Opportunities From: Volunteer Opportunities at United Way of Northern New Jersey

Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while nearly 1 million New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need.

About the opportunity:

Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up donations from a meal donor in East Orange on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at 2pm and deliver them to an amazing nonprofit organization (Joi's Angels) in East Orange (~10 minute drive).  

In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary training and equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely; volunteers track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app.

Volunteer Requirements:

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Parents may volunteer with their children.

Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license.

Volunteers must provide their own transportation and have the necessary auto insurance (minimum of $300,000 Single Limit or $100,000/$300,000 Split Limit auto liability limits).

Volunteers must have a smartphone with the ability to download our food donation tracking app.

Volunteers must complete Share My Meals onboarding and training before volunteering.

Please note: This is not a one-time volunteer opportunity; we are looking for volunteers who will work together to ensure the weekly route is covered. For instance, it could be that they take turns volunteering each week or decide to pair up together weekly to pick up and deliver meals.  

Sources: https://insights-engine.refed.org/food-waste-monitor?break_by=food_type&indicator=tons-waste&state=NJ&view=detail&year=2023; 

https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/FoodInsecurity.html#:~:text=The USDA estimates that in,New Jersey were food insecure. 

Join United Way’s Disaster Volunteer Corp.

For local residents looking to help the community during challenging times, there are a variety of ways volunteers can make a difference. 

Local organizations work hard to respond during times of disaster and provide critical services safely to those most in need in our community.  The needs will change over time and we need individuals ready to quickly fill new volunteer needs.

As part of the UWNNJ Disaster Volunteer Corps and you will be among the first to be notified as new needs arise in Morris County. And, if willing, you can be ready to “deploy” where most needed. 

Sign up TODAY and we will send you updates about local volunteer needs in our region, specific volunteer opportunities and information on how you can with preparation activities.  Thank you!

This is the perfect volunteer activity for any team or group!  Come together to create Disaster Preparedness kits for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and individuals at risk (e.g. seniors, adults with disabilities, etc.).

Volunteers will pack drawstring backpacks with some key essentials to help families and individuals be better prepared for a disaster.  Items include:

- blanket or tied pillow

- small flashlight

- extra batteries

- a contact list with key information

- non-perishable snack items

- a bottle of water

- water treatment packets 

- a whistle 

- personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)

- small first aid kit

- colored pencils

- mandalas coloring book

We will coordinate with your team to arrange for supplies for your assembly project.  Ideally, we would like this done during September, which is National Disaster Preparedness month.

2025 Foodstock

Even before the pandemic hit, food security was a significant issue for ALICE®  (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and those in poverty. ALICE was already navigating life without a safety net and was one crisis away from financial despair. Hurricane Ida is that crisis, bringing a significant increase in food insecurity while pantries experience shortages.

In response to the impact of the pandemic on many local families, United Way is taking action and collecting needed items for local food pantries. While Foodstock is a year-round project, we are strongly promoting its expansion during the fall timeframe in advance of the holiday season.  This will help ensure ALICE and poverty-level households have enough food to get through this season. 

How to Help

Join in helping our neighbors in need in the northern New Jersey region by registering for Foodstock- 2025.

To sign up, respond as an individual or as a team using the buttons to your right. Submit your name and email address—all other requested information is optional—and that’s it!

Once you’ve registered, please check out the Foodstock flyer, which contains all you need to get started such as a list of participating pantries in our five-county region, needed pantry items, and ideas for getting others involved in this effort.

Please make sure to connect directly with the local food pantry you plan to deliver your food donations to in advance of going there.  Many have implemented safety protocols that you will need to understand before going there.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of struggling northern New Jersey residents!

United Way of Northern New Jersey works to build a love of reading and early literacy among children from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and those struggling financially.  One way we do this is providing Reading Bags to children who do not have access to books and other learning materials in their homes. 

You can help by becoming a Book Buddy and providing one or more Reading Bags for a local child.  Simply sign up, then feel free to either run a drive to collect the items needed for the bags or build your own Reading Kit(s) to donate.

Reading Bags can include: 

The Basics:  1-3 new children's books (for ages 2 1/2 to 6 years), a pack of crayons, an activity or coloring book, a bookmark, and a small inspirational card or note (no last names)

Enhancements (one or more of the following):  a small new stuffed animal or pillow, a small snack pack, flash cards with letters, etc.

Items can be shared in reusable bags, decorated canvas bags or drawstring bags.  New books in multiple languages are also welcomed.

Thank you for helping to promote early literacy and the love of reading with young readers!

Kindergarten is the start of a formal school environment for many children.  United Way, as part of our United In Care program, encourages school-readiness and early literacy.  Through this effort, we would like each child at one of our many partner preschools to get a card or letter of encouragement that creates excitement about entering kindergarten.

Volunteering for this project is easy and can be done by ANYONE!  Simply make a card or write a short note of support and encouragement for a new kindergartener.  You can include a favorite memory about your own kindergarten experience or perhaps the titles of your favorite children's books.  Please send your card/letter to United Way of Northern New Jersey at P.O. Box 6835, Bridgewater, NJ  08807 - Attn. Cards for Kindergarten. 

This project can be done by a family, an individual, a Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop, service club or any other type of group.  Sign up TODAY and start making a nice card to encourage continued learning for children entering kindergarten.

Senior Shopper. Make a difference by becoming a volunteer for isolated and vulnerable seniors seeking to continue to maintain independent living. The Senior Shopper Program volunteers deliver groceries to home-bound seniors who have been referred to JFS by the Somerset County Office on Aging.

For more information, please contact Natalia Black nataliab@jewishfamilysvc.org or visit https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer--senior-shopper.php 

Family Mentor Program.

Use your life experience!  Social workers make in home assessments of families requesting these services, and volunteers are matched based on their time needs and requirements geographically; and the nature of the goals the family wants to work on. The geographic area served is all of Somerset County NJ.

Complete 10 hours of orientation/training and be matched with a family interested in having home visits on a regular (weekly/bi weekly basis) to feel supported, listened to, coached.  For more information, please visit https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer--family-mentor.php

The Senior Friendly Visitor Program is designed to provide in-home support, information, and advocacy to Somerset County families and frail, isolated seniors in Somerset or Hunterdon counties. Volunteers will receive training and support from staff in their activities.

For more information about the Senior Friendly Visitor Program, please contact Marnie Kean, LCSW at marniek@JewishFamilySvc.org or 908-725-7799 x105

Middle Earth is looking for volunteer individuals and small groups to share their skills, interests and expertise.  Topics can include career exploration, mock interviews, particular skills and hobbies that volunteers would like to share.

Please respond with your interest and we can discuss the topic options.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or another chronic illness is one of the most selfless things we can do, but it can also be exhausting.

Through Jewish Family Service of MetroWest’s Respite program, volunteers support caregivers by visiting their loved ones for 2-3 hours once a week or every other week. Each volunteer is matched with a caregiver and their loved one to provide companionship, socialization, and activities such as reading books, watching movies, or playing games depending on the person’s abilities. This allows the caregiver a break while the care recipient still has safety and supervision.

Volunteers must complete a background check. Training on working with clients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or another chronic illness is provided. For more information, call (973) 637-1762 or mmoyer@jfsmetrowest.org

This service is supported by a grant from The JFNA Center on Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma.

Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while nearly 1 million New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need.

About the opportunity:

Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up donations from a meal donor in Hackettstown on Thursdays at 9am and deliver them to a meal recipient organization in Hackettstown (~5 minute drive).  

In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely and requires volunteers to track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app.

Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while nearly 1 million New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need.

About the opportunity:

Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up donations from a meal donor in Morristown on Fridays at 2pm and deliver them to a nonprofit organization in Morristown (~5 minute drive).  

