Monday, April 24, 2017

Meet the Chore Volunteers - Herman!

Herman Wahlers is an 8-year member of the Monday Chore Van #3 crew.  When he is not volunteering with Chore or with his church, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and tinkering on things around the house.


He remembers a 102 year-old client who looked and acted 20 years younger.  She told the crew that her children only recently suggested that she give up driving.  He says that experience gave him inspiration to stay active and enjoy every moment.  “I think that Chore is a nice service that allows elderly people to remain in their homes where they feel more comfortable.”






To celebrate this incredibly impactful program that enables thousands of seniors and disabled individuals to live safely and independently in their homes, please join us at the 40th Anniversary of Chore BeefsteakDinner!

Saturday, May 13, 2017
6 pm -10 pm
Camp Merritt-Cresskill American Legion
Tickets are $50
Includes dinner, soda, beer, wine and dessert!  Catered by Nightingale!
Entertainment provided by the Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos!


Visit bergenvolunteers.org/chore-beefsteak.html or call 201-489-9454 to purchase your tickets TODAY!

Monday, April 17, 2017

Meet the Chore Volunteers - Bruce, Carlos, Rich, and Jim!


Bruce Linke, Carlos Ramirez, Rich Heslin and Jim Bergen make up the Wednesday, Chore Van #1 crew.

Many Chore clients have been helped by Chore for many years.  The clients feel comfortable with the men and women who have been coming to their homes regularly—they often bake special treats like cookies and cakes for their special crews.


Mrs. L writes: “I feel so fortunate to have found Chore.  I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful help in Bergen County.  The men who come to help us are so very professional and very nice.  You have no idea how badly we seniors can be taken for granted by ‘so-called’ handymen who may advertise in the local newspapers.  I so appreciate you folks for your kindness and expertise.”

To celebrate this incredibly impactful program that enables thousands of seniors and disabled individuals to live safely and independently in their homes, please join us at the 40th Anniversary of Chore BeefsteakDinner!

Saturday, May 13, 2017
6 pm -10 pm
Camp Merritt-Cresskill American Legion
Tickets are $50
Includes dinner, soda, beer, wine and dessert!  Catered by Nightingale!
Entertainment provided by the Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos!


Visit bergenvolunteers.org/chore-beefsteak.html or call 201-489-9454 to purchase your tickets TODAY!

Friday, April 14, 2017

Ramsey Company Brings the Joy of Reading to Local Children

Thanks to Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA, over 350 new children’s books were distributed through the Bergen Volunteer Center’s Books in a Bag program. The Books in a Bag drive engages companies in employee volunteering and workplace giving. 
           
The drive took place in March as part of National Reading Month at Konica Minolta’s Ramsey facility and included a $375 donation. The books were given to students in a local grade school.

“Konica Minolta Business Solutions is a great community partner with a strong understanding of what is needed to do good,” says Lynne Algrant, CEO of the Bergen Volunteer Center.


The Bergen Volunteer Center 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! For more information about the BVC, contact Maureen Cameron at 201-489-9454, ext. 204 or mcameron@bergenvolunteers.org.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

In Support of Mental Health Awareness


Volunteer mentors with the Mentoring Moms program attended the Mental Health First Aid training which was offered at Bergen Community College on Friday, April 7, 2017.  Mentors gained valuable understanding how best to offer support to someone who may be in emotional distress.  Upon completion of the 8-hour course, participants are certified in Mental Health First Aide and are trained to provide initial help to people experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis and substance abuse disorders.   

Mentor Marcie Singer, who attended the class said of the workshop,“This is a must class for everyone, for life.  Just like first aid/CPR. A great certification…for all of life's challenges.” Special thanks to Professor Kathleen Pignatelli, Director of the Bergen Community College Wellness Center for offering this opportunity to Mentoring Moms mentors.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Meet the Chore Volunteers - Tim!

In addition to being a part of the Wednesday, Chore Van # 2 crew for the past 8 years, Tim Africano also spends time volunteering at his town’s elementary school, tutoring 4th graders in math, spelling and science, in addition to volunteering at Holy Name Hospital where he helps out by  transporting patients and running various other errands for different departments throughout the hospital.

