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Office of Volunteer Services created
Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella announced the creation of the Union County Office of Volunteer Services, which will serve to connect county residents with agencies, organizations and institutions that depend on volunteerism to respond to a variety of needs.
The development of an Office of Volunteer Services is one of the Board of Chosen Freeholder's 2001 initiatives.
"Volunteers are an important resource in Union County, providing public and private agencies with invaluable assistance and expertise in a number of areas," said Mirabella. "This office will help Union County's volunteers put their talent, generosity and energy to use and will help organizations, county government and community groups to find the volunteers they need."
Susan Pepper has been named to coordinate the office. She has worked for Union County as the director of the Access 2000 technology program, and has also been involved in a number of other projects related to freeholder initiatives, including the Union County Newark Museum Connection, the Freeholder Scholars Program and Access 2001 Library Link Project.
Freeholder Nicholas Scutari noted that the creation of the office will provide a central outlet to residents seeking to focus their volunteer efforts.
"In the wake of the tragic events of Sept. 11, this initiative has taken on even greater importance as citizens throughout the nation look for ways to make a difference by serving in their communities," Scutari said. "This program will recruit and train many new volunteers - from senior citizens to high school students - who are interested in serving their communities here in Union County."
The volunteer services program intends to "hit the ground running" by working closely with Union County's Department of Human Services.
The department has recently undertaken a major needs assessment survey of countywide social service agencies and organizations. In addition, the program plans to collaborate with the United Way of Union County to take full advantage, of their leadership role with local organizations and agencies and their knowledge of community needs.
The program will begin by addressing the volunteer needs within Union County's departments, programs and services. The following is a partial list of volunteer opportunities:
- Runnell's Specialized Hospital - Through its Volunteer Guild and Jr. Volunteer Program, the hospital needs volunteers at its coffee and gift shop, help with patients in occupational and physical therapy, and assistance to patients with recreational and arts activities.
- Division of Cultural and Heritage Affairs - volunteers are needed year- round for its major events, such as the Teen Arts Festival, and for help in the office with mailings.
- Bureau of Environmental Services - Volunteers are needed for environmental clean-up days.
- Rape Crisis Center - Volunteers are sought for victim advocate volunteers.
Courtesy of: Echo Leader - December 6, 2001 issue
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