Bergen Volunteers Buzz
June 2020
What is the Buzz?
Bergen Volunteers Buzz is our monthly newsletter highlighting organizational news, events, updates, and volunteer opportunities. Look out for our newsletter at the beginning of every month to stay connected with your friends at  Bergen Volunteers!
Upcoming Events
Program Updates
Bergen LEADS, College LEADS, and Teen LEADS
Bergen LEADS 2020 is winding down for the year. Their plan is to finish up their project over the summer as we work to figure out what sort of format we will be able to use. This has been a terrific group and has managed to adapt, survive, and flourish in the midst of a global pandemic.  Bergen LEADS 2021 - We have a new class. We have 25 members, from law and banking to non profit management, education and professional services, with everything in between. We are excited to get started in September. We continue to finish up the year with our College LEADS students at Bergen Community College and our high schoolers at Applied Technology High School
Redefining Retirement
The Redefining Retirement team continues to meet weekly to work on marketing, communications, and updates on materials. This includes revisions to their brochure, poster, web presence, and application documents. One major action item that is under way is streamlining their Volunteer Spreadsheet to represent reportable data more efficiently. On Thursday, June 11th, they are planning to host a virtual meeting to discuss the updates that they have been making with the Redefining Retirement program participants.
Successful Families
The Successful Families team is continuing to receive referrals for Mentoring Moms & Dads and Mentoring Youth, as well as volunteer applications. We are excited to be able to continue our programs virtually. In the past month, we have checked-in with those enrolled in our programs. As a result, we distributed Shoprite gift cards to those in need. As a Mother’s Day treat, Bergen County Mocha Moms, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to promoting sisterhood, support and service in our communities, surprised all of the Moms enrolled in our program with Target gift cards. We are grateful when other organizations share our vision to improve the lives of others.
Volunteer Opportunities
A great way to receive information about what is going on with volunteering in our area is for you to create a user account on our Get Connected database. While many opportunities are unavailable at this time due to COVID19, you can post your information including your skills and your interests. You will receive information on opportunities that match your information. Access the database here . While in person volunteering is limited during this time of the pandemic, remember how much our non-profits will need your continued support as community activity opens up and we get back to the business of helping others. 
Thank You
Meet Francesca Laurito, our student intern from the Senior Experience program at Applied Technology High School.

Since September 2019 Franceca has been working in the office helping with our census outreach and Strengthening Community activities. Thank you Francesca for your hard work and support all year. We wish you success on your new adventure at Drew University!


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