This month’s Edison E-news arrives in timely fashion as next month, April, is National Volunteer Month. Across the nonprofit landscape, volunteers play a critical, capacity building role in a variety of organizations. Demand for nonprofit services continues to spike, staff shortages persist and funding gaps continue to widen, all rendering volunteer support increasingly invaluable. Recent reports valuated the impact of volunteers, estimating an average hourly rate of $33.49 as commensurate with the services volunteers provide to organizations. Findings show that individual giving and volunteering work collaboratively to support each other and that volunteers are 15% more likely to donate, while donors are 9% more likely to volunteer for nonprofits they support.

That support is critical to organizations supporting vulnerable populations, such as Mission First. Volunteers ease tension and lighten the load for nonprofit staff, as well as improve the quality of service for the populations they serve. While some may be intangible, there are many benefits to volunteerism. It has been associated with improved health and well-being, including increased longevity, adoption of healthy lifestyles and reduction in depression and stress. Volunteering can provide opportunities for youth, as well as the elderly and disabled to combat isolation and foster community connection. Additionally, individuals who volunteer in their local communities are taking active roles in nurturing their community’s well-being.

This is indeed the case at Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison, where volunteers have taken initiative to facilitate seasonal and holiday events for residents. Additionally, residents benefit from the work of individuals and organizations, who collaborate to provide items like toiletries and household essentials, books, winter coats and school supplies. Mission First’s relationship with nearby Rutgers University also consistently creates opportunities for volunteerism. The University’s annual Day of Service has introduced the Mission First community to individuals and organizations who have maintained volunteering relationships, even beyond their matriculation.

Let’s take a closer look. 

The Rutgers University Programming Association (RUPA) is the university-wide student programming council that serves the entire Rutgers community. Each year, RUPA organizes the Scarlet Day of Service, a campus-wide day-long service event at Rutgers-New Brunswick hosted in both the fall and spring semesters. The event provides students an opportunity to serve New Jersey by cleaning up communities, revitalizing outdoor spaces and working with youth and older adults, to name a few. As the most recent iteration of the event took place this past Saturday, March 28th, we provide a little background on a program that has fostered a variety of grassroots relationships.

The event has historically introduced Rutgers students and student-led organizations to Mission First and its Edison residents. In many cases, the relationships may span several semesters or years, with students returning to offer services in line with their studies or perhaps as interns who assist food pantry operations, resident events or administrative tasks.

South Asian service sorority, Delta Kappa Delta, represents one of those enduring connections. Having been introduced to Mission First through the Scarlet Day of Service, sorority members have returned numerous times to volunteer. Regular in-kind donations extend the benefit the group brings to in-person programming, positively impacting resident well-being and quality of life with donations that support work in the community garden, food pantry operation and community events.

It’s safe to say that the Scarlet Day of Service paints the town red! We are so grateful to the Rutgers community for its continued support of Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison and the surrounding community through the Scarlet Day of Service.

This year, Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison consistently benefits from the presence of volunteers who are members of the Rutgers community.

Ayushi Vyawhare makes time in her schedule to prioritize community service. We spoke with her briefly to find out a little bit about her experience with Mission First.

Ayushi Vyawhare is a second-year graduate student from Jacksonville, Florida studying biostatistics in the school of public health. Ayushi sites an upbringing that taught her the importance of community, service and giving back as key to her commitment to volunteer.

Ayushi assists staff with resident programming, organization and logistics as well as generally contributing to a welcoming, supportive environment. She acknowledges that it can be challenging to effectively meet the diverse needs of residents, but it is worth the effort. “I’ve seen residents gain access to resources, build community connections and feel more supported,” she adds, noting the positive impact of meeting those challenges. The success of seeing meaningful engagement and positive interactions during programs, further underscores that her efforts are well-received by the community at-large.

“Volunteering has helped me grow in empathy, improve communication, and understand different perspectives,” she said. “I would love to continue being involved.” Clearly the benefits are mutual.

Recent findings indicate that while nonprofit volunteers are more valued than ever, conversely, they are scarcer than ever. Nonprofits continue to grapple with more limited resources, critical levels of demand, government instability and staffing concerns in a post-pandemic world.

Volunteers are much needed and greatly welcomed at Mission First. Consider the impact you could make with just a few hours a week. Regardless of your skills or background, there is no doubt that your contributions will be appreciated. Opportunities are plentiful, from assisting with the food pantry program or in the garden helping with horticulture therapy, or perhaps your skills may lend themselves to new programming or logistics and infrastructure needs.

Regardless, the benefits are lasting. Communities thrive when neighbors extend themselves and find new ways to care for each other. Take the opportunity to create new possibilities in your community through volunteer work at Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison.

If you are interested in volunteering at Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison, please contact Melissa Mascolo, Director of Program Management, at mmascolo@missionfirsthousing.org.

Resident Smoothie Demonstration at 
Amandla Crossing

Resident Smoothie Demonstration at 
Imani Park

Virtual Yoga Class at 
Amandla Crossing

Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison provides permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and families in Middlesex County. Our on-site support services offer our residents access to the resources they need to increase health, independence and housing stability. When you make a donation to Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison, you are helping to ensure that residents have the supports they need to remain successfully housed, get back on their feet and live as thriving members of the community. Your support means so much! 

Donate online by clicking below or by mail to Melissa Mascolo, Supportive Housing: Edison, c/o Amandla Crossing, 100 Mitch Snyder Drive, Edison, NJ 08837.

Accepting Food Pantry Donations

Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison is looking for support from readers in donating food items to its Food Pantry. 100% percent of your food donations will help to feed your neighbors and community members. Our program is looking for the following items for the Food Pantry:

• Fresh produce: vegetables, fruits, nuts.
• Whole grains: bread; low sugar cereals; rice (brown or white); grains such as quinoa, oats, barley; pastas (including gluten-free) crackers; granola bars and popcorn.
• Proteins: canned or vacuum packaged meats, such as chicken, tuna, salmon or sardines.
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly protein: canned or dried beans; nuts and seeds; as well as nut butters such as peanut, almond, sunflower.
• Canned items; soups, stews or pastas. Note: items with pull-tab cans are preferred when possible.
• Beverages: shelf-stable milk (including plant-based), water, fruit juice, vegetable juice, tea, coffee.
• Other Items: Cooking oils, herb/spices, condiments, broths (such as vegetable, chicken, beef, turkey), sugar, honey, syrup, salad dressing, pasta sauce, vinegar.

Items can be purchased directly from our Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison Amazon Wish List or you can contact Andrea Dean at (856) 634-0611, adean@missionfirsthousing.org or Melissa Mascolo (609) 373-8550, mmascolo@missionfirsthousing.org, to make arrangements to donate.

Thank you for your consideration!

Do you want to do more than make a donation?

Here are some other great ways for you to help:

• Help secure a matching gift from your employer.
• Host a fundraising event and donate the proceeds to Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison.
• Host an essential items supply drive.
• Introduce your friends, family and colleagues to Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison and encourage them to give.

Do you have ideas you’d like to discuss? Give us a call! We’d love to work with you. For more information, please contact:

• Melissa Mascolo, Director of Program Management, 609.373.8550, mmascolo@missionfirsthousing.org
• Moira Rooney, Senior Vice President, Fundraising & Communications, 267.269.3331, mrooney@missionfirsthousing.org

We have great things planned for the future as well! Want to keep up-to-date on what's going on at Edison and Mission First's other work? Follow us on social media: