tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10595492836198093562024-03-12T20:30:16.879-04:00Bergen Volunteerswww.bergenvolunteers.orgbergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.comBlogger923125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-73503953412127305752022-06-30T09:59:00.003-04:002022-07-01T09:14:22.122-04:00Independence <p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGidfXcbOZO_1Dztt2WmdzGWeR-_crLqm1BeI7a5K06-3hx1pqi35x9AjeABOtqwcwD4L12pr4rqPSd2s-19ZQdvlUupcKabMBU_16hkw0L1aam2u0PwrZmlVSm4KNyNBQefG0yriiI6HH0E9rrILdErUtyYgEhluQIVeHt2XCecp6et4mPj8t5RUAA/s1080/Untitled%20design%20(33).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGidfXcbOZO_1Dztt2WmdzGWeR-_crLqm1BeI7a5K06-3hx1pqi35x9AjeABOtqwcwD4L12pr4rqPSd2s-19ZQdvlUupcKabMBU_16hkw0L1aam2u0PwrZmlVSm4KNyNBQefG0yriiI6HH0E9rrILdErUtyYgEhluQIVeHt2XCecp6et4mPj8t5RUAA/s320/Untitled%20design%20(33).png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Posting this blog so close to the 4th of July may have you thinking this post is about Independence Day, but it is actually about something else - personal independence, the ability to live independently.<p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c0a49596-7fff-8685-76ca-0a4b415b728e"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first part of our lives we are completely dependent on the adults in our lives, be it parents, grandparents, or some other adult caretaker. We are unable to feed ourselves, clean ourselves, protect ourselves, shelter ourselves, basically we are vulnerable to everything. As time passes, we grow, we learn, we develop the skills needed to take care of ourselves. As teenagers we push for independence, we long for the day when we can be on our own, make our own rules, choose our own destinies. That day comes, and we head out into the world, on our personal path - career, family, travel, and all the adult responsibilities we spent our teenage years pining for. As adults, some of us live the lives we imagined we would, some of us strive everyday to achieve that goal life, and some of us resign ourselves to the life we ended up with. For most of us we are able to feed ourselves, shelter ourselves, keep ourselves healthy, transport ourselves, and earn money. As we do this, day in and day out, we take for granted our ability to live independently. Years go by, we get older, we get wiser, yet we don’t always see the possibilities that lie ahead.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we move into the latter part of our lives we may end up somewhere we never expected - alone, isolated, with a diminished capacity to live independently. Our faculties may betray us, causing us to no longer be able to transport ourselves. This means no trips to the grocery store, no running out to the library, and no meeting friends for lunch. What seemed like a simple household task, like changing a light bulb, may now be a dangerous endeavor if climbing onto a chair is involved. If we have adult children, they may have moved away. Our network of support may be shrinking. The more isolated we are, the more at risk we are for depression, cognitive decline, and other mental health issues. We want our independence. We want to stay in the house we made a home. We want to feel comfortable and in control. The reality though is that without support, tough decisions will need to be made. This may mean moving into a senior housing facility, assisted living community, or nursing home - places we never thought we would end up.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Studies show that on average, older adults who stay home, as opposed to moving into a nursing home, live 3.4 years longer. While there are many factors at play, it should not be overlooked that state of mind plays a part in our health. Losing our independence can have negative effects on our mental health. For some, based on health conditions, an assisted living community or nursing home may be the only option. However, others might just need help at home.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We want to be independent, but we don’t want to be alone. The reality is life bookends itself with dependency, with the difference being, at the start of the book there are more people who want to help us. So how do we maintain independence? How do we age in place? First, we have to take an honest look at our situation, current health conditions, and what assistance we need. Then we need to find the appropriate resources that will allow us to age in place. Programs like Bergen Volunteers’ CHEER, CHORE, and Mentoring assist older adults with errands, minor home repairs, and combating isolation. Of course, each person’s situation is different. For some, an assisted living facility may be the safest option, but for those who can stay home, there are resources available.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Letting go of our independence may be one of the hardest things we do in life. Being able to hang on to it for just a little longer, even in a lesser capacity, can make a big difference in our lives.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information on Bergen Volunteers Senior Programs visit: https://www.bergenvolunteers.org/programs</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-30336056139646269122021-12-09T08:50:00.002-05:002021-12-09T08:50:55.285-05:00A Story of Youth Volunteerism<p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>What impact can you make during a worldwide pandemic? </i></b> Let us tell you about two very productive youth, who went above and beyond. Emma (17), and David Wiser (20), both from Paramus, have been very busy during the time of COVID-19 in trying to clean up our local rivers, hiking trails, and streets. Having caught the trash clean-up bug from the Hackensack Riverkeeper volunteer organization, they have logged over 130 hours of volunteering in the last 12 months. In addition to paddling on a canoe and kayaks to clean up the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers, Emma and David have also performed over 50 miles of hiking along our neighborhood roads, parks, and trails to remove the trash buildup. Mostly they are finding plastic bottles, masks, and gloves, but they are also finding crazy things that have been thrown away so there’s a competitive game as to who finds the weirdest stuff on each trek. In 2021 alone, they youth have removed a total of 548 shopping bags of garbage!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being stuck in the house and attending school remotely was extremely hard for both youth. David is attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) as an Aerospace Engineer, and Emma is a senior in Paramus High School, who is currently applying to West Point Military Academy (among other schools). Emma volunteers in a number of organizations such as the H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Planet Earth) club and Boy Scouts of America as a Venturing Crew 1204 scout. She hopes to take her passion about the environment to study Environmental Sciences as a career. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK6pmu7-m3OIyhTRmce92Vkqpql00BNSHMQIHdYdj_8WGkLLB5q8y2-_ILvglWkn2v7rs7d12EKSuSdOECqqXFpIZH_tfwWMzgOmRUTN66O_VEfF8dtZm_GwMfIoIKfUnrKLskwyhagMBa64Cxuw5UlLX6cBdq1Zkz-f-VYBW2RHF6QBYy7XP35yg1kA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK6pmu7-m3OIyhTRmce92Vkqpql00BNSHMQIHdYdj_8WGkLLB5q8y2-_ILvglWkn2v7rs7d12EKSuSdOECqqXFpIZH_tfwWMzgOmRUTN66O_VEfF8dtZm_GwMfIoIKfUnrKLskwyhagMBa64Cxuw5UlLX6cBdq1Zkz-f-VYBW2RHF6QBYy7XP35yg1kA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrg95jx8LwmvporLLrnms16fACXT54HphfcAWIuIZVdv_UR9Z9NPi41mleCm5DnfYhT7kIvCl_DHdRDkmSfUW-L4teXEnqlWqPL9Uz_CgbAUsOgMrILNqurH87hrL5fMExyb5Bbbu9wVHYcm2MDQlye64HJ83DxGTNVkXWGcpKXaojtuRJ6nzFotmrMg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnsGUo9Ji2P1y3idTCTxKzFN0q2fw7qe3RAiDGJM_rUsGL3RFcxD7dRWehx7MOrdMxvN_dC1zE3saX6bBmFfGJvuWLBjObUSHUC8AZYdo24IlThEMgdayz-KvOAm3LXwHAVzXkMuYyyRt2hMOZPanWdOZ89r-_Q2msbeCypPYcTDNY7G-5aHjht57dUQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnsGUo9Ji2P1y3idTCTxKzFN0q2fw7qe3RAiDGJM_rUsGL3RFcxD7dRWehx7MOrdMxvN_dC1zE3saX6bBmFfGJvuWLBjObUSHUC8AZYdo24IlThEMgdayz-KvOAm3LXwHAVzXkMuYyyRt2hMOZPanWdOZ89r-_Q2msbeCypPYcTDNY7G-5aHjht57dUQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><p></p>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-11525488104634579462021-11-30T11:15:00.001-05:002021-11-30T11:15:44.430-05:00Give a Call<p><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Hello, is that you?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">In an age filled with communication consisting of texts, emails, IM, snaps, and tweets, has the art of a real live interactive telephone conversation gone to the wayside? The answer is, “No, not for everyone.”</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-bbdfaa24-7fff-1724-eb4c-bb17bc78c926"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Depending on your age, you may have seen and used a rotary phone, where noisily dialing (just) seven numbers could take a whole 15 seconds. These phones are now a novelty – a fun retro item you can buy on Amazon for about $70. As times have changed, society learned how to use a push button phone, followed by a cordless phone. Imagine the freedom of walking and talking without a cord! It was so liberating. “I’m talking to you from my basement!” We heard telephone carriers brag about fiber optics, a cutting edge technology used to transmit information through fibers made of glass over long distances. Now we use “cell” phones which are called cell phones because the network they connect to is a system of cells, each cell defined by a tower. More impressive than that, is the fact that the cells are connected to the network via communication with satellites. We can now use our cell phones just about anywhere - on planes, trains, and in automobiles. But with all this flexibility, statistics repeatedly show that people prefer to text rather than speak. According to research done by TextMagic.com, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the number of monthly texts sent has increased by more than 7,700% over the last decade.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is no denying the fact that sending a text is a great way to convey a quick, short message; perhaps a daily check-in for a friend or relative. Maybe a new driver lets his parents know he has arrived at his destination by sending a text. Or maybe a teenager meets her favorite celebrity and wants to let all of her friends know in a group text. While there are hundreds of emojis to add to a text, there isn’t one for every single situation, emotion, or feeling. How many times have you received a text containing a variety of typos - so much so, that you don’t understand the message? Or maybe you didn’t finish reading a text because you got distracted and forgot to go back to it? Your conversation remains unfinished. In some cases, the absence of a comma can change the entire meaning of a sentence. There are definite inefficiencies with texting that would not happen with a phone call. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Calling to talk to someone on the phone is intimate and transparent with a beginning and an end, hence the ‘Hello’ and ‘Goodbye’, phrases not necessarily used in texts. When you are on a phone call, you have to be engaged. You can’t just put the phone down and take a break from the conversation. You get to hear someone’s tone, voice fluctuation, or laugh. Hearing someone laugh is way better than looking at 20 laughing emojis. You could imagine the laugh, but why imagine it when you can hear it? When you are given the opportunity, consider making the call. You never know where the conversation may go. You could be changing the entire outlook of someone’s day! </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At Bergen Volunteers, the act of making phone calls is thriving. We have volunteers who sign up to do just that - call homebound senior citizens on a weekly basis. The seniors are thrilled to receive the call and know that someone cares. There is no structured format to the call, no list of questions to read through. Just two friends chatting about whatever they want. In some cases, the voice of the volunteer is the only one the senior is hearing all week. With the restrictions of the last eighteen months, there are so many seniors who feel isolated and lonely. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Would you consider making one phone call a week to lift the spirits of a senior? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more contact </span><a href="mailto:ltredici@bergenvolunteers.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lisa Tredici</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">at 201.221.4706 or ltredici@bergenvolunteers.org</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUOaSIz1pQbAYTkk8uuEAxMzWQrRTe8v29oFtyCAKMXuln2X7QlotEi2IWdk4nnOq-k14Y68Bq12ujGes95wdXFLdjMfC7H4tliZOSICuCJHva4zPjAvqQIaFjkrgBEFJ1zWPQ9czVeEI/s640/texting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="458" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUOaSIz1pQbAYTkk8uuEAxMzWQrRTe8v29oFtyCAKMXuln2X7QlotEi2IWdk4nnOq-k14Y68Bq12ujGes95wdXFLdjMfC7H4tliZOSICuCJHva4zPjAvqQIaFjkrgBEFJ1zWPQ9czVeEI/w437-h611/texting.png" width="437" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-32774185406381517982021-10-25T11:45:00.006-04:002021-10-26T08:57:17.624-04:00How do we inspire kids to give back?<p class="MsoNormal">We all have hopes for the future adults our children will
become. We hope they will be successful, we hope they will be happy, and we
hope they will make a positive impact on the world around them. We have schools
and teachers to educate them, prepare them for a career in the world. We have
family and friends to spend time with, to laugh with, and to show them what
happiness is. That leaves making a positive impact. Yes, this may go hand in
hand with the career they choose, but what if it doesn’t. What can they do, and
how can we teach them the impact of being charitable. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">First and foremost, we inspire children through the example
we set. A child who grows up in a charitable home, who takes part in
volunteering or donating, will learn what it means to give back. It is
important in these situations to always share the “why” with children. It is
great to have them go through the motions of volunteering; however, it makes
even more of an impression if they understand why they are volunteering. That
lasting impression will be the reason they carry on the tradition of being
charitable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One of our volunteers reached out with a story about her
son. For years she has been instilling in him the importance of giving back.
