February 2026

Dear Friends,

The new year is off to an exciting start at Bergen Volunteers! As we settle into February,

we’re energized by the launch of new workshops, speaking engagements, and

community opportunities that are already bringing people together to learn, lead, and

give back. From inspiring leadership development sessions to hands-on service projects,

there has been a lot happening across our organization - and we’re excited to share some

highlights with you below. Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting

the work that makes these programs possible.

Teen LEADS: Leadership, Service, and Real-World Skills

Teen LEADS is now a year-round program! In addition to the two-week summer

immersion held each August, students can now participate in the Teen LEADS Council,

which empowers teens to develop leadership and communication skills and engage in meaningful community service. Participants take part in hands-on projects, hear from leading experts and guest speakers, and engage in meaningful discussions that build confidence, creativity, and civic responsibility. We are grateful to the Heller Family Foundation for supporting the Teen LEADS Council and making it possible to launch and sustain this important high school program.

Last month, teens participated in a session on Building Successful Habits with author and

TEDx speaker Anthony Fasano and heard from Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur on

civic engagement. The day also included an MLK National Day of Service project, during

which students assembled Birthday Bundles for children in foster care. We were grateful

to be joined by Bergen CASA Executive Director Lucy Rosen, who spoke with students

about the foster care system in Bergen County and the important work Bergen CASA does

to support children and families. Contact Hilary Baris for more information.

Bergen LEADS: Leadership for the Future

Shout-out to future Bergen LEADers! Applications for the 2026–2027 Bergen LEADS class will

open later this month - mark your calendar! If you’re a rising leader in Bergen County, this is your opportunity to grow, connect, and make an impact. Bergen LEADS provides a 360° view of the county through the lens of education, healthcare, government, and economics, while exploring leadership styles, professional networking, and ways to create positive change.

Participants meet with elected officials, community stakeholders, leading business executives, and healthcare professionals to better understand local issues, expand their networks, and strengthen the leadership skills they use every day. Upon graduation, participants join a growing alumni network of leaders across Bergen County.

It was great to see our Bergen LEADS alumni last month at the Speed Networking event! Thank you to Jim Prussak, 2017 Bergen LEADS alumn, for moderating the event, and to CareOne at The Cupola for hosting. Curious about reconnecting, growing your network, or getting more involved? Learn more about Bergen LEADS.

Your support makes programs like Bergen LEADS possible. If you believe in developing strong leaders and strengthening our community, please consider making a donation today.

Read on to explore what’s ahead with our upcoming events, programs, and opportunities to

connect and make an impact. Hope to see you at one - or all – of them!

Thank you and stay warm!

Debbie


Debbie Corwin
Director of Development & Communications

Teen LEADS participants assembled Birthday Bundles, bringing the joy of a birthday celebration to children in need. The teens heard moving stories of local children in foster care from CASA's Executive Director, Lucy Rosen.

Thank you to Buddies of Bergen and Bergen CASA for distributing these gift bags.

Our Redefining Retirement program recently hosted another free workshop, Understanding Home Equity: Options for Retirement Security. Thank you to our speaker, Alfie Schloss of Longbridge Financial, for sharing his expertise.

Bergen LEADS Alumni came together for a Speed Networking Breakfast, reconnecting, expanding their networks, and discovering new opportunities. Thank you to CareOne at the Cupola for hosting this lively event. Special thanks to Jim Prussak, a Bergen LEADS alum and Bergen Volunteers board member, for leading the event with energy and charisma!

Thank you to Linda Chinman Pollock, owner of North Jersey Home Maintenance Group, who presented Technology Support for Seniors.

Make sure to REGISTER for the next two Knowledge for Senior Care workshops.

Spotlight: Upcoming Workshops & Events
*Registration is required for all programs. (Click on the link to register.)

February 9 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Senior Healthcare Fair
Hosted by ACAP, a Bergen Volunteers non-profit partner

February 26 - 11:00am - 12:00pm

Redefining Retirement - Virtual Information Session

SAVE THE DATES:

March 27 - 9:30am - 11:00am

Fall Prevention for Low-Vision Clients
Knowledge for Senior Care Workshop

April 24 - 9:30am - 11:00am

Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

11:30am - 12:30pm
A Taste of Neighbors Helping Neighbors

June 12 - 9:30am - 11:00am

Home Accessibility Education
Knowledge for Senior Care Workshop

November 19 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm

60th Anniversary Gala - Montammy Golf Club

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT PARTNER AGENCIES

Comfort Zone Camp



Comfort Zone Camp is a bereavement organization that transforms the lives of children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, primary caregiver, or significant person. They have many interesting volunteer needs such as mentors, photographers, nurses, and camp support volunteers.

To volunteer with Comfort Zone Camp, please click on the volunteer button below.

Spectrum for Living

Spectrum for Living enables individuals who have developmental and/or physical disabilities to have the opportunity to attain their highest level of skills, purpose and independence with dignity through an ongoing commitment to comprehensive quality services, advocacy and family partnership. Volunteering with Spectrum is truly something special.

Volunteer with Spectrum for Living by clicking on the volunteer button below.

For additional volunteer opportunities, please visit our website

Bergen Volunteers Buzz is our official newsletter highlighting organizational news, events, updates, and volunteer opportunities. Look out for the Buzz at the beginning of every month to stay connected with your friends at Bergen Volunteers!