Bergen Volunteers Buzz September 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!

It would be easy to forget to recognize and express our thanks during these difficult times. The COVID-19 pandemic, weather disasters and social unrest have made 2020 a year we’ll long remember. But there are those who have really stepped up to help meet the challenges.   Our staff, Board, volunteers, donors, and the general Bergen County community have all been tremendously supportive and encouraging. Their dedication and caring are memories we’ll share for years to come. To all whom have gone the extra mile, thank you – and thank you again. With Gratitude, Lee Michelson Interim CEO

Meet Nina! Read her Q&A for the Bergen Buzz! Bergen Buzz: What attracted you to want to become Bergen Volunteers’ CEO? Nina Bachrach — I have a passion for service to the community and have long admired Bergen Volunteers' mission and vision. I appreciate that Bergen Volunteers is consistent in its efforts to provide support where needed. It’s a terrific organization with a wonderful ability to collaborate across all sectors, which strengthens the diversity of its programs. BB: What is your leadership style? NB — Teamwork, support, and collaboration. They sound like buzz words, but I am truly here to help. The staff at Bergen Volunteers is dedicated, enthusiastic, and positive. They’ve performed admirably in response to the pandemic and through the CEO change. I look forward to working together to strengthen the organization. BB: What challenges do you see for the organization? NB — Initially, I am in learning mode, to see where we can strengthen existing programs and ensure we are fiscally sustainable in these uncertain times. And then there’s COVID-19 which has exposed many gaps in the social safety net within Bergen County. Because of its long-time efforts in the community, Bergen Volunteers is in a unique position to help other nonprofits and all sectors come together to address these gaps. I am excited to contribute to making these partnerships and collaborations happen and continuing the Bergen Volunteers legacy of being a change-maker in the community.

Upcoming Events

Caring Today, Strengthening Tomorrow: An E-Commemoration of E-ssential Volunteers Join Bergen Volunteers on October 20, 2020 at 7 pm via Zoom in honoring those in the community making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic. This virtual commemoration event will honor exemplary individuals, companies and organizations that support keeping Bergen County safe throughout COVID-19.

Purchase 50/50 Raffle Tickets! Participate in our Gift Card Give Back Program! Sponsor or Place An Ad in our Virtual Journal!  Donate towards Program Support! Learn how here!

MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST AND MUSICAL PERFORMERS!

Alyssa Goldman

Mel Robbins

Quinton Smith

Program Updates Bergen LEADS Meet the new class of Bergen LEADErs here. Members come from the non profit, business, education, healthcare, law and public safety sectors. CHORE With PPE and social distancing measures in place, our CHORE vans are back on the road! Our volunteers are happy to be serving Bergen County seniors again and we’re always on the lookout for new volunteers to join our ranks. We are especially looking for drivers! If interested, please email successfulaging@bergenvolunteers.org. Mentoring A global pandemic will not stop the Successful Families’ mentoring programs from flourishing! Thanks to the use of virtual platforms, the steady flow of referrals from our local partners, and our mentors' dedication we continue to thrive! As we continue to make matches, we will be hosting a Mentor Training session on Saturday, October 3rd. Due to limited room capacity, we can only accept and train 3 more volunteers for Mentoring Youth and the Mentoring Moms and Dads programs. We are in need of a male volunteer to mentor a Spanish-speaking Dad. Interested volunteers must fill out this application to be considered. To start the process of becoming a mentor, please fill out the Volunteer Application form here! Redefining Retirement The Redefining Retirement team has been identifying potential volunteer opportunities that can be performed on a virtual or remote basis, in partnership with our agencies. While social services and non-profit organizations continue to re-open in a controlled and safe manner, not all volunteer needs require on-site support at this time. For more information about Redefining Retirement e-mail us at retirement@bergenvolunteers.org or call 201-489-9454 extension 210.

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

Thank you to Konica Minolta, PSEG, Rockland Electric, and SHARP Electronics for sponsoring this year's Tools for Schools initiative! Thank you to all of the generous community members that donated school supplies to students in need! Through your support we are able to bridge the gap between disadvantage and academic success!

Thank you to Ed Lipiner who is celebrating 5 years as a CHORE volunteer! Thank you to Mike Wilkie who is celebrating 10 years as a CHORE volunteer!

Support Us

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