National Volunteer Week 2023 takes place from April 24th to the 28th. But, honestly, I believe in volunteering whenever and wherever I can. One great local charity that is near and dear to my heart is Covenant House NJ.
Covenant House NJ Needs You
What They Do
Did you know that 4.2 million youth experience homelessness in America? Almost 25 million men, women, and children around the world become victims of human trafficking., including right here in the United States. CHNJ works with at-risk 18 to 21-year-olds to provide them with immediate shelter, care, and support. They fill an immediate need by providing shelter, food, and safety for these young adults. Then, they offer mentorship as well as mental health and medical care. Also, they offer skill-building to help them transition into a self-supported lifestyle in the “real world”.
How You Can Help
Like many charities, they rely heavily on the support of people like you to continue providing these necessary services. If you can, please consider donating new and unused goods like polo or button-down shirts, black pants, underwear, non-slip black sneakers, and twin-sized bed-in-a-bag linens. Also, CHNJ needs art supplies (even slightly used ones).
I understand that money can be tight, so if you could volunteer a few hours of your time each month, that would be great, too. Volunteers help residents put together a resume, look for jobs, and even do mock interviews to help them learn how to put their best face forward in a job interview. Some of the residents are young women with children. So, babysitters may be necessary as these young ladies go out on their job interviews. Young parents could use parenting advice from those of us who have been through it before. Sometimes, all any of these youth need is a good conversation over a board game. CHNJ needs volunteers for any and all of this every Monday and Tuesday morning, on Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm, and every weekday evening from 4 pm to 6 pm. If you are interested, please call me at (609) 287-1795.
For anyone who wishes to help but is short on time, Covenant House NJ also accepts monetary donations. Please consider a one-time donation or set up a regular monthly donation if possible. Every dollar donated translates into $4 that goes into providing the food, shelter, and care necessary to help our young adult population. Thank you!
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate