Skip to main content

Service Spotlight

The more of our neighbors we speak with, the more we hear incredible stories about extraordinary people, groups, and organizations serving our communities. Every month our office will share a Service Spotlight, highlighting one of these individuals and their contributions to our communities and nation. This commitment to service inspires us, and we are excited to share these stories with you. 

Nominate Your Neighbor!

Do you know an incredible person or group serving our NJ-03 communities? We want to hear from you! Share your story with us, who  should we highlight? Nominate your neighbor here.

Read Our Service Spotlights: 

 

Mary Beth, Meals on Wheels of Mercer County

February 2024

Image
Mary Beth

“You don’t need a lot of time to make a difference.”

Our February #ServiceSpotlight Mary Beth believes in the power of helping out in whatever way you can, even if it’s a few minutes here and there. Her service follows this creed and we're excited to share her story!

After retiring, Mary Beth felt like she needed to give back to the community around her. After starting to deliver a couple meals here and there with Meals on Wheels, she now dedicates many hours a week as a team leader and with Trenton Soup Kitchen and Mercer Street Friends. Mary Beth thinks of it as "two hours here, two hours there" in-between tennis, pickleball, and gardening. But even at tennis she serves by organizing an informal community league for around 50 people and encourages them all to volunteer in their community whenever, however they can.

She says, the worst someone can say is no, and when they say yes it's an incredible feeling to have people around her who want to help. She’s found "little families wherever I go," through volunteering who make her feel lucky in life. The work in front of her and in the world has inspired her to be less wasteful in her own life. When she sees how grateful someone is for a single meal, she says it makes her cherish each little thing in her own life, not taking anything for granted.

From others, she has seen the value in “just giving what you can.” She hopes more people can discover all the opportunities, right in people’s own communities where they can help in fulfilling ways that work around people’s busy lives.

One of her most recent endeavors in service is at a pet pantry with Meals on Wheels. After seeing people giving some of their own meals to their pet, she now helps gather and distribute around 200 pounds of food a week so everyone and their furry family has enough to eat.

A lot inspires us about Mary Beth. We’re in awe of her energy to give back and her creative spirit to serve in a variety of ways. We're glad to be able to showcase her hard work around Hamilton as our February #ServiceSpotlight! Thank you Mary Beth!

Matthew, Commission to Serve Food Pantry

January 2024

Image
Matthew with his truck

Our first #ServiceSpotlight of 2024 is here!

This month, we are highlighting Matthew and his tireless service at the Commission to Serve Food Pantry in Willingboro. Like the food pantry, Matthew believes in “giving out all that we have.”

What started as a quick stop to get some help, turned into Matthew volunteering multiple days a week, finding happiness in helping provide neighbors with food and other necessities. Matthew helps out most with loading and unloading the heavy items from the pantry’s truck to get them into people’s hands. He says it’s very physically demanding, but too much for many of the other volunteers and as long as he's able, this is how he knows he can help.

Matthew moved to the United States in 2010 and to New Jersey in 2019. Growing up, he faced 14 years of civil war, spending time in refugee camps, and living displaced at times.

He got through it with others’ help. When he was in a position of need, people volunteered and helped him. If he can do the same now, he wants to. 

Through the physical toll and long hours, Matthew is proud to volunteer with people in the community that serve with the same passion. Everyone has a unique job at the pantry that when put together, delivers for people across our community. No matter the hour or the need, they never turn someone away who is asking for help. He says “how much they come, that’s how much we serve.”

Matthew shared his passion for the chance to serve and his love for who he serves with. He says, “blessings come in so many different ways” and you never know where something could lead. For him, the smile the volunteers and work puts on his face everyday is a blessing.

Looking ahead, Matthew only wants more for the food pantry and the community. From more volunteers to a walk-in freezer, he wants to help the work grow and give some relief to their overworked team. He thinks of how many more people they could help.

We’re so grateful to have people like Matthew who uplift our community. His drive and tireless work is inspiring.

It’s a privilege to be able to honor Matthew and his belief in the power of service. Thank you for all you do.

Dawn, Bear Bear, and Patron

December 2023

Image
Bear Bear and Dawn

Dawn didn’t intend for her beloved Bernese mountain dog Bear Bear to be a therapy dog, but it soon became her passion. Now across Burlington and the region, Dawn, Bear Bear, and her second dog Patron are famous for their service.

They are also our December #ServiceSpotlight!

Dawn saw the power of a therapy dog through her friend’s work on a campus that just experienced a shooting. It opened up her eyes to what therapy dogs do and of course what a “therapy dog handler” is getting themselves into. Bear Bear soared through the training and Dawn found her calling trying to help anyone, anywhere who could benefit from a therapy dogs' presence. She soon after got Patron. Meant to be a second companion, after Bear Bear’s sudden passing in 2020, Patron took over full time.

The job of a therapy dog and their handler is straightforward, but not simple. They go where there’s any need, oftentimes schools, hospitals, or other community spots. But their work is an important balance of reading what people need and making sure the dog matches this tone. Dawn explains that Patron feeds directly off her energy, so she has to be emotionally prepared for whatever environment they are going into. Her closeness to her dogs have left her with the motto, “be the person my dog wants me to be.”

Patron has done a great job living up to Bear Bear’s legacy, lending his friendly and calm help to anyone. Dawn and her dogs have helped kids get over their fear of reading during “Books with Bear Bear” and other times just made someone smile who’s going through a tough time. Dawn says, “At the end of the day, we take the good and the bad, because in the end we get to help.”

She is passionate about putting more therapy dogs out in the community where they can help more people. This includes an effort to have a therapy dog in schools statewide. Schools have even honored Patron’s service to the students with his very own spot in the yearbook. Dawn jokes that she never expected to be buying more yearbooks, let alone buy one for her pups’ picture day photos. She’s now getting three this year alone.