In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely and requires volunteers to track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app.

Volunteer Requirements:

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.  Parents may volunteer with their children.

Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license.

Volunteers must provide their own transportation and have the necessary auto insurance (minimum of $300,000 Single Limit or $100,000/$300,000 Split Limit auto liability limits).

Volunteers must have a smartphone with the ability to download our food donation tracking app.

Volunteers must complete Share My Meals onboarding and training before volunteering.

Work with a horticulturist on the grounds for our 2-hour Ground Force volunteer sessions.  Tasks vary from sessions to session.

Be the Person You Once Needed in College
Over 4.5 million first-generation college students are enrolled in U.S. colleges-but only 21% will graduate within six years. You can help America Needs You (ANY) change this.

We are still accepting Mentor Coach applications for our 2025 cohort that begins on 9/20/25.

What you'll do as a Mentor Coach:
As a volunteer Mentor Coach, you will work one-on-one with one of our Fellows through their entire two-year journey through our program, attending career development workshops and bringing our best-in-class curriculum to life with your real-world experiences and industry insight. Workshops include trainings by our expert staff, hands-on activities to practice new skills, panels and presentations, leadership opportunities and group discussions.

Program Schedule:
As a Mentor Coach, you will support your Fellow by attending monthly, 3-hour Saturday workshops from 9:30am-12:30pm.

Year 1: In-person Saturday workshops from Sept-April (once a month)
Year 2: A flexible, hybrid model that makes it easier to stay engaged while supporting your Fellow.

Workshop locations for ANY's New Jersey site take place throughout Northern New Jersey. More details are provided by an ANY staff member prior to each workshop.

Mentor Coach Requirements

Benefits of Mentor Coaching

Ready to make an impact?
Learn more and get involved at americaneedsyou.org/volunteer-with-any

Are you available once a week between 9:30-4:30 for 2- 3 hours?  Our incredible office staff need steady help with recurring tasks.  Computer literacy a must. We are a friendly bunch and we have snacks!

Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while 994,800 New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need.

About the opportunity: Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up meal donations from a school in Morristown to Market Street Mission (also in Morristown) on Tuesdays at 1:30pm (~12 minute drive).

We are looking to build a community of volunteers who would be willing to support this route on a regular basis starting as soon as possible.  

In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely and requires volunteers to track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app.

Please note: This is not a one-time volunteer opportunity; we are looking for volunteers who are available to regularly support the meal delivery program.

Volunteer Requirements:

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.  Parents may volunteer with their children.

Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license.

Volunteers must provide their own transportation and have the necessary auto insurance (minimum of $300,000 Single Limit or $100,000/$300,000 Split Limit auto liability limits).

Volunteers must have a smartphone with the ability to download our food donation tracking app.

Volunteers must complete Share My Meals onboarding and training before volunteering.

Sources: https://insights-engine.refed.org/food-waste-monitor?break_by=food_type&indicator=tons-waste&state=NJ&view=detail&year=2023;  https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/FoodInsecurity.html#:~:text=The USDA estimates that in,New Jersey were food insecure.

Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while nearly 1 million New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need.

About the opportunity:

Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up pre-packaged meal donations from a meal donor in Rahway, NJ on Fridays at 3pm and deliver them to a meal recipient organization in Metuchen, NJ.  

Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while 994,800 New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need.

About the opportunity: Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up meal donations from a school in Morristown and deliver them to Nourish.NJ (also in Morristown) on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2:30pm (~10 minute drive). Volunteers can choose which day (Wednesdays or Fridays) works best for their own schedule.

We are looking to build a community of volunteers who would be willing to support this route on a regular basis starting as soon as possible.  

In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely and requires volunteers to track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app.

Please note: This is not a one-time volunteer opportunity; we are looking for volunteers who are available to regularly support the meal delivery program.

Volunteer Requirements:

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.  Parents may volunteer with their children.

Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license.

Volunteers must provide their own transportation and have the necessary auto insurance (minimum of $300,000 Single Limit or $100,000/$300,000 Split Limit auto liability limits).

Volunteers must have a smartphone with the ability to download our food donation tracking app.

Volunteers must complete Share My Meals onboarding and training before volunteering.

Sources: https://insights-engine.refed.org/food-waste-monitor?break_by=food_type&indicator=tons-waste&state=NJ&view=detail&year=2023;  https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/FoodInsecurity.html#:~:text=The USDA estimates that in,New Jersey were food insecure.

Every year Katie's House collects toys, games and gift cards (no stuffed animals please) to be given to children in the hospital with cancer.  The toys are given out at their holiday party and extras are used during the year for special occasions like birthdays or just to brighten up a bad day. 

Looking for volunteers to help us with some interior painting to update our homes. Grab some friends and let's have some fun while volunteering!

Help an adult learn to read, write, and communicate in English. Become a literacy tutor!
All activities conducted virtually during the pandemic.

First, attend a Virtual Information Session to Learn More. 

Next, Complete the Virtual Tutor Training Workshop:

Upon completion of training, tutors will be matched with an adult students in need of ESL tutoring. Tutoring is usually held at the local libraries in Somerset County, or virtually.

To learn more:
Visit: LiteracySomerset.org
Call: (908) 725-5430
Email: info@literacysomerset.org

CRE members and families are invited to come out and help us sort, organize and pack gift items for ALICE families in the annual United Way's Gifts of the Season program.  Specific date and time to be announced soon.

Greetings,

Compassus Hospice is looking for people who wish to spend a little time each week with people in the final months of their lives. You can be the light in someone’s life. You can bring peace and joy in difficult times with your loving presence. Use your wisdom and your heart to serve your community. Often volunteers spend time conversing, reading, sitting outside, listening to music, playing a game, or simply sharing their loving silence with a person in need. Do you feel called to serve in this manner? If so, please email me at yolanda.briggs@compassus.com or call me at (609) 692-8306.

Opportunities available in various New Jersey! Locations and scheduling are flexible. Training is provided. Reward your heart and your community with meaningful service.

Thank you!

Greetings,

Compassus Hospice is looking for people who wish to spend a little time each week with people in the final months of their lives. You can be the light in someone’s life. You can bring peace and joy in difficult times with your loving presence. Use your wisdom and your heart to serve your community. Often volunteers spend time conversing, reading, sitting outside, listening to music, playing a game, or simply sharing their loving silence with a person in need. Do you feel called to serve in this manner? If so, please email me at yolanda.briggs@compassus.com or call me at (609) 692-8306.

Opportunities available in various New Jersey! Locations and scheduling are flexible. Training is provided. Reward your heart and your community with meaningful service.

Thank you!

Greetings,

Compassus Hospice is looking for people who wish to spend a little time each week with people in the final months of their lives. You can be the light in someone’s life. You can bring peace and joy in difficult times with your loving presence. Use your wisdom and your heart to serve your community. Often volunteers spend time conversing, reading, sitting outside, listening to music, playing a game, or simply sharing their loving silence with a person in need. Do you feel called to serve in this manner? If so, please email me at yolanda.briggs@compassus.com or call me at (609) 692-8306.

Opportunities available in various New Jersey! Locations and scheduling are flexible. Training is provided. Reward your heart and your community with meaningful service.

Thank you!

United Way of Northern New Jersey is building an online library of stories being read by people of all ages in our community.  We need volunteers like YOU to be a virtual reader and a virtual Book Buddy! 

Please sign up to volunteer to share your time and a much-loved children's story and your love of reading with early readers in our area.  We will send you the Book Buddies Toolkit to assist you and other interested volunteers in how to record yourself reading young children's books.  The online Guide can be accessed through this Form:  21VirtualBookBuddies. or by registering for this project.