She has done this by including him in volunteer opportunities, and explaining
to him why she chooses to participate. One of the first opportunities she actively
included him in was an environmental clean-up. He was five years old at the
time. By the end of the day he was explaining to others the importance of
keeping plastic out of the waterways, and why you shouldn’t litter. Five years
later, and many more clean-ups under his belt, his conversation about taking
care of the environment has become more detailed and compelling. At the age of
eight he started helping shovel snow from the driveways and walkways of seniors
in his neighborhood. While delighted to receive the occasional batch of fresh
baked cookies in return, he was not doing this with the expectation of any kind
of reward. Rather, he was doing this with an understanding that sometimes
people need help, sometimes they are unable to do certain things, and for their
safety and well-being, it is important to lend a helping hand. More recently,
with the rise of food insecurities, he has been helping with meal deliveries
and distributions, carrying boxes in and out of drop points, and running
individual meals up to the homes of seniors in his community. Having these
opportunities to volunteer, and to understand the importance of his actions,
has left a lasting impression. He now jumps at the opportunity to help someone
in need.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Giving back looks different for each family. Some families
donate items, some give financially, and others donate their time. Many
families, in anticipation of the holidays, have their children select some of
their toys donate. Others will hand their children money to drop in a
collection bin. Those who choose to donate their time do so in a variety of
ways, as detailed in the story above. All of these ways of giving are
important; all of them make a positive impact.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Children are also inspired by what they read and what they
watch. Books like “The Giving Tree” and “When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars”
contain powerful messages about giving, and appreciation. Movies like “The
Lorax” and “Up” for younger children, and “Pay It Forward” for older children, teach
valuable lessons about giving and caring. A follow up discussion on the books and
movies will leave even more of an impression. Let the children tell you what
they thought about the story, what they thought was important, how the
characters made a positive impact on the world around them, and why that
matters.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">It seems appropriate to close with the words of Graham Nash,
“Teach your children well.” We are
raising future adults. What we do, what we show them, will have a direct effect
on who they will become. This November, in honor of GivingTuesday, what can you
do to inspire your children to give back? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVSO1ULez7Gyid6qET0_lcTZB5Jv-PjDnT9gmxHYCx2N5tqprbMKxqUBF-Lpb7o55Un8d-sBZMcwZSgROtPwiF-BhKEIxdKR4J_dhoQ2IdY4dVYIkXyPNPYMu4k7-fHO15MpMEYFmDRKh/s960/IMG-0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVSO1ULez7Gyid6qET0_lcTZB5Jv-PjDnT9gmxHYCx2N5tqprbMKxqUBF-Lpb7o55Un8d-sBZMcwZSgROtPwiF-BhKEIxdKR4J_dhoQ2IdY4dVYIkXyPNPYMu4k7-fHO15MpMEYFmDRKh/w231-h307/IMG-0856.JPG" width="231" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjdK4inXGYLmn900UB3xoXWV-wm7I-O7O0fP-P8eic-ZoO86Cv_MIa-7r_Uulp0qXMllTky-Qw2jq_hKYxtDhDrHCcvBb4QX8dGTg7mDGa6YDEZEx4EAKFO8LGHW-v5FBqOgghZy35Nmu/s960/IMG-0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjdK4inXGYLmn900UB3xoXWV-wm7I-O7O0fP-P8eic-ZoO86Cv_MIa-7r_Uulp0qXMllTky-Qw2jq_hKYxtDhDrHCcvBb4QX8dGTg7mDGa6YDEZEx4EAKFO8LGHW-v5FBqOgghZy35Nmu/w234-h309/IMG-0857.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqLL5LtoP1L6HEMSdpD_2qX4vFaUb5RT4XlmtRx9TPJby-CoTmUwKbOYc6Vh_ydVibOUkEadQ-x4BnP_uH4srzHeqtxD_6wc0iL8Po3kF7VwIvsnmAeutx-Do0T4X4Tb3YAeY5gpCUs2h/s1080/GivingTuesday+Blog+post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqLL5LtoP1L6HEMSdpD_2qX4vFaUb5RT4XlmtRx9TPJby-CoTmUwKbOYc6Vh_ydVibOUkEadQ-x4BnP_uH4srzHeqtxD_6wc0iL8Po3kF7VwIvsnmAeutx-Do0T4X4Tb3YAeY5gpCUs2h/w570-h570/GivingTuesday+Blog+post.png" width="570" /></a></div><p></p>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-82925058094203381212021-10-01T08:59:00.000-04:002021-10-01T08:59:32.088-04:00Teens - The Leaders of Tomorrow<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When thinking about the importance of leadership in teens,
perhaps the best place to get input is from a teen. Fortunately for us, we have
a couple of amazing interns here at Bergen Volunteers, and one of them gave us
his thoughts on the topic.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leadership is a necessity in today’s world. It
is a leader’s job to inspire and to turn ideas into reality. With the ever
changing world around us, new leaders are needed more than ever. Teenagers can be
the answer to this need.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Teaching them
the skills necessary to succeed in leadership roles will help the community and
the world around us.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teenagers can greatly impact their community
by volunteering and getting involved in events around their town. By
participating in these events, teenagers experience and learn about the
leadership needed in today’s world. Teenagers are the future of the world and
they need to be able to step up to the challenges facing them. By learning about
leadership, teenagers can start to organize their own events, whether it is
fundraising or spreading awareness for a cause they believe in. This promotes
growth in their community and inspires others to do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leadership is also needed in everyday life.
Teenagers are on the brink of adulthood, and that means they will be on their
own in the world. At that point in their life it is important to be able to
lead themselves into the direction they want to take with their life. By
learning about what it takes to be a leader, it helps teenagers transition into
being adults because they will be able to make the necessary decisions that
will be presented to them when no one else is there to direct them. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teenagers are the leaders of tomorrow.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The leaders that are in charge today won’t be
in charge forever and the world will need to be able to trust their position
with people that can fulfill the duties that need to be done. For a teenager, getting the experience early on helps them be more prepared for when they need
to take the role of a leader. Teenagers bring with them new perspectives. The
world changes constantly and the teenagers who have grown up in the new world
are better suited for the problems that it presents.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Overall, leadership is a large part in teenagers’
lives whether it is in their community, for themselves, or for the future.
Teenagers are still learning about the world around them and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it is important that they learn about
leadership to help make that world a better place.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At Bergen Volunteers, we recognize that teens are the leaders of tomorrow.
We want to prepare them with the knowledge and skills that will set them up for
success. That is why we run the Teen LEADS program for high school stud</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ents. Participants in Teen LEADS<span style="color: black;"> learn about local government and public policy. They
analyze community issues and develop new approaches to problem solving. The
program is designed to get participants involved in their community to become
effective community leaders.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you would like more
information on bringing Teen LEADS to your school, contact Jodi Murphy at <a href="mailto:jmurphy@bergenvolunteers.org">jmurphy@bergenvolunteers.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikL1CzDNr4j6SetlX2MbVpCsHOpWs6DmGWcpaXIMrnS1xLX-LoMWtlt4xyY9wsxOr5lgD2ITDEer4SXnf28AqtM-bB5fwxUm6BPEdwNmhlRCoVUPJx4_SIfUo5sU4SFEnP-d2QYhsga0pr/s2048/Teens+for+Peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2048" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikL1CzDNr4j6SetlX2MbVpCsHOpWs6DmGWcpaXIMrnS1xLX-LoMWtlt4xyY9wsxOr5lgD2ITDEer4SXnf28AqtM-bB5fwxUm6BPEdwNmhlRCoVUPJx4_SIfUo5sU4SFEnP-d2QYhsga0pr/w511-h287/Teens+for+Peace.jpg" width="511" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><br />bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-74666554189495505632021-09-07T08:23:00.000-04:002021-09-07T08:23:43.101-04:00Making-It-Home<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">What makes a place a home? A house, a condo, an apartment, all of these can be homes. What is it that switches a place from just being a structure with walls, floors, windows, doors, and a roof, to being a place with an emotional attachment to it?</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d2368b11-7fff-5167-d125-279d68c4912a"><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Home is where people should feel safe, comfortable. It is a place for dinner around the table, a place for a restful night’s sleep, a place to keep the things that are important to us, a place for families to create memories. Homes become customized to those living in them. The favorite spot on the sofa, the placement of items in and on a dresser, the tables so many memories are created around, all contribute to the comfort of, and attachment to, our homes. </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bergen Volunteers’ Making-It-Home program turns structures into homes by providing the furniture that fills a room with warmth and comfort. Over the past year and a half there has been an influx in the purchase of new furniture, leaving many with gently-used furniture to donate. </span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Making-It-Home has been a grateful beneficiary of this interesting phenomenon. Gently-used furniture from residents in Bergen County has been collected and delivered, free of charge, to individuals and families who are leaving emergency shelters and moving to unfurnished apartments. Clients include veterans, survivors of domestic violence and their children, seniors, people with disabilities, and other homeless, low-income residents. Making-It-Home has enabled them to live in a safe and comfortable environment, improving their quality of life and ability to achieve greater self-sufficiency. </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most donors are motivated by a desire to give to those less fortunate than themselves, and to keep their once beloved items out of landfills. Their generous donations include all the pieces needed to furnish the apartments of 200 clients each year. In an average year, Making-It-Home volunteers spend 1,600 hours collecting nearly 800 pieces of furniture from 150 residents, keeping approximately 42,000 pounds of unwanted items out of our landfills. </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more about this unique program, visit </span><a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/mih" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.bergenvolunteers.org/m</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ih</span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzo9aRswdihyFkmELQHpSBmP4F63sc3xku2g-EWaRfJjSpDHHXoPWOAe4Soz1mz2yi1F4alS7o82tDG4zq9dDkiE73NnfWUHi4ZP1lwuJeHhB1dXgdbeJE8AOIc4gIj1QPi6AK3oElfUYa/s640/Barbara+D+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzo9aRswdihyFkmELQHpSBmP4F63sc3xku2g-EWaRfJjSpDHHXoPWOAe4Soz1mz2yi1F4alS7o82tDG4zq9dDkiE73NnfWUHi4ZP1lwuJeHhB1dXgdbeJE8AOIc4gIj1QPi6AK3oElfUYa/w498-h374/Barbara+D+1.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-51677761417017685132021-08-06T08:52:00.007-04:002021-08-06T08:52:52.988-04:00We Live to Give<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWz7-eRt4wuLQf1gxg9P-rPz0YJvkD-Uqti49qLyqNQMu-5x9GU-8JB_m-xxGMeJHmxBL3RJsQzqBcpE65gipkkwTQdgCU0ra7sN0trei89Zf6Bs2rojukBnDZ7DRgnsNJ2nWx0Usi2g6/s1072/Donor+Advised+Funds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1072" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWz7-eRt4wuLQf1gxg9P-rPz0YJvkD-Uqti49qLyqNQMu-5x9GU-8JB_m-xxGMeJHmxBL3RJsQzqBcpE65gipkkwTQdgCU0ra7sN0trei89Zf6Bs2rojukBnDZ7DRgnsNJ2nWx0Usi2g6/w564-h465/Donor+Advised+Funds.png" width="564" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">She ripped open the wrapping paper to find the stuffed pink pony she had wanted for the last three Christmases. That stuffed pink pony stayed in her arms for the rest of the day, and she had trouble letting go of our hugs when our time together was over. But the joy she got from receiving that stuffed pink pony was nothing compared to the joy we all felt for making this little girl so happy.</span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-beaa5e56-7fff-2c8b-f43a-574d80c00c9f"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of us here at Bergen Volunteers love the time of year when we bring presents to our mentees during our holiday party. Seeing the smile appear on another’s face when we give a gift, provide a service, or do anything in their best interests will undoubtedly reflect back on us. Giving to others makes us happy, far more than receiving things for ourselves does.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 2018, psychology researchers Samantha Kassirer from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and Ed O'Brien of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business conducted two studies which concluded that the subjects’ happiness declined much less if they continuously offered gifts to others rather than receiving the same gifts themselves.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 14pt 0pt 14pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the studies provided 96 college students with $5 each day for five days. They were required to spend it on the same thing either for themselves or another (like a charity donation or contribution to a tip jar), and they would reflect on how they spent their money and how happy they felt following each day. Evidently, self-reported levels of happiness reduced daily in those who spent on themselves, whereas those who spent on someone else were consistently happy over the five days.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all enjoy being selfless; we naturally start to feel guilty or selfish when we don’t give to others. Sometimes we need to take a step back from our lives to be able to understand how we can help those who have less to be grateful for. This pandemic has certainly made us more aware of how daily tasks and interactions can be taken for granted, and now we see more and more acts of kindness every day. Anything from holding a door for someone to donating half your paycheck to charity can bring cheer to your day. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have an easy way for you to give and join in the feelings of happiness: donor-advised funds. When you donate through a donor-advised fund to a public charity, there are many positive tax ramifications. Those funds can often be invested to grow your donation tax-free, or, if you are required to take a Required Minimum Distribution, Bergen Volunteers can be the recipient, with tax benefits for you. By donating to us through a donor-advised fund, you can reap the positive emotional benefits similar to those in Kassirer and O’Brien’s studies. You give a gift and get a gift: we’d call that a win-win.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can find out more about donor-advised funds at </span><a href="https://tinyurl.com/ymbp3s7m" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #037dc2; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this link</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and if you’d like to put yours towards Bergen Volunteers, please contact your financial planner or Bergen Volunteers CEO Nina Bachrach at </span><a href="mailto:nbachrach@bergenvolunteers.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">nbachrach@bergenvolunteers.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or 201.489.9454 x201 for more information.