Her, the therapy dogs, and all the handlers she works with are there for someone, no matter the need. We hope we’re one of the lucky people who runs into Dawn and Patron on their walks around the neighborhood to say another huge thank you for what they do.

Jack and Annarose, Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County

November 2023

Image
Jack and Annarose

Both born in New Jersey, Jack and Annarose’s passion for service was inspired by others’ service. This November, we are proud to showcase Jack and Annarose as our #ServiceSpotlight for being there for our local senior community for over 25 years.

When Annarose's mother needed constant care, volunteers were there to support her and her family. She credits them for enabling her to attend her twin sons’ graduation with peace of mind that her mother would be looked after.

Now, Annarose and Jack do the same for others.

With Interfaith Caregivers of Mercer County, Annarose and Jack say the work and the people they help “get to become a part of you.” From cutting grass, rides to appointments, or just quality time, they both help neighbors get through the day in any way they can. Jack says that volunteering helps them “form friendships with people we might not have met otherwise.” This has kept them volunteering for the organization since 1996.

They have stories of people they’ve helped along the way, strangers who turned into friends. Annarose thinks about how someday she might need the same help, and as long as she is able, she wants to do something to help someone else. Thanks to all the helping hands of volunteers, the group helps people stay in their homes longer and families receive the help they need. They help fill the gaps government programs may not fill.

For example, Jack accompanied a neighbor with a walker to the grocery store every other week for five years. He realized that more than the physical help needed, a lot of people just crave company with another person. Annarose shared the story of her first client, a woman with Parkinson's who lit up at the opportunity to share a bowl of ice cream and have someone to talk to when her kids were at work. She and Jack shared how often they “become friends more than 'caregivers' or 'receivers.'”

We are grateful to have community members like Jack and Annarose who are so committed to serving our senior community and anyone who might need a helping hand.

Patrolman James Caulfield

October 2023

Image
Jade and Patrolman Caulfield

Patrolman James Caulfield and his dog Jade are a familiar local duo. Their story isn’t just about a man’s best friend, but also his on-duty partner.

As our October #ServiceSpotlight, we honor their work to transform community service and police work, one pair of paws at a time.

Patrolman Caulfield joined the Marlboro Township PD in 2000 as a dispatcher before beginning his career as a police officer in 2010. He is proud to serve the town where he grew up and where his parents still live.

The Patrolman says he quickly found his niche at the department doing community relations and “bridging the gap between the community and police department.” He thought a dog could go a long way in his work fostering relationships with schools, seniors, and victims of crimes.

With the support of Police Chief Peter Pezzullo and Mayor Jon Hornik, Patrolman Caulfield went through a 4 month training program to certify Jade as a therapy dog. She passed her final with flying colors.

Now the pair are spearheading a new way to use K9s to help people on-duty.

Jade helps foster conversation, provide emotional support, and helps with building relationships through her positive energy when you meet her. The Patrolman says Jade is becoming a fixture because he’s always around in the community and she’s always at his side.

Patrolman Caulfield aims to add a new dimension of what we think of with K9 service, emphasizing the possibilities service and therapy dogs can bring to departments. They bring a whole new set of skills to accompany their more tactically focused companions that sniff out crime.

The relationship between Patrolman Caulfield and Jade is essential to the success of her service and obedience out in the community. He says his goal of making people’s lives better is translated through Jade’s service as she brings smiles to people’s faces around town every day. With his department, and Mayor Jon Hornik’s support, Patrolman Caulfield hopes this can be a model for other programs and could create even bigger support systems in schools and senior communities where dogs could take people out of a bad moment and encourage calmness and joy.

Service comes in so many different forms and leaves so many different paw-sitive marks on our community.

We’re grateful for the commitment Patrolman Caulfield and Jade show our community every day to keep people safe and to simply brighten someone’s day.

Shrabanee Shah, No Stigma Network

September 2023

Image
No Stigma, Shrabanee

Shrabanee is guided by her grandmother’s words.

“Never say no to another human in need…share what you have. You share your plate with them.”

We are proud to recognize Shrabanee as our September #ServiceSpotlight for her work empowering and helping people with mental illness.

Shrabanee has been driven to serve her community for as long as she can remember. Much of her inspiration, direction, and skills in the mental health space are based on her experience as a mother, volunteer, and as a First-Class Girl Scout (now called the Gold Award). Through her own child’s journey as a young adult and their experience finding supportive outlets, she saw how essential it was to make sure young people have coping mechanisms, skills to help them transition into society, and be mindful of their mental health needs. To her, it seemed like young adults facing mental illness had a “dark hole” pulling them down.

Her own experience inspired her to do more and start working to fill these gaps for people in her community. Shrabanee founded the No Stigma Network, Inc. to help young adults be truly heard in judgment-free spaces where they can express themselves, process what they are going through, and lean on each other for support.

The goal is to build understanding and meet young people’s needs. What started as a small support group meeting at a park is now a physical space in Monmouth Co. serving young adults across NJ and across the nation through virtual programs. They have an all are welcome policy to serve people of diverse backgrounds, diagnosis, or disabilities.

From ordering at restaurants, camping, to white-water rafting, young people are able to work on communicating their needs, problem solving as a team, growing leadership skills, and empowering each other and themselves to be the most resilient version of themselves.

For Shrabanee, she says the organization has made her a better mother, a stronger person, and encouraged her to be more open and accepting.

Her hope is that the work doesn’t just help individuals directly, but can also open up the conversation around mental illness and break down stigmas across the community. She believes in baby steps, and that short-term goals lead to long-term success. Dialogue about mental illness can help get rid of the stigmas around it.

We know Shrabanee’s selfless service is helping empower individuals with mental illness and their families across New Jersey.

Ron Dash, Local Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient

August 2023

Image
Ron Dash holding CR

In August, our nation honors Purple Heart Day to show our appreciation for servicemembers who were wounded or killed while serving our nation. This month’s #ServiceSpotlight is NJ’s own Ron Dash, a brave, Purple Heart recipient who works tirelessly for our local veterans.

