Do you know someone who is in need of assistance so he or she can live comfortably at home? Perhaps you have an elderly neighbor, someone temporarily or permanently disabled, or a veteran returned from service who could use a ride to the doctor, someone to run errands or just someone to visit them.
Or perhaps you yourself would like to help those in need and volunteer your time doing those things for others.
In Moorestown, there is an organization that provides both of these services and opportunities.
It Takes a Village New Jersey, located in Moorestown, is a non-profit, volunteer organization that helps those within the community who need assistance, free of charge.
“The volunteers have wonderful hearts,” Irv and Trudi Herman, founders of ITAVNJ, said.
The organization was started in April 2011 with a group of Moorestown neighbors. ITAVNJ, part of the Village to Village Network, started with just $600 and a dream to help those in need. Since then, the organization has expanded and held fundraisers that allowed it to add adjacent areas to ITAVNJ, such as Cinnaminson, Delran, Hainesport, Maple Shade and Mount Laurel. In 2014, there were only 45 villages in the United States; now there are 154 villages with about 100 starting up this year. The hope one day is there will be Villages all over New Jersey.
The mission of ITAVNJ is to help elderly and disabled neighbors of any age, and returning veterans, remain safely and independently in their own homes by providing free support services. Services include going out for groceries and running errands; visiting, calling or reading to the visually impaired; giving caretakers a break; and driving clients to local doctors, libraries and stores.
However, volunteers do not provide services such as giving or dispensing medication to clients; cleaning the household or premises; or giving personal care and bathing.
ITAVNJ is always in need of volunteers. New volunteers are invited to an hour-long training session held each month with a social worker from Princeton House Behavioral Health in Moorestown, Jennifer Giovainazzi, and her assistant, Leila Finklea.
At the session, there is an icebreaker to learn the names of all volunteers before going through an informational packet about ITAV, what is expected and a client/volunteer page. There is also some food at the end of the session.
The next training sessions are March 24, April 21, May 19 and June 16 at 7 p.m. at Long & Foster Real Estate located at 200 W. Route 38 and Church Street in Moorestown. Those interested in attending are asked to call ahead to save a space.
ITAVNJ also hosts meetings usually every other month. On March 11, a meeting will be held at the Moorestown Library in Room A at 7 p.m. where Debbie Rider and Karen Siugzda will demonstrate Laughing Yoga. On May 13, the meeting will host the husband and wife singing group called “The Unforgettables.”
The board of ITAVNJ encourages people to check out the ITAVNJ meetings and training sessions to see what they are all about. Those who volunteer can attest to the fact that they get a wonderful feeling from helping others enjoy their lives more.
“They will find out shortly just by giving, they get a wonderful feeling and feel grateful for what little they have. Just by helping another person, knowing your important in their lives, makes you feel important in your life,” Trudi said.
For those who can’t volunteer, tax-deductible donations can be made to It Takes a Village NJ, Winifred Gaskell, Treasurer, 208 Paul Drive, Moorestown, NJ 08057.
You can also join as a member, active or supportive, for only $30 a year. Payment can be sent to the same address.
For further information about ITAVNJ, to refer a new client, or to volunteer go to www.itavnj.org, email ItTakesAVillageNJ@gmail.com or call (856) 396–5783. You can also check out the national organization, the Village to Village Network, at www.vtvnetwork.org.
