LSMNJ Featured in NJVOAD Newsletter
Recently Alex Elefante, assistant disaster recovery coordinator at LSMNJ, was interviewed by New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NJVOAD). An active member of NJVOAD, Alex answered questions about his work and that of LSMNJ in continuing disaster recovery efforts in New Jersey. A story resulting from the interview is published in their April 2016 newsletter as the “Member Spotlight.” Thank you to NJVOAD for this opportunity to share news about LSMNJ as well as promote participation in future Helping Hands Days.
Article from April 2016 NJVOAD Newsletter
Member Spotlight
Founded in 1904, Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ) began its humble journey in Jersey City, New Jersey. LSMNJ is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that offers a wide range of services throughout the state, including disaster relief and recovery, affordable housing, adoption, a homeless day shelter, and senior living and healthcare. With locations throughout the state, LSMNJ’s mission is to “serve those in New Jersey who hurt, who are in need, or who have limited choices.”
LSMNJ Disaster Recovery works extensively to ensure that families are able to return home following a disaster. Much of the work is done by committed and dedicated volunteers who spend their days supporting disaster relief efforts in different communities statewide. Since Hurricane Sandy, LSMNJ has coordinated 3,754 volunteers and 218 volunteer groups from across the country to work on 293 homes.
Currently, LSMNJ projects are geared towards helping volunteers develop personal preparedness skills while also filling the volunteer gaps throughout the state. One such project, Hand in Hand Volunteer Day (the next one happening on April 16th, 2016) welcomes everyone interested in helping those impacted by Sandy get back home. The Hand in Hand Volunteer Days are a great way for those with a passion to help others to get their hands dirty and make a difference to families or individuals still recovering from the impact of the storm and have been hurt, are in need, or have limited choices.
For more information on the 2016 Hand in Hand Volunteer Days—scheduled for April, June, August, October, and December,—or to sign up, please contact Alex Elefante at 609-699-4132. They hope to see you there!