In Ron’s words, he doesn’t see it as needing to “give back,” instead he just wants to keep giving. 

“That’s what we’re supposed to do,” he says, “Uplift others.”

Ron served in the United States Marine Corps, Army Reserves, and National Guard. In Vietnam, he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He has been an advocate for fellow veterans now for over 35 years.

His inspiration to keep serving others comes from simple principles, to stand up to bullies and to help those less fortunate. Ron’s service has taken many different forms, including as Commander in the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 26 here in NJ-03.

In his work with the VFW, American Legion, the Willingboro Township Veterans Advisory Committee, DAV, and more, Ron is always trying to help. Whether it is getting someone a hot meal, their VA benefits, or advocating for seniors, his service has touched so many across NJ.

Helping people is Ron’s “ministry.” He is responsible for incredible annual events for veterans in our community to honor their service and lives. We have Ron's leadership and care to thank for building a beautiful Veterans Memorial at the entrance of Mill Creek Park too.

For all he has done for his nation and community, Congressman Kim presented Ron with a recognition in the Congressional Record of the 118th Congress.

We handed Ron his own copy of this record and thanked him again for all he's done as a local and national hero.

Debbie and Ike, Burlington County Tennis Association

July 2023

Image
BCTA award

Debbie and Ike live and serve by a simple motto – life is played above the net.

In recognition of their decades uplifting people in our local community through tennis, we are excited to share their story as our July #ServiceSpotlight!

In 1971, Ike picked up tennis and began his career as an amateur player and later an instructor. From his roots at the Mt. Holly Recreation Department, he has played in USTA  tournaments and enjoyed the sport amongst some of the sport’s biggest names.

At the start of his now 49 year-long coaching career, Ike wanted to revolutionize tennis lessons to be community-based. Ike and Debbie envisioned a place where tennis was available and affordable to anyone. So in 1999, they started down this road with a tennis community day.

Debbie recounts organizing the first community tennis day. Local recreation departments in Cinnaminson, Evesham, Hanesport, Mt. Holly, and Pemberton joined in, helping sign people up for 10 - 15 sites across the community. With instructors and volunteers, it was a huge success.

Since then, their Burlington County Tennis Association’s reach, programs, and lessons have grown across New Jersey and to kids, adults, and seniors.

For Debbie and Ike, they see the sport impacting people in ways much deeper than as just a hobby. Their grassroots effort is grounded in the belief that everyone can learn how to play. Ike and Debbie’s primary goal and mission is to educate, train, and expose people to the game. They believe through dedication and teamwork BCTA can help pull families and communities together.

“We’re not just tennis,” Debbie shared.

Their programs look at the humanistic side of the sport with the goal of developing communication, daily living, leadership, and mentorship skills that help people succeed throughout their whole lives on and off the court. The pair have an outstanding reputation throughout Burlington County and nearby counties for promoting diversity in tennis and encouraging children and adults of all ethnic backgrounds to play tennis through a broad spectrum of educational and outreach programs.

Ike and Debbie say this environment starts with making people feel welcomed. It's most important to them that tennis is readily available to anyone who could use a safe and secure space.

They are inspired when they see their students leaning on each other on and off the court. Their impact resonates in many ways. Some kids become star players who go on to win on the court, others see improvement in their grades because of a new work ethic. They also see their generational impact with pupils from 1998 now bringing their own kids to lessons.

Ike and Debbie have received recognition over the years, including by USTA in 1999 as the Organization of the Year and later USTA’s New Jersey teaching pro of the Year, Premiere Provider Community Tennis Association of the Year, as well as by the Mt. Holly Recreation Department.

Ike gushed at how much they love to see families playing together, all enjoying the sport he loves so much. They both say the organization feels like a big family, with local partner organizations and youth programs supporting their camps, affordable lessons, and other activities.

Ike and Debbie want to do even more in the community to reach even more kids or adults who are at-risk, including through a tutorial program. They don’t want any talented athlete to not get to the sport because of lacking resources, finances, or just not being given a chance. Ike and Debbie impact thousands each year, giving kids a friendly, supportive place to have fun and learn life skills and adults the chance to develop a new passion.

We are inspired by their compassion for everyone they serve and their vision for a better future through sport.

Rita Dentino, Casa Freehold

June 2023

Image
Rita smiling at camera

 

Rita Dentino has served in our Freehold community for decades and she’s not looking to stop her 7 days a week, 6 AM schedule anytime soon.

We’re excited to celebrate her passion for helping others as our June #ServiceSpotlight.

Rita began working with Casa Freehold in 2003.

This year marks 20 years since she helped found the group and began working to support immigrant communities in Freehold, NJ.

Her daily work varies, with helping people from around the world find stability in their new communities, connecting them with a place to sleep, legal assistance, and more.

Rita says, “Everyone deserves a safe place to lay down and sleep at night.”

Rita recounted a recent time when late in the night she received a call that two people experiencing homelessness had shown up to their office.

She said they had to scurry to find them a place to sleep, noting that a lot of her work revolves around housing.

Rita thinks it means a lot to people to know that they have a safe haven, no matter their background.

She wants to help make sure people can find that help and kindness in our community.

She is passionate about looking out for communities who can be exceptionally vulnerable due to their immigration status and supporting them. This includes LGBTQ+ advocates within Casa Freehold who do so much for so many people in need.

Casa Freehold has given Rita an additional, “huge and wonderful family.”

As they work with so many more organizations around the world, she’s passionate about the work continuing.

We are grateful for Rita’s tireless dedication to helping children and families find community in New Jersey and giving a helping hand to those in need of one.

Easton, Happy Helpers

May 2023

Image
Easton smiling at camera

We are just blown away by the heart and passion of our May #ServiceSpotlight.

