MLK Day Collection Success!

The Volunteer Center held a collection in conjunction with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service during the week of January 12 and it was a roaring success.  A big thank you to all who participated!

We collected items for the Bergen County Division of Veterans Services and Streetsmart Outreach in assisting homeless veterans and youth in the area. Below is a list of just some of the amazing donations made to our collection. 

• 90 warm blankets
• 200 sets of hats, gloves and scarves
• 50 sweatshirts, sweatpants
• 30 warm coats and jackets
• $2,000 worth of toiletries
• Sleeping bags
• Hand and foot warmers
• Cereal, granola bars, baby formula, soups and Ensure
• Gift cards to local restaurants

If you are interested in getting involved in other Volunteer Center activities like this one check us out at bergenvolunteers.org.

Bring the Joy of Reading to a Child: Companies Needed to Donate Books

Studies show that reading to a child, especially early learners, is the single most important thing a parent can do to help the child acquire language, develop a love of learning and prepare for school - leading to greater academic success.

Often, children in low-income families lack access to books. These families are struggling to pay for rent, utilities and food, so books are far down on the list of must-have items.

To address this need, The Volunteer Center of Bergen County’s Business Volunteer Council, has kicked off its annual Books in a Bag campaign. The goal of the program is to collect 5,000 NEW books between January 21st and March 2nd. The books will be distributed to children enrolled in Mentoring Youth and Mentoring Moms, which are programs of the Volunteer Center that provide mentors to children and families in need. Books suitable for ages preschool through high school level are needed.

The campaign will culminate on Read Across America Day on March 2nd, which also commemorates Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel’s March birthday. On that day, the collected books will be delivered to the children by dozens of corporate volunteers, who will also stay to read to the younger children.

Companies or individuals are invited to bring the joy of reading to a child. Books in a Bag is an onsite volunteer project perfect for companies of any size. Participating companies will receive a toolkit with detailed instructions on successfully implementing the program. For more information, contact Erica West, Director of Corporate Engagement, at ewest@bergenvolunteers.org or call 201-489-9454, x133.

Individuals may purchase books online by going to nnjbvc.org. Those books will be shipped to the Volunteer Center, then assembled in backpacks and delivered to children. The deadline for ordering books is February 13th.

“Since 2000, 75,000 books have been distributed to 15,000 children in low-income families through Books in a Bag”, says Erica West, Director of Corporate Engagement at the Volunteer Center. “Getting involved in this initiative is a great way for a company to do good work in the community. As Dr. Seuss said, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’”

The Business Volunteer Council gives businesses a platform to successfully engage employees through volunteer service and workplace giving. The BVC provides customized volunteer projects, including skills-based volunteering and support for corporate social responsibility initiatives. The BVC makes doing good an easy part of doing business by building high-impact employee led-programs that are locally significant and socially relevant. Companies with the right engagement tools and guidance can create incredible social change, while having a fun, memorable team building experience!

Measles:Infectious Disease vs. Vaccination - Plus Exciting Advances in Treatment of Diseases

Often referred to as the best networking event in Bergen County, Fifth Friday will kick off the year, Friday, January 30, at the Stony Hill Inn, with its first Fifth Friday luncheon of 2015.

 

Our topic is Measles: Infectious Disease vs. Vaccination Plus Exciting Advances in Treatment of Diseases and our keynote speaker is infectious disease specialist Peter A. Gross, M.D.,  Executive Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer at Hackensack University Medical Center, and Professor of medicine, preventative medicine, and community health at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.  He has published over 250 articles on implementing quality improvement, hospital epidemiology and influenza vaccine.  
 

Who knew Infectious Diseases would be such a hot topic! Our speaker is highly regarded in this field, and will share not only current thought but also first hand experience with treatment of infectious diseases.

 

Additional Fifth Friday networking luncheons are scheduled for May 29 and October 30.  Tickets are $40.00 and must be purchased in advance by registering online at www.bergenleads.org or by calling 201-489-9454 Ext. 112.

Sponsorships for the January 30 event are available. For more information about the Fifth Friday events, or about Bergen LEADS, call 201-489-9454 Ext. 112.

Candidates Sought for Leadership Program

Bergen LEADS - an innovative, 10-month learning and leadership program for adults who live or work in Bergen County - is now accepting applications for the Class of 2016. Bergen LEADS, now in its sixth year, is offered by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County.

Under the guidance of former Bergen County Executive William “Pat” Schuber, the LEADS Seminar Director, participants are immersed in a stimulating curriculum that introduces them to issues of local importance and encourages them to explore their leadership style, enhance their leadership capacity and become meaningfully engaged in helping to solve some of the challenges facing Bergen County.

The online application form for the Class of 2016, which begins in September 2015, can be accessed at www.bergenleads.org and is due by April 11, 2015. Each candidate must complete a simple individual profile form and provide essay answers to specific questions. The new class of 30 participants will be announced in June.