Participating is easy!  The time needed is about an hour to 90 minutes to plan and record yourself reading one children's story, depending on how much you choose to rehearse the reading.  You will submit your recording via WeTransfer, which make it easy to upload your video and send to us.

Book Buddies is an ongoing project, so feel free to sign up and submit as many recordings of reading children's books as you wish.  We are also encouraging people to read stories in other languages, especially in Spanish (the books themselves do not need to be Spanish-language books).  Please contact us for more information about submitting a recording in a language other than English.

Thank you for helping to promote early reading and the love of reading with new readers!

Discovering the wonder of how something works can be the spark that ignites a child’s enthusiasm for learning. The world of science provides unlimited potential.  In the time it takes to have lunch, employees can create a STEM kit and help light that spark in a child’s imagination!

A STEM kit is comprised of a book, supplemental materials and all of the items necessary to complete an age appropriate science experiment.  STEM kits give teachers, child care workers and parents ready-to-use tools to unlock the possibilities for a child’s future in science, math and related fields.

This is a fun and interesting team-building project and has a long-term positive impact for children in our community.

Travel Unity is a nonprofit focused on making the world of travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

As a Travel Unity Youth Volunteer, you can make an impact on travel and tourism businesses in your local community. The first step is to join the Future Travel Leaders Network by filling out this form: https://bit.ly/FTLNapp

TU Youth Volunteers meet youth from around the world through online calls and get to meet interesting travel professionals.

Volunteers must be able to work on a team basis, communicate regularly, be proficient with meeting programs (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), and enjoy the excitement of collaborative output.

For more info, visit https://travelunity.org/youth

Hospice Patients in Need of Volunteer Companions

Embracing HospiceCare is looking for volunteers who are interested in becoming Patient Companions, Pet Therapy, & Musician/Singers. You don’t need a medical background or hospice experience; all you need is a caring heart and a willingness to make a difference in the life of a terminally ill patient. Volunteers will receive special training to serve as Patient Companions. As a Patient Companion, volunteers will have the opportunity to read to patients, play chess or checkers, help to make a scrapbook or write letters – or simply provide a loving, calming presence to a patient in need. A Patient Companion’s duties depend on the patient’s unique needs and interests.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to give back to their community. Positions are available in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. To learn more, please contact our volunteer director, Gail Rabstein, at 732-974-2545 or via email at grabstein@ehcnj.com.

In approximately 15 hours per month, you can make a difference in a child's life as a volunteer BILINGUAL advocate. More than fifty percent of children in the Passaic and Union County foster care system identify as Latinx. Unfortunately, there is a serious shortage of Bilingual English/Spanish volunteers to advocate for their rights.

When a child enters foster care, he or she is assigned a dedicated, trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer from the CASA of Passaic and Union County Program. The child’s advocate ensures that their individual needs remain a priority while they move through the child welfare system and the family court. CASAs work one-on-one with the abused or neglected child, gathering information from the family, caretakers, teachers, doctors, and caseworkers in order to make informed recommendations to the family court about the child’s future. No experience or formal education is needed!

Join CASA of Passaic and Union as a BILINGUAL advocate, and change a child's life! Training begins in October, so contact Sara Torres at sara@casapassaicunion.org ASAP to get started or visit our website to register for an information session as your first step! 

https://www.casapassaicunion.org/info-session

Did you know that close more than children and youth in Union County spent time in foster care last year? And almost fifty percent of them identify as Latinx.

These infants, toddlers, elementary age kids, and older youth all need compassionate, bilingual adults on their side to provide advocacy and caring during such a tumultuous time.

You can be that person for about 15 hours per month.

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, you will help to ensure their needs are met and their best interests are represented. From helping siblings find permanent homes together to uncovering information that helps reunite a loving family, volunteer advocates make an incredible difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

Join us as an advocate and change a child's life.

No experience or formal education is needed!

Join CASA of Passaic and Union as a BILINGUAL advocate, and change a child's life! Training begins in October, so contact Sara Torres at sara@casapassaicunion.org ASAP to get started or visit our website to register for an information session as your first step! 

https://www.casapassaicunion.org/info-session

Children in foster care need compassionate, dedicated community members to look out for their best interests and speak up when needed. CASA volunteers are partnered with a child or group of siblings who are involved in the child welfare system. Volunteers spend time with the child/children, gather information about his or her needs from the family, caretakers, teachers, doctors, and caseworkers, and make informed recommendations to the family court about the child’s future. The role of a CASA volunteer is simple: to advocate for whatever is in the best interest of the child/children. You don't need any educational background or special skills; we will provide all the training you need. For approximately 15 hours per month, you can make a difference in a child's life. We hope you join us (and children in foster care do, too)!

Did you know that close to 600 children and youth in Passaic and Union Counties spent time in foster care last year?

These infants, toddlers, elementary age kids, and older youth all need compassionate, caring adults on their side to provide advocacy and support during such a tumultuous time.

You can be that person with only 15 hours per month.

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, you will help to ensure their needs are met and their best interests are represented. From helping siblings find permanent homes together to uncovering information that helps reunite a loving family, volunteer advocates make an incredible difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

Join us as an advocate and change a child's life.

The best way to learn about this volunteer opportunity is to attend an upcoming information session. During the information session, participants will hear about the foster care system, volunteer requirements, pre-service training, and how CASA volunteers change lives. Views dates and register here: https://www.casapassaicunion.org/info-session

Children in foster care need compassionate, dedicated community members to look out for their best interests and speak up when needed.

CASA volunteers are partnered with a child or group of siblings who are involved in the child welfare system. Volunteers spend time with the child/children, gather information about his or her needs from the family, caretakers, teachers, doctors, and caseworkers, and make informed recommendations to the family court about the child’s future. The role of a CASA volunteer is simple: to advocate for whatever is in the best interest of the child/children.

You don't need any educational background or special skills; we will provide all the training you need.

In just about 15 hours per month, you can make a difference in a child's life. The next volunteer training begins in October. We hope you join us!

The best way to learn about this volunteer opportunity is to attend an upcoming information session. During the information session, participants will hear about the foster care system, volunteer requirements, pre-service training, and how CASA volunteers change lives. View dates and register here: https://www.casapassaicunion.org/info-session

VVF is looking for volunteers to participate in virtual “visits” with a nursing home resident for as little as 10 minutes. Click the link below to access our signup sheet. After you sign up, you will receive a welcome email with further instructions.

This link will take you to the registration page for this opportunity.

Embracing HospiceCare is seeking volunteer End-of-Life Doulas to support our patients and their loved ones. Whether you have experience serving as an EOL Doula or are just starting out, we would love to hear from you. Here at Embracing, we see the value of EOL doulas and recognize the important role they play in the dying process. The EOL Doulas we are looking for must:

Experience with seniors and hospice care is preferred but not required. An EOL Doula certification or EOL Doula training is a plus nut not required. Embracing HospiceCare has a certified EOL Doula on staff who will oversee the training of volunteer EOL Doulas*.

Volunteer EOL Doulas must commit to a minimum of 40 field service hours. Hours can be used to count towards a formal EOL doula certification such as those offered by the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) or similar training organizations.

Positions are available in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. To learn more, please contact our volunteer director, Becky Colby, at 732-974-2545 or via email at bcolby@ehcnj.com.

*Please note that this opportunity is not a formal EOL Doula training or certification program. Volunteers will not earn an EOL Doula certification by completing this commitment.

Project Sunshine is an international volunteer-led nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring joy and play to pediatric patients. Our volunteers get firsthand experience of aiding the healing journey of children facing medical challenges through play, which allows for creative expression, creates an outlet for emotion, and minimizes the anxiety or stress the children experience. Project Sunshine volunteers do this through in-hospital visits, packing activity kits, and leading virtual play (TelePlay). We lead programming for medical facilities or disease specific nonprofits. 