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At Bergen Volunteers, our job is to bring joy to our community, whether that’s through our programs and services, friendly conversations, or even giving out boxes of lightbulbs. And we ask you to give back to us so you can get even more happiness out of each day.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ratner, Paul. "Why Giving Gifts Brings You More Happiness than Receiving Them."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Big Think</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, 25 Dec. 2018, bigthink.com/personal-growth/</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> why-its-better-to-give-gifts-than-to-receive-according-to-science. Accessed</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 3 Aug. 2021.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"What Is a Donor-Advised Fund?" </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fidelity Charitable</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Fidelity Investments</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Charitable Gift Fund, </span><a href="http://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/philanthropy/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/philanthropy/</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">what-is-a-donor-advised-fund.html?immid=PCD&engine=GOOGLE&campaign=Donor+Advised+Primer&adgroup=Donor+Advised&keyword=Donor+Advised+funds&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3f6HBhDHARIsAD_i3D91sAbP9rocN4fgNRiFz8viZLnR90_l_FjZ9dmlR1LQXkM3Fpk5-hAaAiMGEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Accessed 3 Aug. 2021.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-67299848427423082082021-07-21T14:58:00.000-04:002021-07-21T14:58:43.498-04:00How School Supplies Impacts Students' Lives<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-26a97ea2-7fff-2d25-318f-ed412a2cf956"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUT8VCaZz5BQRwxUeCnYI7F7Un2mD8iR74LmlWJMCRoCzumnHuUHzHaiYujZBdBU_vys9y1dw-BbXQcSdGULvvHsotpDpZVsvCs-49a2N-hyO6gYmzx0OotrGt8XDT7DkZ9HwPJJGs7Sx/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUT8VCaZz5BQRwxUeCnYI7F7Un2mD8iR74LmlWJMCRoCzumnHuUHzHaiYujZBdBU_vys9y1dw-BbXQcSdGULvvHsotpDpZVsvCs-49a2N-hyO6gYmzx0OotrGt8XDT7DkZ9HwPJJGs7Sx/" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span> </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>Schools should be places where children feel safe, empowered, and equal -- an environment where a student’s ba</span>ckground or home life need not determine their success or belonging. However, this kind of equitable environment is not a given in the classroom. Issues with school supplies are a significant barrier to a healthy school experience for many children.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26a97ea2-7fff-2d25-318f-ed412a2cf956"></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The national average of what parents spend on school supplies per child is $696.70, with many asked to pay far higher amounts. While some families don’t think twice about the yearly routine of rounding up binders, calculators, pencils, and pens, the cost of these items can be overwhelming for low-income parents who may need to weigh school supplies against absolute necessities, such as groceries and rent. As a result, many children do not have the option to follow these prescribed lists of supplies and come to school less prepared than their classmates. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">These students face a difficult social situation. Gail O’Connor with Teach for America writes that “teachers are in a unique position to either add to a student’s feelings of inadequacy, or be sensitive to the mental burden that comes from financial insecurity.” Upon seeing students unprepared, teachers sometimes lean towards the former. They may be less than understanding, failing to consider possible financial issues and accusing students of being forgetful or careless. “It’s often seen as a behavioral issue,” Dr. Heather Clawson from Communities in Schools reports. Such assumptions can set students up for a negative relationship with teachers, producing feelings of shame and alienation. This negatively impacts the student’s ability to learn. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Conversely, teachers who do recognize the student’s situation often buy school supplies for them out-of-pocket -- which isn’t sustainable for those teachers who are often already underpaid. O’Connor writes, “ninety-three percent of public school teachers spend their own money on school supplies without reimbursement, and on average, teachers spend $479 on items for their classrooms.” While teachers who go above and beyond in this manner should be applauded, it is unfair for the burden to be set upon them.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Many teachers note how the lack of school supplies negatively impacts their students. One teacher, Mario Black, reported of his own students, “When scholars don’t have what is needed for school, they don’t give it their all.” (WSOC)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But beyond the negative impacts of not being prepared with adequate supplies, it is deeply empowering when students </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">are</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> prepared. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you had the chance to start each school year with new supplies, you may remember how exciting it felt to look through the different colors of your binders and carefully assign colors to school subjects, or the satisfaction of pulling out cleanly sharpened pencils as you learned how to take notes. In the turbulence of starting a new school year, the prevalent feeling was that of a fresh start, and some control. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And the data confirms these memories -- teachers have reported in studies that students having their own school supplies seems to increase students’ self esteem, class participation, class preparedness and interest in learning. (Kids in Need Foundation) </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At Bergen Volunteers, we want to make sure children in our community are prepared to do their best -- and feel their best -- in school. That’s why we run </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tools for Schools</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, our program focused on providing school supplies for students in northern New Jersey. We invite businesses and individuals to donate to our annual drive, which this year runs from July 22 to August 31. Then, we distribute the supplies to our agency members -- hand-selected organizations that we have history with, and pool volunteer resources with -- who pass the supplies directly on to schools and students! </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re ready to get involved in this important mission, contact Melissa LaRobardier at </span><a href="mailto:melissal@bergenvolunteers.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">melissal@bergenvolunteers.org</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We need your help to ensure that more and more children can enter their school year confidently, with the tools they need for success. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“School Supply Donations Have a Positive Impact on Student's Ability to Learn.” </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WSOC TV</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, WSOC TV, 24 Nov. 2019, www.wsoctv.com/community/school-supply-donations-have-a-positive-impact-on-students-ability-to-learn/571267245/. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">O’Connor, Gail, et al. “The School-Supply Gap.” </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teach For America</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Teach For America, 8 Sept. 2019, www.teachforamerica.org/one-day/top-issues/the-school-supply-gap. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Why It Matters.” </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kids In Need Foundation</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, 19 Apr. 2021, www.kinf.org/why-it-matters/. </span></span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-5115993744320698272021-07-15T12:02:00.003-04:002021-07-15T12:02:41.843-04:00Don’t Throw Away Your Shot<p style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-bdf72b00-7fff-d5c6-8e71-d75e486c1fb4"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 243px; overflow: hidden; width: 320px;"><img alt="Caheri & Tammy Cloud, Intervention Specialist with Caught in the Crossfire" height="243" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/0n9_FVgJx9EcFAPDKKQxccZTspDw_KL1IhkuCsZel7_p0bSUHgYxJ9xEStul2VHUj_uGYBNCqE8jdIwhO2fsOzzxu44dMZErQWQJjIythaXVu_Zpy-HVXpU8bQ_7qycbDr-7nNuT" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b7298b1c-7fff-0caf-d418-9f1622798c20"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">L to R - Cloud and Gutierrez (youthalive.org)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Caheri didn’t even realize she had been hit when the bullet burst through her jaw.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ed35f9f8-7fff-58c5-2b50-08116a254528"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">An 18-year-old model from one of Oakland, California’s most unsafe neighborhoods, Caheri Gutierrez was shot in a drive-by while sitting in the passenger seat at the intersection of 98th Ave and San Leandro Street in November of 2008. She felt a shock but didn’t realize the damage done until she noticed the driver’s expression and reached to touch her face: it was effectively blown off. Her biggest asset for her up-and-coming modeling career was gone. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gutierrez stayed strong and survived through the night, waking up to find herself toothless, jawless, and deaf in one ear. After almost a month in the hospital, she returned home to East Oakland and struggled with severe nightmares, fear of her neighborhood, and growing resentment and grief for her former identity.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Soon enough, Tammy Cloud was assigned to Gutierrez’s case. Cloud worked as an Intervention Specialist in the Caught in the Crossfire program as part of Youth ALIVE!, an Oakland non-profit whose mission is to prevent urban violence and cultivate young leaders. Cloud provided emotional and practical support to victims of Oakland’s violence.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At first, Gutierrez did not want assistance, not realizing how difficult it would be to handle her emotions. But Cloud stuck by her side during her recuperation, helping her to graduate high school, start therapy, take college classes, and regain her academic and athletic strengths. Gutierrez was eternally grateful and described Cloud as her “guardian angel.” Cloud began to see an internal strength developing in Gutierrez, a power she could use for the greater good. She suggested Gutierrez speak to the youth from her community, so Gutierrez applied for and accepted a job at Youth ALIVE!, working for their Teens on Target (TNT) program, where she could share her story and confront her trauma in a new way. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gutierrez bravely returned to Oakland, but she was afraid she would frighten the children with her story and physical scars. However, not only were the TNT students drawn to her warm personality, but they were also enlightened by her experience, as they too were growing up under the cloud of violence in East Oakland. Gutierrez went on to initiate many necessary conversations of how to cope with and avoid a life of violence even if it’s all one has ever known (O’Brien).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the help of Youth ALIVE! and the support of her community, Gutierrez established herself as an effective speaker and community leader who took steps to prevent incidents like hers from happening again. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are born from our experiences; they shape us into who we are, fostering our passions, character, and capabilities. With patience and guidance, we can use resilience and courage to take </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">our</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> history to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">make</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> history.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here at Bergen Volunteers, our Bergen LEADS program transforms individuals into ones who use their experience and knowledge to take action for the common good. We cultivate leaders just like Gutierrez who learn about the challenges facing their communities and develop the skills needed to address them and effect change. Over the past 15 years, more than 400 leaders have completed our 10-month extensive program involving project development, topical debates, site visits, alumni networking, and more. They learn about a vast number of issues ranging from mental health to environmental concerns to local government.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We would like to congratulate the Bergen LEADS Class of 2020-21! They most recently presented their project “Need a Hand, Lend a Hand - The Halt Hunger Project” where they discussed how their community can connect to food resources in Bergen County. Now we welcome the incoming class of 2021-22, and we are so excited to see how this program will transform them into the next generation of community leaders!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We encourage you to get involved in Bergen LEADS to make a difference in our community. If you’d like to contribute to our scholarships or become a sponsor, contact Nina Bachrach at </span><a href="mailto:nbachrach@bergenvolunteers.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">nbachrach@bergenvolunteers.org</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or 201.489.9454 x201 for more information.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We need both the Caheri Gutierrezes and the Tammy Clouds in this world: those who utilize their challenges and experiences to make a difference, and those who help pave their path. And at Bergen LEADS, you can accomplish both.</span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-bd127c30-7fff-9e7b-24f1-09580f71649f"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">O'Brien, James. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Until You Bleed: The Caheri Gutierrez Story</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">. 2013. </span></p><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div></span>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-704225883649138222021-06-16T14:17:00.014-04:002021-06-16T14:19:23.844-04:00One Key to a Longer, Healthier Life<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6HdYWDQ10Vl-5MZBT3wJniMeDmga7n5plJKrIEYCZC_v4-Wc4WrF4vDHlCXX2v2bNvWkn1IHJjQCY9zPR2ze-qWFOssSpelqByzCRqamL0LkZYAKF9I10gIb8-ZO5khg7A-cbepSLv02/s365/93-939869_happy-old-people-png-transparent-png.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6HdYWDQ10Vl-5MZBT3wJniMeDmga7n5plJKrIEYCZC_v4-Wc4WrF4vDHlCXX2v2bNvWkn1IHJjQCY9zPR2ze-qWFOssSpelqByzCRqamL0LkZYAKF9I10gIb8-ZO5khg7A-cbepSLv02/s320/93-939869_happy-old-people-png-transparent-png.png" width="320" /></a></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-ce5525c5-7fff-2696-c71a-a4bf45bd4ad4"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What comes to mind when you think about how to increase your life expectancy? The first things that most of us think of are exercise, healthy food, and good genes. And that makes sense -- these are some of the baseline factors that keep our bodies running and give us a fighting chance to live longer.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But there’s another deeply important factor in living longer: social and community life. This is a core piece of what makes a healthy life for many seniors, and is scientifically proven to increase life spans.