At just six years old, Easton has done so much for our community. Following his vision, his mom is ready to help him dream even bigger and keep the good work going!

On a routine grocery trip, Easton noticed a man without a home or food. After begging his mom about helping all people like him, they came up with a list of items that could help someone without a home.

Able to recite the whole list by memory, Easton calls them “necessity bags.”

With the list ready, they created an online wishlist to raise money and gather supplies. Their post said the goal was $300 and they are just a mom and son wanting to help their Burlington County community.

They were able to raise around $1,100 and wanted to keep going.

They were shocked by how quickly they surpassed their goal and just how many people were ready to come help.

Their house filled with supplies and bags and as they kept going, the help kept coming.

On how he feels helping people, Easton says, “I feel really happy. I feel the happiest in my life.”

It makes sense that Easton chose to call his and his mom’s efforts the “Happy Helpers”.

Instead of a trip to Hershey Park, Easton chose to spend his spring break continuing the work and helped make 200 lunch bags and 200 necessity bags to pass out to those in need.

Don’t worry though, his mom said that Hershey Park can happen another time.

With the help of friends, family, local organizations, and Burlington County Social Services, the Happy Helpers passed out every single bag to individuals, food pantries, and homeless shelters.

Groups also brought housing, health, and COVID testing information for those in need.

Up next, Easton wants to find beds for families who need them and make sure they all have necessity bags. His plan is to raise money through a “fundraiser partttayyy”.

We know Easton is going to continue to do big things and we thank him and his mom for helping our community.

Shelja Touri, DEON

April 2023

Image
Shelja smiling at camera

In 2021, Shelja Touri and a team of volunteers began DEON to use education and connection to build bridges in New Jersey.

During National Volunteer Week, we are excited to showcase Shelja as our April #ServiceSpotlight!

Like her fellow volunteers, Shelja uses her professional background and individual experiences to guide her volunteer work.

A social worker by trade, Shelja's volunteerism is grounded in the human side of solving complex issues and is rooted in supporting children's growth.

Her goal is to help fill in gaps so people know where to go for assistance and nobody’s voice is left behind.

From getting someone a full meal to delivering books to local schools, Shelja tries to find immediate solutions while also working on bigger picture goals.

For Shelja, it all begins with conversations that can grow into change.

Whether it’s a difficult conversation or helping neighbors work together to solve problems, her goal in the end is to bring people together and find ways to uplift one another.

Shelja has helped bring new and diverse programming into the community, including an annual Diwali celebration, Juneteenth events, and recently a black author showcase in Burlington County and surrounding areas.

“You can complain all you want, but you need to bring solutions.”

Shelja began this work to help take care of others and help connect people through educational and cultural community programs. She realized the need was even greater than just her community, so she expanded.

Moving forward, Shelja hopes to get more people to feel like they belong in community conversations. 

She’s encouraged by continued and growing partnerships and seeing previous partners and participants return as future volunteers.

A great ending for National Volunteer Week, Shelja wants everyone to know their volunteer work matters and has an impact.

She hopes that volunteers can also have fun while doing this work to help them stay focused on the good they are getting done.

Derrick Owings, Arts Guild New Jersey

March 2023

Image
Derrick Owings Smiling

After serving in the military and teaching high school, Derrick Owings has continued to serve our community through Arts Guild New Jersey. His mission is to transform Burlington City through the arts.

For our March #ServiceSpotlight, we are excited to highlight Derrick’s work!

Much of Derrick’s service in Burlington revolves around city cultural improvement and uplifting visual, performing, and culinary initiatives. As a leader at the Arts Guild, he has spearheaded projects that uplift local restaurants and create art exhibits.

Recently, Derrick helped procure grant funding for murals and mosaics on city buildings that pay homage to the city's rich history including honoring the Underground Railroad.

The art uplifts and celebrates Burlington's diversity and people's individual and collective stories.

Derrick’s creative accomplishments are wide-ranging.

He once saved a life-sized African elephant sculpture by noted artist Zenos Frudakis from being demolished and also spearheaded Burlington’s “Restaurant Ramble” that highlights local restaurants.

Derrick wants to use his retirement on new projects for Burlington. A poet himself, he wants to share his love for the arts with others.

His projects right now are turning the Historic Hoskins House on High St into a Colonial Museum and working on a new event space in the city.

Derrick is working closely with Burlington City to make sure the new amphitheater along the Delaware River is fully ADA accessible and a unique environment for the community and arts.

He wants to make sure everyone can experience what the space has to offer.

Derrick’s service in Burlington is seen and felt by those people who come across the many initiatives he’s led every single day.

We’re grateful for his passion for the arts and sharing their beauty with all of us.

Matt Voza, Moorestown Fire Department and RCBC Partnership Program

February 2023

Image
Matt Voza smiling at camera

From right here in Burlington, Matt Voza spends much of his time serving our community as a firefighter and as an EMT.

We’re grateful for his years of work keeping our community safe and are excited to share a part of his story as our February #ServiceSpotlight.

A student at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) back in 2018, Matt was the first participant in RCBC and Moorestown Fire Department partnership program. The program offers tuition assistance for students' service at the Moorestown fire station.

It was perfect for Matt who was ready for a career change.

After an eventful first day on the job running a handful of brush fires, the program helped Matt get hands-on experience and learn the day-to-day of a first responder. 

He says the program is a great introduction to station life while also offering him assistance with school.

For Matt, this work is about being there for people in their time of need.

Two years ago, Matt started EMT classes to expand his service on top of firefighting. He enjoys being able to help people with medical assistance while on the ambulance in addition to running fires.

Almost done with classes, Matt now spends 40+ hours in an  ambulance each week while still volunteering as a firefighter.

He enjoys being able to support his community while also creating community with other first responders.

We are incredibly grateful for neighbors like Matt and so many other first responders who go to work everyday to keep our community safe.

For all they do for us, it is our honor to help support Matt and other first responders’ needs in Congress.