Volunteer Opportunity & Application

We are currently seeking volunteers to support our in-person 'Here to Play' volunteer program at medical facility partners across the county. You can view more details about the program here: https://projectsunshine.org/here-to-play

Application: If you are interested in volunteering, please submit your information through Volunteer Match or apply on our website at https://projectsunshine.org/community-volunteer-application

Please email community@projectsunshine.org if you have any questions.

In Person Volunteering: 

In-person Training requirements:

Requirements: 

Qualifications: 

Whether it is watching the smile on a child’s face grow when they yell 'BINGO!’ or seeing them use their brilliant imagination by bringing a ceramic animal to life, Project Sunshine volunteers get a unique experience brightening the lives of children who are going through hard times. 

If you are interested in volunteering with Project Sunshine, please apply on our website or find the application linked here: https://projectsunshine.org/community-volunteer-application?hsLang=en .

Embracing HospiceCare is looking for Musicians/Singers to give the gift of music to our patients! If you play an instrument or sing (or both) and you have a compassionate, giving heart, you might be the person we’re looking for! Instruments that are easily portable would be best for performing at the bedside: guitar, ukulele, mandolin, keyboard, flute, clarinet, small percussion instruments, etc. Performances would be for individual patients (not groups.)

As a music lover, you already know that music has a profound effect on people; this is especially true for those in the final stages of life. It can relieve stress and even physical pain and promotes peace and relaxation for the patient. Your talent and companionship are sure to bring joy to our patients!

Opportunities are available in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. To learn more, please contact our volunteer director, Becky Colby, at 732-974-2545 or via email at bcolby@ehcnj.com.

We are seeking Volunteer Reiki Practitioners to work with our patients! Reiki therapy has been known to help alleviate the boredom, frustration, loneliness, depression, and fear patients often experience in their final weeks. You can make a difference in the life of someone living with a terminal illness by offering your services as a reiki practitioner!

Per state regulations, Volunteer Reiki Practitioners are not required to hold any sort of certification to practice; however, we would prefer practitioners who have reached at least Level 2 training.

Positions are available in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. To learn more, please contact our volunteer director, Becky Colby, at 732-974-2545 or via email at bcolby@ehcnj.com.

We are seeking Clerical Volunteers in our Wall Township office! Our office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This opportunity does not require a full 8-hour shift, nor does it require daily attendance. We understand that our volunteers have other obligations and are happy to work around your schedule!

Duties of Clerical Volunteers include filing, faxing, and assistance with other administrative projects as needed. Volunteers will be trained and supported by our office staff. No previous clerical work experience is required. Your time is greatly appreciated!

Please call Becky at 732-974-2545 or email her at bcolby@ehcnj.com for more information.

Embracing HospiceCare is looking for volunteers who are interested in becoming Patient Companions. You don’t need a medical background or hospice experience; all you need is a caring heart and a willingness to make a difference in the life of a terminally ill patient. Volunteers will receive special training to serve as Patient Companions. As a Patient Companion, volunteers will have the opportunity to read to patients, play chess or checkers, help to make a scrapbook or write letters - or simply provide a loving, calming presence to a patient in need. A Patient Companion’s duties depend on the patient’s unique needs and interests.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to give back to their community. Positions are available in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. To learn more, please contact our volunteer director, Becky Colby, at 732-974-2545 or via email at bcolby@ehcnj.com.

Friendly Visiting

Friendly Visitors are matched with a homebound older adult to meet with in their home weekly. Volunteers provide conversation, companionship, and socialization opportunities.

Volunteers must submit to a background check. The program commitment is 1 hour once a week and the schedule of meetings is flexible. Volunteers are expected to report their hours monthly through the JFSMW Volunteer Tracking system and submit an update of the visit to the program coordinator via our app.

This program covers Essex, Morris, and surrounding counties, but we have the most need for female volunteers to visit homebound women in Essex County.

For more information contact Taylor Ruszczyk at TRuszczyk@jfsmetrowest.org or 973-637-1742.

Tuesday Meal Recovery: Volunteers are needed to transport meals from The Peck School (Morristown, NJ) to Joi's Angels (East Orange, NJ), Meal pickup in Morristown (any time between 1-2PM), ~25 minute drive to East Orange.

Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license.

Wednesday Meal Recovery: Volunteers needed to transport meals from Gill St. Bernard's School (Peapack, NJ) to Nourish NJ (Victory Gardens, NJ), Meal pickup in Peapack (any time between 2:45 - 3:45PM), ~25 minute drive to Victory Gardens.

Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license.

Friday Meal Recovery: Volunteers needed to transport meals from Gill St. Bernard's School (Peapack, NJ) to Nourish NJ (Victory Gardens, NJ), Meal pickup in Peapack (any time between 2:45 - 3:45PM), ~25 minute drive to Victory Gardens.

Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license.

Projects in a Box Menu 

All of United Way of Northern New Jersey’s projects-in-a-box/kit build pricing includes the purchasing and coordination of all the supplies, transportation/delivery of items to the location of your choice, set up and break down, one or more staff members to explain the significance of the project and the impact on the recipients and to lead the event, and transportation/pick up of the finished items to the recipient program/agency. Please see our list of projects below with cost per kit and recommendations of amounts based on a standard, 1.5-2-hour project. Please note that prices are provided as quotes and that actual prices may vary depending on the needs of your group. 

Please note that for most projects, a minimum 3 week lead time is needed to allow for the ordering of supplies. 

Reading Buddy Bags/Literacy Kits - Encourage a love of reading by building stuffed animal “Reading Buddies” and packing new books for 3-5-year-old students. Please ask about options to brand your buddies or include them in a bag with an age-appropriate book for an early learner.  $17 per kit

Up to 15 people: 30+ 

16-30 people:  60+

31-50 people:  100+

Teacher Classroom Survival - Assemble supply boxes for United In Care or UWNNJ partner school classrooms. Boxes would include pens, pads, correction stickers, band-aids, sanitizer, tissues, etc. $12 per kit

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  100+

31-50 people:  150+

Personal Care Kits - Provide essential toiletry items for ALICE families and those experiencing poverty or housing insecurity. Kits will include items such as soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitizer, razors, deodorant, and washcloths. $15 per kit

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  100+

31-50 people:  150+

Snack Packs - Many students leave school without enough food to eat at home. Provide students snack packs for ALICE and struggling students in our community. Your team would assemble small packages of healthy snacks and food such as milk/juice boxes, granola bars, pretzels, crackers, and applesauce, all in a bag decorated by you! $10-15 per kit

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  75+

31-50 people:  125+

Financial Literacy Kits—Volunteers will assemble classroom kits for teachers/volunteers to easily facilitate a fun financial workshop for K-2 students. Each kit includes a ceramic piggy bank to paint and decorate, mini-books or activity cards. and crayons. The mini-books can be printed with the sponsor’s logo on the back. $10 per kit

Up to 15 people:  40+

16-30 people:  80+

31-50 people:  130+

Confidence Kits: Feminine Hygiene items for ALICE and low-income students and other girls and women experiencing “period poverty,” a widespread issue. $12 per kit

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  100+

31-50 people:  150+

Baby Basics Bags —Volunteers pack baby care items for new and expectant parents who are struggling financially.  Baskets may include some of the following:  baby wash, shampoo, lotion, pacifier, pack of diapers, wipes, bottles, nail clippers, diaper cream, a blanket, washcloths/towel, rattles, toys. $30 per kit

Up to 15 people:  30+

16-25 people:  75+

26-50 people:  100+

Night-Night Bags—Volunteers will stuff a plush animal and put together a bag of comforting nighttime items (a book, toothbrush and toothpaste, and an activity) for very young children who enter a shelter for the first time.  $20 per bag

Up to 15 people: 30+ 

16-30 people:  60+

31-50 people:  100+

Military Support - Organize a letter-writing campaign for veterans or active duty servicemen and women. Invite individuals who have previously served in the military or have family members who have served to lead the campaign. 