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In his book </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Outliers</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of how this discovery first took place within the science community. He sets the scene of a 1950s town in Pennsylvania called Roseto, built and inhabited by southern Italian immigrants. A physician named Stewart Wolf was drawn to study Roseto’s inhabitants after finding that hardly any of them ever died of heart disease or other causes besides natural old age. Ruling out the typical causes of good health -- genetic factors (the townspeople’s relatives living in other communities were not nearly as healthy), good diet (these folks admittedly ate fatty foods), and good exercise (they weren’t particularly inclined to this either), Wolf was stumped as to what made Rosetans able to live so long. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He continued to seek answers as to what made this group of people different, and found answers in their community life. He took note of the little social interactions everyone experienced throughout the day, the friendliness with which people treated one another, and the way that elders were connected to the greater community, receiving respect and help from younger generations. It turns out that this feeling of community and companionship was actually extending people’s lives. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since this revelation, it has become widely known that social life and community is crucial in the upkeep of mental and physical health for seniors. Scientists have observed strong links between healthy social lives and decreased risk of physical health issues -- such as inflammation and hypertension -- as well as a link to longer lives in general (Yang et al.). Naturally, healthy social interactions result in increased mental health as well -- this is especially crucial in old age, when mental health controls not just mood but also cognitive sharpness. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We certainly can’t all live in a situation like that of 1950’s Roseto, and social isolation presents a significant problem to seniors across our country today. But there are many actions we can take here and now to make Bergen County a community where our elders can live longer, continue to thrive, and feel socially connected. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bergen Volunteers CHEER program has been working in this spirit for 65 years. This program is more than just assistance with errands, and deliveries of food and prescriptions -- it’s a crucial way for us to connect with our elders, bringing friendship and socialization into their lives. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With CHEER, Seniors enjoy the companionship and conversation they deserve and are able to feel more plugged in to their community. Sometimes just reading the newspaper with a volunteer and processing the goings-on of the world together can make a world of difference for our clients. A wellness check where a client knows they have a friend looking out for their long-term wellbeing can be similarly comforting. These small instances of companionship and community can undoubtedly improve our seniors’ health, life expectancy, and quality of life. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you want in on this cause? We encourage you to join us at CHEER, and take part in creating better lives for our elders in Bergen County! If you are interested in joining CHEER as a volunteer or to recommend someone to receive the program’s services, please visit: </span><a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/programs" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.bergenvolunteers.org/programs</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or contact Michele at </span><a href="mailto:mogden@bergenvolunteers.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mogden@bergenvolunteers.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p><br /><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gladwell, Malcolm. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Outliers: The Story of Success</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Little, Brown and Co., 2008.</span></p></li></ul><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yang, Yang Claire et al. “Social relationships and physiological determinants of longevity across the human life span.” </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> vol. 113,3 (2016): 578-83. doi:10.1073/pnas.1511085112</span></p></li></ul><br /></span><p></p>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-64887515630011118642021-06-03T12:58:00.003-04:002021-06-03T13:03:04.328-04:00 Bergen Volunteers Announces First In-Person Friday Forum of 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57ovzcEcB8oHSD_absV9wbnE4AETP8xqC9JXqb6mAKx6yRzWMNoMZBOu7Pw5ZwnXG5U0QwLF77WMb8OJjzyShTyoftL8CeYujB5fevFKdsOcDdSaiJpzyNeEursE9WtHx_dckn3Cb5PBl/s800/Women+Graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Century Gothic;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57ovzcEcB8oHSD_absV9wbnE4AETP8xqC9JXqb6mAKx6yRzWMNoMZBOu7Pw5ZwnXG5U0QwLF77WMb8OJjzyShTyoftL8CeYujB5fevFKdsOcDdSaiJpzyNeEursE9WtHx_dckn3Cb5PBl/s320/Women+Graphic.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bergen Volunteers announces their first in-person Friday Forum of 2021 to take place on Friday, June 18 at 11:30 am at the Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack. The Friday Forum is a powerful networking and learning event that attracts 200+ leaders from every sector of Bergen County for high-profile speakers, networking, and stimulating conversation. </span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-717e0404-7fff-7a23-00e7-0c1fd3ae8f4d"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“As more individuals are receiving vaccinations and the general public begins resuming activities and outings, we are thrilled to be able to host an in-person Friday Forum after nearly 16 months,” said Nina Bachrach, Chief Executive Officer at Bergen Volunteers. “This Friday Forum will be particularly nostalgic, as we will also take the opportunity to say goodbye to our Friday Forum home, the Stony Hill Inn, which is closing this year.”</span></p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Friday Forum, entitled, “Women and COVID,” will feature a panel of esteemed women-leaders, who will explore the effects the pandemic has had on women in the workforce. The event will provide an outlet for attendees to network with 150+ professionals, learn from experts, ask questions, and enjoy a delicious lunch. </span></p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The discussion will be led by Lori Grifa, Partner at Archer Law and Friday Forum veteran. Lori has led numerous Friday Forum panels, engaging the speakers and audience to connect about ‘ripped from the headlines’ topics. The Friday Forum panel includes: Helen Archontou - CEO of YWCA, Julia Orlando - Director of the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center, and Laura Troy - President of Displaced Homemakers Network of NJ, Inc. Each of these speakers will offer the audience a perspective about women in leadership, breaking the glass ceiling, and mental health effects on women in the workforce.</span></p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Investor’s Bank, NJM Insurance Group, Rockland Electric, Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, and the Mahwah Chamber of Commerce are proud sponsors of the event. Additional </span><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sponsorship opportunities are available that give individuals, businesses and corporations exposure before, during, and after the event. If you are interested in attending the Friday Forum or sponsoring the event please visit: </span><a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/friday-forum" target="_blank"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.bergenvolunteers.org/</span><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">friday-forum</span></a><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or contact Elizabeth at ereich@bergenvolunteers.org.</span></span></p><br /></span>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-56984435355470717562021-05-20T12:09:00.003-04:002021-05-20T13:14:18.995-04:00Bergen READS and US Standard Products: Helping Students Thrive<p> <span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;">It is estimated that 40% of United States fourth graders lack proficiency in reading.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf4QXsrfavrXoYH6z6QYw6xco60_Lf2Pcsjxu9xO5jE6Ywe8FwOM8FVEUDuXTrWyIDJM7FRhjHv0NI6buE_tZsqY4PIxsoFrFiumsfB8x4D4NYbC_ij0RLNBBgLzUQ2FrUmJwmOmcLx3m/s275/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf4QXsrfavrXoYH6z6QYw6xco60_Lf2Pcsjxu9xO5jE6Ywe8FwOM8FVEUDuXTrWyIDJM7FRhjHv0NI6buE_tZsqY4PIxsoFrFiumsfB8x4D4NYbC_ij0RLNBBgLzUQ2FrUmJwmOmcLx3m/w406-h270/images.jpg" width="406" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></p>Bergen Volunteers aims to combat this staggering statistic through the Bergen READS program, which trains adult Reading Buddies to work with students in Kindergarten through fourth grade to help them achieve academic success and improve their literacy skills. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Bergen READS specifically helps:</b></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Low-income students</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">English-language learners</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Students identified as in need of extra support</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Since 1966, Bergen Volunteers has been working with local volunteers to provide vital services to those in need. In our mission to build a better community through the power of volunteer service we have partnered with thousands of community groups, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. While the work would not be possible without the time and effort of our volunteers, we also depend on the generosity of the many donors who recognize the importance of the work we do. A business that has been pivotal in helping Bergen READS sustain itself throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been US Standard Products. With the help of businesses like US Standard Products, we are able to continue serving the community through outreach, volunteerism, and civic leadership. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Josh Rubach of US Standard Products initially reached out to Bergen Volunteers looking for a way to give back. He felt an instant connection to the Bergen READS program, as his late mother was an educator during a greater part of her life. He knew Bergen READS was the right program for him to support based on his mother’s love for reading and his current connection to his young children that are the same age as many Bergen READS students. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Rubach shared, “My kids are lucky enough to have a support system around them to reinforce their confidence, creativity, and motivation. I know that is not the case for everyone. I donate because I want to help other children achieve academic success and reach reading milestones. I want to have a positive impact on another life and be the catalyst that will help them move forward.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Rubach understands that the fundamentals of literacy need to be taught to children at a young age. “I am happy to work with Bergen Volunteers and support the Bergen READS program that helps 200+ students annually receive literary tutoring, support, and guidance” noted Josh. "My hope is that these students will pay it forward in their futures and continue the cycle of giving.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Support from Josh Rubach and US Standard Products helps these students beyond their classroom learning. Bergen READS promotes academic success overall by helping students with comprehension, fluency, speech, and vocabulary expansion. Additionally, students become more apt critical thinkers, with the ability to self-monitor and retain information. These important skills help students become better communicators, with increased self-confidence, self-esteem, and social skills.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><b>Do you want to help more students connect with reading buddies and improve their literacy skills? Adopt a student today by reaching out to Elizabeth at ereich@bergenvolunteers.org</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><i>Located in Englewood, New Jersey, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-standard-products/">US Standard Products</a> is a leading supplier of workplace safety equipment. US Standard Products safety equipment is tested to the highest standard to ensure the safety of American workers. As a part of their mission to supply the best equipment for American industry, they offer construction safety equipment, industrial-strength products, and green cleaning products. Beyond selling safety equipment for American industry, US Standard Products works to take a leading role in educating people about workplace safety and risk prevention. They understand that safety goes beyond having the best and most reliable equipment, so they take great pride in helping business leaders, managers and workers learn more about workplace safety and the practices they need to follow to maintain a safer environment for everyone</i></span></p>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-58774258289377532152021-05-11T15:59:00.003-04:002021-05-11T16:02:21.766-04:00"I have nothing but time!" <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygql9CwfWuZG866NeAfQSCXSIWO0dK7C-mUnvcLt-fXjmVFRHGnlunxECsgpKm4XXN3Lk8Mj7vrKhTCsLR8vzeUA0O6skl1YfMRfWv1DPnD4eu6k8tjYP8JwJQ2PVU2J3zU_jZHuSgBPH/s800/7480472_103020-cc-shutterstock-clocks-img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygql9CwfWuZG866NeAfQSCXSIWO0dK7C-mUnvcLt-fXjmVFRHGnlunxECsgpKm4XXN3Lk8Mj7vrKhTCsLR8vzeUA0O6skl1YfMRfWv1DPnD4eu6k8tjYP8JwJQ2PVU2J3zU_jZHuSgBPH/w535-h301/7480472_103020-cc-shutterstock-clocks-img.jpg" width="535" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-large;"><p>The average person spends <b>79 years on Earth</b>, which equates to over <b>690,000 hours </b>of time spent breathing, talking, laughing, living, and so much more!</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">No matter where you live or what you do, we are all working with the same amount of time in a day. While some of us are often, “pressed for time” or do things, “in the nick of time”, there are some of us who complete things, “ahead of time” or do leisurely activities to, “pass the time”. Others have learned to, “make the time” for what is important in their lives. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">If you have always considered volunteering but didn’t think you, "had the time", think again. Many </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">volunteer opportunities seek out individuals with specific talents, such as being handy, having a green thumb, or being computer savvy. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">But what about a volunteer opportunity where your time is what is wanted the most? You don’t have to be especially talented in any one area.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The mentoring program at Bergen Volunteers is always looking for volunteers to give their time to another person. We match individuals throughout Bergen County who could use some additional support in their lives with caring, non-judgmental, resourceful volunteers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">You do not need to be an expert to be a volunteer! Many of our mentors have told us that their mentoring experience improved their own morale, enriched their values, and personal satisfaction, all while developing new positive perspectives on life. Our mentors often gain as much as our mentees do during their match. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><b>We ask that all matches meet every other week for about 2 hours. When you think of that commitment in terms of one year, the total is 52 hours. What’s 52 hours when you have 690,000 of them?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">Would you be willing to make the time to be a mentor and have the opportunity to positively impact someone else’s life?