Bergen Volunteers Buzz
February 2021
What is the Buzz?
Bergen Volunteers Buzz is our newsletter highlighting organizational news, events, updates, and volunteer opportunities. Look out for our newsletter at the beginning of every month to stay connected with your friends at Bergen Volunteers!
Happy Black History Month!

February is National Black History Month and here at Bergen Volunteers we are proud to partner in our community through conversation, inclusion, programming, and through our founding membership in the Coalition for Racial Unity and Equity.

Opportunities exist for all to collaborate and participate at Bergen Volunteers by becoming a mentor for an individual in need of extra support, supporting low income individuals through our tax assistance services and holiday gift giving programs, joining our civic leadership workshops and seminars, volunteering for nonprofits through our Get Connected database, and more!

There are also opportunities for business owners and staff groups to join in our Days of Service, volunteer and nonprofit roundtables, and to become involved in our community engagement and networking programs.

We encourage African American and Black business owners, civic leaders, public servants, advocates, and volunteers to partner with us as we serve Bergen County.

Warmly,
Nina
Rest in Peace, CHORE Volunteer,
Michael Cargill
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of devoted CHORE volunteer, Michael Cargill.

Michael volunteered with CHORE for 21 years - both driving the van and doing home repairs. He offered his time so earnestly helping Bergen County seniors and those with disabilities live safely and comfortably in their homes.

Michael was always first in the office ready to take on the day and see how many lives he could impact. His dedication for service was unparalleled and will be truly missed.

We send our condolences to his friends and family.
Upcoming Events
Lunch & Learn:
Retirement Planning at Any Age
February 17, 2021
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
via Zoom

Join Bergen Volunteers for a virtual seminar presented by Barry Feigenbaum. Barry is a Redefining Retirement volunteer, who has years of professional experience in financial literacy and planning. The seminar outlines what to consider when planning your retirement.

Register here.
Program Updates
Bergen and Teen LEADS
Bergen LEADs and TEEN LEADs participants continue to meet monthly. They are working on their class projects focused on food insecurity and hunger in Bergen County at the local level. Both groups aim to research hunger and offer actionable steps for the Bergen County Food Insecurity Task Force to use to help eradicate hunger in 2021 and beyond.
Making-It-Home

The local shelter is working diligently to relocate homeless individuals from hotels to new apartments. We expect a steady flow of new clients in the upcoming weeks.

We are happy to report that many Bergen County donors are contacting us to donate their furniture. Our top priority is recruiting volunteer movers. If you would like to volunteer and help with the moves please contact Cynthia at [email protected] or 201-289-8444.
Mentoring
We are thrilled to have unveiled our new mentoring program last month. Please note some unique highlights as we have created enhancements to make it even more inclusive and individualized:

  • The program is now open to the public.
  • We expanded the scope of those who qualify for mentoring to include those that are 8-18+, senior citizens, first generation college students, and caregivers.
  • There are long and short term options available, year-long and month-to-month options.
  • Program sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information contact Lisa Tredici at 201-489-9454 ext. 208 or by e-mailing [email protected].
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you want to be a helping hand for a senior in your community?

Volunteer with CHEER!

Volunteers are matched with a local senior citizen who needs help with grocery shopping.

For more information contact Michele Ogden at 201-489-9454 ext. 201 or [email protected].
Do you want to make an impact in someone's life?

Become a mentor!

The next mentor training will be held virtually on March 5th from 9am - 4pm.

For more information, contact Lisa at 201-489-9454 ext. 208 or [email protected].
Become a Bergen Volunteers Ambassador!
Bergen Volunteers Community Ambassadors needed to help relay information about programs and activities at Bergen Volunteers through their social media connections (i.e. municipal pages, Moms or Parents groups, civic groups). 

If you want to be part of this outreach effort, please contact Debbie Emery at [email protected].
Agency Spotlight:
Mocha Moms
Mocha Moms is the premier voice and support group for mothers of color. With over 100 chapters, Mocha Moms connect mothers of color across the country supporting both working and stay-at-home moms helping them navigate a healthy work-life balance.

Do you want to get involved and offer support?
Mocha Moms is a NEW agency member of Bergen Volunteers! We look forward to sharing their volunteer needs with you in the future. Check out their agency page here.
Agency Spotlight:
The Diabetes Foundation
The Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation started in 1990 with the goal of empowering individuals struggling with prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. The Foundation is committed to providing access to critical resources and medication necessary for people living with diabetes to remain healthy.

Do you want to get involved and offer support?
The Diabetes Foundation is looking for virtual volunteers to act as Healthcare Advocates. Volunteers will be given training to educate people about the Diabetes Foundation and diabetes programming. Volunteers would work via telephone and email and maintain communication with individuals. If interested please call 201-444-0337 or email [email protected].
Donor Spotlight:
Josh Rubach, US Standard Products
"My kids are lucky enough to have a support system around them to reinforce their confidence, creativity, and motivation. I know this 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. 
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. My hope is that these students will pay it forward in their futures and continue the cycle of giving."

-Josh Rubach, US Standard Products 
Photo: Josh and Beth Rubach.
You can support Bergen READS too!
Every $25 affords literacy books for children served in our Bergen READS program.
Looking for Ways to Give?
Do you have questions about any of the ways to donate to Bergen Volunteers?
If so, please contact Elizabeth at [email protected].
Bergen Volunteers
www.bergenvolunteers.org