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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Note From Nina
Giving Thanks
This month is the beginning of a season of giving, in which we all focus even more on kindness and caring for one another. At Bergen Volunteers, this season always brings an uptick in those seeking to volunteer – and we welcome and thank you for helping us to support those in need.
As we continue our work on Ida recovery and relief, helping resettle Afghan refugees, food security, combating isolation, helping seniors age safely in place, and more, we are thankful for all of your collaboration and contributions to our cause.
We are also thankful for everyone who donated during our virtual gala celebration, from items for our auction, bidding, donating, buying raffle tickets, and celebrating our honorees, our signature event brought in much needed funds to help sustain us.
Also this season, and part of our gala celebration, is the 25th anniversary of All Wrapped Up. We urge you to get involved in this heartwarming and wonderful program. As we embark on this season of giving, THANK YOU for all that you give.
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Nina Bachrach
CEO, Bergen Volunteers
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Redefining Retirement Information Session
Nov 16, 2021
11-12pm
Zoom
Are you looking ways to repurpose your skills and life experiences?
During this session, liaisons will offer attendees insight into the nonprofit community, showing how new retirees can utilize their expertise and skills towards volunteer service.
Volunteers are needed for many roles across our member agencies. We will help you find the right opportunity for an enjoyable and worthwhile volunteer experience.
To register email:
retirement@bergenvolunteers.org.
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We're Hiring!
We're looking for a dynamic, exciting staff member to join our growing organization.
We are accepting applications for the following position:
Grants Manager
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Check out our latest Blog post:
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Our mentoring program has been running for over 42 years! If you have ever considered volunteering in a one-on-one setting, helping a Youth, a Caregiver, or a First Generation College Student to achieve goals and have fun, then look no further.
Our mentors are great listeners, non-judgmental, resourceful, and have a generous heart. Matches last for one year and consist of bi-weekly meetings. Volunteers enrolled in our long-term program must be at least 21 years old, complete an interview and criminal background check, as well as attend our 8-hour training course.
Our next mentor training is scheduled for Friday, November 12th. To be considered for a mentoring role, please fill out the application by clicking the button below.
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CHORE
We are delighted to welcome four new volunteers to our CHORE Program;
Stan Laser, Wayne Kinch, David Pfeffer, and Barry Arndt. They are all knowledgeable handymen willing to donate their time to help others. Each new volunteer has been paired with other team members who will get them on board with our program. We hope you will have a wonderful volunteer experience. Welcome!
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CHEER
We excited to partner with the Garfield High School Special Education Program on a holiday card initiative. The students in this program will be creating Thanksgiving and holiday cards for our Cheer clients. Many of our Cheer clients are also in the All Wrapped Up Program. Recipients are very appreciative, and grateful for the generosity of the donors. Between the homemade holiday cards and the All Wrapped Up Program, our clients are surely going to have a great holiday season.
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Making-It-Home
We are off to a great start this Fall, bringing gently-used furniture to clients who are leaving emergency shelters and moving into their new apartments. While we have a steady flow of furniture donations, we’re particularly in need of dining tables (48” or smaller) and accompanying chairs. Please send a photo with your name, address, cell phone number, and latest date for pick up to Cynthia.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Cynthia to discuss how you can play a significant role in bringing a safe and healthy “fresh start” to so many in need.
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All Wrapped Up
All Wrapped Up donor sign-ups are open.
Help make a difference in the lives of others by signing up to donate gifts to an individual, or a family. The gift you give may be the only one they receive this holiday season.
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Bergen Volunteers In-House Opportunities
Click on the opportunity to apply
Coming soon - Direct Service Programs In-house Administrative
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Thanksgiving Donations Needed |
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This Thanksgiving, Christ Church Community Development is helping to ensure everyone has a hot meal to enjoy. Please click on the button below to access the list of food items needed to supply the Bergen County Health and Human Service Center in Hackensack for the holiday season. Thank you for your support! |
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Englewood Housing Authority
Needs Meal Distribution Volunteers
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Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, November 8 through December 31 for both lunch and dinner. Sign up for one slot or multiple slot. |
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Agency Spotlight
Women's Rights Information Center
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Women's Rights Information Center has an ongoing need for winter coats for women and children as well as feminine hygiene products, and toiletries. To learn more about the specific needs please contact Sigrid Ceballos at 201-568-1166. Women's Rights Information Center provides knowledge and opportunities to support the economic aspirations, self-sufficiency, and emotional well-being of individuals so they may live with hope, security, and dignity.
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Women's Rights Information Center is one of our agency member partners. To spotlight your own organization, find out about becoming an agency member.
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We received a note from a parent of one of our mentees. In this note she went on the detail all of the wonderful things her daughter's mentor, Brittany, has been doing, including exploring parks, creating artwork, peach picking, and more. She said that she sees a big difference in her daughter since Brittany became her mentor.
She ended her note with this, "This program totally lights up special kids’ lives. With a good mentor, special kids who struggle can go through many challenges with the mentor’s care and friendship!"
Thank you Brittany for making a meaningful difference in the lives of both your mentee and her family.
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Community Partner Spotlight |
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We are very proud to have partnered with PSEG since 1994. Our relationship is built on common values: Community, matching resources to need, and volunteerism. PSEG’s Ida Victims Enhanced Energy Efficiency Incentive is a reflection of these ‘community-centric’ ideals. |
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Bergen Volunteers has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to identify qualified consultants to guide and execute a strategic planning process with our stakeholder community to inform a three year strategic plan to be implemented May 2022 - May 2025.
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Afghan Refugee Necessities Drive Success!
We are happy to report that your donations were transported by Nora and her team at Church World Service and distributed to refugees coming out of quarantine and resettling into their new homes. Thank you to everyone who donated! As we conclude the drive, we are thrilled to report that thousands of pounds of necessities were gathered to help our newcomers resettle with dignity and respect.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to Jamie and the students from the Yavneh Academy for making necessity bags for the refugees. Your generous donations, along with the beautiful drawings the students did on each bag, will bring much joy to our new neighbors.
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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.
GivingTuesday is November 30, 2021
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
This November, please consider donating to Bergen Volunteers. Your donations have a direct impact on the lives of others.
Your donation of $25-$50 can give a child set of books.
Your donation of $50-$100 can give a child a toy set.
Your donation of $100 or more can ensure a family has gifts to open this holiday season.
If you would like to donate, please click on either button below. 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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Do you have questions about any of the ways to donate to Bergen Volunteers?
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Bergen Volunteers
www.bergenvolunteers.org
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