Up to 15 people:  $100

16-30 people:  $150

31-50 people:  $200

Growing Minds STEM Kits —Volunteers will decorate drawstring bags and assemble STEM learning kits for early learners.  Each kit will include a small seed-starter pot, soil, seeds, instructions and a plant/growing related paperback book. $12 per kit

Up to 15 people:  40+

16-30 people:  80+

31-50 people:  130+

Bright Smiles Dental Kits – Help put a smile on the face of a child. Volunteers create dental supply kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, small kids mouthwash) for children from families in need. Supplies can be placed in large zip-lock bags for ease in distribution. $9 per kit 

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  75+

31-50 people:  125+

Top of Form

I am interested in a Project in a Box!

Only 3% of high-performing, under-resourced students end up in a great first career experience. On our social platform, professionals like you can help change that.

Here's how:

1. Sign up via your computer at my.backrs.com or by downloading the Backrs mobile app from the Apple App or Google Play Stores.

2. Tell us a little about your background and experiences by completing your profile. This takes 5 mins. (Up to 15 if you'd like to give students more details about your hobbies and interests.)

3. We add you to identity-based, regional, university, and career-path Affinity Networks where you can connect with students you're well-positioned to support.

4. In Networks, you can answer students' questions, post resources or job/internship opportunities, and share insights into your college and career journey by responding to Backstage Pass posts. Though each of these actions takes a few minutes, they all have meaningful impacts on young people.

5. If you'd like to play a more involved role in a student's journey, you can join their panel of backrs. This enables you to view their goals, post on their personal feed, schedule Zoom check-ins, and even contribute to their Flourish Fund. It's a great choice for those looking to offer low-lift, relationship-driven support.

Best way to see how convenient and rewarding being a backr really is? Give it a try, commitment-free:

Sign up on your computer: my.backrs.com

Or get the Backrs mobile app: Apple App Store or Google Play Store

Becoming a peer support group facilitator at Good Grief is a unique, engaging, and transformative volunteer experience. Facilitators at Good Grief help to create a safe and empathic environment for grieving families after the death of a loved one by helping foster resiliency and develop healthy coping skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. 

Good Grief is a national leader in delivering childhood bereavement services. Since its founding in 2004, the mission of Good Grief has been to build resilience in children, strengthen families, and empower communities to grow from loss and adversity. 

For more information or to enroll, please contact cverdesca@good-grief.org. 

Becoming a peer support group facilitator at Good Grief is a unique, engaging, and transformative volunteer experience. Facilitators at Good Grief help to create a safe and empathic environment for grieving families after the death of a loved one by helping foster resiliency and develop healthy coping skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. 

Good Grief is a national leader in delivering childhood bereavement services. Since its founding in 2004, the mission of Good Grief has been to build resilience in children, strengthen families, and empower communities to grow from loss and adversity. 

For more information or to enroll, please contact kim@good-grief.org. 

Kindergarten is the start of a formal school environment for many children.  United Way, as part of our United In Care program, encourages school-readiness and early literacy.  Through this effort, we would like each child at one of our many partner preschools to get a card or letter of encouragement that creates excitement about entering kindergarten.

Volunteering for this project is easy and can be done by ANYONE!  Simply make a card or write a short note of support and encouragement for a new kindergartener.  You can include a favorite memory about your own kindergarten experience or perhaps the titles of your favorite children's books.  Please send your card/letter to United Way of Northern New Jersey at P.O. Box 6835, Bridgewater, NJ  08807 - Attn. Cards for Kindergarten. 

This project can be done by a family, an individual, a Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop, service club or any other type of group.  Sign up TODAY and start making a nice card to encourage continued learning for children entering kindergarten.

As part of Women United's focus on supporting ALICE families in our community, Women United volunteers are encouraged to take part in the Book Buddies project, sharing your love of reading with young children from ALICE families.

United Way of Northern New Jersey is building an online library of stories being read by people of all ages and backgrounds in our community.  We need volunteers like YOU to be a virtual reader and a virtual Book Buddy! 

When you register to share your time, a much-loved children's story and your love of reading with early readers in our area, you will use the Book Buddies Toolkit to assist you in recording yourself reading young children's books.  

Participating is easy!  The time needed is about an hour to 90 minutes to plan and record yourself reading one children's story, depending on how much you choose to rehearse the reading.  You will submit your recording via WeTransfer, which make it easy to upload your video and send to us.  

Book Buddies is an ongoing project, so feel free to sign up and submit as many recordings of reading children's books as you wish. 

We are also encouraging people to read stories in other languages, especially in Spanish (the books themselves do not need to be Spanish-language books).  Please contact us for more information about submitting a recording in a language other than English.

Please make sure you also submit the project waiver, which allows us to post your recording on our online Book Buddies Library.

Thank you for helping to promote early reading and the love of reading with new readers!

Become a Volunteer Guardian Today!

What if you needed help and there was no one there to assist you? Right now there are people in your area that need help making basic life decisions. As a Volunteer Guardian you can make a world of difference to your neighbor in need.

A guardian is someone who has been appointed by the court to make decisions and take actions for another person who is not able to make decisions for themselves. A guardian is not a caregiver but makes arrangements to ensure the person receives the proper level and type of care, soliciting as much input from the person as possible.

If you are interested in making a difference in someone's life and would like to become a volunteer guardian, please contact us.

Hackensack Meridian Hospice (a member of the Hackensack Meridian Health network) offers comforting, compassionate care to those who have a life-limiting condition. Hospice Volunteers typically provide 1-2 hours of service a few times a month and based on your schedule. Volunteer opportunities include:

If you are interested in volunteering with hospice, please email Hospice.Volunteer@HMH.org.

VHS Hospice of NJ (a member of the Hackensack Meridian Health network) offers comforting, compassionate care to those who have a life-limiting condition. Hospice Volunteers typically provide 1-2 hours of service a few times a month and based on your schedule. Volunteer opportunities include:

If you are interested in volunteering with hospice, please email Hospice.Volunteer@HMH.org.

Travelers Aid at Newark Liberty International Airport is seeking volunteers to welcome passengers and provide information regarding a variety of travel-related services. This is an excellent opportunity to be a welcoming ambassador for travelers from all over the world, improve your communication skills and gain experience assisting and working with people.

Volunteers are placed at key locations throughout the airport. Shifts are available Monday-Friday. We require one four hour shift per week. Free parking available. Students 16 and up are welcome! Please contact us at (973) 623-5052 or email newarkinfo@travelersaid.org to arrange a tour of our program!

This spring is the perfect time to take action to assist ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families who work hard in our community, but who struggle financially and are one crisis or emergency away from falling into poverty.

As part of this year's National Volunteer Month (April) and to promote volunteerism that has a direct impact in our community, United Way of Northern New Jersey is offering a volunteer project to assist families with critical essential items for their well-being.

Volunteers are asked to create Care Kits that include any (or all) of the following essential needs for families:

* Shampoo/Conditioner

* Soap

* Deodorant

* Toothpaste/Toothbrushes

* Feminine Hygiene products

* Home cleaning products (paper towels, dish soap, household cleaner, toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc.)

Items can be full-size or travel-size (which works better in shelter or transitional housing situations) and can be packed in Ziplock types of bags or in any type of reusable bags.

Another option for volunteers is to create a Baby Care Kit - which would include any type of baby care items such as:  diapers, wipes, baby shampoo and baby wash, towels, bottles, clothes, powder formula, toys and anything else that would be helpful for new parents in need.