Bonnie and Steve, Bordentown Historical Society

January 2023

Image
Historical Society with French Ambassador

 

Bonnie and Steve want to tell their community's story and show just how much we can learn from the past.

As our first #ServiceSpotlight of 2023, we’re happy to showcase the tireless work of Bordentown Historical Society’s Co-Presidents. History buffs, this one's for you!

Married for 23 years, Bonnie is a retired Judge and made history herself as the first female Assistant Prosecutor in Burlington Co. Steve was a cardiologist for 38 years, recently going back to work part-time!

Bordentown's unique history keeps them energized, active volunteers.

Neighbors can spot some of their biggest work walking by the Clara Barton school house. Their mission and passion to honor her impressive legacy embodies their overarching goal to make their local history engaging, relevant, and interactive within the community.

In addition to Bonnie’s time playing Clara Barton for classrooms and events, the pair focuses a lot on Joseph Bonaparte, one of Bordentown’s most famous residents.

Thanks in part to their work, Bordentown has since welcomed the French ambassador to celebrate this partnership and history.

Bordentown is now forever connected to a sister city in France where Bonaparte lived from 1798 to 1815.

Bonnie and Steve hope this relationship can have an even bigger and modern impact, like through a student exchange program to foster this unique connection across the world.

Bonnie and Steve shared their excitement about all the chances to work with young audiences and young volunteers. A lasting interest in history inspires their hope to grow the Society for future generations.

Both spoke with joy about welcoming new volunteers and members.

With repairs and additions to the Clara Barton schoolhouse in the works and a growing Bonaparte exhibit, the two and the Society are as busy as ever. A small, but mighty team, the Society has big ideas and passionate volunteers who are bringing those ideas to life.

If you’re lucky enough to bump into Bonnie and/or Steve, you’ll no doubt learn a thing or two… or 10. We’re excited to see even more creative ways they bring our history alive. 

By the way, you can catch up with them on the Chocolate Walk February 10th!

Frances, Alzheimer's Association 

December 2022

Image
Frances and Congressman Kim

 

Frances McInerney is a speech-language pathologist who spends her free time working as an Ambassador for the Greater New Jersey Chapter of Alzheimer's Association.

We have had the privilege to work with Frances & are happy to showcase her tireless work as our December #ServiceSpotlight

In 2019, Frances faced a far too common reality, returning to her hometown of Cinnaminson to take care of her dad after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Facing the hardships of caring for a loved one for the first time, she wanted to do more & help others going through the same thing.

Frances began serving on a coordinating committee for the Philadelphia Walk to End Alzheimer’s and after her father’s passing began serving on the advocacy branch, Alzheimer's Impact Movement.

Currently she helps with fundraising, awareness walks, advocacy days in Washington DC, and more.

The Alzheimer’s Association and Frances work to raise money for research and to provide greater support for patients and caregivers.

She has found a caring community of volunteers who bond over shared experiences as caregivers and personal connections to Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

She is inspired by the impact of her fellow volunteers and the power just three people can have at her local chapter.

This feeling of hope and passion is one she hopes others’ can find too.

We are proud to continue our work with Alzheimer’s Impact Movement and Frances to spread awareness about spotting signs for early diagnosis and listen to the needs of the families and caregivers managing this disease every day!

Thank you Frances for your work.

Maryann, CASA of Ocean County

November 2022

Image
Maryann stands at a CASA table

After a full career, later starting her own business, and then retiring, Maryann Conniff-Perez found herself looking for what to do with her time. She soon found CASA of Ocean County.

We are honored to highlight her volunteer work and CASA as our November #ServiceSpotlight.

Court Appointed Special Advocates is a network of volunteers across 49 states who advocate for foster children, acting as a partner and support system for their needs.

Maryann volunteers her time with CASA of Ocean County.

https://www.casaofoceancounty.org/

Maryann explained that CASAs have a small window of time with a child, between foster care and a permanent home. Which is often when they are most vulnerable.

Her goal is to learn their needs as quickly as possible and bring as much happiness and support to their lives as she can.

CASAs go through 30 hours of training and are asked to make visits at least once a month – more if needed.

They work with social workers, school guidance counselors, a judge, and a law guardian at times. It is about finding the right balance for each child’s needs.

While social workers and judges work to assist the whole family, CASAs come in to directly work with a child to make sure nothing is forgotten or overlooked.

They are an extra adult to look out for kids and advocate on their behalf.

Maryann’s first case showed her how CASAs can help a child grow in such a short time.

After their cases are resolved, CASAs end communication with the child. Advocates are often a support system for each other to process their cases and keep eachother going in such tough work.

A special part of being a CASA for Maryann is the opportunity to learn. For her, this has involved educating herself on LGBTQ+ needs.

There are online courses to help CASAs learn about specific subjects to help understand what a child is going through and what they might need.

A CASA Advocate’s involvement is shown to reduce how long a child is in foster care and help to reduce the need for continued intervention.

Maryann has seen her own impact first-hand and we are grateful for her support to so many children in our community.

Tiffany, The All Things Are Possible Foundation

October 2022

Image
ATAP kids

 

Tiffany Nelson, a school nurse and Burlington County resident of over forty years, is also a dedicated volunteer with the All Things Are Possible Foundation based in Willingboro.

We are excited to honor her and ATAP’s service to the community as our October #ServiceSpotlight

Last December, Tiffany got involved with ATAP to connect with students and help educate and empower them through academics, athletics, arts, and more.

ATAP provides a variety of services primarily through outside-of-school educational programs.

https://www.atapfoundation.org/about-us

ATAP offers before and after care, break programs, and summer empowerment experiences — to name only a few of their wide array of programs.

For Tiffany, their Club Cool Kids is one of their most special programs. Every Friday, the club meeting centers around a monthly theme.

