Giving Back: Neighbors Help Out in Times of Need
Read about three local volunteer groups that help the less fortunate—and learn how you, too, can make a diff erence.

Giving Back NEIGHBORS HELP OUT IN TIMES OF NEED By Lynne Goldman Photos provided by the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex County, EIES of NJ, and Platinum Minds 5K race runners Interfaith Hospitality Network volunteers at annual holiday party D espite a rough year, many people—our neighbors, coworkers, and friends—are reaching out to those in need. Here are just three community groups lending a hand. Interfaith Hospitality Network Imagine having no home of your own, no warm bed or meal. For families cared for by the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Essex County, those are facts of life. For 21 years, IHN has organized shelters and housing for homeless families in churches, synagogues, and mosques. Each site provides space, meals, and support to about 14 people for a week or two. Volunteers serve meals, offer rides, counsel families, and even help with homework. "We create a very safe and comforting environment," says Tia Aery, IHN executive director. In 2007, IHN launched Scattered Site transitional housing, which places families in permanent homes—and provides services and funding until they can stand on their own. Want to help? Ask whether your house of worship would be a host or simply donate food and clothes. Other options include organizing Platinum Minds students children's activities, donating furniture, and holding fundraisers. For more information, attend "Dreaming of Home" on Nov. 12 at Mayfair Farms in West Orange. Contact IHN at 973-7461400 or visit IHNEssexNJ.org. Bring the Printed Word to Life Many of us take for granted the ability to read. But not the blind, or those with failing eyesight. at's where Electronic Information and Education Service of New Jersey (EIESNJ) steps in. Six days a week, volunteers come to EIES's South Orange studio to read aloud major newspapers and magazines. e voices are broadcast live over special radio receivers, streamed on EIES's website (EIESofNJ.org), and recorded for phone transmission. EIES was founded in 1974 by John Mulvihill, Jr., blind since age 15. What began as a weekly two-hour broadcast grew into a major service. Today, EIES offers 100 hours of programming a week—with 150 rotating volunteers reading aloud for about an hour. "I feel like a million dollars after reading," one volunteer says. "It's an honor and a pleasure." EIES also needs donations for receivers, system updates, and another broadcasting booth. "I believe we are the last of our kind in New Jersey," noted Sherri DeRose, who, as one of only three paid employees, helps run the organization. targeted by gangs, says Alison Iati, board member of Platinum Minds of Chester. e organization focuses on males, ages 11 to 18, who are "environmentally disadvantaged but academically motivated," Iati says. Platinum Minds takes gifted students out of below-par public schools and places them in challenging independent schools. It helps with tuition, mentoring, and more. e goal is not only to save a good mind, but also to develop community leaders and foster a "lifelong interest in intellectual growth," she adds. Students attend workshops and camps, receive mentoring, live with host families, take on ambassadorship, and interact with alumni. ose who finish four years at Platinum Minds go on to make positive changes in their communities. A small nonprofit, Platinum Minds needs volunteers such as young men to be mentors, community leaders to address workshops; as well as help with grant-writing, website updates, and creating a Facebook page. Donations are always appreciated. Find more information on PlatinumMinds.org or by calling 908-470-1459.  Platinum Minds e inner city is an especially tough place for bright, academically strong students, who are often Chairman of the EIES James Lazarus at work How YOU Can Get Involved A United Way website (e-Way Volunteer Solutions at uwewh.org/volunteer.html) makes finding volunteer opportunities a snap. The site enables you to zero in on nonprofits in your area, and even to use your particular skills and interests. Simply enter key words (your interests) and your zip code, then choose an area of interest to you, such as animals and environment, arts and culture, community development, homelessness, human services, food, literacy, mentoring, and technology. With a click, you'll see a list of nearby opportunities, with descriptions, times, and contact information. For more information, visit the United Way of Essex and West Hudson Counties Volunteer page, www.uwewh.org/volunteer.html, and click on "United E-way Volunteer Solutions." November 2009 SuburbanEssex.com 39

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