We are aiming to have the Care Kits ready for distribution to our ALICE clients and those of our partner nonprofit organizations by Friday, April 28, 2023, but we can accept the Care Kits any time this spring.

United Way would like to recognize and thank all volunteers participating in this project, so if you register to participate, please take photos of your work and the kits, so that we can share your efforts on social media and thank you publicly for Taking Action for ALICE Families this spring!

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Lisa Galonardo at lisa.galonardo@unitedwaynnj.org.

Thank you for your generosity in sharing your time and support of ALICE families in our community!!

We are looking for Certified Therapy Dogs to visit our patients! Many of our patients are animal lovers and would love a visit from a therapy dog. While many nursing homes and assisted living facilities are pet-friendly, there are some that don’t allow resident animals. Consequently, some patients have to give up their furry companions when making the transition into a long-term care facility. This often complicates an already difficult time for patients and their loved ones.

If you are the owner of a certified therapy dog, please consider becoming a volunteer with Embracing HospiceCare. You and your four-legged friend are sure to put a smile on a patient’s face!

Positions are available in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. To learn more, please contact our volunteer director, Becky Colby, at 732-974-2545 or via email at bcolby@ehcnj.com.

Embracing HospiceCare is looking for college students who are interested in becoming Hospice Volunteers. You don’t need to be a medical student or have medical experience; all you need is a caring heart and a willingness to make a difference in the life of a terminally ill patient. Students will receive special training to serve as Patient Companions. As a Patient Companion, students will have the opportunity to read to patients, play chess or checkers, help to make a scrapbook or write letters – or simply provide a loving, calming presence to a patient in need. A Patient Companion’s duties depend on the patient’s unique needs and interests.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to explore career possibilities. Positions are available in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. To learn more, please contact our volunteer director, Becky Colby, at 732-974-2545 or via email at bcolby@ehcnj.com.

Volunteer Guardianship One on One, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and monitors volunteer guardians to provide guardianship services. 

We are looking for a volunteer guardian for "Ana". She is 36 years old and currently residing in a care facility near Wayne due to mental, physical, and developmental disabilities. Ana is originally from the Dominican Republic and, although she speaks and understands English, a bilingual volunteer would be ideal. She has some family in PA that visit when they can, but they are unable to serve as guardians and she is frequently alone and unengaged. However, when someone shows interest, she can describe what she likes and wants, which includes reading books in Spanish, cleaning the common area, and browsing her phone. Ana urgently needs someone to visit her consistently and to be a responsible point person for her medical and psychological care in order to maximize her opportunities for independence and increased quality of life.

A guardian is someone who has been appointed by the court to make decisions and take actions for another person who is not able to make decisions for themselves.  A guardian is not a caregiver but makes arrangements to ensure the person receives the proper level and type of care, soliciting as much input from the person as possible. 

If you are interested in making a difference for "Ana" then this opportunity is for you.  

Tessie’s Touch brings joy & connection to isolated older adults by matching them with a caring volunteer. Together, they can do activities and excursions in the community. Tessie’s Touch is an extension of our traditional Friendly Visiting program and allows us to go above and beyond for our seniors.

Volunteers must submit to a background check. The program commitment is 1 hour once a week and the schedule of meetings is flexible. Volunteers are expected to report their hours monthly through the JFS Volunteer Tracking system and submit an update of the visit to the program coordinator online.

For more information contact Taylor Ruszczyk at TRuszczyk@jfsmetrowest.org or (973) 637-1742.

Volunteer Guardianship One on One, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and monitors volunteer guardians to provide guardianship services.  

A guardian is someone who has been appointed by the court to make decisions and take actions for another person who is not able to make decisions for themselves.  A guardian is not a caregiver but makes arrangements to ensure the person receives the proper level and type of care, soliciting as much input from the person as possible. 

If you are interested in making a difference in someone’s life, then this opportunity is for you.  

Stein Hospice cares for patients suffering a life limiting illness. A hospice patient often becomes house or room bound. Simply by walking in the door, you can bring a smile to their face.  By visiting regularly, you can build a relationship that can be life changing for you and the patient. Join our caring Team by offering compassionate attention to our patients.  Training is provided.

Stein Hospice is a nonprofit hospice providing comfort care to terminally ill patients, in Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth and Mercer counties.  Our volunteers become part of our amazing Team of caregivers, including nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains and therapists. Together we bring loving attention to the bedside of the patient and in support of their families and caregivers. Volunteers provide nonmedical support to patients and their families by becoming a steady visitor. Join us in our mission driven work to give the best possible care to patients at the end of life!

We are searching for any Veterans who would like to help us as a Receipt Checker for the Morris ReStore. This position is highly important as an ongoing security measure for our store. The volunteer would be responsible for assessing the customers purchases to match their receipt upon departure. We welcome you to proudly wear any of your veteran memorabilia. Thank you for your service, and we look forward to working with you. 

Medicare can be complex and hard to navigate. The Essex County State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free help to Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, their health insurance. Volunteer SHIP Counselors are trained to assist people with Medicare questions including providing information on Medigap plans, Part D coverage, claims, and benefits. Volunteers also answer questions regarding Medicaid and low-income assistance programs. Our main office is in Florham Park, however, volunteers counsel at community sites such a libraries and community centers throughout the county. In person events are also held throughout the county during Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7). During the pandemic, we are providing services virtually via phone and zoom.

Volunteer counselors do not provide legal advice, sell, recommend, endorse any specific insurance product, agent, insurance company or plan. Volunteers cannot hold an active license to sell insurance.

We are especially in need of volunteers who are fluent in Spanish. A 40 hour virtual training is required and a minimum of 4 hours per week for 1 year of commitment as a volunteer is asked. The next training will be held virtually, with the dates TBD.

Volunteers must be age 55 or older and willing to submit to a background check.

Stein Hospice patients are mostly house and room bound and your presence can bring an instant smile to their face. We are looking for someone who can drive and deliver birthday and holiday gift bags.  Make your own schedule!  

Stein Hospice patients live throughout Central NJ, from Union to Monmouth and Mercer and we are looking for volunteers to bring joy by delivering birthday and holiday gift bags.  If you are motivated to help people, enjoy conversation, can make appointments on the phone, and drive to deliver gifts, this could be a great experience for you.  We will train you and offer masks, hand sanitizer, face shields and any other personal protective equipment that might be necessary.  Give us a call or email to learn more about this fun and meaningful volunteer opportunity.  Ask for Sara at (732) 227-1212.

Foodstock with Women United

Even before the pandemic hit, food security was a significant issue for ALICE®  (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and those in poverty. ALICE was already navigating life without a safety net and was one crisis away from financial despair. That crisis is here, bringing a continued increase in food insecurity while pantries experience shortages.

Year-round, Women United is taking action, collecting needed items for local food pantries. Due to the success of this summer initiative and the ongoing need, Women United has adopted food insecurity as its year-long mission. Foodstock with Women United will help ensure ALICE and poverty-level households have enough food to get through the day. 

How to Help

Join in helping our neighbors in need in the northern New Jersey region by registering for Foodstock - Powered by Women United.

To sign up, respond as an individual or as a team using the buttons to your right. Submit your name and email address—all other requested information is optional—and that’s it!

Once you’ve registered, Women United will send you a Foodstock toolkit, which contains all you need to get started such as a list of participating pantries in our five-county region, needed pantry items, and ideas for getting others involved in this effort.

As some pantries welcome homemade masks and food-collection bags, our toolkit also includes instructions on how to make these items.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of struggling northern New Jersey residents!

