small accounts for business and personal needs since its inception in November 2000. The bank was founded by community members to serve the community, its residents, businesses, and has branches throughout New Jersey and New York. BCB Community Bank has never diverged from its mission of  being ‘your community bank’ to facilitate growth. The bank believes in investing in the communities it serves, helping families buy homes, assisting businesses to grow and succeed, and making dreams come true. Bergen Volunteers is proud to collaborate with BCB Community Bank.

Donor Spotlight 

Donor Klaus Kretschmer discovered our All Wrapped Up program in 2016 and thus began his relationship with Bergen Volunteers. Klaus, originally from Germany but has resided in Demarest for many years, donates consistently to Bergen Volunteers because of “the support we provide for so many throughout Bergen County.” Klaus also donates to a number of international charities supporting animals and children. He knows his contributions make a significant difference to children and families needing help right here in Bergen County. Thank you, Klaus, for your support!

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 September, please consider donating to Bergen Volunteers. Your donations have a direct impact on the lives of others.

Your contribution of…

• $150 supports one grocery gift card for a CHEER client in need.
• $250 provides training materials for Mentoring to recruit and onboard new mentors to connect with at risk individuals.
• $500 supports a Bergen READS class for one full school year.
• $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.