One of her favorite memories with ATAP was a Club Cool Kids meeting centered around the creative arts and movement where the students all learned to tap dance.

The opportunity for the kids to learn new topics and skills is something that Tiffany thinks makes ATAP so special.

For Tiffany, it is all about helping kids thrive and find the fun in learning new things.

The All Things Are Possible Foundation, with volunteers like Tiffany, lets kids learn & achieve skills while still having a lot of fun.

And ATAP doesn't stop there. Other programs include book and food drives, scholarship programs, and job programs for teens and senior citizens. The organization raises money through events like an Annual Kwanzaa Gala and works to bring the Willingboro community together.

Thank you Tiffany and ATAP for all you do for our community!

Claudine, The Beloved Project

September 2022

Image
Claudine smiling

“This gives me purpose.”

Our September #ServiceSpotlight, Claudine Archer, says her whole life built up to starting The Beloved Project of NJ. We are honored to be able to uplift her amazing work for our community.

Driven to combat the unseen hardships people go through, Claudine says it all began with her frustration at how too often, appearance unfairly gets in the way of someone being given a chance.

Starting as a simple toiletry drive at food banks, The Beloved Project “just grew.”

Their mission and tireless work reflects Claudine’s devotion to helping people in her community. The epitome of grassroots, Beloved volunteers look in every corner to provide people with what they need, from food to career resources to a bed to sleep on.

https://sites.google.com/view/beloved-project-nj/about

Claudine wants her organization to “help the whole person” and work WITH people, their individual gifts, and their specific needs. The Beloved Project does this by providing direct services and programs, but also connecting people with resources available elsewhere.

“Everyone has a gift.”

By working with a person’s skills & passions, a brighter path forward is always possible. Claudine wants to end conditional aid that relies on people molding to unnatural boxes. She knows people have a better chance when doing what they have passion for.

The Beloved Project uses an impressive network to provide resources. Whether it is help with immigration paperwork or new law, career training, or gathering wellness kits, people don't not just donate items, they provide insight, knowledge, and time. If they can help, they do.

The Beloved Project also offers support programs for youth and adults on subjects like mental health and cultivating healthy habits. The goal is to take key programs and offer them at a price people can afford. This allows them more of a chance to truly start over.

The organization has become a go-to resource for community partners to send people. They even provide “Beloved Bags” for police to carry and give out in the community. Claudine works with local police to connect people experiencing homelessness with Beloved's resources.

And she doesn’t want to stop here. Claudine dreams of opening a shelter that builds people up, providing classes on things like budgeting and one day open a cafe that employs ex-offenders to help uplift young people who are struggling.

Her heart for service is boundless.

Beloved is now able to feed more than 50 families a week with donated food, but so much of their positive impact is immeasurable.

We congratulate Claudine on being named Burlington County 2022 Outstanding Woman Award in Community Service for this incredible work and more.

Our office was able to help Beloved apply to be a 501c3 & after years of solely relying on donations and volunteers, they can now apply for grant funding.

We are so grateful for the commitment of community members like Claudine and extraordinary efforts like The Beloved Project.

Marilyn and Al, Literacy New Jersey

August 2022

Image
Literacy NJ members smile and clap in a group.

When Marilyn and Al retired, they both knew they wanted to use their free time to give back to their community and help people in Burlington County. For different reasons, they were both drawn to teaching English with Literacy NJ.

#ServiceSpotlight

Literacy NJ is a nonprofit organization working to ensure all adults can read, write, and easily communicate with their neighbors. For many native English speakers, it’s easy to take this part of everyday life for granted.

https://literacynj.org/about-us

However, these language and literacy skills do not come naturally and, for a variety of reasons, including English as a second language (ESL), about 16% of adults in New Jersey lack basic English literacy skills.

To close this gap, Literacy NJ advocates for increased funding and awareness for literacy issues, they develop instructional materials and train volunteer tutors - like Marilyn and Al - to host classes and work closely with students.

Before the pandemic, Literacy NJ volunteers hosted English classes in 12 counties, including Burlington and Ocean. When COVID-19 struck, many classes had to shut down. However the need for English classes was greater than ever, especially when all communication went virtual.

Al, who retired from the National Weather Service in 2019, was tutoring at the time with Literacy NJ, leaning into his knack for the nuanced rules of the English language. When he could no longer meet with everyone in person, he set out to find another way to continue teaching.

He started sitting in on Literacy NJ’s virtual English classes, learning how to navigate Zoom when he met Marilyn, a recently retired Humanities and ESL Supervisor and educator in Monmouth County, who was also interested in teaching English and serving her community.

With the support of Literacy NJ, Marilyn and Al decided to begin co-tutoring a class: sharing the class load and developing lesson plans together. In July of 2020, Marilyn and Al were given the opportunity to develop and co-teach their own class within the Literacy NJ program. Since then, their reach has grown and they have successfully created a community of students who can rely on them and their peers to further their education.

In their virtual two hour class every Tuesday morning, Marilyn and Al present lessons and activities that they spend close to 10 hours preparing beforehand. They both feel it is “immeasurable” what they get back from the experience of changing their students’ lives.

Al and Marilyn have given so much to so many people over the last few years. Through dedication to their craft and hard work they have fundamentally changed the lives of members of our community. We look forward to seeing their continued success improving their neighbors’ lives.

Kasey, Founder of Camp No Worries

July 2022

Image
Kasey, Founder of Camp No Worries, poses for a photo with a happy camper

Last month, Camp No Worries reopened its cabins' doors, welcoming back dozens of smiling campers for a week in the sunshine.

Kasey Massa, the founder of Camp No Worries, couldn't have been happier to see everyone back in the Pine Barrens. #ServiceSpotlight

Based in Moorestown, NJ, Camp No Worries is a summer camp for children battling cancer and their siblings. A week-long, Camp No Worries gives children the opportunity to relax, enjoy themselves, and forget about their troubles every summer.

https://www.campnoworries.org/about/our-story/

For Kasey, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 11, seeing just how much joy Camp No Worries brings children has been more fulfilling than she could have ever imagined. 