Seniors, age 55 and older: The Friendly Visitor program assists with a person's ability to age in place, and live alone and independently.  There are many home bound residents in Morris County in need of someone to take an hour a week to visit with them or call them to chat, check in, and be a friendly voice on the phone. Norwescap RSVP is looking for volunteers who would enjoy spending time with a resident or making friendly phone calls on a weekly basis. In just one hour a week you can make a world of difference in someone's life.

The greatest needs are in Morristown, Morris Plains, Dover, Parsippany, and Randolph.  Bilingual is a bonus!   

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Kelsey at 973-784-4900 x2908 or at andersonk@norwescap.org.

Volunteers 55 and over: Do you or someone you know live with the fear of falling? Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is a volunteer facilitated, award winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.

BECOME A TRAINED LEADER and teach others how to manage their concerns about falling! Volunteer coaches assist participants in learning how to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and perform simple exercises to increase strength and balance.

This program is provided FREE to you and any participants. You will be trained and provided with all the necessary materials. This class is specifically designed to benefit older adults who are still managing their day to day activities in their homes.

If this is of interest to you, please contact Cheryl at 973-784-4900 ext. 2903, or at waltersc@norwescap.org.

The Senior Cents Program is a volunteer driven program that provides money management assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout Morris County. Adults in the program have a physical or mental impairment that limits their ability to manage the daily household finances such as opening mail, paying bills, and balancing the checkbook, among other tasks. Clients are matched with a trained volunteer who assists with these tasks twice a month. Clients maintain control over all decisions regarding their funds and financial plans. Volunteers do not assist with debt management or credit counseling.

Volunteers for this program are responsible, patient, compassionate individuals who have excellent budgeting, organizational and advocacy skills. After being matched with a client, they provide visits to the client's home twice a month or on a schedule based on the client's needs and the flexibility of the volunteer. The program's volunteers provide an invaluable service by utilizing their skills to enable individuals to remain independent in the community.

The greatest needs are in Morristown, Morris Plains, Dover, Parsippany, and Randolph.  Bilingual is a bonus!

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Kelsey at 973-784-4900 x2908 or at andersonk@norwescap.org. 

This program assists with a person's ability to age in place, and live alone and independently. Volunteers make calls to seniors and persons with disabilities every day of the week, 365 days a year.  Volunteers are needed in Madison and Pequannock.

Volunteers call clients on a schedule - predetermined by the client - to provide a wellness check, chat and remind the client to take medications.

What qualifications and skills are required? You must simply have a desire to help others!

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Kelsey at 973-784-4900, x2908 or at andersonk@norwescap.org.

Become a volunteer tax preparer in Morris, Sussex or Warren Counties. Be part of the community that helps seniors and low income tax payers prepare their taxes. Free training is provided by trained VITA preparers. You will be trained in Federal and State filing (both paper filing and e-filing) and in tax law. You will need to make a commitment over a six month period: 3 months training (November through January) and 3 months preparing (February through April). The time commitment is a minimum of 4 hours a week.  For more information, please call Meredith at 973-784-4900 ext. 2904, or email perssonm@norwescap.org. 

Norwescap RSVP coordinates a number of volunteer driven health education courses focusing on topics such as: Osteoporosis, Diabetes Self Management, Managing Fears of Falling, Improving Mobility, and Living with a Chronic Condition.  Volunteers are needed in Morris, Warren and Passaic Counties to be trained to lead these classes in their community. 

If this volunteer opportunity is of interest to you, please contact Kelsey at 973-784-4900 ext. 2908 or andersonk@norwescap.org. 

Do you live or work in Somerset or Hunterdon Counties?

We're looking for motivated individuals who are interested in helping find and evaluate lots for affordable homes and

find homes that may be renovated in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.  This team is actively working to make the

dream of home ownership a reality!  Be a part of looking at land, working to evaluate prospective properties and make

an impact on your community!

Do you live or work in Somerset or Hunterdon Counties?

Join us in identifying, evaluating and interviewing prospective Habitat homeowners. Help conduct

information/orientation sessions, review applications, need for housing and other qualifications to become

a Habitat homeowner. Support current Habitat homeowners by conducting formal and informal surveys,

communicating valuable information in newsletters, responding to inquires and referring them to

appropriate resources in the community. Volunteers come from all backgrounds, such as banking, law and

real estate. Raritan Valley Habitat is seeking a chairperson to work with the staff Homeowner Services Manager and this team.

Do you live or work in Somerset or Hunterdon Counties?

Come out regularly on Wednesdays and Thursdays and be a part of the weekday home construction and

repair crew. This team helps with weekly construction work, shares ideas to benefit construction projects

and helps recruit new team members. No experience necessary. We are able to train if you are handy and

have worked on DIY home projects or no experience at all. Volunteers must reside in Somerset or Hunterdon County.

Do you live or work in Somerset or Hunterdon Counties?

Raritan Valley Habitat is seeking a chairperson to work with the staff Community Outreach manager as well as recruit additional volunteers to be ambassadors for Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity in the community! 

Spread the word about our mission through local corporations, faith-based organizations, civic organizations and so much more!  This outreach to the

community supports efforts to build more affordable homes in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.  Please consider sharing your time and talents on

the Community Engagement Team.  All training and materials are provided. All meetings are currently virtual and some outreach remains

virtual.

Crossroads4Hope is currently recruiting for a Board Treasurer to succeed the current incumbent's planned rotation. 

Purpose

Ensures Crossroads4Hope (CR4H) is good steward of charitable donations and its tax-exempt status, providing oversight of the organization's fiscal integrity and assisting the Board of Trustees in meeting its mandate to govern. Ultimately, while financial management is the primary focus of the Treasurer, the entire board shares the responsibility of financial oversight and accountability.

Responsibilities

Maintains knowledge of CR4H’s holdings and assets, financial reports and important financial ratios. Monthly, reviews account records, and monitor income and expenditures. Keeps the board apprised of key financial events, trends, and concerns, and their assessment of the organization’s fiscal health.

Effectively translates financial concepts and information for trustees who do not have financial backgrounds or substantial financial experience. Facilitates the board’s strategic thinking about the short and long-term financial viability of the organization aligned to the advancement of the organization’s mission.

Acts as chair of the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee ensures the organization is operating with the financial resources needed to provide programs and services to the community. The committee provides financial analysis, advice, and oversight and monitoring of the organizations budget, fiscal policies, procedures, investments etc.  

Oversees the annual budget and approval process. Annually, the CEO prepares the budget in conjunction with key staff. This position facilitates engagement of the finance and executive committees and timely approval by the Board of Trustees. 

Regularly reviews financial reports generated by staff on a monthly basis. In the absence of staff, generates required reports.

May prepare or guide staff to prepare additional board reports detailing income, expenditures, and asset values to present to the board no less frequently than quarterly. If needed, prepares special financial reports as required to support business cases for proposed plans for large expenditures.

Provides oversight of the preparation of the organization’s IRS Form 990 to the conjunction with the CEO and preparer. Ensures accuracy and on-time completion; annually presents to the board the results in a timely fashion.

Other Education and Experience Required

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics or accounting or related field.

3+ years of experience in business, finance, economics or accounting. Experience as CFO is preferred. Treasurer experience on a non-profit board is a plus.  

Adheres to high standards of ethics and compliance in fulfilling all responsibilities to the organization. Performs all duties incident to the office of the Treasurer, and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or By Laws, or which may be assigned from time to time by the Board of Trustees.

Demonstrates transparency and effective communication. 

Travel Unity, a 501(c)(3) focused on increasing diversity in the world of travel, is seeking people ages 13+ to join its Youth Advisory Council. Applicants from all backgrounds and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply!

Youth Advisory Council members will work with one another and Travel Unity's staff, Board, and Advisors on Travel Unity's programs and mission.

Volunteers must be able to work on a team basis, communicate regularly, be proficient with meeting programs (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), and enjoy the excitement of collaborative output.