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">To learn more, please visit <a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org">www.bergenvolunteers.org</a> or reach out to Lisa at ltredici@bergenvolunteers.org.</span></p>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-16816160361530322732021-04-23T10:17:00.003-04:002021-04-26T09:59:37.938-04:00 Exploring Group-Leadership Development at the Local Level<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Leadership is a social process that involves influencing others. The systematic development of leaders is fundamental for personal and professional success. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYAzRGljbYvZeMdT-3PfBfGxvL1bKoRQag-zJil1TyZlLhkBborBgUCapIjrxR6BwSApA179Wjts83BJ90pi-_Yo0-C-TNAVbJB1H2Rqn1hcQ9pCwm40TVb00rwRREDj29Y2m1cUnBt6W/s2048/Discover-Explore-Learn-Logo-Final2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYAzRGljbYvZeMdT-3PfBfGxvL1bKoRQag-zJil1TyZlLhkBborBgUCapIjrxR6BwSApA179Wjts83BJ90pi-_Yo0-C-TNAVbJB1H2Rqn1hcQ9pCwm40TVb00rwRREDj29Y2m1cUnBt6W/s320/Discover-Explore-Learn-Logo-Final2.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Oftentimes individualized leadership programs teach participants how to work towards abstract goals. Individual classes provide technical training and seldom offer participants transferable skills to apply in their everyday lives. Group leadership programs go beyond these parameters, teaching individuals how to navigate cross-cultural relationships and build a community ready to take on any new endeavor. Combining group-leadership training with local level issues teaches individuals how they can hone new skills across a variety of personal and professional landscapes. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Learn the top five reasons why <b>YOU</b> should enroll in a group-leadership course:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>1. Grow Your Network and Engage Within Your Community</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meet individuals from a variety of professional, ethnic, and personal backgrounds. While working towards your leadership goals you will expand your network to collaborate with individuals from the public, government, private, and non-profit sectors. These relationships will allow you to gain a cross-sector perspective and foster the necessary skills needed to communicate to a wider demographic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2. Become an Effective Communicator and Problem-Solver</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Leadership training can help individual leaders develop their own personal leadership style that their team members will best respond to. Individuals learn how to become active listeners equipped with problem-solving skills. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>3. Discover Your Passions</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Become excited about your work and gain the necessary skills to set yourself apart from the rest. Most successful leaders don't have a job – they have a passion. Passion eventually leads to mastery and success. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>4. Explore Opportunities and Challenges In Your Community</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Local-level leadership courses allow participants to uncover County demographics, civic involvement, history, immigration, home rule, uneven socio-economic base, and more. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>5. Develop New or Hidden Skills</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the best ways to become an effective leader is to identify your strengths and weaknesses. By working in a group setting, individuals are able to learn from their peers and improve their personal skills. </span></p><p><span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Are you ready to LEAD?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlVMDTUkKkgnZ0wHD6QUXT3_zDbFyQcG88epcUO059Bj7_7O1YX_VasXsncDUOd07Nphat9G9cljR2Rf9ccVBWLixTkOvWwrnwvx2HeaWM0arC0JYJ9oiwcFOfB8BrbLg7DkFvmZoXnEF/s626/positive-lettering-inspire-others-message-watercolor-stain_23-2148342663.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="626" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlVMDTUkKkgnZ0wHD6QUXT3_zDbFyQcG88epcUO059Bj7_7O1YX_VasXsncDUOd07Nphat9G9cljR2Rf9ccVBWLixTkOvWwrnwvx2HeaWM0arC0JYJ9oiwcFOfB8BrbLg7DkFvmZoXnEF/s320/positive-lettering-inspire-others-message-watercolor-stain_23-2148342663.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bergen Volunteers’ Bergen LEADS program is an exciting, 10-month learning and leadership adventure for adults who live or work in Bergen County. Created by a group of community advocates, participants learn about issues from leaders in the field, site visits and assigned readings. Interactive, fast-paced and experiential, Bergen LEADS will help you see your community – and yourself – through new eyes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is currently no other program in Bergen County that allows individuals the opportunity to grow personally and professionally - all while exploring their own community concerns and passions. Participating in the Bergen LEADS program will boost your confidence and knowledge, empowering you to succeed and stand out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Each Bergen LEADS day is defined by an issue. Issue days range from healthcare to education, law and public safety to local to county government, and the environment - there is always something new to learn. The curriculum increases one’s civic identity, engagement levels, and fosters a collaborative environment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bergen LEADS participants work on a capstone project each year. This project provides students the opportunity to understand and develop solutions to real issues in the community. Projects are presented at a Public Forum and offered to local leaders to implement in real-time. With the opportunity to learn and explore new fields, Bergen LEADS will equip you with the necessary skills and insight to take on and lead projects of any size.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Participating in the Bergen LEADS program leaves participants with lifetime access to the Bergen LEADS Alumni Network, who are active and engaged within the community and each other.</span></p><p><span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Leadership is an action, not a position. True leaders are cultivated in a group setting where individuals learn how to inspire and be inspired by others with a shared vision for success. Group leadership courses offer participants the capacity to see real change in motion and the steps taken to arrive at real-world solutions. Leaders communicate their goals and set best practices for others to follow. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Join Bergen County’s premier leadership program and enhance the skills needed to become an effective communicator, team-player, and LEADER!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Applications for Bergen LEADS are currently available until May 14th! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Apply today: <a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/civic-engagement">www.bergenvolunteers.org/civic-engagement</a>.</span></p><div><br /></div>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-64966901576674180942021-04-20T12:09:00.002-04:002021-04-20T12:09:33.395-04:00 Blame it on Bergen LEADS: Bergen LEADer Opens Culinary Enterprise - worldFlats<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Nvair Beylerian, resident of Upper Saddle River, attributes her new culinary enterprise, worldFlats, to leadership skills gained while participating in the Bergen LEADS Program. </b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpaquQ4tkCMTAa9stzD_W8G1i1o-tMgT5ux5HQ7NEzNqFBnqWr58oPoaiOZej_fw_adRuUJ9vYlEgVXWtSlO4puf4HaMSu0wrRMg7tCssFBC1-d3ijw1PYc6spvDX9_GZ_cPx4C8ctV3L/s2048/IMG-9147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpaquQ4tkCMTAa9stzD_W8G1i1o-tMgT5ux5HQ7NEzNqFBnqWr58oPoaiOZej_fw_adRuUJ9vYlEgVXWtSlO4puf4HaMSu0wrRMg7tCssFBC1-d3ijw1PYc6spvDX9_GZ_cPx4C8ctV3L/s320/IMG-9147.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(left to right) Debbie Emery, Bergen Volunteers and Nvair Beylerian, worldFlats</i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Bergen LEADS is a 10-month community leadership program delivered by Bergen Volunteers for adults living or working in Bergen County. The program teaches participants about Bergen County each session, covering law and public safety, healthcare, education, the environment, and the economy. The sessions include discussions with community leaders, site visits, leadership training, and small group interaction. Currently in its 15th year, Bergen LEADS has a robust network of 400+ alumni equipped with the skills to pursue their next adventure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">“Bergen LEADS is such an incredible opportunity for people in the beginning or middle of their career to gain a different perspective and insight,” shared Beylerian, recent graduate of Bergen LEADS. “I was at a turning point in my career. I was either going to transition to working in the nonprofit sector to make a positive impact on the community or I was going to open up my own business to make a positive impact by offering clean, healthy fast food while becoming a local job creator.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As a job creator, Beylerian focuses on creating a working environment that is conducive to teamwork and collaboration. Similarly to Bergen LEADS, worldFlats believes in a culture of cross-collaboration to magnify individual strengths. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">“Bergen LEADS offers an interactive curriculum that helps individuals find their passions while working together with their classmates” noted Debbie Emery, Manager of Community and Civic Engagement. “We offer individuals the resources they need to pursue their dreams and engage with their communities”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The newly launched vegetarian fast-food restaurant, worldFlats, offers a supportive environment for staff at all levels. Employees are encouraged to build on their individual strengths towards creating an overall successful and positive team environment. The culture at worldFlats sets inclusion at its core to create healthy internationally-inspired flavors resulting in an excellent product. With thin flatbreads inspired by places like Greece, China, and Mexico, worldFlats is focused on taking the roots of traditional recipes and combining them with a fresh culinary spin. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">“It was during my Bergen LEADS days where I realized I wanted to take the plunge,” said Beylerian. “I wanted to make my work more meaningful and Bergen LEADS gave me the tools to understand my passions, interests, and leadership style. I was able to look at the bigger picture while connecting with individuals and discussing ideas in a safe and constructive way.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Bergen LEADS provides the opportunity for networking across sectors. Each class is comprised of individuals from the non-profit, public, and private sectors. Beylerian is using these connections to launch a, “Give Back” program where 20% of sales are donated to a nonprofit of choice - several which she formed connections with during Bergen LEADS. worldFlats is distinctively unique in that the restaurant is not focused on being simply a business. Nvair has a passion to do more in the community by offering patrons a healthy, delicious and sustainable meal, providing employees with a meaningful experience at work, and offering the community a place where their patronage gives to those in need.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">“Bergen LEADS helped me realize that corporate social responsibility can be done even with smaller enterprises where business owners can support their employees on many levels, pay fair wages, be environmentally friendly and all while turning out a great product customers will return to enjoy.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Nvair and her husband, Zareh, plan to eventually expand their enterprise to more locations and offer healthcare and education courses to the worldFlats family of employees. “I feel privileged to be a part of Bergen LEADS. Our Class of 2020 instructors, guest lecturers, and classmates helped create the environment for me to self-assess, shift gears and focus on launching this new business,” concluded Beylerian.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Bergen LEADS program is currently enrolling for the 2022 year. Join Bergen County’s premier leadership program and gain the skills to start your next adventure. To apply, visit <a href="www.bergenvolunteers.org/civic-leadership ">www.bergenvolunteers.org/civic-leadership </a>or contact Debbie Emery at demery@bergenvolunteers.org.</span></p><div><br /></div>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-41045327211213847092021-04-20T11:32:00.001-04:002021-04-20T11:32:37.775-04:00Donate Don’t Dispose How Students are Battling Food Insecurity in Bergen County <p align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With the help of Bergen Volunteers, four rising seniors at
Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro are working with local
community partners to help battle food insecurity in Bergen County. </span></span></p><p align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx5Y7Z8YxyLacgCdysKbh1wz-E00Qx4Zw2w-kSis6c1xqM5tY2ZH85yYU3eyaoLD8O_sybFwxU05h9tZ6pSZ34I-MKyLdXdUlzBumPysxjU9V0qsvEEctKyOoZ7MOBFajDilhWjtKPSEF/s2048/IMG-9172.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx5Y7Z8YxyLacgCdysKbh1wz-E00Qx4Zw2w-kSis6c1xqM5tY2ZH85yYU3eyaoLD8O_sybFwxU05h9tZ6pSZ34I-MKyLdXdUlzBumPysxjU9V0qsvEEctKyOoZ7MOBFajDilhWjtKPSEF/w494-h370/IMG-9172.JPG" width="494" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">(left to right) Gary Lipman, <span style="color: #222222; text-align: left;">Joy Botros, Samantha Gomez, Lexi Kest, Mia Palli, and the Honorable Tracy Zur</span></span></p><p align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Joy Botros, Samantha Gomez, Lexi Kest, and Mia Palli wanted to
find a viable solution to the challenges of food waste and hunger in Bergen
County. Pioneers of “</span><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">Donate Don’t Dispose</span><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">,”
these four young leaders were seeking to create a student-run food amelioration
initiative with an emphasis on food waste repurposing. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">“We are simply a group of high school students who identified a
persistent problem and were determined to find a solution,” shared Lexi Kest,
senior at Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro. “Our focus is on
taking excess food from donors that would otherwise be disposed of in order to
bring it to local food pantries.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">At the onset of their initiative the students were committed to
developing a partnership with a local restaurant or catering company. After
months of research and failed attempts for cross-collaboration, the students
were connected to Bergen Volunteers to help find a solution. As a key partner
in Bergen County’s Food Security Task Force, Bergen Volunteers is
well-positioned to connect the students to civic groups, donors, volunteers,
and distribution centers.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnAtjeXWTnT-UYHTcsztm94dVDP43yCswlGjxgMtQqOwtv8J8rOFD4GZxaj5FC4Ioxr0kP211ZIKXBdiK39plbZt1ktbka4p3qRoku36nGpGi_tOcWbZrDu2lurA5EepDINSuh-mepngu/s2048/IMG-9128.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnAtjeXWTnT-UYHTcsztm94dVDP43yCswlGjxgMtQqOwtv8J8rOFD4GZxaj5FC4Ioxr0kP211ZIKXBdiK39plbZt1ktbka4p3qRoku36nGpGi_tOcWbZrDu2lurA5EepDINSuh-mepngu/s320/IMG-9128.jpg" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">“At Bergen Volunteers we serve as the hub of the community,
continuously responding to emerging needs through our many strategic
partnerships,” shared Debbie Emery, Manager of Community and Civic Engagement.
