Giving Back: Neighbors Help Out in Times of Need
Read up on two local organizations that volunteer to help the less fortunate...
Giving Back NEIGHBORS HELP OUT IN TIMES OF NEED By Lynne Goldman, photos provided by EIES of NJ and Platinum Minds D ! espite the difficulties of this past year, many average people—our neighbors, coworkers, and friends—have reached out to help those in need. Here are just two community groups lending a hand in practical, powerful ways. If you'd like to help out, but don't know where to begin, see our sidebar, which includes contact information. Volunteers say it's surprising how much they get back… by giving. Bring the Printed Word to Life Most of us take for granted the ability to read anything we want to know about, whether in a magazine, newspaper, or on the web. Not so if you are blind, or your eyesight is failing. at's where Electronic Information and Education Service of New Jersey (EIESNJ) steps in to help. EIES brings the printed word to the blind, visually impaired, and homebound. Six days a week, volunteers come to EIES's South Orange studio to read aloud major newspapers (New York Times, Star-Ledger, Wall Street Journal) and periodicals such as Time and People. e voices are broadcast live over special radio receivers, streamed on EIES's website (www. Platinum Minds students eiesofnj.org), and are recorded for telephone transmission. e service was founded in 1974 by John Mulvihill, Jr., who became blind at age 15. Realizing that the blind needed more news than radio or TV broadcasts alone could provide, Mulvihill began the service with a two-hour broadcast on Sunday afternoons. Today, EIES presents 100 hours of programming a week—and depends on its 150 rotating volunteers to read aloud, usually for about an hour a week. "I feel like a million dollars after reading," one volunteer says. "I'm so glad I can make a difference for someone who is less fortunate than I am. It's an honor and a pleasure." EIES also needs donations to subsidize the cost of receivers for its clients, update its radio system, and add 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 to run the organization and coordinate volunteers. Platinum Minds e inner-city is a tough place for children, but especially for bright, academically motivated students. ese youth are often targeted by gangs for harassment and recruitment, says Alison Iati, advisory board member of Platinum Minds of Chester. e unique organization, Iati says, focuses on New Jersey males, ages 11 to 18, who are "enviornmentally disadvantaged but academically motivated." Platinum Minds works to identify gifted students, get them out of below-par public schools and into academically challenging independent schools, helping with tuition, mentoring, SAT training, and other support. e goal is not only to "save" a good mind, but also to develop future leaders for the community and foster in students a "lifelong interest in intellectual growth," the board member notes. Supported through leadership workshops, summer camps, mentoring, host families, student ambassadorship, and alumni interaction, students who finish their four years with Platinum Minds go on to make positive changes in their inner-city communities. As a small nonprofit with limited resources, Platinum Minds needs a variety of volunteers, including mentors; young males are preferred for this position. e group also seeks community leaders to speak at leadership workshops; whether you're one of those leaders or know someone who is… you can help. Got fundraising experience? Platinum Minds needs help organizing its annual fundraiser on February 19, such as soliciting sponsors, assisting with invitations, decorations, and recruiting a band. It also seeks other kinds of help, including grant-writing, updating its website, and setting up a Facebook page. Of course, donations are always deeply appreciated and can be mailed to: Platinum Minds, P.O. Box 218, Mendham, NJ 07945. Find more information, visit the group's website, www.platinumminds.org, or call 908-470-1459. Chairman of the EIES James Lazarus at work How YOU Can Help Not sure how you can get involved? The United Way makes it easy. Check out its website, e-Way Volunteer Solutions at www.uwewh.org/volunteer.html. This tool enables you to zero in on volunteering opportunities in your area, and to make use of your particular skills and interests. You simply enter key words (things of interest to you) and zip code, and then choose from an extensive menu of areas in which you can help, such as animals and environment, arts and culture, community development, homelessness, human services, hunger/food, literacy, mentoring, or technology. With a click, you'll see a list of volunteer opportunities available near you with descriptions, specific times, and contact information. You can access opportunities throughout North Jersey from this page, including Union and Morris counties. November 2009 VicinityMagazine.com 11
Links appearing on this page
http://www.platinumminds.orghttp://www.uwewh.org/volunteer.html
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