“When you look at recent history, the major turmoils are caused in part, by a lack of effective leadership at many levels,” says Janet Sharma, the Center’s executive director. “Consequently, a persistent question facing every sector is ‘where will the next generation of ethical, effective leaders come from?’” Enter Bergen LEADS, which prepares leaders to take the helm in the years ahead.

“Diversity of participants is essential,” continues Ms. Sharma. Applicants from business, nonprofit, civic and faith-based organizations and government agencies, as well as from the community at large, are encouraged to apply. Bergen LEADS seeks representation from the broad array of ethnic, racial, religious and socio-economic groups within Bergen County. Tuition for Bergen LEADS is $2,000 per person; scholarship assistance is available for those with financial need.

“Bergen LEADS will help participants see the community – and themselves – through new eyes,” says Ms. Sharma. “The curriculum is interactive, fast-paced and experiential. Field trips and site visits built into each seminar day will bring Bergen County to life.”

Bergen LEADS has an active graduate organization – Alumni of Bergen LEADS (ABL) - to keep LEADS alumni engaged and active throughout their careers in Bergen County.

Additional information about the program is available at www.bergenleads.org or by contacting Beanne DeGuzman at 201-489-9454 Ext. 112, or bdeguzman@bergenvolunteers.org.

Funding for Bergen LEADS is provided by participant tuition plus generous contributions from individuals and area corporations and foundations, including PNC Wealth Management, United Water, Lillian Pitkin Schenck Fund and Wells Fargo.

PNC Bank to sponsor Fifth Friday Networking Events

PNC Wealth Management has signed on as the 2015 lead sponsor for the Volunteer Center of Bergen County’s Fifth Friday, a powerful networking and learning event that attracts leaders from every sector in Bergen County.

Fifth Friday luncheons will take place this year on January 30, May 29 and October 30 at the Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack - the perfect venue for stimulating conversation, a delicious lunch and high profile speakers.

“Fifth Friday is an excellent fit with our stated purpose of developing networks and exploring current issues,” says Janet Sharma, CEO of the Volunteer Center. “Response to the event has been overwhelming, and we’re very excited to have the support of PNC Wealth Management for the series this year.”

“Extending PNC Wealth Management’s sponsorship of the Volunteer Center's Fifth Friday series into 2015 simply makes sense,” says Theresa de Leon, senior vice president and director of PNC Wealth Management. “PNC is committed to leadership within Bergen County and there is no better way to demonstrate that than by supporting a premiere event that reaches hundreds of organizations and leaders in the community.”

In addition to presenting Fifth Fridays, the Volunteer Center sponsors Bergen LEADS, the area’s premier civic leadership program, which is currently accepting applications for its next class, beginning in September 2015. The online application form for the Class of 2016 can be accessed at www.bergenleads.org and is due by April 11. Each candidate must complete a simple individual profile form and provide essay answers to specific questions. Tuition for Bergen LEADS is $2,000 per person; scholarship assistance is available for those with financial need.

For more information about the Fifth Friday events, or about Bergen LEADS, call 201-489-9454 Ext. 112.

Thank Your Mentor Day

As a centerpiece of National Mentoring Month, January 2015, Thank Your Mentor Day is celebrated today, Thursday, January 15th.  Many Americans will reach out to thank or honor those individuals who encouraged and guided them, and who had a lasting impact on their lives.

 

The theme for National Mentor Month is “Mentoring Works! Be someone who matters to someone who matters.”  The goal is to encourage people to think about individuals in their lives during their formative years—family members, teachers, coaches, neighbors, employers, friends—who encouraged them, showed them the ropes, and helped them become who they are today.  Then, thank them and encourage others to become mentors.

 

“Most people have someone who helped them somewhere along the line,” says Janet Sharma, CEO of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County.  “This is a chance to say ‘thank you’ and at the same time take advantage of this national initiative to inspire others to become mentors.”

 

Thank Your Mentor Day promotes “Four Ways to Honor Your Mentor”:

• Contact your mentor directly to express your appreciation
• “Pass it on” by becoming a mentor to someone in your community
• Make a financial contribution to a local mentoring program, like the Volunteer Center’s Mentoring Moms and Mentoring Youth Programs.
• Write a tribute to your mentor for posting on the national mentoring website www.WhoMentoredYou.org

 

The Volunteer Center has been sponsoring mentoring programs for over 30 years, and is currently in need of men and women to become volunteer mentors to meet the increasing needs in several areas of the community.  There is an especially great need for male mentors and bi-lingual Spanish speaking volunteers of both sexes.

 

For more information about becoming a mentor, call the Volunteer Center of Bergen County at (201) 489-9454, or visit their website at www.bergenvolunteers.org and click on Bergen Mentors.