“When I was introduced to this group of amazing students I knew immediately
that I had to connect them with a business that would help turn their idea into
a reality.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">Through Bergen Volunteers, the students connected with Bergen
County Commissioner Tracy Zur, who heads up Bergen County’s Food Security Task
Force, to create a formal partnership <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">with
Anette and Gary Lipman of Apple Spice Catering </span>in South Hackensack, and
the Lodi Food Pantry.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">“I could not be more ecstatic to see the energy from our next
generation of leaders. Not only are they reducing food waste, but also bringing
food to people in need,” said Commissioner Zur. “I am proud of these amazing
students who are setting forth to be a part of the solution.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">The four students visit Apple Spice every Friday afternoon to
repurpose and repackage pounds of sandwiches, salads, and fresh vegetables that
would otherwise be thrown away. The students are then delivering the food each
week to the Lodi Food Pantry. </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">“At Apple Spice, we are overjoyed and very
proud to be able to help Lexi, Samantha, Mia and Joy put their school research
into action. Their model of food repurposing will help save pounds and pounds
of food that would otherwise go to waste.” shared Lipman. “At a time when so
many in our community are going hungry, these young student leaders are doing
their part to make a difference. I encourage all of my fellow caterers and
restaurant owners to reach out and contribute to this critical effort. Together
we can all make a difference.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Century Gothic, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">During their last trip the students packed more than 60 sandwiches and fresh produce to give to the Lodi Food Pantry.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">“We are amazed by Gary’s generosity and are proud to be able to
work together to help battle hunger in Bergen County,” concluded Kest</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">If you are interested in learning more or want to get involved
in hunger relief efforts, please contact Debbie Emery at
demery@bergenvolunteers.org.</span></p>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-8424807987985347522021-04-15T10:42:00.000-04:002021-04-15T10:42:44.950-04:00CHEER is in Your Neighborhood<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-image"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/bfafe5e9-e3b6-4fdf-b269-6e9bb29b000d.png" style="display: block; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="600" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 9px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 95%; table-layout: fixed; width: 570px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#55505C" height="1" style="background-color: #55505c; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 1px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bgcolor="FFFFFF" class="section-headline editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text section-headline-text" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: white; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal;">After the loss of his wife, Harry was left alone in his home with limited social support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="feature-margin" style="padding: 0px 20px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bgcolor="FFFFFF" class="feature editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text feature-text" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #55505c; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image OneColumnMobile" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="image-cell " style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/c8794406-016e-461a-b240-64fdbb332c6b.jpg" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="227" /></div></td><td align="center" class="mobile-hidden" height="1" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding: 0px;" valign="top" width="15"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="15" /></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mobile-hidden" height="5" style="height: 5px; line-height: 1px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><img alt="" border="0" height="5" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="1" /></td><td align="center" class="mobile-hidden" height="5" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding: 0px;" valign="top" width="5"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Harry heard about the CHEER program delivered through Bergen Volunteers and decided to reach out to learn more.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">When Harry connected with CHEER, he expressed a need for grocery shopping.</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="content editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-spacer"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-spacer" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="spacer-container" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="spacer-base" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px;" valign="top" width="100%"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text center-text content-text" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #55505c; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Though spry for his age of 99, Harry’s Fort Lee home has a lot of steps that makes bringing groceries inside increasingly difficult. We assured him that we would find him a volunteer that would provide him the support he sought while allowing him to keep as much independence as possible.</span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Within two short weeks we matched Harry with his CHEER volunteer, Robert. Robert visits Harry each week, picking up his groceries and prescriptions. He offers Harry a smiling face (through his mask) and brings groceries up his stairs safely into Harry’s kitchen.</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="article editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text article-text" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #55505c; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image OneColumnMobile" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="mobile-hidden" height="1" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding: 0px;" valign="top" width="15"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="15" /></td><td align="center" class="image-cell " style="padding: 0px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/f79f77be-aff3-4206-a4bc-60e5907ac4f3.jpg" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="283" /></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mobile-hidden" height="5" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding: 0px;" valign="top" width="5"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td><td align="center" class="mobile-hidden" height="5" style="height: 5px; line-height: 1px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><img alt="" border="0" height="5" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="1" /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Although Harry no longer has his wife by his side, he is happy to have the support from Robert. Harry lovingly shared, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">"I feel so blessed to have this program. Robert is a tremendous help and we get along great. Thank you for this wonderful service."</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 9px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 95%; table-layout: fixed; width: 570px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#55505C" height="1" style="background-color: #55505c; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 1px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bgcolor="FFFFFF" class="section-headline editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text section-headline-text" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: white; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal;">Thanks to donors like you, Bergen Volunteers can continue to support individuals like Harry, making sure they are safe in their homes with groceries, medication, and a caring volunteer to check in.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-button"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-button" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="editor-button-container editor-button-container " style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px 20px;"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 560px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="MainTextFullWidthTD" style="color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table bgcolor="F08181" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #f08181; border-collapse: collapse; border-radius: 5px; border-spacing: 0px; border: none; min-width: initial; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: initial;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="MainTextFullWidthTD" style="color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; padding: 9px 15px 10px;" valign="top"><div class="MainTextFullWidth" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/donate-today" style="color: white; font-size: 20px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Support a senior, like Harry, by clicking here.</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-20723369637537504872021-03-26T09:43:00.004-04:002021-03-26T09:48:17.191-04:00Sorting Through the Belongings of a Parent Who Has Passed On: Making-It-Home<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For most of us, losing a parent is fraught with emotions– sadness, despair, fear, and more. Yet at the same time as you’re grieving the loss, you might be faced with the responsibility of deciding what to do with all the items that were cherished over a lifetime. It’s hard to imagine disrupting the perfect pictures in your mind – sitting on Dad’s lap squeezed into his favorite chair, gathering round that perfectly polished dining table for Sunday dinner, or leafing through favorite books and tattered photo albums during the holidays. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Sorting through your parents’ belongings can be a daunting task, but perhaps made a bit easier if you narrow down the options and organize the work ahead. </b></span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A first step is to think about what your parent would want you to do. Giving your relatives an opportunity to select belongings they admire or that bring back a certain memory is a good way to honor your parent. Take some photos of items in the house, send them out selectively, and set a deadline for receiving their requests, so you know their thoughts and can determine how to proceed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the keepsakes have been requested and a method for retrieving them, take an inventory of what remains. You’ll likely have an assortment of clothes and jewelry, electronics, small appliances, instruments and books, housewares and linens, food and supplies, artwork - and furniture. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The next step is to decide if you want to put some items in storage, hold an estate or garage sale, offer the items through online platforms, or <b>donate them.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Food and supplies might go to a food pantry. Housewares, clothing, and linens might go to a local house of worship or thrift shop. You might advertise artwork, instruments, and jewelry online or sell them to a dealer. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">In spite of your good intentions, it’s not uncommon to be left with perfectly good furniture that no one wants or that is just too difficult to remove or transport. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>But don’t despair – there are resources, though fewer in number, to ensure that your mother’s magnificent dining set or your dad’s beloved desk finds a good home. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Making-It-Home, a nonprofit program of Bergen Volunteers, collects gently-used furniture from residents in Bergen County, NJ and brings it to formerly homeless adults and children, veterans, victims of domestic abuse, seniors, disabled, and low-income people who are moving from emergency shelters to empty apartments. The work we do gives critical assistance to vulnerable populations, so they can have a comfortable home environment that supports healthy living and a new beginning. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rather than put these pieces by the curb or send them to a landfill, you can offer them to people who will truly benefit. </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">“<i>This is something my mother would have wanted,</i>” said one of our donors. “<i>She was passionate about her beautiful furniture, and I feel good about honoring her memory this way.</i>”</span></p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnUf_PWmqziqi6XnArj7qPqyA1ADb-pQ62BmSuAjAI_8XgBuUit5930AKDRgwFXOIK38pm9jQzvPhsRy0eOO3odQAkxgtWQ4rQw8RuelheSvy6xQk-gvrx9XZHwWZO8KMv5MKFnqux81l/s2048/DSC_0010b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnUf_PWmqziqi6XnArj7qPqyA1ADb-pQ62BmSuAjAI_8XgBuUit5930AKDRgwFXOIK38pm9jQzvPhsRy0eOO3odQAkxgtWQ4rQw8RuelheSvy6xQk-gvrx9XZHwWZO8KMv5MKFnqux81l/w561-h372/DSC_0010b.JPG" width="561" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Each year, Making-It-Home brings donated furniture to dozens of people in need, saving them precious funds that they can put towards necessities such as food, rent, and medical care. </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Working with a corps of volunteers, we pick up hundreds of pieces from dozens of donors, and help preserve our environment by keeping more than 42,000 pounds out of our landfills.</b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana;">Do you have furniture to donate? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">For more information, visit <a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/making-it-home">www.bergenvolunteers.org/making-it-home</a>. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Contact Cynthia Massarsky at cmassarsky@bergenvolunteers.org or 201-289-8444. </span></p><div><br /></div>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-27251864381291076432021-03-16T14:23:00.003-04:002021-03-16T14:23:54.612-04:00Bergen LEADS: Class of 2022 - Applications are open!<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Bergen Volunteers is accepting applications for the Bergen LEADS Class of 2022. </b></span></h1><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s3B8toerW332zBMlgJ1VV4kgs-ONwq2D4Dw9uIE_RgRo1up02tffR_7K5h3sdHmPHhlQm_df08V1SCgK5-xpViLNg0zCBMeDXevY6X527CmjE9C7l0_l-gmoIh1fralgug3CPFwczJ-h/s1832/BL+Social+Distanced+Graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1832" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s3B8toerW332zBMlgJ1VV4kgs-ONwq2D4Dw9uIE_RgRo1up02tffR_7K5h3sdHmPHhlQm_df08V1SCgK5-xpViLNg0zCBMeDXevY6X527CmjE9C7l0_l-gmoIh1fralgug3CPFwczJ-h/w640-h326/BL+Social+Distanced+Graduation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Bergen LEADS is a 10-month community leadership program for adults who live or work in Bergen County. Interactive, fast paced and experiential, the program is delivered through a series of “Issue Days”, which include discussion with community leaders, site visits, leadership training, and small group interaction. Each class completes a capstone project which provides an opportunity to develop solutions to real issues in Bergen County. </span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">“A persistent question facing every sector is, ‘Where will the next generation of ethical and effective leaders come from?’ The answer - Bergen LEADS,” shared Debbie Emery, Program Manager. “Bergen LEADS helps students develop into leaders in their communities, ready to address complex issues and enact viable change.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Under the guidance of former Bergen County Executive William Schuber, Bergen LEADS is now in its 15th year. Bergen LEADers meet with county leaders and visit public, private, and nonprofit agencies in Bergen County to learn about where they live and/or work. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bergen LEADS has gained a reputation as a “think tank” for challenges facing Bergen County. Each class focuses on a specific topic and in June of each year, the graduating class presents their findings and recommendations at a Public Forum. Past Bergen LEADS projects focused on: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Food Insecurity in Bergen County</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Media in Bergen County</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Master Planning 101</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Aging in Place</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Revitalizing and Refocusing Bergen County Suburban Downtowns</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mental Health</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Future of Education</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Future of Local Government</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">“The new class of Bergen LEADERS will join our network of over 375 individuals.” stated Nina Bachrach, CEO of Bergen Volunteers. “Relationships generated from Bergen LEADS transcend beyond the program due to the active alumni group that coordinates events, outings, and networking opportunities. By joining this distinguished group of leaders, individuals gain knowledge and wisdom that will benefit them for years to come.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Interested participants are encouraged to apply by April 10, 2021. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">To access the Bergen LEADS application, visit: <a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/civic-leadership">www.bergenvolunteers.org/civic-leadership </a>and reach out to Debbie Emery at demery@bergenvolunteers.org or (201) 489-9454 ext.202 with any questions.</span></p><p><br /></p>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-54862286667029354782021-02-19T13:38:00.000-05:002021-02-19T13:38:25.975-05:00Bergen Volunteers: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program 2021<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-21b8411d-7fff-847c-d414-c73f46e14284"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program </span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">is in full swing at Bergen Volunteers.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkiPd04ygD_nxmzrWBsWXyBYMfVaRCJMG6XZ8ItwKNi4AO5U8Aa19nwunDdBYN2AVUkrpKrHkIGP-wAFcZGHQ4puiCfcNOU50EdvDQS2mZWtpfMHe1hWBQMUXdry1n8Q9NYyHpHwdvvLy/s1024/tax-preparation-e1516129230576-1024x479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="1024" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkiPd04ygD_nxmzrWBsWXyBYMfVaRCJMG6XZ8ItwKNi4AO5U8Aa19nwunDdBYN2AVUkrpKrHkIGP-wAFcZGHQ4puiCfcNOU50EdvDQS2mZWtpfMHe1hWBQMUXdry1n8Q9NYyHpHwdvvLy/w437-h205/tax-preparation-e1516129230576-1024x479.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>The Bergen Volunteers VITA program offers free basic tax return preparation services to qualified individuals, including:</span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-49111da5-7fff-ec96-a603-d418003bed65"><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Individuals whose income levels are $57,000 or less</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Individuals with disabilities</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">English-language learners</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The program is designed by the IRS, independently managed by Bergen Volunteers as an IRS-certified partner, and supported by volunteers. Each year, Bergen Volunteers’s VITA volunteers undergo a rigorous training and confidentiality workshop. Volunteers are required to certify their knowledge of the tax laws. They also perform a quality review check prior to filing for every return that is prepared. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Due to the current pandemic, Bergen Volunteers is utilizing a hybrid system with regulated in-person document drop-offs and scheduled virtual sessions.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Bergen Volunteers is working diligently to deliver the VITA program in a socially-distant and responsible manner,” said Program Manager, Debbie Emery. “We reevaluated our approach and developed a program that would continue to serve individuals while maintaining everyone’s health and safety.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming virtual tax preparation dates are:</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">February 27</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">March 6</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">March 13</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mach 20</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mach 27</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">April 10</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To determine eligibility for services, potential tax clients should contact Debbie Emery at </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">demery@bergenvolunteers.org</span><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or 201-489-9454 x202 to coordinate an appointment. More information can be found on our website, </span><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href=" www.bergenvolunteers.org/programs" target="_blank">www.bergenvolunteers.org/programs</a>.</span></p><div><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-55660127782459857712021-02-04T10:38:00.006-05:002021-02-04T12:17:13.660-05:00 Volunteering in Retirement: Where do I begin?<div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyeUe5UdTeKU_rbPc-A7YqRlN-_7yhYcOA3ecSWIvYhbax1WG4TIoBhpLC1dSfZPqQSDzCrxosff05xCDpqk2T45kLk3vEqKvrgYfw7VaE3JaoGHw54z0fMPQEjHQFeL7dbL5E_x0z9co/s1000/full-group-volunteer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyeUe5UdTeKU_rbPc-A7YqRlN-_7yhYcOA3ecSWIvYhbax1WG4TIoBhpLC1dSfZPqQSDzCrxosff05xCDpqk2T45kLk3vEqKvrgYfw7VaE3JaoGHw54z0fMPQEjHQFeL7dbL5E_x0z9co/w324-h216/full-group-volunteer.jpg" width="324" /></span></a></div><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">What are your plans as you enter retirement? </span><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">How will you continue to stay sharp and utilize the years </span>of experience you’ve acquired?</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Nonprofit agencies are in need now more than ever. Budgetary constraints and an increase in service demands leads to many gaps needing to be filled.<br /><br /><b><i>How can we fill those gaps and help promote a culture of civic engagement, social welfare, and leadership?</i></b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">Volunteerism! </span></b>Offering your unique set of skills after retirement is an invaluable asset to any nonprofit.<br /><br /><b><i>But how do you find your perfect match? </i></b><span style="color: red;"><b><br /><br />You may not know where to begin - but we do!</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><b><br />1. Reach out to Bergen Volunteers and the Redefining Retirement Team</b><br /><br />Finding the right opportunity can be challenging. You may be unaware of current community needs or who to contact to get started.<br /><br />Redefining Retirement does the hard work for you - so you can focus your time on giving back! Liaisons are in constant contact with local nonprofits, therefore they know what needs are present in the community and where your skills would be best used. By reaching out to Redefining Retirement you will work with a real person that understands your unique skills, talents, and experiences. We will help you every step of the way to finding a volunteer opportunity that is both relevant and rewarding to you.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><b>2. Plan in Advance</b><br /><br />Volunteerism, like many other everyday tasks, requires a plan. Similarly to how you may write a grocery list before going to the store, you should write a list of what issues are important to you before volunteering. Think about what missions you are passionate about and what impact you hope to make in the community. Listing down your interests will be a great starting point to find opportunities relevant to you.<br /><br />Additionally, consider your time commitment. Are you looking for something short or long term? Weekly or as a need arises? Ensuring that we are aware of your time commitments or constraints allows us to find the best organizations for you.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>3. Consider Your Experiences, Talents, and Skills</b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Are you good with numbers and want to utilize this skill?</i> A local museum may need help balancing their budget.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Do you like to be outdoors learning about plants and nature?</i> An environmental center may need a knowledgeable guide to give nature tours.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Do you love reading and want to instill the love of literature in others?</i> An elementary school may be in need of volunteer reading buddies to work with students individually.</span></li></ul><br /><b>4. Sharpen Your Skill Set</b><br /><br />Many volunteer organizations will offer you training, but getting started on your own can be a good idea. Learning new skills or taking a few extra courses will help prep you for what’s out there. You can find many free online or local community courses on how to hone your computer skills, learn about social media, and so much more!<br /><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>5. Start Volunteering Now and Reap the Benefits</b><br /><br />Do not hesitate - oftentimes the best experiences result from being put in an unfamiliar situation. Research indicates that stepping outside of your comfort zone may sharpen your emotional intelligence, problem-solving ability, and build self-confidence.<br /><br />You can begin by contacting the Redefining Retirement team at Bergen Volunteers. We have connections with over 100 local Bergen County nonprofit organizations. Our liaisons are ready to help match you with a nonprofit agency in need of your talent, skills, and expertise.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><!--more--></span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Call us at 201-489-9454, ext. 209 or email retirement@bergenvolunteers.org to get started or visit </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.bergenvolunteers.org/redefining-retirement " target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">https://www.bergenvolunteers.org/redefining-retirement</span></b> </a>to learn more!</span></span></div>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-74572362651181384062021-01-19T11:30:00.000-05:002021-01-19T11:30:07.733-05:00Bergen Volunteers Unveils Expanded Mentoring ProgramBergen Volunteers, the longtime hub for community connection building, revealed its newly re-envisioned Mentoring Program, to coincide with January’s National Mentoring Month.
After 40 years in partnership with the State of NJ, Bergen Volunteers received the news that, due to COVID-19 budget cuts, all state funding to the Mentoring Program was eliminated. <div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> “The changes in funding provided us with the opportunity to redefine and reimagine mentoring. Over the last 40 years we matched 4,700 individuals with mentors and we did not want budgetary cuts to restrict the impact we have serving the community,” said Nina Bachrach, CEO of Bergen Volunteers.
“We moved quickly to pivot our approach to ensure that we could continue running our Mentoring Program throughout the pandemic and into the future.”</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div> With support from our Mentoring Task Force we developed a new program and framework. The goal continues to be to match individuals in need of support caring mentors who offer assistance, guidance, and education. The program helps individuals learn about the resources available within the community, while tapping into their strengths to identify and work on individualized goals. </div><div><br /></div><div>The program is open to walk-ins as well as referrals from partnering agencies, who feel a client could benefit from mentoring. Bergen Volunteers is particularly focused on outreach to individuals from marginalized and minority communities as well as low-to-moderate income households to give them the opportunity to connect with a caring and supportive mentor. The program is currently in need of black and brown male mentors to be matched with mentees in the program. </div><div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div> “We know that by providing friendship, guidance, and support, mentors can help strengthen relationships and encourage healthy family functioning,” Bachrach said. “Mentors serve as a bridge to guide individuals across systems, city agencies, and organizations, to ensure they are accessing the resources to meet their needs, achieve their goals, and become self-advocates.” </div></blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div> The new Mentoring Program focuses on a two-fold approach, involving a year-long model with the option to renew and a month-to-month model. The year-long option is open to youth and adolescents ages 8 - 18+, caregivers (parents, guardians, grandparents, foster parents, people caring for senior parents, etc.), and first generation college students. Goals, which are set individually by each match, can range from improving financial literacy to experiencing the local arts to strengthening family connections, or can be customized based on individual needs.</div><div><br /></div><div>The month-to-month program is open to high school students and up as well as senior citizens. The goals for this program are to provide check-ins and conversation for those struggling with isolation. A new component of this program area is the launch of the Seniors-to-Seniors subgroup, in which Seniors in high school can check-in on senior citizens.
There are a variety of ways in which to participate in the program - as a mentor, mentee, or supporter. There are also options for businesses and nonprofits to become involved and benefit from the program. </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">“We are thrilled to be able to offer support via our new Mentoring Program and encourage our community to get involved in this important and critical program,” Bachrach concluded. </div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Individuals need mentoring now more than ever especially with COVID-19 related isolationism.