She remembers just how much she wanted – and needed – a place to step away from the isolation, fear, anger, and confusion she felt after her recovery. 

She did not feel like she had a place to turn to truly just be a kid and saw the opportunity to spread joy.

Years after her treatment ended, Kasey still thought about this idea. When she was in college, she knew she could work with her family to use what they learned through her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to give back to families in New Jersey.

While she was in college, Kasey and her family opened Camp No Worries in the summer of 1995, hosting 14 children for 3 days and 3 nights after months of work, planning, and fundraising. 

Now, 28 years later, Camp No Worries hosts up to 100 children for a week at no cost to families. Its beloved traditions, including an "eat with anything but a utensil night," have grown with the camp and its campers. 

After two years virtually, Camp No Worries was incredibly grateful to be back in the Pine Barrens this year. Run entirely by volunteers, Kasey is amazed every year to see just how much her community comes together to make Camp No Worries run smoothly.

Camp No Worries has become a family – a family brought together by the hardship of cancer, but also by the joy of swimming, nature, arts and crafts, land sports, archery, ziplining, and dancing. 

Kasey, who works full-time as a pediatric social worker at Nemours Children's Health, is inspired each year by how much the Camp No Worries family continues to support one another. We’re grateful for her work, and thrilled the camp is coming back to the Pine Barrens again!

Olivia, a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

June 2022

Last week, our neighbor in Toms River celebrated her high school graduation. Headed to Princeton University this fall, Olivia is leaving behind an incredible legacy of service with Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity. #ServiceSpotlight. 

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit doing what it can to build a world where everyone has a comfortable and safe place to call home. They rely on volunteers like Olivia to make home ownership a reality one family at a time. https://www.habitat.org/us-nj/toms-river/northern-ocean-hfh

Olivia, who first began volunteering with Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity when she was 13, was first inspired to serve when she learned about the high rate of veteran poverty and housing insecurity among Ocean County veterans. 

The more homeowners she spoke with, the more Olivia understood the power of having a safe home and just how much impact she could have working with veterans like her Father, who selflessly signed up to serve our country. 

In her early days with Habitat, Olivia remembers being stunned by the grit and persistence of the families she met. Being able to see the difference one home makes in a family's trajectory, she knew she wanted to continue to work with Habitat for Humanity. 

When she first entered high school, Olivia quickly joined the Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter. Today, Olivia is the Chapter President and has helped grow the club from 12 people to over 90 recurring volunteers.

Working closely with Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, where she interned, Olivia organized builds for veteran communities and other communities in need, learning and teaching skills like caulking windows to repair homes and build new ones.

Exceeding all expectations, More students realized how much impact repairing and building homes had in their neighbors' lives. For Olivia, it was everything to know that they "were doing all they can to provide a dream of ours– a dream where everyone has a place to call home."

Olivia knows that while her location will change when she goes to school, she will continue to seek out opportunities to volunteer where she can. We’re so grateful for Olivia’s dedication to our community, and we look forward to seeing what she does next!

Reverend Rafael, our neighbor from Beverly, who will now go abroad with the U.S Army as an active duty chaplain.

May 2022

Image
rev

Last month, our neighbor from Beverly, Reverend Rafael, came to our office with a unique and admirable request. Hoping to go abroad with the U.S Army as an active duty chaplain, he needed his already approved American citizenship expedited.

Inspired by Reverend Rafael’s commitment to serving our country, our casework team worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security to get his application processed and approved. 

On May 5th, Reverend Rafael wore his Army uniform to his swearing in ceremony. Reverend Rafael will now be able to serve our country. We are so grateful for his willingness to sacrifice for our freedoms and support our troops.

Tara, an Advocate for Special Needs Families. 

April 2022

Image
Tara and her family.

For Tara, advocating for families, especially military families like her own, came naturally.  A mother to 3 children, 2 who live with autism and Fragile X syndrome, Tara uses her experience fighting for her own family and their rights to help others. 

In 2014, Tara’s children were told they could not be included in class with their peers because of their specialized health and child care needs. At the time, Tara didn't know where to turn for the support she needed. She did know, however, that she would step up for her children, their education, and all of the special needs families like her own. 

The more she learned, the better she understood how complicated accessing resources and services were for families with special needs and how those same resources and services could be improved.

An "information hound," Tara began taking training courses, becoming an expert in behavioral disabilities, military health care, dispute resolution, childcare, special needs education, & how important it is to spread awareness about behavioral disabilities. 

Now a trusted expert for special needs families, Tara has dedicated her life to serving families like her own, helping parents understand and access the support they need to build better lives for their children. 

Through getting to know hundreds of families, Tara's understanding of their needs grew, as did her ability to help and create sustainable solutions for their community by working with local groups like Military 360, SPAN, Tricare, and others. 

In 2016, Tara even joined the team redesigning the Exceptional Family Member behavioral health center on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The new center is now home to healthcare providers, specialists, and social workers to streamline care for special needs families who often balance multiple care teams.

Since then, Tara has taken on a variety of roles working directly with families to provide care and support to children with behavioral disabilities. Right now, she serves as an active volunteer in her school district and a Family Resource Specialist and trainer for the Parent Training and Information Center and Special Education Volunteer Advocate (SEVA) projects at SPAN NJ Statewide Parent Advocacy Network.

Her ultimate goal is to see a culture shift; she believes we will all be better off as a whole community & that isolating families with special needs from other parents is the wrong direction. "Maybe we will see fewer differences and more similarities & build on that," she said.

She believes one major step towards this culture shift is creating more awareness about intellectual and developmental disabilities like autism. She believes her family is in a unique position to help spread that awareness while showing families in a similar situation that they are not alone.   

Rev. Matthew Tucker, the Rector at Christ Church in Bordentown. 

