INTERFAITH HEALTH & SUPPORT SERVICES Volunteer News
We cannot believe that 2024 is soon coming to a close. This year has gone by so quickly - and all our efforts with so many wonderful activities and events have been such a blessing to all of our care receivers.
We cannot thank you enough for your continued support and YES to so many of the requested needs we are receiving. Every week we worry about finding enough volunteers to drive, to shop, and visit and are so overwhelmed by all of your willingness and kindness We are truly meeting such a great need in our community through the love you show each and every day!
Please take time to read this newsletter - we ’ ve included details about our upcoming Volunteers Workshop; The Toms River Elks Festival of Trees in December; updates from our offices; important updates and reminders as well as local events.
Have a wonderful fall and safe, healthy upcoming holiday season!
Board
of Directors:
Friday, November 8th
8:30am-1:00pm Please RSVP by November 1st - more details in newsletter
BSN,
Jaimee Henbest, Esq.
Father Andrew Reitz, OFM
Frederic Schragger, Esq
Monsignor Ken Tuzeneu
Robert Van Naarden
Jacqueline Phillips
Amy Raimondi
Nancy Chicarello
OFFICE UPDATES:
M A N A H A W K I N
Thank you to everyone who is diligent about submitting time sheets! Please use the website when you can - it really is the most effective way for us to receive your record of hours
We are in need of more volunteer drivers! Please encourage a friend or neighbor to get involved, the more drivers we have the less we will call you every week!
Right now we have traditional walkers, commodes, shower chairs and canes available for anyone in the community We do not have any rollators (walkers with seat) or lightweight wheelchairs, if you know of someone looking to donate, we do often get calls for those items
Encourage your friends to get involved - our NEW volunteer trainings in Manahawkin will be available every Wednesday in November at 1:30pm. Advanced registration is required
L I T T L E E G G H A R B O R
We have been visiting the local community health fairs 55+ neighborhoods and churches to recruit volunteers and have had some success We are looking for more drivers and shoppers - please invite a friend or neighbor to get involved
Little Egg Harbor VFW has once again offered to supply Thanksgiving dinners to anyone in need Last year they supplied 10 meals to our care receivers who were alone for Thanksgiving If you know of someone who might be in need please let us know so we can make arrangements for them
HMH Primary Care - Family Medicine Center has opened it’s doors at 279 Mathistown Road and we are getting to know their staff It’s been quite a change to have such a busy practice in the building again!
Encourage your friends to get involved - our NEW volunteer trainings in LEH will be available every Tuesday at 1:30pm Advanced registration required
We Welcome A New Board Member!
Welcome to Jacqueline Phillips, our newest Board Member! Jackie works as the Director of Community Relations at Seacrest Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center. As a long-time resident of New Gretna, and with a career in healthcare she brings with her an appreciation for our mission, and a genuine care for the Seniors in Southern Ocean County We are very grateful for her willingness to join our board! Welcome Jackie!
“Extra Special” Volunteers Needed
We are in need of more volunteers with special skills or certifications to help expand our programs! Specifically we are looking for more who are:
Barbers or Hair Stylists (must have formal training)
Pet Therapists with trained and licensed animals
Musicians (all skill levels welcome!)
Crafters & Artists who would like to teach skills at the Library!
Boscov’s shopping pass
The card sent this summer was only an advertisement! If you would like a Boscov’s shopping pass, please come to either office, or call us and we can mail it to you!
Join us for the 10th Annual Festival of Trees hosted by the Toms River Elks
In 2023, we were the 1st place winner of $2500 at the annual Festival of Trees!
Again this year, IHSS will be displaying a tree representing our organization and the services that we provide. Last year we had an adorable Grinch theme - gave out treats, ornaments and enjoyed meeting lots of people. This year our creative office staff has come up with a Candyland theme - with gingerbread and sweets to share too!
In prior years, we sent a letter out to ask for “votes” where each vote for your favorite tree was counted as a $1 donation, and through our generous volunteers and care receivers we were able to collect votes before the event and bring them to the event.
This year those attending, will be permitted to vote for their favorite tree using tickets given upon arrival This means we need as many of our volunteers and their families to come and vote. It is a wonderful night with crafts, games, food, music and fun for all ages so plan on stopping by with your friends & family to see our tree and vote!
Come to the Festival at the Toms River Elks - 600 Washington Street, Toms River on December 5th anytime from 5:00pm-9:00pm and plan on at least 30 minutes to enjoy the event
If you want to carpool from the Manahawkin office, we will meet there at 5:00pmplease call us at 609-978-3839 and let us know you want to carpool.
Hiring A Van Driver
Interfaith Health & Support Services is hiring a van driver to cover our service area from Forked River to Tuckerton, and transport care receivers for medical appointments, community programs and events at the various libraries
Applicant must have a clean driving record Schedule varies Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm Experience working with Senior populations is required. Experience as professional driver preferred. CDL license not required. Hours will vary weekly based on need with a minimum of 6 hours per week, year round
Any interested applicant should send resume with letter of interest to Amy Raimondi either via emailAmy.Raimondi@HMHN.org or Mail to: Interfaith Health & Support Services 1140 Route 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
December 5th
5:00-9:00pm
Toms River Elks 600 Washington Street Toms River
This Giving TuesdayDecember 3rd please remember us! We are dedicating all the donations that come in on 12/3 to our Ride for Health programs at the Ocean County Libraries! This donation will help pay for craft supplies & healthy lunches!