If you are interested in being matched with a mentor, or volunteering with the Mentoring Program, please reach out to Lisa Tredici at ltredici@bergenvolunteers.org or visit <a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/programs">www.bergenvolunteers.org/programs</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MBfz0EHQRrl10RTVe1NBNvlZjGh0yKSRmEzfdNUd1kdy1jwup3t65nvG6UoVfY_InO3IYvLhL98uhtvcMlXeavtOQ8NMDobvf7TW5lMbGOh-MIxiHAF5rMa0ohVmWUrcxmDS-Fk8nB3h/s2048/Mentoring+Mom+and+Daughter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MBfz0EHQRrl10RTVe1NBNvlZjGh0yKSRmEzfdNUd1kdy1jwup3t65nvG6UoVfY_InO3IYvLhL98uhtvcMlXeavtOQ8NMDobvf7TW5lMbGOh-MIxiHAF5rMa0ohVmWUrcxmDS-Fk8nB3h/s320/Mentoring+Mom+and+Daughter.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-68159999008036972322020-12-14T15:03:00.001-05:002020-12-14T15:03:31.705-05:00Bergen Volunteers: All Wrapped Up 2020<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bergen Volunteers’ All Wrapped Up program is
spreading holiday cheer to over 2,000 individuals (and counting) this holiday
season. Nearly 500 individuals have generously donated gifts to those in need,
such as supermarket gift cards, clothing, toys, and coats. <span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">All Wrapped Up, a service program of Bergen
Volunteers, matches individuals and families in need with donors from the
community. For the last 24 years Bergen Volunteers helped over 88,000 individuals
and families receive holiday gifts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR31X7s9h8R019CtJ_YdHNwcHtl9j55ylWGdxzJxd4i5zXY0czxdSaMOwDYp8cWYoslcehe5MYcZA1TdEapGovYmVy0OXyg8ULH9R6esIJle4h5siACtKrZCek1DC7XL-LyoRqG1yMf0M/s2048/Barbara+Blumberg+AWU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR31X7s9h8R019CtJ_YdHNwcHtl9j55ylWGdxzJxd4i5zXY0czxdSaMOwDYp8cWYoslcehe5MYcZA1TdEapGovYmVy0OXyg8ULH9R6esIJle4h5siACtKrZCek1DC7XL-LyoRqG1yMf0M/w320-h320/Barbara+Blumberg+AWU.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara B with her magical gift bags.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Every year I am amazed
by the outpouring of kindness and generosity shared by our loyal donors.
Holiday spirit and a sense of community is alive and well for our neighbors in
need," said Debbie Emery, Manager of Community and Civic Engagement at
Bergen Volunteers. “We are grateful to have amazing donors that open their
hearts and support our community. The smiles, gratitude, and expressions of
hope from our clients make the act of giving so worthwhile for our donors.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For our dedicated All
Wrapped Up donor Barbara B., giving gifts is a true passion. </span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Barbara shared,
"These are gifts filled with love and concern for those around me.”
Barbara </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">devoted hours to
creating more than 130 magical gift bags</span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> filled with stuffed animals, toys, crayons,
and coloring books for children in the program. “I truly get so much out of
crafting these special bags to brighten up a child’s day.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There
is still time for you to get involved! Donors may, and have continued to,
support the program through cash and gift-in-kind donations.</span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Additionally, grocery
gift cards are much needed, to help All Wrapped Up families struggling with
food insecurity. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To learn more reach out to Debbie at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:demery@bergenvolunteers.org"><span style="color: #1155cc;">demery@bergenvolunteers.org</span></a> or by phone, (201) 489-9454 ext. 202.</span></p>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-39162920084054567992020-11-11T11:03:00.005-05:002020-11-11T11:03:40.772-05:00Meet Areli: Through Mentoring she found her extended family<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" bgcolor="FFFFFA" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-image"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/37dea9bb-d510-43ae-83c8-16caff28f18d.png" style="display: block; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="169" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="divider-container editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-container" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 10px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 93%; table-layout: fixed; width: 538.75px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#c9212e" height="1" style="background-color: #c9212e; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="headline editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text headline-text" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;">Areli knew she was in trouble.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 10px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 93%; table-layout: fixed; width: 538.75px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#c9212e" height="1" style="background-color: #c9212e; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="50%"><div><div class="column-resize-bar"><span class="line"></span><span class="grabber"></span></div></div><div class="gl-contains-image"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/82666caa-e8fd-4a09-9d49-12828741b250.jpg" style="display: block; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="200" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="50%"><div class="gl-contains-spacer"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-spacer" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="spacer-base" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px 10px 10px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Areli immigrated from El Salvador to the United States in 2004 with her family. Her husband was battling cancer and she struggled to communicate with his doctors, her children’s teachers, and maintain financial stability. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Areli knew she was in trouble.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">With only a basic knowledge of English and limited education, Areli had minimal job prospects. Areli felt lost as she tried to lead her family through food insecurity and sickness. Then an ad in the local newspaper about a mentorship program gave her a</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"> glimmer of hope. </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="50%"><div><div class="column-resize-bar"><span class="line"></span><span class="grabber"></span></div></div><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 10px 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Areli reached out to </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Bergen Volunteers</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> and was quickly paired with her mentor, Alma. They formed an</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"> instant connection</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">A fellow native Spanish speaker, with the same love of thrift stores and movies, Alma was able to offer </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">guidance, support, and companionship.</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="50%"><div class="gl-contains-image"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/d537d65e-e30a-490f-9d19-b3f5a2d35f13.jpg" style="display: block; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="279" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px 10px 10px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div align="right" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 10px;">Alma (left) and Areli (right) at a Mentoring party.</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-spacer"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-spacer" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="spacer-base" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px;" valign="top" width="100%"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Alma became Areli’s translator and gave Areli practical financial guidance. She even helped Areli secure a job and dig herself out of financial instability.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">It is through programs like </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Mentoring</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> that </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Bergen Volunteers</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> can help facilitate connections between people; reminding us that two people, a world apart, can support one another and </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">become an extended family.</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" bgcolor="FAD2CD" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" style="background-color: #fad2cd;" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold;">Your gift to </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold;">Bergen Volunteers</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold;"> will ensure that our mentoring staff can continue to provide support for those in our community in need of help.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold;">Any donation large or small makes all the difference towards changing someone’s life.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 10px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 93%; table-layout: fixed; width: 538.75px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#c9212e" height="1" style="background-color: #c9212e; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bgcolor="#FFFFFA" class="feature-margin" style="padding: 0px 20px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bgcolor="FFFFFA" class="feature editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-button"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-button" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-button"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-button" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="editor-button-container editor-button-container " style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px 20px;"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="MainTextFullWidthTD" style="display: block; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table bgcolor="FF0000" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: red; border-collapse: collapse; border-radius: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; border: none; color: white; min-width: initial; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: initial;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="MainTextFullWidthTD" style="color: white; display: block; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 9px 15px 10px;" valign="top"><div class="MainTextFullWidth" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><a href="https://app.mobilecause.com/public/campaigns_keywords/graph2#/142968/fundraising/wall" style="color: white; display: block; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Donate Today</a><a href="https://app.mobilecause.com/public/campaigns_keywords/graph2#/142968/fundraising/wall" style="color: white; display: block; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Text "BergenVolunteer" to 91-999</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></td><td align="center" class="MainTextFullWidthTD" style="display: block; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/donate-today">www.bergenvolunteers.org/donate-today</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="divider-container editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-container" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 10px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 93%; table-layout: fixed; width: 538.75px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#c9212e" height="1" style="background-color: #c9212e; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bgcolor="#FFFFFA" class="social editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-spacer"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-spacer" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="spacer-container" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="spacer-base" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px;" valign="top" width="100%"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="gl-contains-social-button"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-social" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class=" social-container social-container" style="padding: 0px 20px 10px;"><div class="galileo-ap-content-editor"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bergenvolunteers" style="display: inline-block; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/galileo/images/templates/Galileo-SocialMedia/facebook-visit-default-circle.png" style="display: inline-block; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="32" /> </a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCVolunteers" style="display: inline-block; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/galileo/images/templates/Galileo-SocialMedia/twitter-visit-default-circle.png" style="display: inline-block; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="32" /> </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bergenvolunteers" style="display: inline-block; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/galileo/images/templates/Galileo-SocialMedia/instagram-visit-default-circle.png" style="display: inline-block; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="32" /> </a></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table>bergen volunteer centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16473990181913204664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059549283619809356.post-69480891914552930152020-11-11T10:59:00.002-05:002020-11-11T10:59:28.182-05:00Heidi lost her home, but she did not lose her spirit. <p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-image"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/37dea9bb-d510-43ae-83c8-16caff28f18d.png" style="display: block; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="169" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="divider-container editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-container" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 10px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 93%; table-layout: fixed; width: 538.75px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#c9212e" height="1" style="background-color: #c9212e; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="headline editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text headline-text" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-weight: normal;">After serving two tours in the Navy Heidi was left </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;">struggling </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-weight: normal;">with back pain and an array of medical issues. Her medical bills drained her of her entire life savings, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;">leaving her homeless.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 10px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 93%; table-layout: fixed; width: 538.75px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#c9212e" height="1" style="background-color: #c9212e; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="50%"><div><div class="column-resize-bar"><span class="line"></span><span class="grabber"></span></div></div><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 10px 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Through the Bergen County Division of Veteran Services, a partner of </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Bergen Volunteers</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">, Heidi secured a new apartment. Upon moving in, Heidi was connected with our </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Making-It-Home </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">program</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">to help furnish her home. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">We visited Heidi in her new apartment to learn more about her and what type of furniture she needed.</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="50%"><div class="gl-contains-image"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/763a2f17-e391-4a1b-b7e2-9c0b2dbecc53.jpg" style="display: block; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="276" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><span style="color: #211e1e; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">“A desk for my computer,”</span><span style="color: #211e1e; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> she exclaimed, </span><span style="color: #211e1e; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">“because I just love the Internet and want to go on Match.com. Who knows, I may find myself a fella!</span><span style="color: #211e1e; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #211e1e; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">And oh, a recliner would be terrific too. I have trouble walking and my back isn’t in very good shape, so that would help. Frankly, anything you might provide would be a blessing.”</span></div><div><span style="color: #211e1e; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Making-It-Home </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">located a desk and recliner from a donor in the community and brought it to Heidi’s home.</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="50%"><div><div class="column-resize-bar"><span class="line"></span><span class="grabber"></span></div></div><div class="gl-contains-spacer"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-spacer" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="spacer-base" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px;" valign="top" width="100%"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="gl-contains-image"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px;" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" border="0" class="" hspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/3dc7f3a9001/e735471c-b716-467c-9656-7a284766302d.jpg" style="display: block; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="260" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="50%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px 10px 10px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Heidi said, “I never thought I'd be the one asking for or needing help at this stage of my life. But I feel so entirely </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">grateful </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">to realize it is out there. And to refreshingly find it is given so </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">willingly and freely</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">. Thank you again for doing what you do. You have made a </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">huge positive difference in my life!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">”</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-spacer"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-spacer" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="spacer-base" style="height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px;" valign="top" width="100%"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" bgcolor="FAD2CD" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" style="background-color: #fad2cd;" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="editor-text editor-text " style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #524a4b; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><div></div><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold;">Thanks to donors like you, </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold;">Making-It-Home </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold;">can continue to provide furniture to our veterans and ensure they are well taken care of.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic", Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">Your $100 donation will help veterans in our community have the furniture they need to make their house a home.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="" valign="top"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: default; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-base divider-solid" style="padding: 10px 0px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 93%; table-layout: fixed; width: 538.75px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#c9212e" height="1" style="background-color: #c9212e; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bgcolor="#FFFFFA" class="feature-margin" style="padding: 0px 20px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bgcolor="FFFFFA" class="feature editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-button"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-button" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="" class=" editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-button"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-button" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="editor-button-container editor-button-container " style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px 20px;"><table class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="MainTextFullWidthTD" style="color: white; display: block; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table bgcolor="FF0000" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: red; border-collapse: collapse; border-radius: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; border: none; min-width: initial; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: initial;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="MainTextFullWidthTD" style="color: white; display: block; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 9px 15px 10px;" valign="top"><div class="MainTextFullWidth" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><a href="https://app.mobilecause.com/public/campaigns_keywords/graph2#/142968/fundraising/wall" style="color: white; display: block; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Donate Today!</a><a href="https://app.mobilecause.com/public/campaigns_keywords/graph2#/142968/fundraising/wall" style="color: white; display: block; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Text "BergenVolunteer" to 91-999</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></td><td align="center" class="MainTextFullWidthTD" style="display: block; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.bergenvolunteers.org/donate-today">www.bergenvolunteers.org/donate-today</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor" style="background-color: #fffffa; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="divider-container editor-col OneColumnMobile" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="gl-contains-divider"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="editor-divider" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider-container" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="galileo-ap-content-editor" style="border-collapse: collapse; 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