January is National Mentoring Month

The Fourteenth Annual National Mentoring Month is scheduled for January 2015.   

 

The Harvard Mentoring Project of the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership jointly created National Mentoring Month, and are collaborating with the HandsOn Network, as well as other non profit groups to reach out to Americans to become a mentor to a child or adult because “Mentoring Works!”

 

According to MENTOR magazine, research has demonstrated that mentoring is a critical support strategy that positively impacts academic achievement in youth, workforce development and behavioral outcomes for all.  A mentor working with overwhelmed parents can help the entire family thrive and has been shown to lower or prevent instances of child abuse/neglect.

 

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County, the local affiliate of the Hands On Network, has been sponsoring mentoring programs for over 30 years, and is currently in need of men and women age 18 and up to become volunteer mentors to meet the increasing needs in several areas of the community.

 

Through the Mentoring Youth Program, caring men and women provide guidance, friendship and support to abused and neglected children ages 5 to 18.  There are a number of youth waiting to be matched with someone with whom they can develop a positive relationship. There is an especially great need for male mentors and bi-lingual, Spanish speaking mentors of both sexes.  Winter training starts January 28th.

 

Mentoring Moms are women who make a difference in the lives of isolated and overwhelmed mothers of all ages.  The volunteers spend time with mothers who have experienced difficulty in coping with parenting, managing households, providing for their children or other obstacles. The mentors listen, share ideas and offer encouragement, so that the mothers can improve their lives and that of their children.  Bi-lingual Spanish speaking women are also needed to become mentors for this program as well.  Training begins February 2nd.

 

Free three or four-week training sessions  are  provided to mentors in both programs.  During this time, the volunteers take workshops on developing listening skills,

communication and problem solving.  Guest speakers such as current mentors or mentees  share their experiences so that new mentors have the background and knowledge to help support their mentees.  All mentors undergo a comprehensive screening process which includes fingerprinting and other background checks.

 

For more on mentoring or other volunteer opportunities visit bergenvolunteers.org.

Fifth Friday Examines Infectious Disease and Public Health

How a Killer Virus can treat a Killer Disease

The first Fifth Friday luncheon of 2015 will be held on January 30, 2015 from 11:30 am to 2 pm at the Stony Hill Inn, 231 Polifly Road in Hackensack.  Additional luncheons are scheduled for May 29 and October 30.  Tickets are $40.00 and must be purchased in advance by registering online at www.bergenleads.org or by calling 201-489-9454 Ext. 112.

 

Often referred to as the best networking event in Bergen County, Fifth Friday is hosted by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County. 

 

Keynote speaker is infectious disease specialist Peter A. Gross, M.D.,  Executive Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer at Hackensack University Medical Center, and Professor of medicine, preventative medicine, and community health at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.  He has published over 250 articles on implementing quality improvement, hospital epidemiology and influenza vaccine. 

 

His topic will be “Science fiction and the successful treatment of lymphoma”.  How a virus that was formerly a killer is now used to save the lives of patients with lymphoma and acute lymphocytic leukemia and what this means for the future of cancer treatments.

 

PNC Wealth Management has returned as the presenting sponsor for the 2015 Fifth Friday series. Fifth Friday is also sponsored by Archer & Greiner, Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, Synetek Solutions, and Lakeland Bank.

 

Sponsorships for the January 30 event are available. For more information about the Fifth Friday events, or about Bergen LEADS, call 201-489-9454 Ext. 112.

 

 

 

MLK Day Collection for Homeless Vets and Youth

What is the MLK Day of Service?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"  Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.

The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.  Find more volunteer opportunities at MLKDay.gov.

 

What is the Volunteer Center doing?                                                          

The Volunteer Center  will be partnering with the Bergen County Division of Veterans Services and Streetsmart Outreach in assisting homeless veterans and youth in the area.    

                             

Donations of backpacks, blankets, sleeping bags, toiletry kits (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, comb/brush, razor, shaving cream, feminine products, small bag to hold items and a set of towels), wind up flashlights, can openers, zip lock bags, small first aid kits, socks, undergarments for men and women, sweatshirts, flannel shirts, thermal tops and bottoms in all sizes to extra large, winter boots, gloves, hats and coats, bottled water, pop-top foods like fruit, soup, stew, etc.,  individual snack packs of granola bars, nuts, raisins, etc., bus tickets and gift cards to Walmart, Shop Rite, McDonald's, Subway,  and Pizza Hut are needed. 

Donors can drop off these items at the Volunteer Center's offices, 64 Passaic Street in Hackensack, during the week of January 12 to 16, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm,  

                              with evening hours till 7:00 pm on Thursday January 15.

   

Call Debbie Emery at 201-489-9454, ext. 118 for more information.