When he is not volunteering, Tim enjoys long distance running, reading and playing with his Old English Sheepdog.


“Chore ultimately is an expression of love toward our neighbors in the community. To be a part of a program that keeps vulnerable people safe in their homes at no cost to them other than that of the supplies is amazing and awesome.   I volunteer for Chore because I enjoy using various tools, working with my hands to complete projects in a professional manner, and for the incredible camaraderie I feel towards my fellow crew members.  We once helped a young woman who had no use of her legs. This made me realize how lucky I am to be healthy and able-bodied.”   

To celebrate this incredibly impactful program that enables thousands of seniors and disabled individuals to live safely and independently in their homes, please join us at the 40th Anniversary of Chore BeefsteakDinner!

Saturday, May 13, 2017
6 pm -10 pm
Camp Merritt-Cresskill American Legion
Tickets are $50
Includes dinner, soda, beer, wine and dessert!  Catered by Nightingale!
Entertainment provided by the Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos!


Visit bergenvolunteers.org/chore-beefsteak.html or call 201-489-9454 to purchase your tickets TODAY!

Thursday, April 6, 2017

FREE WEBINAR: Marketing for Nonprofit

The Bergen Volunteer Center is offering a variety of free live webinars on various topics. These one-hour online sessions are for anyone who wants to continually learn or get more information on a topic. Our next topic is Marketing on a Shoestring: Take a Step Back in Order to Move Forward. Please join us Wednesday, April 26 from 1:00 - 2:00pm.  Register here.

Does your not-for-profit organization struggle to get its message across to its target audience? Even if your organization does not have the resources to employ a marketing staff, there are actions you can take to better communicate your message and achieve your marketing goals, whether those goals are to reach new people, strengthen ties to your existing audience, raise funds or grow your organization. Learn the steps you need to take and what tools are at your disposal.

At the end of the webinar participants will know:
  • The steps you need to take to create a marketing plan 
  • Key elements of your marketing plan 
  • Mistakes to avoid 
Who should attend?
  • Executive Directors, Senior Staff Members, Staff Members at not-for-profits with little or no marketing support


About the Speaker

Alan Levine
Levine Marketing Solutions

Alan Levine is President of Levine Marketing Solutions, a full-service provider of marketing, business development and communications services for professional service firms and not-for-profit organizations, focusing on marketing strategy and execution. He has extensive experience in the full range of marketing and communications, including marketing planning and implementation, advertising and collateral material, market research, community service, marketing events, public and media relations, social media and customer research. Alan is a hands-on marketer, rolling up his sleeves as necessary to ensure that his clients achieve their marketing objectives.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Meet the Chore Volunteers - Nunzio, Al, and Joe!

When the Chore Handyman Service was established 40 years ago, it was with 2 goals in mind:  to organize handy volunteers who would perform minor home repairs to keep senior and disabled homeowners safe in their own homes, AND to provide a satisfying volunteer experience for people with repair skills.

That’s why each volunteer is part of a crew of 2 to 4 people—they are always assigned together and travel in the same truck each week.  Long standing friendships have been formed, and the volunteers learn repair tips and techniques from each other.




Nunzio Garzino, Al Ott and Joe Vaccaro are the Thursday, Chore Van # 2 crew.


Mrs. B., a Chore client, writes:  “Thank goodness for Chore!  My front door entrance is well lit now.  Your representatives are so very professional.”

To celebrate this incredibly impactful program that enables thousands of seniors and disabled individuals to live safely and independently in their homes, please join us at the 40th Anniversary of Chore BeefsteakDinner!

Saturday, May 13, 2017
6 pm -10 pm
Camp Merritt-Cresskill American Legion
Tickets are $50
Includes dinner, soda, beer, wine and dessert!  Catered by Nightingale!
Entertainment provided by the Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos!


Visit bergenvolunteers.org/chore-beefsteak.html or call 201-489-9454 to purchase your tickets TODAY!