This is a great opportunity to work with fellow youth from around the world who care about culture, travel, and inclusion, along with an array of professionals dedicated to creating a more equitable world.

Travel Unity is a 501(c)(3) focused on increasing diversity in the world of travel through individual and community empowerment. For more info, visit https://travelunity.org/TUYAC

Imagine being awakened by smoke alarms in the middle of the night. You rush to get your family out to safety now that your home is engulfed in flames. You’re now standing outside of your house in your pajamas in the middle of the night with nowhere to go. Who do you call? The American Red Cross! On the other end of the phone is the Regional Disaster Dispatcher ready to help you during one of the worst days of your life.

The Disaster Dispatcher is a lifeline to temporary assistance during a disaster. The Dispatcher is responsible for dispatching Red Cross volunteers called Disaster Action Team (DAT) members to meet with victims of home fires, and other disasters, to provide temporary relief such as funds for a hotel room, food, and clothing.

Details:

Despite the current pandemic, our need to provide shelter to individuals and families affected by disaster is vital! To meet the unique challenges and new guidelines of this hurricane/wildfire season, more volunteers than normal are needed to support shelters if the need arises.

The American Red Cross follows all CDC guidelines during this time including keeping 6 feet apart. You will be provided with gloves, masks and sanitizer.

Volunteers are needed to support the day-to-day activities within a shelter which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter.

Free online training will be provided

In these challenging times Bilingual Caseworkers are needed to support clients who have been affected by a disaster by providing referrals for assistance, goods and services to help them get back on their feet.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Volunteer for a single event, program or training that fits your schedule, or choose as many opportunities as you would like. We offer volunteer opportunities that are fun and flexible! Everyone has something to offer! Unleash your inner G.I.R.L. and choose a volunteer role that sparks your interest!

Did you know that we have many girls interesting in becoming Girl Scouts but not enough volunteers to lead troops?  Consider giving a girl an opportunity to sign up for her greatest adventure yet!

Many of our troops are meeting virtually as Girl Scouts is offering virtual programming.  For more information, please visit our website.

 https://www.gshnj.org/en/for-volunteers/why-volunteer.html

Are you a licensed medical professional?  We need health care workers to provide assistance and healthcare to shelter residents as needed.  Free online training will be provided.  If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to local shifts of 4,8 or 12 hours each.  License required: RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN.

If you have supervisory experience, we are also looking for individuals to fill Health Services Supervisor positions.

We will insist on following all local guidelines, do everything possible to limit capacity, enforce social distancing and provide all necessary Personal Protective Equipment. 

Sites will be determined by need.

Each year, two babies die every hour in the U.S. and one woman dies every 12 hours as a result of complications from pregnancy. IT’S NOT FINE. But together we can change that. These activities will inspire your employees to support our vision of a world where every mom and baby is healthy regardless of wealth, race or geography. Will you take the lead?

Each year, two babies die every hour in the U.S. and one woman dies every 12 hours as a result of complications from pregnancy. IT’S NOT FINE. But together we can change that. These activities will engage you in our vision of a world where every mom and baby is healthy regardless of wealth, race or geography. Will you take the lead?

Each year, two babies die every hour in the U.S. and one woman dies every 12 hours as a result of complications from pregnancy. IT’S NOT FINE. But together we can change that. These activities will inspire your student to support our vision of a world where every mom and baby is healthy regardless of wealth, race or geography. Will you take the lead?

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is looking for volunteers in Somerset County to lead or assist with troops, pitch in at the community level, help with events and much more. Parents often get involved in Girl Scouting with their daughters, but Girl Scout volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds: college students, busy professionals, and young-at-heart retirees. If you only have an hour a month to volunteer or 3-4 hours a weeks, we have a volunteer position that is just right for you!

Free training is available. You can volunteer with either girls or adults as we have a variety of opportunities such as troop leader, events coordinator, treasurer, guest speaker, etc.  If any of these sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact Fatima Latif at (908) 947-1716.

Many of our members are meeting virtually as Girl Scouts is offering virtual programming.  For more information, please visit our website.

https://www.gshnj.org/en/for-volunteers/why-volunteer.html

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is looking for volunteers in Warren County to lead or assist  with troops, pitch in at the community level, help with events and much more. Parents often get involved in Girl Scouting with their daughters, but Girl Scout volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds: college students, busy professionals, and young-at-heart retirees. If you only have an hour a month to volunteer or 3-4 hours a weeks, we have a volunteer position that is just right for you!

Free training is available. You can volunteer with either girls or adults as we have a variety of opportunities such as troop leader, events coordinator, treasurer, guest speaker, etc.  If any of these sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact Fatima Latif at (908) 947-1716.

Many of our members are meeting virtually as Girl Scouts is offering virtual programming.  For more information, please visit our website.

https://www.gshnj.org/en/for-volunteers/why-volunteer.html

Volunteer for a single event, program or training that fits your schedule, or choose as many opportunities as you would like. We offer volunteer opportunities that are fun and flexible! Everyone has something to offer! Unleash your inner G.I.R.L. and choose a volunteer role that sparks your interest!

Did you know that we have many girls interesting in becoming Girl Scouts but not enough volunteers to lead troops?  Consider giving a girl an opportunity to sign up for her greatest adventure yet!

Many of our troops are meeting virtually as Girl Scouts is offering virtual programming.  For more information, please visit our website.

 https://www.gshnj.org/en/for-volunteers/why-volunteer.html

To ensure physical distancing does not mean social disconnection, two leading experts on mentoring are launching the Virtual Mentoring Portal. The Virtual Mentoring Portal is a safe and monitored mentoring platform for mentors and mentees to continue their relationships while they may be separated due to COVID-19.

iCouldBe, one of the leading experts on virtual mentoring in the U.S. since 2000, and MENTOR, the nation’s field and movement leader for youth mentoring for the last 30 years have joined forces to develop this free tool. The Virtual Mentoring Portal provides unstructured (internal, monitored email) or structured (research-back curriculum) communications and will provide mentoring programs with virtual mentoring access for existing mentees ages 13 or older, and their mentors. The platform has been constructed with respect to best practices, safety, and data privacy.

Dear Volunteer/ Intern

Platinum Minds is a non-profit organization that provides educational assistance, leadership training, mentoring and summer camp opportunities to high-achieving boys from urban communities, ages 11-17.  We are seeking volunteers and interns.  Platinum Minds is currently looking for male interns to serve as assistant instructors to the current director of instruction at our bi-monthly workshops.

Volunteer opportunity

The position will entail assisting the current director in teaching and instruction in a classroom type setting on Saturday mornings for 4 hours.  Interns will be responsible for helping to develop and implement team leadership projects.  The organization has three locations, thus the volunteer/intern can select the location that is most convenient, either Newark, Morristown or Asbury Park.  We are seeking two interns per location. The internship position is for one year, but can be renewed after the first year, if there is interest in continuing for a second year.   Each intern starts out as a junior instructor and after the second year becomes a lead instructor.  The program meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at the times mentioned below, from September to June.

Hours: Saturdays

Newark: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Morristown - 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Asbury Park - 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

 Requirements:

Have an interested in working with the youth.

Have an understanding of the importance of being a positive role model to younger boys.

Have an interest in helping others achieve to their highest potential and in assisting them with this achievement. 

Understand and emulate the importance of living a healthy lifestyle

At least one year of college experience required.

The first step is to contact our office and request a volunteer/ intern application, once application is received, an interview will be arranged.  New volunteers/ interns can look to start immediately, if a current opening is available.  For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Brice lbrice@platinumminds.org or at 973678-8650. Additionally, please feel free to visit our website at http://platinumminds.org/.

Thank you for your interest in Platinum Minds.