April 2022 

Image
Father Matt's Truck

 

If you were in downtown Bordentown last week, you might have seen Father Matt, our neighbor and Rector at Christ Church, loading large boxes of food and household goods into his truck during the biannual "Fill Father Matt's Truck" food drive. 

Donations from 100s of our neighbors refill the Bordentown Community Panty, providing families in need with food and personal care items.

A now beloved biannual community event, "Fill Father Matt's Truck," is 1 of the ways Father Matt brings people together through service.

A volunteer firefighter, Father Matt also works with thousands of NJ families experiencing homelessness, delivering homemade meals, organizing free laundry nights, and during COVID-19, teaching them how to stay safe from the virus. 

With every family helped, Father Matt’s passion, understanding, and love for our community grows. In partnership with his parish, Father Matt’s efforts quickly expanded and took him to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. 

Before COVID-19, Father Matt, Christ Church, and volunteers from Bordentown came together each month to cook meals for troops living in the Joint Base dorms. When COVID made this no longer possible, Father Matt knew that their work could not stop, it would just have to change. 

Last summer, when our Afghan allies arrived at the Joint Base as refugees, Father Matt knew he could bring together the Bordentown community to help. He began collecting supplies and partnered with other churches, community organizations, neighbors, and nonprofits to change the lives of these families who were suddenly and traumatically in very unfamiliar surroundings.

The community's response was astounding. Father Matt shared that he truly believes people want to help others and do good, sometimes they just don't know how. He now sees it as his duty to give his neighbors these opportunities.

Service is at the heart of Father Matt’s faith. It informs his work and passions. From his experiences, he firmly believes that service is what brings neighbors closer together and can truly change the lives of people who need it most. 

Edward "Ed" Toriello, World War II Veteran and Lifelong Volunteer.

March 2022

Image
Birthday

 

Last month, Edward "Ed" Toriello, our neighbor and WWII veteran, Ed, celebrated his 100th birthday. Ed is a decorated veteran whose heroic actions during the war inspired a lifelong commitment to service in Ocean County. 

In 1944, Ed had just graduated from Divinity School when he answered the call to serve our country. After training, he was sent to the European Theater, where he first served as a combat medic and then a scout in the 76th infantry regiment. During the frigid winter of 1944-45, Ed and his unit were sent to help stop the last German offensive at the Battle of the Bulge, securing the Remagen Bridge in March of 1945, a crucial position that is credited with shortening the war.

After Germany's surrender, Ed returned to the US, where he met his wife, Zina, and started a family. They moved to Southern Ocean County in 1977, where he quickly became a beacon of positivity in his community. He remained an active volunteer and led numerous organizations. Ed also served as a trustee for three decades with South Ocean's Medical Center and started a beloved local fundraising concert for the facility that has raised over $100,000 to date.

We are honored to celebrate this monumental milestone with Ed and hope he was able to spend his birthday surrounded by friends and family. His story and service are an inspiration to all of us.

Shyam Suhas Kandala and Anika Reddy Chapalapalli, Leaders at Recycle My Battery.

February 2022

Image
RMB

We are excited to highlight the incredible service of the  Recycle My Battery team, Shyam Suhas Kandala, and Anika Reddy Chapalapilli. 

Recycle My Battery is a nonprofit organization, run by middle and high school students, that educates communities on the importance of properly recycling batteries to avoid landfill fires that send dangerous chemicals into the air that pose a serious threat to human health. Unfortunately, despite the serious need, battery recycling bins are not readily available in most communities. 

Recycle My Battery volunteers like Shyam and Anika have been working with local schools to set up battery recycling bins while spreading awareness of their importance. 

Shyam, a middle school student from Chesterfield with a passion for the environment, is currently the NJ Lead for Recycle My Battery, overseeing volunteers and working with local leaders to deliver recycling bins, and drop off batteries at safe recycling centers. 

Anika, a high schooler at Northern Burlington Regional High School and member of the Recycle My Battery Executive Board, was drawn to the organization because she could “see the effects of waste, pollution, and people not recycling,” in NJ. She explained that “Climate change has become a new reality for people because we see its effects so imminently. I want to give back to my community and educate people on why these issues are so important and why we should all take a more serious approach." 

Congressman Kim was proud to meet Shyam, Anika, and the CEO and co- founder of Recycle My Battery, Sri Nihal Tammana when he delivered the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Anika for the over 50 hours she’s volunteered with Recycle My Battery in 2021.

When asked about their service and recognition, Shyam and Anika added: “It’s not just us, it's all the kids that make the conscious effort to go out to their communities and say I see something wrong.“ 

Recycle My Battery has recycled over 75,000 batteries and educated over one million people across the country since its inception. They hope to one day see a world where everyone “is educated about all types of recycling, not just batteries.” 

Batteries are just the beginning.

Ashley Schultz, Member of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts.

January 2022

Image
Ashley

We are overjoyed to share our first Service Spotlight, highlighting Ashley Schultz, a member of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. When Ashley first joined the scouting program in 2019, she immediately decided she wanted to be one of the first girls to earn Eagle Scout status. 

During her time achieving Eagle status, Ashley was so grateful to see just how happy and grateful our community members were to be given a helping hand. For her Eagle project, Ashley served the American Legion Post 129 in Toms River, improving their garden that currently grows food for veterans. She spent over 82 hours constructing flower boxes for the garden, as well as weeding, mulching, and adding fresh soil to the entire garden; “Nothing beats starting with one flower and ending with a garden.“

Ashley also served Save Barnegat Bay by constructing their much-needed composting bins and picnic benches. During this project, Ashley put in over 161 hours.

Service has become embedded in Ashley’s life. “Even if what I am doing is extremely difficult, having that sense of community to push me past my limits is an extremely endearing experience that everyone involved learns from.” We are so proud to represent Ashley, who is now a student at Ocean County College, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.